BSA Outreach - Centennial Elementary School

Photography by Paige Robinson, Staff Photographer

Members of Regis University’s Black Student Alliance took a trip to Centennial Elementary School to create a sense of belonging and empowerment in young Black individuals. We met with grades Kindergarten through 5th grade and spoke on what it is like to identify as Black, experiences as a Black student, and many more topics. BSA will continue to go to Centennial Elementary every other week on Friday’s to continue to work with the students and staff, and teach more about Black history. We will include more discussions, activities, and games as we continue to get to know the members of this community.

Pretty in Pink: A Review of the Hello Kitty Grand Cafe

By Sandra Vo, Staff Writer

Photos by Sandra Vo

Located in the middle of California’s Irvine Spectrum Center, past the swarm of joyfully hollering children and carnival music emitting from the Ferris Wheel Speakers, lies a quiet sanctuary for Hello Kitty lovers everywhere. The Hello Kitty Grand Cafe proudly boasts a pink and white canopy, sleek pink windows, and a logo with Hello Kitty herself sitting in front of a coffee cup. 

Inside, the cafe is decorated just as sweetly as its exterior. Upon entering, guests are met with clean, white walls and several spots for a photo opportunity, such as the Hello Kitty sprinkle wallpaper or the statue of Hello Kitty in the corner. There are two sections of the cafe, one of which is the regular coffee storefront and another room in the back, which is reserved for the special afternoon tea set. 

Since the afternoon tea set was about $60 a person, I decided to stay within the main coffee area. There’s a window that shows the donut making process of the cafe, likely to entice customers with its smell and appearance. The service is friendly and eager, dressed in a pink Hello Kitty apron appropriate with the theme. 

On the day of my visit, I was disappointed to hear that they had already run out of one of the cafe’s specials, the strawberry dream smoothie, even though it was less than an hour since they had opened. However, I was able to get a cappuccino and the strawberry cake. The cappuccino had the classic “Hello Kitty” face drawn on the top with cocoa powder. 

As for the strawberry cake, it was decorated in a white frosting that was so thick and hard that it resembled a candy coating. Unfortunately, it was nearly unbearably sweet, although the portion was a decent size for ten dollars. There was an artificial taste to the jelly inside of the cake, but perhaps its appearance can excuse the poor flavor. 

Overall, the Hello Kitty cafe is a pleasant visual experience if not dining, but should still remain on the bucket list for any Hello Kitty fans or people looking to visit themed cafes.

Denver Mayoral Debate Hosted by Regis

By Danny Gonzales-Hyde, Staff Writer

This year Regis had the pleasure of hosting the Denver Mayoral Debate on February 9, the debate featured 16 candidates all of whom were given a platform to state why they are the best candidate for mayor. The event was hosted in the Regis recital hall, filled with Denver residents of wide-ranging demographics. As the event got underway, President Aceves gave a quick address to the audience thanking everyone for their attendance and the candidates for their participation. The debate format was distinct, as there were a variety of categories with a few questions and a number of candidates were called upon at random to answer each question. On top of this, candidates were each given three rebuttal cards that they could use when they deemed necessary. 

The first category addressed in the debate was the cost of housing as Denver has become increasingly expensive. In response, the candidates proposed a variety of different policy changes such as rent control, rent assistance, and increasing worker rights in an attempt to help Denverites accumulate more wealth. One of the most controversial topics introduced in the debate was that of houselessness which has been on the rise in Denver for a number of years. The candidates had an assortment of different takes on this such as having more of a focus on mental health and addiction services with the aim of creating stability, proposing that the city should invest in smaller housing units for individuals experiencing homelessness, and reevaluating where our tax money is going and repurposing that money. On the contrary, some candidates proposed that we should enact a camping ban as it creates an unsafe environment in the inner city.

Another fascinating topic that was touched on was the recent increase in population that Denver has been experiencing as people have been moving in from out of state. This is a relevant issue as Denver's infrastructure can’t support this influx of people. The candidates had varying ideas, most of which were centered around plans to improve infrastructure either by instituting more bike lanes or linking it to other issues such as Denver becoming increasingly overpriced and climate change. On the topic of climate change, the candidates all acknowledged the issue and stressed its importance, some even going so far as to call it a public health issue. In turn, they proposed solutions such as getting rid of fossil fuels, resorting to other forms of electricity, and holding corporate entities accountable as they disproportionately pollute our state. 

The debate gave us a sneak peek as to who the future and current leaders of our city are as we will surely see their names topping headlines for a number of years to come. Furthermore, we also received insight into the issues that matter to Denverites as the questions were all submitted by Denver residents who took the time to submit questions that matter most to them. Lastly, this debate gave us a chance to envision what the future holds for our great city. 

Upcoming Health Fair on March 11: Free and Affordable Preventive Health Screenings to be Offered

Health Fairs by 365 Health, formerly 9Health Fair, are back this March through mid-May at more than 40 locations across Colorado, and students, faculty and staff of and residents around Regis University will be able to receive access to free and affordable preventive health screenings and resources on Saturday, March 11 from 8 a.m.-12 p.m. at Peter Claver Hall located at 3333 Regis Blvd. in Denver.

“Preventive health care is essential for maintaining good health, disease and illness prevention, and early detection and diagnosis when treatment is easier and more effective,” said Gary Drews, CEO of 365 Health. “Last year alone saw nearly half of all adults and roughly two-thirds of uninsured people in Colorado postpone medical care, according to the Colorado Health Foundation. A health fair is typically the best and lowest cost option to deliver preventive health care and improve equitable access and health outcomes.”

The free and affordable, low-cost health screenings offered at Health Fairs by 365 Health vary from site to site but can include blood pressure, vision, dental, stress and more. For more information about the Regis University health fair and the available screenings that will be offered, or to make an appointment, visit

https://365health.org/health-fairs/spring/653/screenings

While walk-up screenings will be accepted, registering ahead of time is recommended. Medical professionals will be onsite to offer advice and assistance and help participants to decide which screenings are right for them.

“Our community-based health fairs and the free and affordable health screenings that are available are a necessary resource not only for Coloradans who lack access to preventive health care, but also those who have high deductible insurance plans or no insurance at all,” added Drews.

For those unable to attend a health fair, 365 Health and Quest Diagnostics have partnered to offer the same affordable health screenings at Quest Diagnostics Lab Patient Centers (PSC) located across Colorado. No doctor’s visit or insurance is needed.

Each year, 365 Health relies on the dedicated support of volunteers to offer free and affordable health screenings and help improve health awareness. Those interested in volunteering for a community health fair are encouraged to visit https://365health.org/volunteer-1/.

Timeless or Touristy?: What to do (and What to Skip) on a Trip to Paris

By Madelynn Loring, Staff Writer

Paris is simply the place to go in France for Americans. In fact, when I first announced that I was studying abroad, the first thing everyone said was, “In Paris?” I definitely disappointed folks when I said that no, I was going to a smaller city in southern France, unheard of by Americans, called Montpellier. Regardless, I have been so fortunate as to have been able to catch a couple trains to Paris for weekend trips, so I figured I would share my experience with certain popular attractions, and offer my insight on whether they’re worth it, or too touristy.

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Am I A Future Murderer? Explaining the Cultural Obsession with True Crime

True crime enthusiasts are so common in today’s day and age that we have a name for ourselves: murderinos. According to Urban Dictionary, a murderino is defined as “A person who is interested in, especially obsessed with, murders. Including serial murderers, spree killers and rage/thrill killers.” 

I think this definition describes me well and it’s comforting to know there are other true crime addicts out there that feel the same way as I do. I mean, we’re popular enough to have our own definition on Urban Dictionary, that’s one heck of an accomplishment. Now that you’re aware of our social status, let’s see what psychologists think of self-proclaimed murderinos.

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