Vaccine Requirements at Regis University
Charlie Means, Staff Writer
Regis has partnered with Tepeyac Community Health Center to provide free vaccines for all students at Regis, allowing students to protect themselves against a host of illnesses. However, the federal government has recently been steadily working to make it harder to obtain vaccines. For example, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently released the new Covid vaccine, but only made it accessible to people 65 or older, or to those that have pre-existing health problems. This is a drastic shift from the previous administration, which made the vaccine available to everyone. This reduction of vaccine accessibility is beginning to influence individual states throughout the country. For example, the state of Florida is moving to end all vaccine mandates. This sort of attitude towards vaccines can make it harder for populations to gain herd immunity to diseases and could see certain diseases and illnesses develop mutations that make vaccines less effective.
Charlie Means, Staff Writer
Regis has partnered with Tepeyac Community Health Center to provide free vaccines for all students at Regis, allowing students to protect themselves against a host of illnesses. However, the federal government has recently been steadily working to make it harder to obtain vaccines. For example, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently released the new Covid vaccine, but only made it accessible to people 65 or older, or to those that have pre-existing health problems. This is a drastic shift from the previous administration, which made the vaccine available to everyone. This reduction of vaccine accessibility is beginning to influence individual states throughout the country. For example, the state of Florida is moving to end all vaccine mandates. This sort of attitude towards vaccines can make it harder for populations to gain herd immunity to diseases and could see certain diseases and illnesses develop mutations that make vaccines less effective.
Stephanie James is an Associate Professor of Pharmaceutical Sciences at Regis, and helped run the vaccine program on campus. Dr. James said that the number of students that have gotten vaccines have gone down since the pandemic ended. This can be attributed to our increased distance from the height of the pandemic, and the former abundance of vaccine clinics and appointment availability. However, I think that numbers are also going down this year due to actions by the federal government. Again, this part is purely speculative, but I do think that there is a chance it might play a part in numbers going down.
Another reason that vaccine participation has gone down over the years is the rise in vaccine skepticism, which I understand. Having someone stick a needle in you and put something in your body that you might not know a lot about can be frightening. But, I do think that a big reason that vaccine skepticism is on the rise is the amount of misinformation that is easily accessible. With this convenient, never-ending source of information, people not only become skeptical of vaccines in their own systems, but also begin to not want them on the market at all, making a bigger impact than if it was just their personal choice.
Dr. James told me that the rise in skepticism and misinformation is a big concern within the scientific community at the moment. Dr. James talked about how a potential solution would be to implement more exercises in schools, even at the middle school level, about teaching students how to evaluate if a source is credible and teaching young students how to find evidence based data. I think this is a fantastic idea as it would allow people to continue to make their own choices, while also providing them with the tools to make the best possible choices for them, be it getting vaccinated or not.
To wrap things up, if you are interested in getting vaccinated, or if you want to find out more about vaccines, here is a list of resources I’d recommend:
Hispanic Heritage Month Starts with GOZA, Hosted by SOMOS
James Ortiz, Staff Photographer
SOMOS at Regis University is a student affinity group that celebrates and promotes Latinx culture. To kick off the start of Hispanic Heritage Month, from September 15th to October 15th, SOMOS hosted GOZA. On September 16th, at the Student Center Patio, GOZA brought the entire Regis community together, to share a meal and experience the beauty of Hispanic and Latinx culture.
James Ortiz, Staff Photographer
SOMOS at Regis University is a student affinity group that celebrates and promotes Latinx culture. To kick off the start of Hispanic Heritage Month, from September 15th to October 15th, SOMOS hosted GOZA. On September 16th, at the Student Center Patio, GOZA brought the entire Regis community together, to share a meal and experience the beauty of Hispanic and Latinx culture.
Students are all smiles as they receive delicious plates of food. Photo by James Ortiz
GOZA by SOMOS had a large turnout. Photo by James Ortiz
Members of SOMOS serve students. Photo by James Ortiz
Dinner is served. Photo by James Ortiz
Live music by SOMOS members completed the evening’s festivities. Photo by James Ortiz
Pizza Picnic on the Quad
James Ortiz, Staff Photographer
Earlier this season, Regis University and Brooklyn’s Finest Pizza combined to provide a pizza picnic on the quad. This picnic was open to all members of campus and was a delicious treat, complete with a sunny sky and warm temperatures.
James Ortiz, Staff Photographer
Earlier this season, Regis University and Brooklyn’s Finest Pizza combined to provide a pizza picnic on the quad. This picnic was open to all members of campus and was a delicious treat, complete with a sunny sky and warm temperatures.
Students pick their pieces of pizza to enjoy. Photo by James Ortiz
The Regis community brings blankets to enjoy the summer sun while they eat. Photo by James Ortiz
Students enjoy a tasty treat. Photo by James Ortiz
Destino, A New Organization Coming to Regis
Gabriella Sandoval, Events Liaison and Manager
Destino is a national Latino, non-denominational Christian organization that is a part of a larger national ministry known as Cru. As a campus ministry, Destino connects with college students to build community around a shared faith in God. While Destino is rooted in Hispanic identity and culture, it is open to people from all backgrounds, ethnicities, and denominations and has a heart to help people learn about Christ and grow in their spiritual journey.
Gabriella Sandoval, Events Liaison and Manager
Destino is a national Latino, non-denominational Christian organization that is a part of a larger national ministry known as Cru. As a campus ministry, Destino connects with college students to build community around a shared faith in God. While Destino is rooted in Hispanic identity and culture, it is open to people from all backgrounds, ethnicities, and denominations and has a heart to help people learn about Christ and grow in their spiritual journey.
I had the opportunity to attend Destino’s annual conference this past January, and it was an incredible experience. I connected with many amazing people as we came together in a shared space to worship Christ. The conference was filled with fun, joy, meaningful learning, and—above all—God’s love. I truly enjoyed every moment and am already looking forward to going again next year!
Destino’s Mission and Values
Destino’s mission is to journey with students, faculty, and their communities to follow Jesus and fulfill their God-given destiny. Destino seeks to be a compassionate community committed to being: Culturally Connected, Academically Achieving, Financially Responsible, and Empowered Spiritually. These are known as Destino’s “C.A.F.E.” values.
Destino Nationwide
Currently, Destino is active on 40 college campuses across the U.S., including the Community College of Denver and Metropolitan State University of Denver. Excitingly, Destino is now in the process of becoming an official organization here at Regis University!
Destino’s Purpose at Regis
At Regis, Destino seeks to build a welcoming community grounded in fellowship, unity, diversity, and the love of God. This vision will come to life through weekly or monthly gatherings, Bible studies, retreats, conferences, and fun, food-filled events.
Destino’s ministry focuses on empowering student leaders, strengthening faith, celebrating cultural identity, and guiding others toward their God-given "Destino"—destiny.
Whether or not you identify as Hispanic, Destino could be the right space for you to grow spiritually and find community.
Destino is set to launch at Regis in Fall 2025. If you’re interested, keep an eye out for announcements and join the journey through Destino’s Instagram: @destinodenver. For more information, visit Destino.org.
Accessibility Day Celebrates Disability Pride and Promotes Awareness
James Ortiz, Staff Photographer
On April 9th, 2025, Regis University hosted Accessibility Day with games, prizes, and food trucks. Festivities took place on the Quad, and served as a way to celebrate diversity pride, and to promote awareness. The event taught skills and resources to make the world more accessible to all. It was organized and sponsored by Student Disability Services, Community for Belonging, RU Student Government Association and GLOBAL Inclusive Program.
James Ortiz, Staff Photographer
On April 9th, 2025, Regis University hosted Accessibility Day with games, prizes, and food trucks. Festivities took place on the Quad, and served as a way to celebrate diversity pride, and to promote awareness. The event taught skills and resources to make the world more accessible to all. It was organized and sponsored by Student Disability Services, Community for Belonging, RU Student Government Association and GLOBAL Inclusive Program.
Resources are exchanged for Accessibility Day. Photo by James Ortiz
Educators offer guidance to students, encouraging accessibility for all. Photo by James Ortiz
Accessibility Day was completed with sunny skies and gorgeous weather. Photo by James Ortiz
High Stakes During the Intramural Basketball Semi-Finals
James Ortiz, Staff Photographer
On Thursday, April 3rd, 2025, the Semi-Finals of Regis University’s Intramural Basketball teams took place. The game was packed with energy and enthusiasm, showcasing the commitment RU students have to intramural sports.
James Ortiz, Staff Photographer
On Thursday, April 3rd, 2025, the Semi-Finals of Regis University’s Intramural Basketball teams took place. The game was packed with energy and enthusiasm, showcasing the commitment RU students have to intramural sports.
Teams battle to make a basket. Photo by James Ortiz
Teams run defensive plays to keep momentum in the game. Photo by James Ortiz
Players run interference on each other to keep their lead in the game. Photo by James Ortiz
Player number 52 shoots for a basket. Photo by James Ortiz
All eyes are on the ball as it soars to the hoop. Photo by James Ortiz