Regis University Celebrates Lunar New Year

James Ortiz, Staff Photographer

On Tuesday, January 28, 2025, Regis University's 2025 Lunar New Year event was held. The event was hosted by the Asian Student Alliance and was free to attend. The event included a snake drawing competition, to represent the symbol of the Lunar New Year, and prizes for the winners. 

The leaders of the Asian Student Alliance pose for a photo at the start of the event. Photo by James Ortiz

The event took place on the second floor of the Student Center. Photo by James Ortiz

Students begin to congregate as the event starts. Photo by James Ortiz

The students begin drawing snakes, the animal that symbolizes the Lunar New Year, in an art competition. Photo by James Ortiz

Regis Woman in STEM - Julia Masciarelli

photo courtesy of Julia Masciarelli. CyComp at the 2019 RMCCDC competition

By: Morgan Jacobus, Editor in Chief

Not only is she a varsity athlete, maintaining good grades, taking masters classes, and working two jobs, but she is also leading the way for women in STEM. Meet Julia Masciarelli, the president of CyComp – Regis’ cyber security club. 

Her interest in computers was first sparked when she was young, around 4 or 5 years old when her dad, an aerospace engineer, first showed her a computer. He would show her his code and she wanted to know how he did it. 

“I played video games and just did stuff on the computer, but my first computer programming class was my junior year of high school. I just wanted to take it because I was interested, and I loved it. So, then I took it again senior year because it was the only class they had at my school, and I just went into it for college,” said Julia Masciarelli. 

She got involved with CyComp her second or third week of her freshman year when her RCC professor suggested she check it out and has been a part of it ever since. Soon enough she was competing and getting more involved. Come her sophomore year, she was elected as ambassador. 

“I knew I wanted to get more involved in the leadership position. I wouldn’t say I am the most technical person in the club, but I think I have a lot of good organizational skills and I wanted to use those for the club because it was pretty small and unorganized when I first started. Then I was elected [president] by everyone else in the club junior year and then reelected again this year,” said Masciarelli. 

According to one of Masciarelli’s peers, her work in the club as president has made it what it is today. 

“She has done a lot of work to make the club really fun and awesome. Ever since she became president the amount of people that come to meetings has gone way up… She has made a really fun, cool atmosphere, and she puts in a ton of work and time,” said Ian Priest. 

While she has implemented several improvements to the club, her most notable impacts have been with helping the members of the club, both experienced and new to the world of cyber security. 

“When I started, being such a beginner, I was really lost, and I didn’t want other beginners to not come back to the club because they felt like they couldn’t keep up,” said Masciarelli. 

In addition to making beginners feel welcome, she also has tried to encourage more girls to join the club. During her freshman and sophomore year, Masciarelli was the only girl in the club, so she tried to target more girls through her outreach. However, this was not an uncommon situation for Masciarelli, since her work and interest in computer science has often resulted in her being the only girl in the room. 

“It is definitely male dominated… so I have definitely gotten used to being the only girl in the room. At my internship all the other people in the office were guys and I was the only girl and I was the intern so that was super intimidating, and some of my classes are like that too. I just try to not let it bother me. I know that I am just as valuable as all my other colleagues and peers… and I don’t want to let my gender stop me from that. My mom is also an aerospace engineer, so I have never been turned away from women in STEM. I have lots of powerful women in STEM in my life so it never felt like something I couldn’t do,” said Masciarelli. 

In addition to embracing that her gender can’t hold her back in this field, Masciarelli also feels that it is “a huge loss for everyone,” if half the population isn’t considering this field that is experiencing a lack of jobs that are being filled. 

“Women shouldn’t be turned away from something because they feel like there is a gap or that they are going to be the only girl in the room, or feel like ‘oh if I am a woman in STEM then I can’t be girly’ or ‘I can’t do this,” so I try to set an example by that. I play soccer and I am in STEM; I love fashion and I’m really girly… I think you can do all of it,” said Masciarelli. 

Her impact as a woman in STEM has already begun. She is helping other CyComp members by bringing in more professionalism to the club and showing them things they can do after graduation, and she is being recognized by her peers. 

“I felt that she deserved recognition for all the work she has done, but it is also inspiring too that she is able to do all of this stuff. It is hard for her, because she talks about [how] half of her classes [as a com science major] where she is the only girl in the class. For most of the time she was in CyComp she was the only girl in the entire club, and everyone else respected her and believed in her enough that they made her the president,” said Priest, who nominated Masciarelli to have a story written about her. 

It is a lot to handle, but Masciarelli described that she pushes herself to do better, “Sometimes I feel like there is a lot of pressure on me to maintain everything, and I am definitely a perfectionist and I am really competitive with myself and [I] keep myself with really high standards… It is just a little stressful at times to make sure I get everything done, but just stay organized, trust the process, know I am doing it all for my future,” said Masciarelli. 

And what a bright future indeed. Some of Masciarelli’s aspirations include building software to help everyone and make people feel more comfortable going online, using artificial intelligence to make cyber security software, and move higher up in the ranks to be president or CEO of a company of her own or T an existing company. 

“I think that computers and technology is a great tool and I want everyone to be able to use that so they can feel safe while they are doing it… then just inspire other women that they can do cyber security and do STEM and have a great time doing it,” said Masciarelli. 

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Interested in being a part of CyComp? They meet Mondays at 5pm via Zoom, and if anyone wants to join email CyComp@gmail.com 

They are also looking for 2 new team members for competition season, no experience necessary to join! 

Check out their Instagram: @ru_cycomp

Club Feature: In Between

By: Carly Compesi, Staff Writer

Design courtesy of In Between (Regis).

Ever wonder where you fit in? That’s what sophomore, Anna Gilstrap, and her friends wondered when starting a national organization for Asian adoptees called “In Between.” This year, Gilstrap began a new chapter of In Between for Regis University students. I had the opportunity to interview her and learn a bit more about what In Between has to offer.

According to Gilstrap, the idea of In Between started after participating in “Adopteen,” an organization that brings together adopted teenagers for events and service trips to other countries. Though Gilstrap rarely spoke of her adoption during high school, Adopteen caught her eye.

“It sounded like a cool opportunity to hold babies and talk to some of the orphans in the orphanage,” Gilstrap explained. “I don’t know what the stats were, but only 30 applicants went per trip, so I was really fortunate to get one trip.”

However, Gilstrap’s trip to China wasn’t all she had expected it to be. She spoke of her time making crafts and playing games with younger children like Hei Hei, a little boy who loved playing with his red truck. The surprise came when spending time with older children and teenagers at the orphanage, some of which were 18 years old (and older than Gilstrap, who was 17 years old at the time).

“That could’ve been me,” Gilstrap said, reflecting on her experience. “I could’ve stayed just stayed in the orphanage. I could’ve just stayed there [in China]. [...] It was really hard, but I think it was necessary for me to realize that my adoption is not just a fun fact about myself. It’s an actual thing that happened. It’s not sad or anything. It can be happy. But it’s more than a fun fact. It’s my life story.”

But even after making this realization, Gilstrap and her new friends from Adopteen struggled to find where they belonged after leaving China. While their lives began in Chinese orphanages much like the ones they visited, they quickly discovered the ways in which they were more American. This left them looking for clubs and organizations where they could finally speak about their adoptions or their biracial identities. Unfortunately, no groups of this kind existed on their campuses.

“We realized [Adopteen] changed our viewpoint on our adoption,” Gilstrap explained. “We’re more open about it. I feel like a lot of the stigma that we’ve been raised with has been chipped.”

That’s when Gilstrap’s friend created “In Between” at UC Berkeley, giving Asian adoptees an opportunity to find others who share this split, multicultural identity. And while Gilstrap recognizes that In Between is not for everyone, she welcomes those looking for a place to celebrate their identity, especially when their identity falls between two cultures.

“I feel that no one should or must go to In Between...it’s more about whatever your path is in the Asian adoption experience,” Gilstrap clarified. “In Between is important for my growth as an Asian adoptee. [...] It’s such a cool experience for me to realize that there are so many of us.”

Gilstrap feels that In Between is an opportunity to get the closure, connection, and community that often isolates Asian adoptees. She says the group is for those who want new insight and healing from their experiences. This year, her goal is to spread the word about In Between and ensure that people feel connected. Gilstrap, along with other In Between chapters across the country, will be hosting events on Zoom to build these connections.

Interested in learning more or becoming a part of In Between? The Instagram for In Between’s Regis University chapter is @InBetweenRegis, and the Instagram for every chapter of In Between is @InBetweenNational. To RSVP for events, just look for links in their bios.

Club Feature of the Week: Hooked on Regis Hooks

Photo Source // Katie Lambie

By: Carly Compesi, Staff Writer

Looking for a “yarn” good time? Regis Hooks is a knitting and crocheting club that combines crafting with community service. All levels of experience are welcome, including those who have never picked up a pair of needles. New member, Jamie Bronson, started crocheting only a few months ago.

“I joined Regis Hooks because it seemed like a great opportunity to meet friends and learn a craft that can help many,” says Bronson.

Meanwhile, one of the founding members, Beth Rouse, has quite a few years of yarn crafting under her belt.

“I started knitting ten years ago to help with learning how to focus and started crocheting three years ago because I found a crochet pattern that I wanted to do so I taught myself how,” says Rouse. “I became a part of Regis Hooks to meet more people who liked yarn crafts; mainly so I could get tips and also see other people's talents. For me, it’s a stress release, so I feel like other people may like it for that reason.”

Risa Davis, a fellow knitter, also joined for the people. “I wanted a safe place where others thought it was cool to craft too,” she explained. Davis started knitting back in high school so she could make blankets instead of buying, and she hasn’t stopped since.

Blankets are just one of the possible options for students, faculty, and community members who want to join the Regis Hooks. Their projects range from coasters to Christmas ornaments and stuffed animals (or “amigurumi” in crochet language). Items made by the club are meant for giveaways and donations, as is the money raised through fundraising. This year, they’re working to partner with Father Woody’s as well. 

“Crocheting and knitting are probably some of my favorite pastimes,” says current Regis Hooks president, Berenice Aldecoa. “It’s something I can do with my friends—it’s such a nice way to bond with them. I want to make a bonding space for other people, too, and I think Regis Hooks is perfect for that.”

Interested in attending? Regis Hooks will be handing out handmade stress balls during the week before finals. The meeting time for next semester has yet to be determined. For any questions, reach out to Berenice Aldecoa at baldecoa@regis.edu.

Club Feature of the Week: Q&A with Somos

Photo Source // Katie Lambie

By: Carly Compesi, Staff Writer

In celebration of Dia de los Muertos, Regis’ Latinx affinity group, Somos, sat before a light-filled altar in the chapel. Dia de los Muertos is a holiday to honor those who are no longer with us. Somos, with the help of University Ministry, did so in a beautiful and powerful way.

Father Fernando, the faculty supervisor of Somos, led the Dia de los Muertos service. During this time, he described the purpose of each element on the altar, including the candles and paper flowers that each participant added throughout the night. Each altar element was also connected to a part of the typical college experience. 

“Part of the tradition is a mirror,” explained Father Fernando, pointing to the mirror on the altar. “For me, it’s also the reminder to reflect and to look back, and that’s how we make sense out of life.”

This Dia de los Muertos celebration was just one of the wonderful opportunities that Somos provides for those within and beyond the Latinx community. Their next events include a Loteria night during the second week of November and an on-campus celebration of Las Posadas in December. Somos’ current president, Maelynn Martinez, explained the future plans for the organization this year, as well as the importance of the organization overall. 

Below is a portion of Martinez’s Q&A with the Highlander.

Q: Why is Somos important to you?

A: Somos is most important to me because it provides a community of representation and cultural pride on this campus. I believe that representation is important because it allows you to feel empowered and creates a sense of belongingness by sharing a common heritage and culture with others. Minority students may feel out of place or suffer from imposter syndrome more than others because they see a lack of representation or don’t see others who look, act, or come from the same background as them. It can be very intimidating to feel like the only one who stands out against others, especially in a college setting. I would argue that Somos is critical to our identity and even success on campus because college is such an intense and new experience for many students. The ability to relate to others and find those who understand you is helpful during college because it provides comfort, empathy and connection. Somos provides that connection—an atmosphere where others can share in who we are, where we come from, our cultural values and how we deal with struggles. I think it’s important to find a community that you feel a sense of belonging in, because then you have others to help you cope in this new and scary experience that is college.

In addition, Somos is important to me because it brings diversity and opportunities to learn about different perspectives for others that are not of Latinx background. It is highly important that Regis students understand that Somos is not only for those of brown skin or of Latinx ethnicity. It is a beautiful thing to not only already be surrounded by others who are of the same culture as you, but to also be surrounded by others who are willing to learn, respect and value your culture, even if it is different from what they are familiar with.

In this way, I think Somos can provide act as a bridge where students can learn about each other and where they come from and appreciate these differences instead of viewing them as negative things. I believe that this will promote an acceptance of diversity and help fight ignorance on important issues and topics that relate to marginal groups on this campus, in this city, and in the world. It also empowers students to feel proud of where they come from and show others what it really means to be a Latinx college student. I believe that the thriving of Somos, as well as of other affinity groups alike, will cultivate a foundation of acceptance and change on campus. In consequence, seeds of hope will be planted in student’s hearts and minds, supplying with them the power to fight the growth of hatred and racism that is increasingly flourishing in this political atmosphere. Somos is important to me because it provides an environment of growth, community and solidarity for students.

Q: Why should one join Somos? What would someone get out of attending an event or becoming a member?

A: Somos celebrates what it is to be a Latinx student. So, I think if one would like to do that for themselves or for a friend, this would be the perfect place to do it. It’s a place where students have a safe-space to be authentically and truly themselves as a Latinx student, or celebrate those that are. Students in Somos will find excitement and pride in participating in traditions and topics that relate to them and their background, as well as sharing as with students of different backgrounds. Somos is also a place where students can discuss important topics and experiences relevant to being a Latinx student. We are able to lean on each other through our college experience, as well as through our personal experiences that pertain to the Latinx identity. Those that aren’t Latinx students will enjoy learning about Latinx culture, traditions and topics as we put on different events. We encourage others to join who are not of Latinx background. It’s definitely a place that one can create community and find friends. You’re going to find someone who has the same major, a new study group, or people with really great taste in music, etc.

The point is that you’re building relationships that definitely help you survive finals week, long nights of studying, and college in general. Whether you’re bringing a friend or making friends, you’ll enjoy your time with Somos. Almost all of our events will provide food of some sort, mostly culturally inspired. Our events range from super fun and relaxing, to thought provoking and traditionally inspired, like loteria game nights or learning the meaning behind Dia de Los Muertos by Father Fernando. All the while you’re also able to eat tamales from time to time or learn more about different cultural holidays. Who can complain with that?

Q: What are some of the plans or goals for this year?

A: We struggled a bit at the start of this semester because of all the technology mis-hap, so we’ve had a bit of a slow start. For the rest of the year, we definitely have incorporated a really interesting meetings for students to enjoy like Loteria game night and tortilla making nights. We’ve also planned some co-sponsored events with other groups on campus such as Glow Night with ASA and the Hide-and-Seek club and some more events with other affinity groups for the end of the semester. Hopefully, this includes a game night with QSA and a de-stressing event with ASA, the Sustainability Club, and the Feminists of Regis Club. We definitely have traditional events planned for the holidays, such as the amazing altar and explanation that Father Fernando and UMIN helped coordinate, and the Regis’ second celebration of Posadas on campus. We really just want to have students feel involved on campus. We also hope that these events give students a sense that they can be and should be proud of their roots and keep them in mind as we navigate through this stage of our lives. We hope to provide a lot of fun events as well as having a presence on campus that encourages learning about Latinx culture. We want students to feel represented in as many major events as possible. We also want to celebrate our culture and bring it in collaboration with other affinity groups in events. In this way, we hope to promote diversity, representation and acceptance.

Q: What are some of the club’s overall goals (or what is their mission)?

A: Somos is the Latinx affinity group on campus that is for Latinx students and non-Latinx students where students can learn about and honor Latinx heritage and culture through the offering of events, meetings and the building of community. Our mission is to provide a safe and welcoming atmosphere for students to share in their common backgrounds as Latinx students and the unique experiences of being such. Through doing so, we aim to develop a campus of inclusion and diversity for all students. We also aim to produce a strong urge in students for change and social justice as they learn about issues that many Latinx communities are suffering through globally and across the nation.

Q: Is there any other important information that others should know about Somos?

A: Our name has a really important meaning for students as it means we are, in Spanish. I think that this should inspire students to ponder an important question throughout their college experience: who are we? Even more so, we should ask ourselves questions such as where do we come from? Where do our morals, values, and goals root from? What do we want to accomplish in life for those like us and different from us? How do we represent our truths through our identities, how can we honor our culture through our struggles and triumphs. Answering questions like these will empower us to give to others and ourselves in ways we never knew possible, with outcomes that are revitalizing. Somos can be a place to help you figure that out or strengthen the answers you already have. Right now in our country, so many are being ostracized and thrown onto the outer margins of society to be forgotten, beaten down and left to suffer alone. Walls are being put up between people and families simply because there is a lack of mercy and proximity. Instead of embracing each other’s differences, many are closing the doors of our hearts, homes and borders. I urge students to think about how we can find the answers in embracing who we are and in who others are. As each of us discover who we are, may we find resilience and power in each of our identities to inspire hope and social justice in and with others.

Interested in attending? Somos has regular meetings in the Ranger Den. Times for these meetings can be found on Facebook, Instagram, or Snapchat under the username @somos.regis. For any questions, just reach out to Maelynn Martinez at mmartinez018@regis.edu.

Club Feature of the Week: Get on Board with Board Game Club

Photo Source // Katie Lambie

By: Carly Compesi, Staff Writer

After a long week of mid-term-induced stress, one of Regis’ newest clubs recovered with none other than a fun-filled round of board games. This type of fun was the goal from Allison Schroeder, the president of Board Game Club, when she founded the group this past year. Fun, new friends, a little competition, and a chance to relax at the end of the week.

New member and sophomore, Seth Beebe, came ready with two duffel bags full of assorted board games. Those bags, he explained, contained all of the games he brought from home. Apparently, he still left behind at least 80 board games when moving to Regis.

From one of these duffel bags came The Resistance, a card-based game of role playing and sabotage. Even other new members like Beebe were soon caught up in the action. This was just the first of many games, and almost all of the club’s members stayed long after the club officially adjourned. “It’s a great way to end the week,” says Berenice Aldecoa, another club member. “Because it’s a stress-free environment.”

“Although, I’m very competitive,” adds Schroeder, laughing.

Interested in attending? Board Game Club will meet from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. in the Student Center on Oct. 31, Nov. 22, and Dec. 6. Better yet, their next meeting is a Halloween party, so expect free food along with free fun. For any questions, just reach out to Allison Schroeder at aschroeder003@regis.edu. Happy board gaming!