WHO THE HECK IS MADELAINE?

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Madelaine is a proud Coloradan, brandishing her Centennial State-bearing birth certificate status along with her Labrador Retriever, snowboard and Patagonia vest. She was born in a ski town, and raised in a mountain cabin with only a wood stove for heat. Madelaine understands the meaning of teamwork in a uniquely Rocky mountain way. She and her sibling helped split and stack firewood every Fall, and cleared snow drifts taller than the front door in Winter. The mountain lifestyle runs deep in her soul, and has been as much a part of her as her beloved Birkenstocks.

As idyllic as her early years were, Madelaine is no stranger to poverty and domestic violence. Relocating to Denver, she found purpose and community working to help marginalized groups and abuse survivors. 

Now an MA student at CU Denver, studying Interdisciplinary Gender and Politics, Madelaine is driven by a passion for public service, equality, and collaboration. As the first-ever two-term student body president at Regis University, she spearheaded efforts to combat racism, dismantle gender discrimination, and create real change. Outside of her studies, she channels her energy into volunteering with One Colorado, and Mayor Mike Johnston's office working for human rights and democracy. Whether it’s hiking the trails or advocating for a better future, Madelaine’s love for Colorado inspires everything she does.

Currently I have been collaborating with the Office of the Provost, Student Affairs, the Diversity Office, Counseling and Wellness Office, and student clubs and organizations to ensure community spirit and retention values. My main priority for the community is to develop the conversation and representation of what embodies hope. As not only standing as a symbolic gesture of individual vulnerability, hope is significantly powerful in collective action. As Regis' community continues to transition, grow, and flourish, this message will be representative of the inclusive nature of our Jesuit values and ideals. Upholding our roots as a Catholic Jesuit institution, now being recognized as an HSI, it is our responsibility to further service work and demonstrate to this community our efforts for their inclusion. In relation to an expanding discourse on mental health, a physical communication of hope may inspire and encourage positive unity. Hope is a fundamental human emotion that shapes our perspective on life and how we cope with adversity. With encouraging positive messages of hope on our campus, we would be addressing practices of resilience and motivation, mental health, solidarity, creativity, and growth. Hope is a clear component of the foundations of our faith-based institution, inherently rooted in our beliefs in humanity and meaningful service. As a monolithic display like this, our campus and surrounding communities may feel heard, encouraged, and welcomed by Regis. I am eager to continue this work together with you and the Regis community this year.  

• Project Spread Hope - represented through a Denver local queer artist, Koko Bayer, this project is a visual display of hope, love, and diversity. 
• Working directly with President Dr. Aceves and Dr. Nicki Gonzales on HSI programs and support - continued collaboration with the President’s Office and the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusive Excellence on HSI programs, support, and educational programming. 
• Social Justice Week - in bringing back past Regis student traditions, this week seeks to educate and encourage students to get more involved in social justice projects; this is done in collaboration with First Year Experience and affiliated Clubs and Organizations.  
• Student advocacy programs - working with Provost Dr. Bucher on student involvement, activism, and advocacy avenues to inspire a more unified and represented student body. 
• Connecting the Jesuit University's student governments - I am in conversation with other student leaders on Jesuit campuses surrounding student advocacy, institutional accountability, leading with intersectional identities, and developing more effective leadership in connection to our communities. 
• Sustainability efforts on campus - with collaboration with the Regis Sustainability Agency and Director of Sustainability, we are creating more sustainable policies and partnering with departments on how to be more sustainable on campus. 
• Student Transportation Program - through a shuttle program, students can utilize this transportation to feel safe when being on campus during the darker-hours of the day. 
• Bi-Weekly Town Hall Programs - serves to provide students with a platform to voice concerns, questions, and feedback for the hosted Administration, Department, and Office. 
• Monthly RUSGA newsletters - thoughtful and current communication between RUSGA and the student body on events, University news, and response to community news.  
• Up-coming Diversity Sessions - provide students a setting to address our diverse campus and how we come forth together.