Jesuit Institution's Conservative Alumni Network Defies Social Justice Image

Regis University, a 148-year-old Jesuit institution in Denver, has emerged as an unexpected hub for conservative political leaders, including prominent figures within Donald Trump's orbit. The university, which enrolls approximately 2,700 students, has produced alumni who have shaped American politics for decades, with recent graduates and former students playing key roles in Trump's administration and broader conservative movements. Erika Kirk, newly appointed CEO of Turning Point USA following her husband Charlie Kirk's assassination, and Lindsey Halligan, Trump's nominee for U.S. attorney in Virginia, both earned degrees from Regis. The university confirmed Kirk's attendance from 2007 to 2009 and Halligan's 2011 graduation but declined further comment A small Jesuit school in Denver has quietly become a pipeline for powerful Republicans surrounding Trump^[1].

The conservative pipeline from Regis extends beyond national politics. Edwin Feulner, co-founder and long-time president of the Heritage Foundation, was a pivotal figure in shaping conservative policy, with his think tank influencing Republican administrations from Reagan to Trump. Feulner's work transformed the Heritage Foundation into a cornerstone of conservative ideology, as described by The New York Times A small Jesuit school in Denver has quietly become a pipeline for powerful Republicans surrounding Trump^[1]. At the state level, Jane Norton, a Regis graduate, served as Colorado's lieutenant governor (2003–2007) and later held a senior role in the Trump administration's Department of Health and Human Services. Norton was instrumental in Colorado's anti-gay marriage campaign A small Jesuit school in Denver has quietly become a pipeline for powerful Republicans surrounding Trump^[1]. Jim Daly, another alumnus, leads Focus on the Family, an evangelical organization with significant sway in conservative circles, reaching 6 million weekly listeners A small Jesuit school in Denver has quietly become a pipeline for powerful Republicans surrounding Trump^[1].

The university's influence also spans legislative and policy arenas. Tim Neville, a hard-line conservative in Colorado's state senate (2011–2019), graduated from Regis and received top ratings from conservative groups like the American Conservative Union. His son, Patrick Neville, also held leadership roles in the Colorado House of Representatives A small Jesuit school in Denver has quietly become a pipeline for powerful Republicans surrounding Trump^[1]. These connections highlight Regis's role in cultivating a network of conservative leaders across federal and state levels.

While the university is often associated with conservative figures, it has also produced Democratic leaders. Stephen McNichols, a 1936 graduate, served as Colorado's governor (1957–1963) and championed progressive policies such as school funding increases and institutional reforms. John Morse, a former Colorado Senate president, earned national attention for his work on gun control legislation following mass shootings but was later recalled due to his advocacy A small Jesuit school in Denver has quietly become a pipeline for powerful Republicans surrounding Trump^[1]. Yadira Caraveo, a 2003 graduate, became Colorado's first Latina U.S. congresswoman, representing the state's 8th Congressional District A small Jesuit school in Denver has quietly become a pipeline for powerful Republicans surrounding Trump^[1].

Regis's alumni network extends beyond politics into other fields. Actor-comedian Bill Murray attended the university before dropping out, while athletes and business leaders have also emerged from its ranks A small Jesuit school in Denver has quietly become a pipeline for powerful Republicans surrounding Trump^[1]. The university's Jesuit roots, which emphasize social justice and ethical leadership, contrast with its notable conservative alumni, underscoring the institution's diverse impact.

The broader implications of Regis's political influence reflect a growing trend in higher education. As partisanship in the U.S. intensifies, institutions are increasingly seen as ideological training grounds. A 2019 Pew Research Center survey found that 59% of Republicans and Republican-leaning independents view colleges and universities as politically biased, with 67% considering this a major problem . Regis's ability to produce leaders across both major political parties highlights the complex interplay between institutional values and political outcomes.