KU alumnus provides gift for lasting scholarship hall support

In appreciation of his experiences as a scholarship hall resident, KU alumnus John Regier has made a $40,000 gift to provide lasting support for the halls.

Regier, who resides in Belmont, Mass., lived in Grace Pearson Scholarship Hall at KU, serving as hall president his junior year and as proctor his senior year. A third-generation Jayhawk, he earned a bachelor’s degree in political science from KU in 1971, and a law degree from Yale Law School in 1976.

“I was an example of somebody who needed the financial break that scholarship hall living provided,” said Regier. “And, I think it’s particularly important in a large university setting that you have a living arrangement that is conducive to forming friendships. Scholarship halls provide that.”

Diana Robertson, director of KU’s Department of Student Housing, expressed thanks for the gift. “We are extremely grateful for Mr. Regier’s generosity,” said Robertson. “Like many former scholarship hall students, he has transferred academic success into career success. We so appreciate that he has chosen to give back in recognition of the importance of the scholarship halls to his life. This type of gift helps ensure that the scholarship halls remain an affordable and vibrant community.”

Regier’s earlier support for KU has included a memorial scholarship he helped endow for Marietta Jackson, his housemother at Grace Pearson. “She truly was our surrogate mother,” he said. “I’ll always remember her fondly.”