Janet Houser, Ph.D. and Floyd Ott

Nearly 15 years ago, Janet Houser began working at Regis and hasn't looked back.

Originally from Kansas, Janet was introduced to Regis University shortly after moving to Colorado to finish her Ph.D. She was invited to deliver several guest lectures on campus and ultimately fell in love with the idea of "igniting the light of the mind." She applied to teach at Regis immediately thereafter. Originally telling her husband Floyd she was going to try working at Regis for one year, she was soon hooked.

For Janet, Regis makes her whole life better. As vice-provost and academic dean of our Rueckert-Hartman College for Health Professions, working at the University fits her nature and her values. With her favorite parts of Regis being the familial community and the mission, she feels privileged to do this work and serve the University. This spring, Janet will take on an even larger leadership role as the new provost of Regis University.

Janet and Floyd, a geologist and environmental scientist, are longtime financial contributors and recently formalized their wishes by leaving Regis in their will to fund an endowed scholarship.

"Regis is our family's favorite nonprofit, and the first place our philanthropic dollars go," Janet said. "We believe in what we do at Regis."

Janet and Floyd want their legacy to make an impact long after they are gone. To them, including Regis University in a bequest in their will is a painless way to make sure part of their work is carried on. They believe the longevity of their gift is more important than being remembered as employees or donors of the University.

"To donate to an educational institution means our money will continue working for decades after we're gone," Janet said. "That gives a great deal of satisfaction and comfort to us."