The Holy Cross College community gathered at the Col. Brian Regan Flag Complex to mark the 24th anniversary of the terrorist attacks that claimed 2,977 lives. Students, faculty, staff, and trustees joined in prayer and reflection before turning to honor a man whose life of service has shaped the College itself: Col. Brian Regan, USMC (Ret.).
Col. Regan, a decorated Marine and retiring longtime member of the Holy Cross College Board of Trustees, has been central to the College’s growth and mission for nearly four decades. Alongside his wife, Kathleen Beeler, also a former trustee, Col. Regan has provided steady leadership, generous support, and unwavering faith in the vision of the Brothers of Holy Cross.
During the program, College leaders, trustees, and students reflected on Col. Regan’s remarkable career of service—to his country, the community, Catholic higher education, and to Holy Cross College. President Dr. Marco J. Clark recalled the events of September 11, 2001, while also connecting them to Col. Regan’s example of faith and service. “We rarely get an opportunity to say thank you to somebody who literally built the foundations of the place that we enter into today, each and every single day, and the two of them are standing right here today,” he said. “You have led the Holy Cross way—with zeal, with humble service leadership, with confidence, with courage. You accompany others, you haven’t sought any kind of accolades. And ultimately, you’ve invested in a world of students that you may never know, and you’re making that world a better place. And we thank you for that.”
Andrew Hale, Chief of Staff for the Student Government Association, spoke on behalf of the student body. “As representatives of the student body, we want to start off by thanking you for your service, both to this country, as well as Holy Cross College,” he said. “The innovations and ideas that you brought to our campus are truly remarkable and we are very grateful for everything you have done.”
SGA Vice President Audrey Tallent also expressed appreciation. “All of your service to the College over the years has not gone unnoticed by staff, students, or faculty,” she said. “The opportunities that we are afforded as students would not have been possible without your guidance over the years.”
Board of Trustees Chair John Gschwind extended a letter of appreciation, which was read at the ceremony. “Your unwavering dedication and longtime support for Holy Cross College and its mission as a Catholic college has left an indelible mark on this institution,” he wrote. “You have been steady, consistent, and a trusted voice through seasons of both challenge and growth of the College.”
The morning concluded with the presentation of a flag flown over the Col. Brian Regan Flag Complex, a symbol of gratitude for his service to both the nation and Holy Cross College. Following the outdoor program, the community gathered in the Vincent Atrium for breakfast and fellowship with Col. Regan and Kathleen. Surrounded by friends, colleagues, and students, the couple was celebrated not only for their service, but also for the spirit of hospitality, generosity, and faith that has defined their decades of leadership.
Speaking to the overflowing crowd inside the Atrium, Col. Regan honored the Brothers of Holy Cross and offered his thanks. “You’re my friends, my colleagues and I thank you all so very, very much,” he said. “On behalf of Kathy and me, God bless you and God bless Holy Cross.”
