The History of Campbell Campus
Campbell Campus got its start, and its name, when Dick '54 and Dorothy Campbell gifted approximately 50 acres of open land in southeast Aurora to Regis Jesuit High School in the late 1980s. At the time, the school was still on the campus of Regis University, but facing significantly shrinking enrollment and possible closure, the fate of many other Catholic high schools in the city. Growth in the Denver metro area back then was happening to the south and east, so the decision to purchase and donate what was then an open field with views to both horizons seemed a logical one. And Regis U was willing to purchase the property on their campus, which facilitated the ability to move the high school.
- On September 16, 1989, the cornerstone was laid for what is now the Girls Division building.
- Classes began on the Campbell Campus in September 1990.
- In January 1997, Regis Jesuit purchased an additional 35 acres adjacent to the Campbell Campus in hopes of expanding the campus at some point.
- The pool, with its inflatable cover, was built in time for the 2000 swim season.
- In 2001, the Board of Trustees, with the support of the Archdiocese of Denver, voted to open a second division of the school. The addition would offer the same high quality, single gender educational experience to young women as the school had offered young men since its inception.
- On April 11, 2003, ground was broken for a new facility for the Boys Division, and plans were made to renovate the existing school building for the on-campus arrival of the Girls Division in 2004. [The girls spent the 2003-04 school year at an off-campus location.]
- For the 2004-05 school year, the Girls Division moved into their refurbished building on the Campbell Campus, while the Boys Division started classes in their new building.
- At Homecoming 2008, the newly-resurfaced track was dedicated to long-time teacher and Track & Field coach, Rod Card '61.
- On Laber Field, named for Gerald "Bud" Laber, new bleachers, courtesy of the Deline Family, were blessed on a beautiful spring day in April 2012.
- A special Mass and reception on August 4, 2013 marked the 10th anniversary of the establishment of the Girls Division.
- In February 2014, the Steele Center, containing facilities for the performing arts, communications, college counseling as well as a student commons area, opened between the two Divisions. With facilities intended for use by all students, it is both the physical and spiritual heart of the school.
The class of 1991 with its 103 boys was the first to graduate from the Campbell Campus. In May, the 179 girls and 231 boys of the class of 2016 became the 25th class to complete their Raider experience on this campus. We celebrate them, and all the classes between, who have helped to shape Campbell Campus, both the land and the community that now abides here, in these first 25 years. And we look to the horizon for what the future will bring to Campbell Campus and Regis Jesuit. We can't wait!
Have a memory or milestone to share? Please send it along with your name and relationship to Regis Jesuit to communications@regisjesuit.com.