Incoming freshman Frances Bell wins Golden Ticket to free tuition

Frances Bell has known that she wanted to attend Regis from the first time she stepped foot on campus. As she enters the University this fall as a freshman, she’s now certain of something else: that she can experience college free of charge.

Bell, a recent graduate of Glenwood Springs High School and an aspiring nurse, won the Regis University Golden Ticket, a full scholarship that will cover tuition and room and board for all four years of her undergraduate experience. She also will receive a weekly dining plan.

The ticket was awarded in May as part of Future Ranger Friday, an event that welcomed incoming traditional undergraduate freshmen to campus for a first look at university life. During the day of festivities, students and their families met with faculty, admissions and financial aid staff, connected with future classmates and toured campus and residential housing.

Bell, who has stayed involved with Regis throughout the past year, committed to Regis long before she knew about the Golden Ticket, making the announcement Friday extra sweet.

Once she arrives at Regis, Bell will begin pursuing her dream to become a psychiatric nurse practitioner.

“I can (earn my degree) 100% confidently, without having to worry about any sort of financial stress,” she said. “I think this gives me peace of mind. This is going to be my one-way ticket to get to be able to get through college.”

Her dad, Bruce Bell, is already looking ahead to his daughter’s future in graduate school.

“The golden ticket — wow — is just an opportunity for Frances to plan ahead knowing that she'll have the money for a master's degree,” he said. “She's such a go-getter and we're so proud of her in coming to Regis University. It’s just icing on the cake.”

During the event, other award winners received gift cards to the Ranger Station Bookstore. The second-place prize was a pennant signed by the 2023-24 Denver Nuggets. Last year, student Celeste Anaya Garcia won the inaugural Golden Ticket, giving her a chance to start her college career free of debt. 

For incoming student Alex Suniga, the event made college feel closer than ever.

“Being on this campus— It's beautiful. It's a lovely campus. And it makes the experience a full experience,” he said.  “I feel like I'm a college student now.”

Although Future Ranger Friday has passed, Regis is still welcoming applicants to join the incoming fall class. Learn more about enrollment deadline, which was extended to June 15.