Regis University Announces 2025 Commencement Speakers: Donald Mares and Chief Justice Monica Márquez

Commencement ceremonies scheduled for May 3 and 4, with graduate students honored Saturday and undergraduates on Sunday

DENVER – Regis University is proud to announce two distinguished leaders as keynote speakers for its 2025 Commencement ceremonies. Donald J. Mares, Esq., President and CEO of The Colorado Trust, will address graduate students during the ceremony on Saturday, May 3. Chief Justice Monica M. Márquez of the Colorado Supreme Court will deliver the keynote at the undergraduate commencement on Sunday, May 4. Both ceremonies will take place on campus on Boettcher Commons at 10 a.m.

Donald J. Mares has built a career defined by public service, equity, and systemic change. As President and CEO of The Colorado Trust, Mares leads the organization’s mission to advance the health and well-being of Coloradans. A former Denver Deputy Mayor, he has held numerous high-profile roles, including Executive Director of Denver Human Services and head of the city’s pioneering Office of Behavioral Health Strategies. His deep commitment to mental health advocacy was also evident during his tenure as President and CEO of Mental Health Colorado.

A lifelong Denver resident, Mares has served as Denver Auditor and held legislative roles in both the Colorado Senate and House of Representatives. He has been widely recognized for his impact on the community, including induction into the César Chávez Leadership Hall of Fame and receiving the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce’s Government Advocate of the Year Award.

Chief Justice Monica M. Márquez, appointed to the Colorado Supreme Court in 2010 and named Chief Justice in 2024, brings a legacy of legal excellence, public service, and advocacy for inclusivity and well-being within the legal profession. Prior to her judicial career, she held leadership roles at the Colorado Attorney General’s Office and practiced commercial and employment law in the private sector.

A Grand Junction native and Stanford alumna, Chief Justice Márquez served in the Jesuit Volunteer Corps before earning her law degree from Yale Law School. She has been widely honored for her service and commitment to justice, equity, and mentoring the next generation of legal professionals. Her recognitions include the Wiley Y. Daniel Lifetime Achievement Award and the Colorado Women’s Bar Association Foundation’s Raising the Bar Award.

“Donald Mares and Chief Justice Monica Márquez embody the values we strive to instill in our students — service, justice, and leadership with purpose,” said Regis University Provost Jake Bucher. “Their stories are testaments to how one’s career can be a powerful force for positive change in the world. We are honored to welcome them to address our graduates.”

Both ceremonies will take place on the Regis University Denver Campus and will be livestreamed for those unable to attend in person.

For more information about Regis University’s 2025 Commencement, visit www.regis.edu/commencement.