A Home Away From Home

As parents of two Boston College Eagles and chairs of the Parents Leadership Council, we are fortunate to have a unique window into the powerful elements that make the University the beloved institution that it is. We have experienced many of these over the last few years through the eyes of our son, Miles ’22, and now through the perspective of our daughter, Rachel ’26, who is off and running on her own BC journey.

The Boston College education has met our highest hopes and expectations and we are proud to share that opportunity with others by funding scholarships, especially through Pops on the Heights: The Barbara and Jim Cleary Scholarship Gala. That is why we’re so excited that this edition of Beacon celebrates 30 years of this University tradition that means so much to BC students and their families. 

From our perspective as PLC chairs, it’s wonderful to see many families creating BC memories both during Pops and throughout Family Weekend. Of the many special families we’ve come to know, Tammy and Steve Barry stand out in the ways they inspire others, including us, with their commitments to the University. 

Even from our home in California, we knew from the beginning that Boston College was a special place. Its distinctive, formative education and Jesuit mission spur its faculty and students to consider how they can connect their minds and talents to what our society—and the world—needs the most. There are few better examples of that work in practice than the new human-centered engineering program, led by John W. Kozarich ’71 Chair Glenn Gaudette and guided by Morrissey College of Arts and Sciences Dean Gregory Kalscheur, S.J.

At the Heights, our children have found boundless sources of creativity, started wonderful new friendships, and taken part in transformative experiences that will stay with them for the rest of their lives. Above all, they have become Eagles for others. Thank you for your thoughtful engagement with BC—and for everything you do to make this University a “home away from home” for our children.