Linda Sanchez and Greg Ho, P’17, became a part of the Boston College family when their daughter, Julia, enrolled in 2013. Soon after, they joined the Parents Leadership Council, drawn by the sense of compassion the University instills in students as well as the urgency to lend one’s knowledge and talent to causes much larger than the self.

Today, Ho and Sanchez are proud members of the Board of Regents, an influential group of Boston College benefactors, ambassadors, and advocates that provides support to University President William P. Leahy, S.J., and the Board of Trustees on strategic priorities and matters essential to the future of the University. 

Established in 2017, the board comprises 90 families—alumni, parents, and friends from 17 states and eight countries—who serve as some of BC’s biggest champions. They are invited to join by Fr. Leahy to serve three-year terms, engaging with each other and exchanging ideas through meetings, activities, and other special gatherings. 

Regents are not only alumni and parents, they are also business executives, attorneys, public figures, and others who bring a diversity of backgrounds and expertise that make their gatherings a forum for invaluable connection and conversation. “Networks [like these] are incredibly powerful. Putting the right people together can make a project happen more effectively,” Sanchez says.

Facts & Figures

• Established in 2017
• Regents are invited to serve 3-year terms
• Approximately 90 families
• Hail from 17 states and 8 countries

Rooted in the ideals of Jesuit higher education and the mission of Boston College, the board is charged with exploring the value of the University in the world today and imagining the possibility of its impact on the world of tomorrow. In 2020, it introduced “Discovery Expeditions,” a curricular program enabling members to be better informed and inspired to speak confidently as ambassadors about the value proposition and distinction of a BC education. This award-winning journey includes several synchronous and asynchronous stops, or sojourns, along the way. The spring capstone sojourn asks regents to reflect, share observations, and offer ideas to University leaders. Expeditions successfully engage regents, exposing them to complex pedagogy in a digestible and satisfying way.

Rooted in the ideals of Jesuit higher education and the mission of Boston College, the board is charged with exploring the value of the University in the world today and imagining the possibility of its impact on the world of tomorrow. In 2020, it introduced “Discovery Expeditions,” a curricular program enabling members to be better informed and inspired to speak confidently as ambassadors about the value proposition and distinction of a BC education. This award-winning journey includes several synchronous and asynchronous stops, or sojourns, along the way. The spring capstone sojourn asks regents to reflect, share observations, and offer ideas to University leaders. Expeditions successfully engage regents, exposing them to complex pedagogy in a digestible and satisfying way.

Many have shared that after the Expeditions, they feel more connected than before to the University and its mission. “My hope is that Boston College continues on the path of graduating well-rounded students with the ‘For Others’ conviction. BC is lucky to have such a beautiful campus in one of the greatest cities in the world, but its people are what make it so great,” says regent Kristin Waring ’86, P’20, ’22.

Philanthropy is a critical aspect of the regents’ involvement. All keep BC at the top of their giving priorities and their collective support, which totals more than $242 million since 2017, invigorates BC’s ongoing mission to educate and form Eagles for others.

In 2015, when art dealers and advisors Alexandria and Michael Altman, P’22, ’24, ’26, learned that the McMullen Museum of Art was holding an exhibition of artist John La Farge’s work, they were thrilled to lend two pieces, six-foot-tall portraits of Jesuit priests. At the time, the Altmans’ only connection to Boston College was a dear friend, William Vareika ’74, P’09, ’15, ’16, whose passion for BC inspired their generous gift. Little did they know, it was only the beginning of their involvement at the Heights. They are now parents of three Eagles, scholarship benefactors, and regents.

“BC epitomizes that old adage of what character is all about: when no one is looking, what are you doing? Are you being a good person and looking out for others?” Alexandria says. “BC teaches students this every day; educating them but also making them amazing people.”

“It’s a rich intellectual experience, engaging in dialogue with really smart, engaged people,” Michael adds about being a regent. “We are lucky to be in a position where we can be of service and are blessed to be able to send our children here—we want to do the very best we can to make BC be the very best it can be.”