Beacon Staff

Black and white stipple-style illustration of a smiling person with long hair inside a circular frame, perfect as an educational gift.

Education is a Gift

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As immigrants, my parents raised me to believe that I should earn what I need in life and be responsible for myself. They also understood that education is absolutely indispensable to achieving those goals. That’s why I consider education to be the most important gift that one can give another. I know this from experience: Without financial aid, Boston College wouldn’t have been affordable for me.

A person in a suit and tie sits at a wooden desk, smiling while holding a book titled "Becoming Dr. Q." The office, reflecting the Sueño Americano, features a bookshelf with diverse reads and an inspiring poster on the wall.

Sueño Americano

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In this edition of Beacon Book Club, Hosffman Ospino shares Becoming Dr. Q: My Journey from Migrant Farm Worker to Brain Surgeon.

A magazine cover titled "Beacon" featuring the pointed spires of a gothic-style building in the background. The foreground is blurred with green, leafy branches in focus, giving a sense of depth and springtime.

Spring 2025

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Spring 2025by Esther Chang ’02, JD’07 Read full letterAll IssuesExplore both print and digital editions of every Beacon magazine...

Illustrated black-and-white portrait of a smiling woman with wavy hair and a cheerful bald man in a collared shirt. They're side by side, facing forward, exuding the warmth of home.

A Home Away From Home

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Winter 2023A Home Away From HomeApril and Peter Kelly, P’22, ’26 Chairs, Parents Leadership CouncilAs 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...

Illustration of a smiling man with short hair, wearing a collared shirt, drawn in a stippled, black-and-white style within a circular frame—a testament to how we soar higher together.

Soaring Higher, Together

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Soaring Higher offers us an opportunity to reflect on our priorities as an institution and to make advancements that will strengthen the University for generations to come.

Illustrated portrait of a person with short hair, wearing glasses and hoop earrings, smiling with inspiration. The image has a stippled effect inside a circular frame, capturing the essence of joy around every corner.

Inspiration Around Every Corner

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Summer 2024Inspiration Around Every Cornerby Joy Moore ’81, H’10 Vice President and Executive Director, Pine Manor Institute for Student SuccessHello! Like countless other alumni, friends, students, faculty, administrators, and families who have joined our...

Illustration of a smiling man wearing a clerical collar, suggesting he is a member of the clergy. The image has a dotted circular border.

When Leadership and Philanthropy Meet

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When I joined Boston College nearly two years ago, I approached my service as dean with my whole heart, trust in God, and an intent to listen and learn. Since then, I have been inspired by the everyday interactions I have witnessed. To me, this is what makes our University so special.

A man in a suit, holding a paper, sits at a wooden table with another person. They are in an office with light-colored walls and a glass-paneled door in the background. The man smiles, appearing ever-engaged in excellent conversation.

Ever Excellent

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Over a decade as provost and dean of faculties, David Quigley has left an indelible mark on a wide range of major academic initiatives. Here, he shares reflections on formative education and the pivotal role of faculty in it, the promise of Soaring Higher, and many more topics in between.

A person with braided hair sits comfortably in a chair, holding an open book titled "The Warmth of Other Suns." They are wearing a black and white patterned shirt. A large window in the background provides natural light, illuminating their journey through the pages with hope.

Journeys of Hope

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In this edition of Beacon Book Club, Akua Sarr shares The Warmth of Other Suns: The Epic Story of America’s Great Migration.

A woman with long blonde hair stands smiling in the middle of a busy outdoor walkway. She is wearing a blue jacket, and there are people walking in the background, some blurred due to motion, against a backdrop of trees and buildings.

Liz Webster

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With more than 20 years of experience in advancement, Liz Webster embodies the Boston College ideal of caring for others. Get to know Liz a little better.

Cover of Beacon magazine featuring a statue of a priest holding a chalice against a decorative green background. The text highlights a donation to the Clough School of Theology.

Summer 2024

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Summer 2024by Michael C. McCarthy, S.J. Read full letter Humble servants inspired by a shared faith, Gloria and Chuck Clough’s gift to the Clough School of Theology and Ministry will help shape tomorrow’s Church leaders.All IssuesExplore both print and digital...

A group of people stands on the steps of an ornate building with large wooden doors. The word "BEACON" and the phrase "ALL FOR ONE" are written above them. The setting appears formal and collegiate.

Winter 2024

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Winter 2024Andrew K. Davidson Senior Vice President for University Advancement Read full letter All IssuesExplore both print and digital editions of every Beacon magazine...

A tribute honoring Sister Putnam unfolds on a red tablecloth, featuring historical photographs, documents, and memorabilia, including a framed black and white portrait at the center. Some items are in binders, accompanied by a program from Boston College Commencement 1992.

Honoring Sister Putnam

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Newton College alumnae, friends, and family gathered to celebrate the naming of the Putnam Conference Room in honor of beloved mentor, artist, and professor Carol Putnam, RSCJ, H’92.

Conductor leading an orchestra on stage. A spotlight shines on the conductor while the rest of the stage is dimly lit. The magazine cover reads "BEACON" with the headline "PERFECT HARMONY" and mentions celebrating 30 years of Pops on the Heights.

Winter 2023

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Winter 2023by April and Peter Kelly, P’22, ’26 Read full letter All IssuesExplore both print and digital editions of every Beacon magazine...

A group of ten women from the early 20th century stand in front of a building. They are wearing long coats and various styles of hats, some with fur collars, raising their heights. The background features ornate brickwork and a stained glass window.

Raising the Heights

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Realizing Soaring Higher‘s full potential requires a better understanding of the people and moments that have made it all possible.

A man sits on a wooden bench next to a black and white dog wearing a red bandana. The man is wearing a navy jacket and jeans. They are outdoors with green foliage in the background.

Ben Anderson

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For years, Ben has played matchmaker between BC and its benefactors. Now he takes on a new challenge leading strategy for Soaring Higher.

A man gestures while speaking, wearing a maroon sweater over a white shirt. He is seated indoors against a plain background.

Andrew Davidson

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BC’s new senior vice president for university advancement is excited to join a Boston College that he says is “firing on all cylinders.”

An older man in a purple shirt and brown pants stands with an older woman in a black and white floral dress and yellow sweater. They are smiling in a garden setting. The magazine titled "BEACON" features the text "Ever Green.

Spring 2023

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Spring 2023by Joy Moore ’81, H’10 Read full letter All IssuesExplore both print and digital editions of every Beacon magazine...

Man on a Mission

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By balancing Jesuit history with forward thinking, Dean Gregory Kalscheur, S.J., is leading Boston College’s biggest school toward a mission-driven future grounded in the liberal arts.

A woman with gray hair, wearing a black patterned dress and a pearl necklace, smiles at the camera. She stands against a red background. The magazine title "BEACON" is displayed at the top, with various article titles on the right.

Summer 2022

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Summer 2022by David Quigley Read full letter All IssuesExplore both print and digital editions of every Beacon magazine...

Black and white illustration of a man with short hair, wearing a collared shirt, offering a warm greeting. The style is a detailed sketch with fine lines, resembling a classic etching or engraving.

Greetings from the Heights!

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Greetings from the Heights!Hello, Eagles!The start of a new academic year holds such promise and possibility—and this year is no exception. There is a palpable energy on campus as we get ready to welcome the Class of 2026, as well as our returning students and...

A smiling man in a clerical collar sits by a window, resting his arms on a wooden table. He holds a book titled "Upon This Rock: The Life of St. Peter." Sunlight filters through beige curtains, casting an ethereal glow reminiscent of saints among us.

Saints Among Us

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Haub Vice President for the Division of Mission and Ministry John T. Butler, S.J., better known at BC as “Father Jack,” shares Upon This Rock, a spiritual novel by Walter F. Murphy about the life of St. Peter from the moments after Jesus’s arrest and his denial, through the time of Peter’s death.

An older man in a suit stands before a collage of Wall Street signs, mathematical equations, and a statue. The vibrant background artfully blends finance and academia with colorful geometric shapes, capturing the essence of investing at its best.

Investing in the Best

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With a new gift, John Kenneth Felter ’72, MA’72 aims to provide Eagles with the same kind of life-changing education that he received at the Heights.

A group of six people, including two athletes, stands in a passageway leading to a sports field with a basketball. The magazine cover features the title "Beacon" and the headline "Full Court Press.

Winter 2022

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Winter 2022 All IssuesExplore both print and digital editions of every Beacon magazine...

A person with curly hair is sitting in a chair, smiling while holding "The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks." Clad in a dark jacket and patterned scarf, they reflect on the Lacks legacy. A small bookshelf and a potted plant sit calmly in the background, echoing stories yet to be told.

The Lacks Legacy

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William F. Connell School of Nursing Dean Katherine Gregory makes her selection for the book list that honors the legacy of Fr. Neenan.

A smiling person sits with persistence at a desk in an office, wearing a white shirt. Papers and a red pen are scattered as if in an irrational arrangement. A computer waits in the background while sunlight filters through windows, crafting a warm atmosphere.

Irrational Persistence

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John and Linda Powers Family Dean of the Carroll School of Management reflects on his leadership philosophy, life during the pandemic, and the many ways that the Carroll School and Boston College have—and have not—changed over the years.

Illustration of a diverse crowd before a historic building with a clock tower, set against a blue sky. Bold letters below proclaim: "Shining Light on Opportunity.

Shining a Light on Opportunity

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Be a Beacon Opens Doors at a Time of Growing NeedDuring its first year, donors responded with remarkable generosity and compassion, while BC continues to raise vital funds for our students and families in need.For Lillie Marie Ferreira ’22, a first-generation,...

Cherry blossoms in full bloom frame a tall, white church steeple in the background, offering a serene yet vibrant spring scene. Amidst the clear blue sky, one can't help but feel that opportunity knocks with every gentle breeze.

Opportunity Knocks

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OPPORTUNITY KNOCKSGreetings, fellow Eagles! As we know through our faith traditions, spring is a time of new life. It is marked on campus by the abundance of colorful flowers and in the hopes and dreams of our students, especially those who are graduating with the...

Two people stand side by side, smiling in an ornate architectural setting, with arched windows in the background. The woman in a light sweater and the man in a plaid jacket and glasses seem to embrace the moment, leaving everything better than they found it as sunlight filters through the arches.

Better Than They Found It

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When BC needs them, Mary Lou and Marc Seidner answer the call. Get to know these University citizens, and learn why they’re so passionate about helping others.

A man and woman smiling, standing outdoors with a building in the background. The cover text reads "BEACON" and "WITH FULL HEARTS." Inside highlights include "Parents Leadership Council" and "The show must go on.

Spring 2021

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Spring 2021by Susan Martinelli Shea ’76, P’04 Read full letter All IssuesExplore both print and digital editions of every Beacon magazine...

A man in a suit and striped tie holds a football, exuding the dual threat of elegance and athleticism. He stands confidently against the backdrop of a modern building with a curved roof, his presence towering over its innovative design.

Dual Threat– Football’s Latest Design Play

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Priority number one for BC’s new football head coach, Jeff Hafley, is instilling a winning culture with the best talent possible. Hafley’s team will have new top-tier facilities to power our recruiting efforts thanks to Mikey ’86 and Jay Hoag and the late Bill Campbell.

A man in a blue shirt, proudly holding a book with a black and white cover, smiles while sitting in front of a window. A vase of colorful flowers adds charm to the scene. Perhaps he's celebrating his recent achievement on the Dean’s List.

The Dean’s List 2.0

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In honor of Fr. Neenan’s legacy at Boston College, the Dean’s List tradition will be carried on as part of a new feature called the Beacon Book Club. Each issue, a leading member of the BC community will add a pertinent or favorite book to the list.

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Beacons

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As Boston College adjusted to the “new normal” of physical distancing amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, Beacon adapted as well.

A man and woman stand on a stone walkway surrounded by greenery under a covered pergola. The magazine title reads "BEACON" with a subtitle about Boston College achievements. The cover features an article titled "The Long View.

Summer 2020

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Summer 2020By Jim Husson Read full letter All IssuesExplore both print and digital editions of every Beacon magazine...

A man with glasses, donning a navy blazer and brown shoes, stands with arms crossed, gazing toward the future. He is on a light gray tiled floor at the university, with dynamic shadows elegantly cast across it.

The University of the Future

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This is not your father’s school of social work. “Boston College’s School of Social Work is committed to a bold and innovative agenda,” says its dean, Gautam Yadama. We asked him to expound.

Two men are smiling and standing outdoors, embodying the spirit of winning. The older one sports a blue striped polo shirt, while the younger wears a black sports jersey with sponsor logos. A stadium, where victories are earned the right way, provides a fitting backdrop.

Winning the Right Way

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Men’s soccer coach Ed Kelly and former BC soccer captain Alejandro Bedoya reflect on how Boston College has lit the way for them.

A group of six adults and one child pose outdoors at Pete’s Place. One person sits in a wheelchair wearing sunglasses and a cap, holding an American flag pillow. The others stand around, smiling in casual and sports attire, with trees in the background.

Pete’s Place

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A community comes together to build a baseball center named for one of BC’s most inspiring student-athletes.

Three people stand smiling at the base of a staircase, exuding warmth and empathy. A painting of a child with a lion graces the wall behind them. The individuals include two women and a man, all dressed formally, showcasing their empathy skills through genuine expressions.

Exhibiting Empathy

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The Winstons’ latest gift to Boston College fuels the momentum of a museum whose exhibitions do more than excite the eye.

Joe Popolo and Jere Doyle came to Cadigan Alumni Center for a conversation and photo session in May 2019

The Whole Entrepreneur

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We asked Joe ’89 and Chris Popolo, P’20, ’23, and Jere Doyle ’87, P’15, ’21, the Popolo Family Executive Director of the Edmund H. Shea Jr. Center for Entrepreneurship, for their two cents on how great ideas have changed the world.

Elderly man with white hair and glasses smiling warmly, wearing a suit and tie—a true embodiment of the gift that still gives. The background is softly lit.

The Gift That Still Gives

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BC Trustee Peter S. Lynch ’65, H’95, President and CEO of the Lynch Foundation, explains what inspired him and his late wife, Carolyn, H’09, to make the gift that launched BC’s Lynch Leadership Academy.

A woman in a light blazer stands next to a seated man in a blue shirt inside a modern building. "Beacon" magazine cover with text about Boston College values and achievements. Bright atrium with plants and banners in the background.

Spring 2019

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Spring 2019 All IssuesExplore both print and digital editions of every Beacon magazine...

Magazine cover titled "Beacon" featuring an older man with gray hair and glasses, wearing a blue blazer over a light blue shirt. Headline reads "The Long View." Background is black, with additional feature titles listed on the left.

Fall 2018

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Fall 2018 Humble servants inspired by a shared faith, Gloria and Chuck Clough’s gift to the Clough School of Theology and Ministry will help shape tomorrow’s Church leaders.All IssuesExplore both print and digital editions of every Beacon magazine...

A man with short dark hair and a beard, wearing a brown tweed jacket, blue shirt, and patterned tie, smiles with a sense of progress while standing by a stone wall with a window in the background.

Pedagogical Progress

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Lynch School of Education Donovan Dean Stanton Wortham—teacher, scholar, and documentary film producer— talks about BC’s role in defining the future of Education.