Beth Thompson

Listen to the audio version of this article

Beth Thompson wasn’t looking for a new job. She had spent the last two decades in development at the Harvard Faculty of Arts and Sciences and “truly loved” it. So what drove her to consider, and eventually accept, the role of vice president for development at Boston College? As often happens in these cases, it was learning about BC’s mission, especially how intellectual development combines with student formation.

A graduate of Smith College, Ball State University, and Simmons University, Thompson has a stellar record of building teams and relationships with university leadership. She believes strongly in service to others and making the world a better place, which makes her a perfect fit at BC.

From the perspective of an outsider, what are BC’s biggest strengths?

I think we’re at a time in our society where we need a lot more of that kind of search for truth, that self-reflection that’s not just about chasing something but thinking “What am I meant to be doing and how am I meant to be of service?” It feels to me like BC’s biggest strength is something I heard over and over again from people I’ve talked to, that it’s steadfast in those values and in that mission.

And how does that align with your personal value system?

I’ve always felt it was really important to give back to society. In my personal life, our family is very involved with our church. We do volunteer work there and also at times with the foster care system to provide support to families who are considering foster care and adoption.

Is giving back what inspired you to enter development?

I didn’t know that I was going to be a fundraiser—that’s not a field that people tell you about when you’re growing up! When I went to college, I was amazed to meet so many students from vastly different life circumstances and to see how education could transform our lives and outcomes, our families and communities, and even the world. I can’t imagine working in a different industry.

What are some commonalities you see among the BC alumni in your personal network?

They have been incredibly caring, intelligent, hardworking, focused on accomplishing what they’re charged to accomplish, but without ego and without the need for fanfare.

Why did you decide to cross the Charles River and come to BC?

Up until now, I hadn’t seen an opportunity that compelled me in a distinctive way [to leave Harvard]. But then I learned about this opportunity, and the mission, and the idea of intellectual development coupled with formation; with reflection … [about] where you should be applying your gifts in the world, … how you can serve others, and … what gives you joy in doing that.

The steadfastness of BC’s enduring values made me really want to understand how it actually happens in this institution. Because sometimes people talk about it, but it’s not actually lived. I knew that it must be real because of what I had heard [about BC]. I’m excited to get to know the alumni community, the parent community, the faculty and staff, the team. BC is an incredible place and I’m eager to learn more about it!