Academics

Driven by its motto “Ever to Excel,” Boston College offer solutions to the world’s most pressing problems in the necessary context of its Jesuit, Catholic heritage.

Three older adults in formal attire stand together outside in front of glass doors. The two men wear blue suits, and the woman wears a black dress. One man uses a cane. They are smiling and posing for the photo.

The Winston Tradition of Cura Universitatis

By Diana Chaban Griffith

From the arts to business, scholarships to career support, Bob and Judy Winston have long demonstrated their care for the whole of Boston College. Now, through the newly endowed Winston Provostship, they’ve made a gift that reaches all corners of campus.

Six people stand in a building with brick walls and a black and white checkered floor. Among them, four wear casual attire while two are dressed in business outfits, possibly discussing finance. In the backdrop, a metal sculpture hangs elegantly, adding to the sophisticated ambiance.

A First for Finance

By Diana Chaban Griffith

It’s long been one of the most popular majors—and the most popular of all minors—across all of Boston College. Within the Carroll School of Management, it claims the largest faculty—including the University’s sole Nobel laureate. Now, thanks to a visionary gift, the newly christened Seidner Department of Finance has made history as BC’s first named department, joining an elite group of similarly distinguished departments nationwide.

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

By Beacon Staff

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 teacher stands addressing a diverse group of students seated at desks with laptops and notebooks in a brightly lit classroom. Some students look at the teacher, while others focus on their laptops. With large windows and a whiteboard, this BC education setting fosters an engaging learning environment.

That’s What a BC Education is All About

By Jill Caseria, P'26, '28

Investing in faculty and academic programs creates a richer student experience and a more academically competitive institution.

A family of five stands together in a room, their outfits resplendent in red and patterns. With widened smiles, they create a vivid vision against the backdrop of a window adorned with yellow flowers. Overhead, a chandelier casts its gentle glow.

“Our Vision Has Widened”

By Diana Chaban Griffith

Among Indonesia’s leading philanthropists, Fifi ‘94 and Agus Pangestu ‘94 continue to find inspiration at the Heights.

A stone building’s large windows reveal people studying alone or in pairs at desks under warm lighting, suggesting a library where faculty support fosters academic success in the evening.

The Power of Faculty Support

By Allison Donlan

Impacting Boston College students starts with a commitment to those that guide them. Here's how it can make a difference across campus and beyond.

A smiling older woman with gray hair stands outside near a blooming tree, embodying a graceful legacy. She wears a patterned black dress and a pearl necklace. The background features greenery and a brick building under soft daylight.

Legal Legacy

By Jill Caseria, P'26, '28

Distinguished judge, attorney, and philanthropist Marianne D. Short, Esq., NC’73, JD’76, P’05, transforms the future of BC Law with a record-breaking gift.

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

By Beacon Staff

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.

An older woman in a navy blazer smiles in the foreground of a classroom. In the background, a teacher reads to young children seated on the floor as part of her daily lesson plan. A chalkboard and educational posters are visible, creating an engaging learning environment.

A Plan for Every Child

By Diana Chaban Griffith

An anonymous gift honors and amplifies the work of City Connects, BC’s holistic approach to K-12 student support.

A painting of a wooden sailing ship trapped in ice near towering mountains, its sails furled. Two figures on the ice appear to be exploring. The overcast sky creates a dim atmosphere, encapsulating a scene that could be treasured as one of nature's rare collectibles.

Collectors’ Items

By Beacon Staff

Treasure trove of artwork from the private collection of Carolyn and Peter Lynch set to inspire generations.

A vintage black-and-white photo captures E. Paul Robsham Sr. and Joyce L. Robsham, a young couple in 1983, sitting together indoors. She beams in a floral dress and hair accessory, glancing sideways, while he, adorned in a suit with a bowtie, gazes adoringly at her against a backdrop of curtains and furniture.

Devoted: E. Paul Robsham Sr., LGSOE ’83, and Joyce L. Robsham, P’86

By Jill Caseria, P'26, '28

Their steadfast commitment to Boston College spanned decades; their final act broke records. Here’s the story of the local couple behind the largest estate gift to Boston College.

A person with short brown hair, wearing glasses, a navy blazer, and a light striped shirt is speaking in front of a chalkboard with indistinct writing. As the Executive Director, their hand is confidently raised, gesturing towards the board.

IN FOCUS: Seidner Family Executive Director of the Schiller Institute

By Diana Chaban Griffith

Meet Laura Steinberg, the woman who plans to lift BC to a national leadership role in addressing critical issues in energy, health, and the environment.

A person in an orange jumpsuit sits on a bench in a cell, reading a book. Light from a window highlights words on the floor: "algebra," "philosophy," "writing." A sink is mounted on the wall, serving not just as a necessity but as the Gift of Hope within this confined space.

The Gift of Hope

By Diana Chaban Griffith

Transforming Lives Through BC’s Prison Education Program.

Four people working on laptops surround a large lightbulb illustration with "Boston College" written inside. The lightbulb emits stylized rays, symbolizing ideas and innovation, as if urging BC Leaders to go back to class and spark new inspirations.

BC Leaders Go Back to Class

By Beacon Staff

An inside look at BC’s remote learning.

A man in a suit stands beside a statue of Saint Ignatius Loyola, embodying the disciplines he championed. The statue’s base proudly displays his name, while the stone buildings and greenery provide a fitting backdrop for this remarkable meet.

Where Disciplines Meet for the Better

By Beacon Staff

Dean of the Boston College School of Social Work Gautam Yadama shares more of his thoughts on the present and future of the school.

Two women smiling outdoors embody the spirit of social justice. One stands in a navy dress and necklace, while the other sits in a navy sleeveless top and white pants. In this park-like setting, green trees and a building provide the backdrop to their sunny day gathering.

Under Their Wings: Scaling Up Social Justice

By Beacon Staff

Theresa Betancourt is transforming the lives of traumatized families around the world—and the Salems’ gift will help extend that vital work even further.

A group of fourteen adults stands together in front of a stone wall and wooden door, where their paths entwined. They are smiling and casually dressed, posing joyfully for a group photograph.

Their Paths Entwined

By Beacon Staff

The Board of Regents plans for the future, and the pilgrims among them reflect upon a foundation laid 500 years ago.

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

The Whole Entrepreneur

By Beacon Staff

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.