In September 1993, Jurassic Park played in movie theaters, the Beanie Babies craze was just beginning—and a few thousand Boston College alumni, students, parents, and friends gathered in Conte Forum for a night of music at the University’s first Pops on the Heights.
Since then, Jurassic Park has already been rebooted and most Beanie Babies aren’t worth much. But Eagles are still gathering annually during Family Weekend to support financial aid—and did so for the 30th time on September 30, 2022.
Over three decades, Pops on the Heights has grown to become one of BC’s most impactful events, raising nearly $130 million for scholarship support and shaping the future for more than 3,500 students.
University Trustee, BC alum, and BC parent James F. Cleary ’50, H’93, P’84, ’89, ’93 is the visionary behind this signature event. Just over 31 years ago, he was walking along the Charles River with his daughter Kara ’84, MA’91, when he said he wanted to do “something special” for Boston College. “His two favorite philanthropic endeavors were Boston College and the Boston Symphony Orchestra, specifically the Boston Pops,” says Kara. “It seemed natural to him to bring the two together on campus.” When Kara and her father finished their walk, he called four friends: University President J. Donald Monan, S.J., and University Trustees Bill Connell ‘59, Jack Connors ‘63, and Bob Morrissey ‘60. His fifth call was also to a friend—legendary Boston Pops conductor John Williams, who right away loved the idea. With their support, Jim forged ahead.
With Jim as chair of the Pops on the Heights committee, and Karen Kelly Kiefer ’82, event coordinator, Pops on the Heights raised $800,000 for undergraduate scholarships in its inaugural year.
Year after year, Jim’s entrepreneurial skills helped fuel Pops on the Heights and give it a permanent spot on the University’s calendar. “I would notice throughout the course of the evening that my father would sign people up for the following year before they left this event,” Kara recalls. “And everyone knew he didn’t take no for an answer.” He was so convincing because he was truly grateful for the support from everyone in attendance. “It was important to my father that he personally thanked everyone in attendance that evening,” Kara continues. In the early years, the pre-show reception was held on the floor of Conte Forum. Starting at the front of the floor, her father would work his way to the back, expressing his gratitude to each person, one by one. “He not only thanked the benefactors that were on the floor, but all the people who worked behind the scenes. He even made his way backstage at the end of the evening to thank John Williams—and later, Keith Lockhart—and every member of the orchestra, thanking every single one of them for their hard work for the evening.” If Jim thought he may have missed someone that evening, he called on Monday morning.
Jim passed away in 2012, followed by his wife Barbara in 2015. Kara and her siblings, Jim, P’18 and Kristen ’89, JD’93, carry on and honor their parents’ legacy by continuing to serve on the Pops executive committee every year.
The extraordinary leadership of past chairs has shaped Pops to what it is today—a continuously record- breaking event in more ways than one.”
—JONATHAN KRAFT, P’24,
POPS ON THE HEIGHTS CO-CHAIR
This year, University Trustee Patti Kraft and her husband Jonathan Kraft, P’24, served as event chairs for a second consecutive Pops, which saw fundraising break records to the tune of $14.5 million. “The extraordinary leadership of past chairs has shaped Pops to what it is today—a continuously record-breaking event in more ways than one,” says Jonathan, who also acknowledges the tireless work of each member of the 2022 Pops Executive Committee. “They dedicated personal time and energy to grow the number of Pops Scholarships awarded at Boston College and we are grateful for their commitment and drive.”
Kara concurs. “Our benefactors, Father Leahy, and everyone who gives their time and energy to the evening is incredibly special,” Kara adds. “If my parents were here for the 30th Pops on the Heights, they would be so proud and honored that their legacy has continued and that so much has been raised for scholarships.”
The Cleary Legacy
In honor of the Clearys, BC has since established the annual James F. Cleary ‘50, H’93, Masters Award, which is given to a fundraising volunteer who exemplifies creativity, dedication, and leadership.
Jim Cleary was fond of sharing that outside support enabled him to afford college. After attending Boston Latin School, Jim entered the Navy in 1942 for two years. When he finished, the GI Bill covered his Boston College tuition. “My father always felt that every student who wanted to go to college should have that same opportunity,” Kara says. “And here we are—30 years later.”
A Brief History of Pops on the Heights
September 2022 marked 30 years since one of BC’s biggest annual events made its debut. Here’s a look back on its evolution.
Scroll down to view timeline
Eagles Belong Where They Can Fly
Maxwell Korman ’23, hailing from Glastonbury, Connecticut, enchanted the Pops audience this year with his performance of “Corner of the Sky” from Pippin. Like the student soloists who sang before him (a Pops tradition that began in 2014), Max was selected through a rigorous audition process and judged by a committee of Boston Pops members and BC faculty.
Where are they now?
Since 1993, Pops on the Heights—the University’s largest annual fundraiser—has helped more than 3,500 students pursue their dream of a BC education. Here are just some of the Pops Scholars who are using their talents to set the world aflame.
As a student, I was able to meet with scholarship donors Jay and Linda Hooley every year to personally thank them for their support. They were instrumental in enabling me to attend Boston College. Thanks to everyone who allows students like me to have access to a BC education. It wouldn’t be possible without their generosity.”
All her life, Amisha knew she wanted to one day work in business—yet she also loved to volunteer in her New Jersey community every chance she could get. A Boston College education would offer her the chance to combine her passions, and ultimately become a leader with a social impact lens. Amisha was grateful when BC offered her a scholarship. As an Eagle, she threw herself into her classroom work and also took advantage of unique experiences such as PULSE. After five years in the healthcare industry, today Amisha is director of programs and engagement at Building Impact in Boston, an organization that matches companies with service opportunities in the city and beyond.
As a student, I was able to meet with scholarship donors Jay and Linda Hooley every year to personally thank them for their support. They were instrumental in enabling me to attend Boston College. Thanks to everyone who allows students like me to have access to a BC education. It wouldn’t be possible without their generosity.”
Financial aid and scholarships helped me get to my dream school and live the experience I was seeking to live.”
Working first as an Eagle Caller in the Boston College Call Center and then promoted to supervisor, Pablo heard first-hand the motivation behind donors’ generosity. For most, it was the desire to give back to the University that gave them so much. Today, Pablo is a senior manager of consulting solutions at PwC. He directs his annual gifts to the Pops Scholarship Fund, and always answers when he sees an incoming call from 617-552-2015.
Financial aid and scholarships helped me get to my dream school and live the experience I was seeking to live.”
I have been able to learn from leaders in nursing who are committed to ensuring I not only am the best provider I can be but also become the provider my patients deserve. All of this, while still being immersed in the Jesuit ideals of being a person for and with others, is what makes BC such a special place.”
After graduating from the Morrissey College of Arts and Sciences with a degree in theology, Cameron became a community residence counselor at McLean Hospital in Belmont. That experience uncovered an interest in nursing and he returned to BC for his graduate studies. Now a registered nurse at McLean and a doctoral student at the Connell School of Nursing, Cameron’s training has already paid off. In October 2021, while watching the Boston Marathon at mile 8 in Natick, he raced to the aid of a runner who had collapsed on the course, administering life-saving CPR before an ambulance could arrive. “I just got in that nursing zone,” Cameron recalled. “You’re almost on autopilot, doing the things you’ve established through training and clinicals.”
I have been able to learn from leaders in nursing who are committed to ensuring I not only am the best provider I can be but also become the provider my patients deserve. All of this, while still being immersed in the Jesuit ideals of being a person for and with others, is what makes BC such a special place.”
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