Greetings from the Heights!

David QuigleyHello, 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 faculty, to the Heights. They bring with them their dreams and aspirations for the future, ready to engage in formative educational experiences that will change the trajectory of their lives.

Here at Boston College, we are fortunate to be a part of a vibrant community rooted in the Jesuit, Catholic ideals that make our institution so special. This edition of Beacon features a number of BC champions whose important contributions help the University to serve as a force for good, both for its students and the world at large. 

As you will read, these efforts enhance the BC experience and enrich the lives of those far beyond the Heights, from the transformational generosity of Boston College Trustee and BC Law graduate Marianne Short NC’73, JD’76, P’05 to the anonymous donors who have chosen to shine a well-deserved spotlight on the critical work of the Mary E. Walsh Center for Thriving Children within the Lynch School of Education and Human Development. 

While we heap due praise on the philanthropists and difference-makers within our community, we also highlight some of the staff members working tirelessly behind the scenes to better the lives of our Eagles. Frank Bailey is a long-serving veteran of our exceptional Dining Services staff, with the essential task of sustaining our student body and fueling them for success in and out of the classroom. And, just one year into her job as vice president for student affairs, Dr. Shawna Cooper Whitehead is instituting real change to improve our students’ holistic wellbeing. 

In a time of much upheaval, the University must continue to fulfill its worthy mission of scholarship, faith, and service and educate the next generation of compassionate, discerning leaders while instilling a sense of cura personalis, or care for the whole person. Thank you for your partnership—and for all that you do to help Boston College answer society’s call.

Sincerely,

David Quigley
Provost and Dean of Faculties

IN THIS ISSUE

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

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.

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

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.

A woman holding a microphone and a folder radiates new energy as she speaks at an outdoor event. Dressed in a black dress and gray cardigan, she captivates the crowd. In the blurred background, several people in patterned dresses gather under a tent festooned with small flags.

A New Energy

Vice President for Student Affairs—and marathon runner—Shawna Cooper Whitehead brings fresh eyes to the Boston College experience, helping students achieve their full potential and get the most of their experience at the Heights.

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

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 four people, three men and one woman, smiling at the camera. One man is wearing a suit and gold tie, another in a suit and striped tie, while you see the woman in a black dress. They appear to be at an investing event, the background buzz lending energy to the scene.

I’m Investing in You.

BC Trustee Sue Martinelli Shea ’76 has helped 38 students–and counting–find a home at the Heights through scholarships. “It’s a gift for me…I love looking at somebody in the face and saying: ‘I believe in you.’”

Soaring Higher campaign co-chairs

A Team Effort

Meet the tireless co-chairs leading alumni, parents, and friends into the largest fundraising campaign in BC’s history.

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

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

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

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.

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

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.

A woman holding a microphone and a folder radiates new energy as she speaks at an outdoor event. Dressed in a black dress and gray cardigan, she captivates the crowd. In the blurred background, several people in patterned dresses gather under a tent festooned with small flags.

A New Energy

Vice President for Student Affairs—and marathon runner—Shawna Cooper Whitehead brings fresh eyes to the Boston College experience, helping students achieve their full potential and get the most of their experience at the Heights.

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

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 four people, two women on the left, a man in the center, and a woman on the right, stand closely together outside on a grassy lawn. They are smiling and enjoying a pleasant, sunny day—it truly runs in the family.

It Runs in the Family

What began as parents supporting the University their daughters came to call home has blossomed into a dynamic philanthropic relationship, reflecting the family’s priorities and passions.

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

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