Inspiration Around Every Corner

Hello!

Like countless other alumni, friends, students, faculty, administrators, and families who have joined our community over generations, Boston College’s ethos of “Eagles for others” is so imbued in me. It’s one of the many reasons why I am thrilled to be the inaugural executive director of BC’s Pine Manor Institute for Student Success. 

This issue of Beacon is brimming with examples of Ignatian values at play in the world. Our cover story features trustee associate David Griffith ’68 and his wife, Janet Griffith, P’00, ’02, ’06, and their deep affection for BC. I had the pleasure of getting to know them when David was a member of the alumni board of directors, and I greatly admire this couple’s commitment as volunteer leaders and university champions who have made a dramatic impact across a wide range of areas, from faculty support to financial aid to athletics. You can also read about how Carroll School of Management graduates Fifi ’94 and Agus Pangestu ’94 are finding ways to contribute to campus from the other side of the world. 

The Office Hours section includes a profile of Dean Gautam N. Yadama of the BC School of Social Work, a compassionate leader whose life work involves improving lives on a global scale. You’ll also have a chance to meet another sociologist and my colleague in the Pine Manor Institute, Erick Berrelleza, S.J. As dean of Messina College, Fr. Erick has an inspiring vision for BC’s newest school, which will offer first-generation students and students from underrepresented and underserved communities an excellent two-year education toward attaining an associate’s degree. A key component of Messina College will include formative education programs led by campus figures like Biz Bracher ’91, MA’95, PhD’03, P’22, this issue’s guest contributor to the Beacon Book Club. 

Boston College has always been a good neighbor, and I am proud that the Pine Manor Institute is already raising the aspirations of students from middle school to college. From Chestnut Hill to Brighton, Newton to our new Brookline Campus, inspiring stories are around every corner. Here’s to sharing BC’s light with the world and here’s to your everlasting commitment to being an Eagle for others.

Sincerely,