What does the Sicilian port city of Messina have to do with the history of Boston College?

It was there in April 1548 that the recently founded Society of Jesus opened the first Jesuit school accessible to students from every social class. That moment would become instrumental in developing education for centuries to come. 

Fast forward 475 years to modern-day Massachusetts. Boston College has risen from its own humble beginnings to a position of prominence as a leading research institution. Among the University’s latest academic undertakings is a college with a name—and a mission—that pays homage to the origins of Jesuit education.

Leading the charge is Erick Berrelleza, S.J., MDiv’15, the founding dean of Messina College, and a first-generation college graduate himself. The son of immigrants, Fr. Berrelleza is a sociologist whose scholarship focuses on urban sociology and immigration and who feels a deep connection to the Messina mission. 

Here, he speaks about the work that goes into launching an entirely new college and his personal attachment to the effort.

Part of the University’s Pine Manor Institute for Student Success initiative, Messina College seeks to provide a transformative Jesuit, Catholic education for students who are first-generation, lower-income, or from underrepresented groups. The two-year school will offer its 200 students a traditional college experience in facilities on BC’s Brookline Campus (formerly Pine Manor College). Students will earn associate’s degrees and leave prepared to continue their studies at a four-year school or pursue other goals and career interests.

What will distinguish Messina from other two-year schools?

EB: The real distinguishing factor is ours will be a residential college. But as it is a part of BC, we don’t need to create new systems to support it and can draw on the expertise of existing departments and programs. That includes Student Affairs, Mission and Ministry, BC Dining, Campus Recreation, and many more. The academic programs have benefited from conversations and collaboration with the other undergraduate schools within BC, and I look forward to continuing to work with the deans and faculty across campus.

Can you describe the type of student you expect to see at Messina?

EB: Students we hope will be applying are right in our backyard, in Boston and the surrounding areas, and many need the type of education that Messina will provide. They’re young people having to work to help support their families; education may not be at the forefront of their minds. I think we have to let them know that this is, in the long run, going to help their families a lot more.

They’re also young people who will need significant amounts of financial aid. They will likely qualify for the federal Pell Grant and other aid, and BC will meet the rest of their demonstrated financial need, just as we do for other undergraduate students.

Why is a two-year degree program a good fit for these students? For BC?

EB: This program gives students an entry into higher education. Some will see it as a pathway to an additional two years of study at BC or elsewhere, and some will say, “I’m ready to go to work.”

We’ve been working with lots of partners in industry to make sure that the design of these programs ensures students will graduate with the skills employers are looking for. They want a diverse, skilled workforce. That’s why we have engaged with our industry partners from the very beginning, to share our thoughts on the curriculum and evaluate how it provides what students need to be employable.

What kind of potential does the Brookline Campus hold?

EB: There are some great bones to these buildings, and Messina will be on part of the Brookline Campus in buildings that will be renovated. In the future, we hope to construct a new residence hall. From a housing perspective, we want to give students an experience they might have on the Chestnut Hill Campus or the Newton Campus. Beyond Messina, there is great opportunity for other BC uses.

What has it been like building this whole program from the ground up?

EB: I’ve been a trustee for several high schools and universities, so it’s not totally new. I’ve learned from sociology about building an organization. It’s a big puzzle, and you’re just putting together the pieces. I would stress that I’m not building this on my own—there are many hands at work in making this possible. I draw on lots of experts, here at BC and throughout the larger Jesuit educational network, to help make sure we’re designing something that will meet the needs of our program and students.

What has the response been so far to Messina College?

EB: People are eager to know what we’re building here. I often say that this new school will help BC reflect on its mission because starting fresh causes us to consider why we do what we do and ask if there’s a different way to do it.

Why is the mission of Messina College so personal to you?

EB: My parents are immigrants and that certainly plays a big part in what I research and teach. I have been a Jesuit for 18 years, and my life as a Jesuit has attuned my eyes to see and my heart to respond to populations of people at the margins. Now, my work will include providing access to a transformative Jesuit education and making sure that we create spaces where our students feel they belong. When I think about what BC is undertaking with Messina, I am proud that this university is responding to the need for increased educational access.

What drew you to the Jesuits?

EB: A number of things, timing being one of them. 9/11 happened during my first year of college. I think a lot of the big questions that usually come later in life, like “What kind of contribution will I make to society?” came a lot earlier for me. I look back on that, not as the defining moment, but one of the moments that started getting me to question what I was doing, what I was studying, what I wanted to contribute to.

I still remember a quote from Fr. Greg Boyle [founder of Homeboy Industries] saying, “We care for a population no one cares about.” And it just sat with me. In my mind I was thinking, who are these men? Is this something I could do? It was always a kernel in my mind, and I decided to give it a shot, not knowing where it would lead me, but here I am.

This interview was edited and condensed.