When Leadership and Philanthropy Meet

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Greetings!

When I joined Boston College nearly two years ago, I approached my service as dean with my whole heart, trust in God, and an intent to listen and learn.

Since then, I have been inspired by the everyday interactions I have witnessed—exchanges that demonstrate an active love for one another and a respect for the diverse perspectives that comprise our community. To me, this is what makes our University so special.

It is an honor to share with you the 11th issue of Beacon, which highlights the breadth of Boston College’s academic and philanthropic leadership, including Provost and Dean of Faculties David Quigley, Marianne D. Short, Esq., Dean of the Law School Odette Lienau, Vice Provost for Undergraduate Academic Affairs Akua Sarr, P’19, ’23, and BC alumni and parents Kate ’93 and Mike Ascione ’93, P’25, ’26. I am especially grateful for the commitment of featured benefactors Gloria, MDiv’90, MS’96, and Chuck Clough ’64, P’87, ’93, ’98, whose transformational generosity has named the school I am proud to lead. I look forward to realizing our shared vision in the years to come.

Each of these extraordinary individuals helps to shape the future of the University, demonstrating a deep and lasting faith in our institutional mission and enriching the lives of our Eagles—Eagles like Jarvis Goosby ’24, an endowed scholar who has directly benefited from the support of BC benefactors and leaders. I hope you will enjoy reading this newly minted graduate’s story.

On behalf of everyone at the Heights, thank you for all you do to contribute to the University’s success. Your dedication and partnership mean a great deal to us all.

Michael C. McCarthy, S.J., a native of San Francisco, CA, entered the Society of Jesus in 1983 after a year as an undergraduate at Stanford University. He completed his Bachelor of Arts in Classical Languages from Santa Clara University in 1987 before spending four years at Oxford University, where he earned an M.A. (Oxon.) in Literae Humaniores (“Greats”) in 1991. After finishing an M.Div. at the Jesuit School of Theology at Berkeley in 1997, he received his Ph.D. in Christianity and Judaism in Antiquity, with an emphasis in Patristic Theology, from the University of Notre Dame in 2003. Beginning in 2003 he served on the faculty of Santa Clara University, with a joint appointment in the religious studies and classics departments, where he also held the Edmund Campion University Professorship. In 2011 he became the Executive Director of the Ignatian Center for Jesuit Education at Santa Clara. In 2016 he moved to New York to take up the position of Vice President for Mission Integration and Planning at Fordham University, where he held a faculty appointment in the Theology Department. In June, 2022 he was appointed as Dean of the Boston College School of Theology and Ministry.