The Boston College
Chronicle Published by the Boston College Office of News & Public Affairs october 1, 2015 VOL. 23 no. 3
University to Upgrade Campus Security Systems
INSIDE 2 •Making “House Calls”
By Jack Dunn Director of News & Public Affairs
•STM students hit the road to see Pope Francis
O’Neill closing 3 •James out 40 years at BC •Simboli Hall dedicated •Prominent speakers to appear at LSOE create 5 •Students “#WeWereBC” project •CSON’s Vessey undertakes new study on bullying
6 •Fr. Stegman’s Opening the Door of Faith
•Houston Fellowship brings student to Africa
offer media com7 •Faculty mentary on papal visit •Notabene, job listings Hawthorne 8 •“Nathaniel and Frederick Douglass: Texts and Contexts”
A record $7.5 million was raised for 275 student scholarships by last weekend’s sold-out 2015 Pops on the Heights Barbara and Jim Cleary Scholarship Gala, which featured performances by the Boston Pops Esplanade Orchestra, Boston College student groups, and (above) guest artists Darlene Love, Lisa Fischer and Judith Hill. (Photo by Gretchen Ertl)
A Crisis and a Challenge Experts say refugee situation requires better understanding, and some long-term answers By Sean Smith Chronicle Editor
Words and phrases matter a lot in the refugee crisis that has roiled Europe and the Middle East, according to Boston College faculty members. For example, the word “refugee” itself carries critical legal weight – as opposed to “migrant,” which though sometimes used interchangeably with “refugee” by the media is a more ambiguous, and even controversial, term. For Jesuit Refugee Service Australia Associate Director Maryanne Loughry, RSM, an adjunct faculty member in the BC School of Social Work (BCSSW), the very phrase “refugee crisis” – also a pervasive meme – is problematic. “It’s really a ‘conflict crisis,’” says Sister Loughry, who has worked for JRS since 1987. “The refugees aren’t the crisis, it’s the bombing, the torture, the destruction. That’s what has been mainly fueling this unprecedented movement of people.” But also troublesome, Sister Loughry and other BC experts in humanitarian issues say, are the narratives that have formed, whether via the media, the political arena or public opinion. Throughout Europe and the United States, compassion and empathy for the refugees’ plight
duel with suspicion, resentment and fear – sparked by misperceptions and misunderstandings – according to the faculty, who point out that there are similar crises taking place in other parts of the world. Even as attention tends to focus on the more immediate and sensationalistic aspects of the refugee situation, humanitarian experts – including those affiliated with BC – are seeking answers for the longer-term effects of displacement, such as housing, education and employment. Sister Loughry pointed to BC’s Center for Human Rights and International Justice (CHRIJ) and the BCSSW Immigrant Integration Lab as examples of the University’s efforts to address big-picture issues involving refugees – a fitting task for a Jesuit, Catholic institution. In addition, she noted, BCSSW students have frequently interned for the JRS, and BCSSW Associate Professor Thomas Crea is working with a pilot program to make higher education accessible to populations living in refugee camps through an online platform. “Most news coverage has involved the photos and videos of the people moving from the Middle East to Europe, all the obstacles and hardships they’ve been experiencing, and what may lie ahead for them,” says Continued on page 4
QUOTE:
Boston College will undertake a major upgrade to its campus safety and security systems through a three-year effort that will include card access to academic and administrative buildings and new Wi-Fi-based locks for student residence halls, the University announced today. The upgrade, approved by the Board of Trustees at its Sept. 25 meeting, will be implemented beginning this semester with the goal of enhancing the safety and well-being of all members of the BC community. It will also feature upgraded blue light phones and security cameras around campus as well as a new dispatch center and radio system for BC Police. “These enhancements will bring Boston College to the level
of our peers who have made similar investments in recent years,” said John King, executive director of campus security and chief of police. “Adding card access and perimeter alarms to exterior doors in academic buildings will make all buildings safer and consistent with Stokes Hall. Replacing the current PIN code door locks in residence halls with a new CCURE 9000 Wi-Fi system with added swipe and prox capabilities will provide additional security for our students.” The security upgrade will be overseen by Stanley Security, an internationally respected security vendor with more than 2,500 collegiate clients in North America. The first phase will include a Wi-Fi lock trial in Cheverus Hall on Upper Campus during the winter break, installation of delayed-egress devices and security cameras in residence halls on the Continued on page 7
Papal advisor Cardinal Peter K.A. Turkson speaking in Robsham Theater on Monday. (Photo by Lee Pellegrini)
BC Conference Explores the Vision and Impact of Laudato Si’ By Ed Hayward Staff Writer
On the heels of Pope Francis’ landmark visit to the United States, US Sen. Edward Markey (D-Mass.) ’68, JD ’72 and papal advisor Cardinal Peter K.A. Turkson told audiences at Boston College on Monday that the pontiff’s stance on the environment can help mobilize world leaders to work together to combat
climate change. Speaking to a capacity crowd in Robsham Theater, Cardinal Turkson, who led a Vatican working group that helped draft the pope’s environmental encyclical, Laudato Si’, said that Pope Francis’ pastoral approach asks leaders to focus on the natural world in the broadest possible sense. “More than any other leader Continued on page 4
“I intended to only focus on mothers, babies and malaria, but saw the way other factors, like education, financial situation and distance from a healthcare facility shaped each case. It was a humbling opportunity to assess data quantitatively and see, in front of me, the qualitative picture.” –S. Chiamaka Okorie ’17, Amanda V. Houston Fellow, page 6
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A ROUND Doctors may no longer make house calls, but members of Boston College’s faculty and administration do, with the advent this semester of a freshman outreach program by that moniker. Last Thursday evening, nearly 80 “House Calls” volunteers from across the University fanned out for a meet-and-greet in the freshman residence halls on Upper and Newton campuses. “As a Jesuit, Catholic university we are called to welcome members of our community and ‘House Calls’ is one way to do this,” said Associate Vice President and Dean of Students Thomas Mogan. The initiative was developed to connect with freshmen early in their initial semester, underscore that Boston College is a caring community and introduce them to members of the BC community they might not otherwise meet, administrators say. “The opportunity for Dorrie [Siqueiros, Office of Residential Life associate director] and me to visit with our first-year students was won-
C AMPUS
MAKING CONTACT
Athletics Director Brad Bates and Office of Residential Life Associate Director Dorrie Siqueiros greet freshmen Xianyue Tain and Gayatri Rai during last week’s “House Calls” program. (Photo by Duncan Johnson)
derful,” said Director of Athletics Brad Bates. “Meeting the students validated my already high regard for the quality of our undergraduates and gave insight into their intellectual, service, extracurricular and social experiences during their first month at Boston College. It was especially meaningful to hear the students express their
great appreciation for the way BC has welcomed them into the Eagle family,” he added. “House Calls” organizers hope that, after these encounters, new students will feel free to turn to program participants with questions – about campus services and resources, for example – or concerns. It is part of a larger Office of the Dean of
Students (DOS) effort to increase student outreach. “A goal is to stress upon students that the Office of the Dean of Students is not simply the place students go when they get into trouble,” Mogan said. “Our office sponsors many valuable programs and services that provide support for students and we want to make sure they are aware of this.” At a dinner for volunteers preceding the visits, Mogan and DOS Senior Associate Dean of Students Carole Hughes shared and discussed both the goals of the program and potential issues or concerns that might arise. But they also emphasized that participants should be themselves and have fun with the program, which also links BC faculty and staff members. “Students quickly engaged with us. We talked about classes, the college experience, upcoming exams and Parents’ Weekend,” said Environmental Health and Safety Director Gail Hall, who visited Claver
and Loyola halls with Ines Maturana Sendoya, director of the Thea Bowman AHANA and Intercultural Center. “One of our questions to them,” Hall noted, “was about positive experiences at BC, and the responses were pretty uniform – good classes, meeting new people, and the variety of extra-curricular activities.” Eight freshmen who shared a birthday on Sept. 24 were presented with cakes by their respective volunteers. Initiated by the Office of the Dean of Students, the Office for Residential Life was involved in the development and implementation of the program. A committee, chaired by Hughes, includes Kerry Marino, DOS administrative assistant, and from the Office of Residential Life, Resident Director Peter Hausladen and Area Coordinator Katie CoreyDiLeo. Later this month, freshmen commuters will be invited to a special House Calls luncheon program. –Rosanne Pellegrini
‘IT WAS IMPORTANT TO GO’ Pope Francis’ whirlwind visit to the United States last week energized millions, including about 20 Boston College students who made the pilgrimage to the papal tour stops of Washington, DC, New York City and Philadelphia. One student was Steven Patzke of the School of Theology and Ministry, who had been in St. Peter’s Square when Pope Francis was elected pontiff in March of 2013. Having that special connection made him want to see the pope again, so he organized a last-minute trip with three other graduate students, Jessica McCarthy, Megan Hopkins and James Luisi. “Why would you pass up that opportunity?” said Patzke. “We’re on the east coast and the pope is coming to the United States, and we’re a Jesuit, Catholic school. It was definitely important to go.” “This was a once-in-a-lifetime experience that we couldn’t afford to pass up,” said Hopkins, who donned her Agape Latte t-shirt for the trip. “It was wonderful. It was a great opportunity to get to know so many friends and to be among the large number of pilgrims as well.”
The enthusiastic turnout for Pope Francis, McCarthy said, demonstrated to her “the unity of the Church.”
School of Theology and Ministry students James Luisi, Jessica McCarthy and Megan Hopkins in Philadelphia during Pope Francis’ visit.
The four saw the pope in New York City on his way to the 9/11 Memorial, and in Philadelphia for his trip to Independence Mall on Saturday, and on Sunday in the city’s Love Park, where a massive Jumbotron broadcast the Papal Mass. Their trip was made pos-
Director of NEWS & Public Affairs Jack Dunn Deputy Director of NEWS & Public AFFAIRS Patricia Delaney Editor Sean Smith
Contributing Staff Melissa Beecher Ed Hayward Sean Hennessey Rosanne Pellegrini Kathleen Sullivan Michael Maloney Photographers Gary Gilbert Lee Pellegrini
sible with some funding assistance from STM, enabling them to rent a car for the trip to New York City, where they stayed with the De-Lasalle Christian Brothers, a volunteer organization where Patzke used to work. An acquaintance in Philadelphia let them stay in her downtown apartment while she was out of town for the weekend. “We would not have been able to do it without the generosity of others who wanted us to be able to have this experience and saw us as pilgrims,” says Luisi. Also in Philadelphia were fellow STM students Michael Rossmann, SJ, and Nico Lariosa, SJ, Jesuit scholastics who were chaperoning a group of Jesuit high school students from around the country. “It was really an incredible experience to be there,” said Rossmann, who saw Pope Francis address the topics of religious freedom and immigration at Independence Mall. “People were so excited, so full of joy, and I think that was largely a reflection of the joy that Pope Francis embodies and his graciousness and warmth that he showed in the US.” “Seeing Francis, a fellow Jesuit,
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A Mass was celebrated in honor of Pope Francis’ visit to the US on Sept. 23 in St. Mary’s Chapel, with Asst. Prof. Gustavo Morello, SJ (Sociology), as celebrant. (Photos by Lee Pellegrini)
is quite amazing,” said Lariosa, who marveled at Francis’ stamina. “He was still smiling at the end of a long trip and it was really quite encouraging to see a pontiff who is not young to be with people, enjoy their presence and communicate the joy of the gospel about which he wrote.” Another STM student, Amy Northop, was struck by the civility that surrounded Pope Francis. “The way people were reacting to his presence – they were so respectful, present and attentive to what he was saying.”
STM’s Mark Dushel said, “It was important for me to go because although we talk about being part of this universal global Church, we don’t have a lot of opportunities to experience how big it is. Just being surrounded by millions of people from very different backgrounds, all celebrating the same thing – that’s why I wanted to be part of it.“ –Sean Hennessey Read the full story at http:xxxx URL TO COME WEDS.
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Logging Off James O’Neill’s “temporary gig” at BC wound up lasting 40 years – and helped pioneer the University’s Internet efforts (among other things)
When James M. O’Neill couldn’t find a high school teaching position after earning his master’s degree in French, he decided to take a “temporary gig” at Boston College’s Institute for Religious Education and Pastoral Ministry (now part of the School of Theology and Ministry). O’Neill retired last week after his “temporary gig” turned into a remarkable 40-year career that spanned the academic, financial, executive and technical dimensions of the University. For the last 20 years, O’Neill has worked in Information Technology Services (ITS), where he began as one of the first University employees to work on the then-new phenomenon called the Internet and World Wide Web. His last position was that of senior web administrator. “The thing I’ve enjoyed most in my career has been the BC website, being there since the beginning,” said O’Neill. “When the web came along, it was the first time we had a technology to share information directly with the world.” “Jim ushered BC into the digital age,” said Scott Olivieri, manager of ITS’ Web Technology Group. “For 20 years he has been on the front lines for all web decisions. He’s the bedrock of the Web Group.” Part of O’Neill’s responsibilities has been to serve as a bridge between ITS and the hundreds of members of the BC community who work directly on BC web pages. “Jim has almost single-handedly trained about 700 website contributors,” said Olivieri. “In addition to providing training, he was the go-to person for users to contact when they encountered a technical problem.” Colleagues and members of the user group describe him as patient, unflappable and upbeat. His troubleshooting approach is considered unparalleled and his detailed emails are legendary, not only serving as mini-user manuals, but also as an unofficial historical record of the web’s development at BC. “I’ve always been a problemsolver type of person,” said O’Neill. “IT always needs people who can serve as simultaneous translators between the tech people and the people using the technology. Often they speak dif-
ferent languages.” “Jim is a mentor, an educator,” said Vice President for Information Technology Michael Bourque. “He has helped so many colleagues within ITS and across the University. In particular, Jim has greatly contributed in a variety of ways to the student formation of many ITS student workers.” O’Neill graduated from BC in 1974 with a bachelor’s degree in French. His stint at IREPM was from 1975 to 1979. He
tive Vice President from 1990 to 1994. “It was a deliberate choice on my part to move around and learn the University to get an overall picture of how things worked,” said O’Neill. Boston College has been a part of O’Neill’s personal — as well as professional — life. He met his wife, Carol, while he was a senior at BC and he and Carol were trying to coordinate spring arts festivals between Boston College and the newly acquired Newton
Lee Pellegrini
By Kathleen Sullivan Staff Writer
“Jim is a mentor, an educator,” says Vice President for Information Technology Michael Bourque. “He has helped so many colleagues within Information Technology Services and across the University.” then joined University Libraries, where he worked on a team responsible for the planning and constructing of O’Neill Library. “I really enjoyed being the liaison between the librarians, who had one set of priorities, and the architects, who had another set of goals and requirements. I was one of the people who tried to figure out how to put those two things together and end up with a building.” O’Neill earned an MBA from BC in 1981, and served as assistant dean for administration in the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences from 1984 to 1988. One of the signature projects he contributed to was the Graduate Educational Policy Committee which produced a report reviewing the A&S graduate programs and setting priorities for the future. For the next two years he was in the Office of the Financial Vice President and Treasurer, overseeing the Office of University Policies and Procedures and the Risk Management and Insurance Office. He also edited the Boston College Fact Book. He followed that post with service in the Office of the Execu-
College of the Sacred Heart. One of their sons, Michael, graduated from BC in 2012. O’Neill, who enjoys soaking in nature, said he is looking forward to doing more sailing, kayaking and biking in retirement. At a farewell event in the Heights Room last week, O’Neill told his well-wishers that he was pleased to have been a part of bringing technology to BC, but the real reason he stayed at Boston College for more than 40 years was the people. When asked what he will miss most, O’Neill responded, “The people who I work with here in IT and the people I have relationships with who are spread around the University managing websites. “I’ll miss the campus, too. For 45 years, with the exception of one year I was in France, I have been here five days a week. It’s a beautiful campus and it’s a second home.” He added: “It’s been a wonderful place to spend a lifetime.” Contact Kathleen Sullivan at kathleen.sullivan@bc.edu
Anthony C. "Tony" Simboli '50, MA '50, and his wife, Gloria, shown here with family members and University President William P. Leahy, SJ, at last month’s Simboli Hall dedication. (Photo by Lee Pellegrini)
Boston College dedicated 9 Lake Street, the home of BC’s School of Theology and Ministry and Institute for Advanced Jesuit Studies, as Simboli Hall on Sept. 16, in honor of real estate developer and longtime University benefactor Anthony C. “Tony” Simboli ’50, MA ’50, and his wife, Gloria. Simboli expressed his appreciation for his alma mater and the role it played in his personal and professional life. “The Jesuit education I received provided my moral compass,” said Simboli, retired chairman of ACS Development Corp. “BC taught me discipline, offered me guidance, and it was there I learned to get along with people.” Simboli Hall will be recognized as a place dedicated “to the religious and intellectual heritage that is part of Boston College’s value system,” said University President William P. Leahy, SJ, adding that the Simbolis’ generosity “is a call for all of us to rededicate ourselves to faith, service and intellectual excellence, the hallmarks of a Jesuit, Catholic education.” –Sean Smith Read more of this story at http://bit.ly/1KGee01.
Lynch School to Host Talks by Mears, Pont
Two distinguished guest speakers coming to the Lynch School of Education this month will address the topics of improving Catholic schools and international education reform initiatives. This Monday at 5 p.m. in the Yawkey Center’s Murray Room, Kathleen Power Mears, superintendent of Catholic schools for the Archdiocese of Boston, will deliver the first address in the Lynch School’s Symposia Series. Mears, who leads a system of nearly 120 schools serving more than 38,000 students, will present “An Agenda for Catholic Education: Developing Saints and Scholars.” Her remarks will be followed by commentary from Professor of Education and Center for Ignatian Spirituality Director Joseph O’Keefe, SJ, and Associate Professor of Education Martin Scanlan. Prior to her appointment a year ago by Boston Archbishop Cardinal Sean P. O’Malley, OFM, Cap., Mears was executive director for elementary schools for the National Catholic Educational Association and had previously spent 31 years as a teacher, principal and administrator in Indianapolis Catholic schools. At noon on Wednesday, Oct. 14, international education expert Beatriz Pont will give the 20th Annual Boisi Lecture in Education and Public Policy in Campion 139 at 12:15 p.m. Pont, whose work focuses on comparative education policy, is currently affiliated with the Laboratory for Interdisciplinary Evaluation of Public Policies in Paris. Her talk is titled “An International Perspective on Education Reforms for Equity and Quality.” Pont is on sabbatical from the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development’s Directorate for Education and Skills, where she is a senior education policy analyst. She has led studies on support for disadvantaged students and schools, school leadership, adult literacy and school quality in Norway and Mexico. “The evidence that most high performing education systems combine equity with quality suggests that research needs to continue focusing on how to support and integrate disadvantaged students to improve the performance of our education systems as the cornerstone in the development of our societies,” Pont said in a 2014 interview. For more information on these and other Lynch School of Education events, see www.bc.edu/lsoe. –Ed Hayward
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University’s ‘Our Common Home’ Conference Concludes Today
Continued from page 1 today, the pope firmly links the issues of the natural world with those of the social world,” said Cardinal Turkson, president of the Pontifical Council on Peace and Justice at the Vatican. “The pope speaks to the longing of people to be cared for and in turn to exercise caring. He brings the basic message of Jesus – ‘love one another, as I have loved you’ – into the very heart of the world’s greatest challenges: to care for the poor and to care for the planet.” Cardinal Turkson’s address, “Sustainable Humanity, Sustainable Planet,” was a highlight of the four-day conference “Our Common Home: An Ethical Summons to Tackle Climate Change,” which examined the global impact of the encyclical on faith, environmental policy and social justice. The conference ends this afternoon. Earlier on Monday, Markey told an audience in the Yawkey Center’s Murray Room that the pope’s stance places the onus on world leaders to assess their nations’ efforts to reduce man-made pollutants and processes that scientists have tied to rising temperatures in the atmosphere and oceans. “Pope Francis and the encyclical give us the opportunity to
examine our own policies, the impact they have on our country and our planet,” said Markey. “It is our duty as leaders to take action. Mankind created the problem of climate change and mankind must
Markey said US policies that reduce fossil fuel use and carbon emissions will have a ripple effect throughout the world. He cited recent climate policy advances in China, India, Brazil and the Eu-
US Sen. Edward Markey (D-Mass.) ’68, JD ’72 and papal advisor Cardinal Peter K.A. Turkson chatted Monday during the “Our Common Home” conference, where they both presented talks. (Photo by Lee Pellegrini)
take steps to undo that damage.” A legislative leader in efforts to combat climate change and preserve the environment, Markey said the pope’s influence will be felt at COP21, an international climate conference that takes place in Paris in early December. Furthermore, he expects President Obama to advance America’s leadership role on the issue.
ropean Union as evidence that the work of US policymakers has influenced the international community. “None of this was on the table a year ago,” said Markey. “The good news is that it is now moving.” In Washington DC, Markey said lawmakers will likely be motivated by economic benefits associated with new regulations, such as
a projected growth in clean energy jobs to 300,000 next year. Though partisan politics have dealt a blow to many proposals, including a 2007 climate bill coauthored by Markey, he said there are more legislative battles to be fought. “You don’t win them all, but you have to fight them all if you want to change the course of history,” Markey said. White House Office of Science and Technology Director John Holdren followed Markey, delivering a primer on the latest science that connects climate change to a range of environmental degradation now putting humans and communities at risk. Organized by an interdisciplinary group of faculty, students and staff, “Our Common Home” featured a range of speakers from various disciplines and backgrounds, including international immigration expert and BC School of Social Work adjunct faculty member Sister Maryanne Loughry, RSM, of Jesuit Refugee Service Australia, who discussed the impact of climate change on the poor; New York Times “Dot.earth” columnist Andrew Revkin, who spoke on media coverage of climate change; and Catholic Climate Change Ex-
ecutive Director Dan Misleh, who talked about the impact of the encyclical on Catholic social teaching. The conference’s final day begins this morning with a 10 a.m. reflection led by Campus Ministry at the Stokes Amphitheater, followed by a “What Can I Do?” Fair on the Campus Green at noon, and a speech by Tufts University Professor Julian Agyeman at 3:30 p.m. on the Campus Green. Canisius Professor James Keenan, SJ, a lead organizer of the event, said Cardinal Turkson’s decision to attend the event helped to create a distinguished list of guest speakers and panelists. “In many ways, what we were able to do started with Cardinal Turkson’s decision to join us and be one of our keynote speakers,” said Fr. Keenan, director of the Jesuit Institute. “He is the recognized authority on the encyclical and his presence brought many of the leading scholars and thinkers in this field to campus to speak about an issue of crucial importance to us all.” For information on “Our Common Home,” see www.bc.edu/centers/ ila/our-common-home.html. Contact Ed Hayward at ed.hayward@bc.edu
Words, Pictures Don’t Tell Full Story About Refugee Situation, Say BC Experts viewing them as one faceless, uniform mass, and grasping the legalities of the refugee situation. “People who are refugees have the right to protection and asylum; it’s not ‘a nice thing’ that someone decides to give to them,” says Fr. Hollenbach, the CHRIJ director.
Chris Soldt, MTS
Jesuit Refugee Service Australia Associate Director Maryanne Loughry, RSM, an adjunct BC faculty member, disapproves of the phrase “refugee crisis”: “It’s really a ‘conflict crisis.’ The refugees aren’t the crisis, it’s the bombing, the torture, the destruction.”
“Meanwhile, Afghans and Eritreans also are part of the exodus to Europe, thousands upon thousands of Iraqis are displaced – within Iraq or elsewhere in the Middle East – and South Sudanese are moving into Uganda to escape the conflict with Sudan. There are as many as 60 million people displaced worldwide: What does the future hold for them?” As University Professor for Human Rights and International Justice David Hollenbach, SJ, and the other faculty experts see it, part of the answer to that question lies in acknowledging the diversity of the displaced populations, rather than
“This is codified by an international treaty that’s been in place for more than 60 years, one to which the US agreed and is obligated to uphold.” Unfortunately, say faculty members, media, political and public discussions invariably lump refugees with those persons classified as migrants – who do not have the same protections or rights as refugees – and with illegal immigrants. Also troubling, they add, is a tendency to apply a catch-22 to refugees: In this either-or view, the refugees are unskilled and uneducated, and hence sure to be a drain on societal resources; or, if they do have some means (such as cellphones, GPS devices or
other technology), they are somehow “undeserving” of assistance. “Syria is not a developed country on the same level as the US, but – at least until now – it’s not desperately poor,” says Fr. Hollenbach. “So, while not all Syrians might have cellphones, most do have education and resources. In any case, I think we need to be careful about dwelling too much on the refugee-versus-migrant argument, and operating under the perception that there’s an open-andshut case to be made on defining a person in economic terms.” The current refugee situation is widely described as the worst since that of World War II, but BC faculty experts say comparisons between the two are elusive – especially in the way both have been depicted and perceived. World War II-era refugees, who were mostly of European origin, were supposedly regarded with more compassion because they were viewed as fleeing repressive re-
gimes: first that of Nazi Germany and then Communist Russia. The narrative for today is different, in large part because most of the refugees are not from European countries, nor are they Christian. Says Sister Loughry, “Now, there are many voices saying these aren’t refugees at all, but illegal immigrants or – even worse – terrorist cells bent on destroying Western civilization.” Post-9/11 anxiety about radical Islamism has sparked this attitude, particularly in the US, but screening procedures for refugees are quite thorough, according to Sister Loughry, who discussed the issue at a campus forum on the Syrian refugee situation held last week by CHRIJ. “I’ve been in the screening rooms for refugees,” she told the audience. “There are in fact two screenings, one when the refugees leave, and another when they enter the US. The risk of someone from ISIS or other
“People who are refugees have the right to protection and asylum; it’s not ‘a nice thing’ that someone decides to give to them,” says University Professor of Human Rights and International Justice David Hollenbach, SJ.
Gary Gilbert
Continued from page 1 Sister Loughry. “But there are many compelling aspects to this story that aren’t fully appreciated. For example, about half of Syria’s population is displaced – not only the approximately 4.1 million people who have fled the country, but the 7.6 million who are still inside the country.
such organization or movement coming here is incredibly remote.” Speaking at the same event, BCSSW Associate Professor of Micro Practice Westy Egmont – director of the Immigrant Integration Lab – recalled past refugee resettlements in the US in the wake of conflicts such as Indochina and Kosovo. He said the US, despite fears to the contrary, would be able to handle the increased number of Syrian refugees announced by Secretary of State John Kerry. “We have a program that works,” he said. Egmont also said collaborative efforts through the European Union and the United Nations – plus a more “robust funding” of the UN’s food program – would be critical to addressing the refugees’ plight. Sister Loughry and Fr. Hollenbach – who say it is critical for the US to work with Russia, and other regional powers, on a political solution for Syria – hope the generally enthusiastic response Pope Francis received during his US visit will inspire compassion toward the world’s refugees. “Pope Francis has spoken continually about reaching out to the marginalized, the unfortunate, so hopefully that message will resonate,” says Sister Loughry. Contact Sean Smith at sean.smith@bc.edu
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CSON’s Vessey Seeks to Undergrads Relish Chance to Tell BC’s Story Aid Struggle Against Bullying some aspect and helped bring the how each school defined and purBy Sean Smith Chronicle Editor
sued its mission. “I thought it was amazing how both schools were united in a misBoston College’s history has sion to educate young Irish men of most often been the purview of esBoston with Jesuit principles, but tablished, experienced scholars and how they both went about it in authors. But the latest exploration completely different fashions,” says of BC’s past is a new exhibition in Latu. “For instance, Holy Cross Stokes Hall that was researched, wound up in Worcester, while BC organized and curated by 14 underdug its roots into Boston. It was also graduates. interesting how the rivalry came “#WeWereBC” is the creation mostly from interest outside of the of students in last spring’s Making Irish Catholic community, and how History Public class, a collaboration much the game was influenced by between the History Department the early popularity of the sport.” and University Libraries. Students Meehan was delighted at the stuin the class decide on a general dents’ engagement with the subject theme, select related topics and use matter, and the zeal and creativity materials in the BC archives for they displayed. their research, with the assistance “The sessions we spent in Burns of University Libraries Gary Gilbert Library were particustaff, to put together an larly enjoyable,” says exhibition. Meehan, who is gratePrevious Making ful for the assistance History Public projects of Libraries personnel were “Creating Boston Amy Braitsch, Justine Common,” “RevealSundaram, Andrew ing America’s History Isidore, Shelley Barber, Through Comics,” Kevin Tringale and “Books Around the Patrick Goncalves. “It World” and “Orderwas thrilling to look at ing the Unknown: The key source documents, European Mapping especially the original Tradition from 1600charter for Boston Col1860.” The spring lege. When I saw the 2015 class was taught by Institute for Ad- Jenna Postiglione ’17 presented her research this past spring to students taking pictures vanced Jesuit Studies the Making History Public class. Postiglione and her classmates of it with their cellAssistant Director Seth created the “#WeWereBC” exhibition on display in Stokes Hall. phones, I knew this was Meehan, who earned his doctorate Robert Penn Warren, Susan Sontag going to work.” The students say the experience in history at BC and co-authored and Seamus Heaney – to speak on The Heights: An Illustrated History of campus. The reason for its success, deepened their appreciation for she discovered, was the zeal and Boston College, while broadening Boston College, 1863-2013. “#WeWereBC” includes dis- dedication of series founder Francis their understanding of the various historical and cultural forces in its plays on the evolution of Lower J. Sweeney, SJ. “Fr. Sweeney was able to bring formation. Campus, the Fulton Debating So“I began looking at buildings on ciety and the rules for faculty spelled renowned literary figures like Frost, campus and our traditions differEliot and cummings to Boston Colout in 1864 by Prefect of Studies ently,” says MacDonald. “I’d walk lege on multiple occasions within (later University President) Robert out of Burns Library onto Linden the first five years of his new acaFulton, SJ – one of which was that teachers could punish students demic venture,” says MacDonald, Lane and see the iconic trees lin“only for good reason.” Other high- who read correspondence between ing the main road as part of the lighted areas include the experience Fr. Sweeney and these and other Philomatheia Club’s influence on of women at BC, 1960s student ac- notable figures for her research. “His the campus. McElroy Commons tivism, and the campus response to appreciation for these individuals was no longer the dining hall on the the assassination of President John and the kindness and generosity edge of the Dust Bowl but a tribute F. Kennedy, who had spoken at the he extended to them was so visible to our school’s founder Fr. John University’s centennial celebration in his letters. He truly wanted his McElroy, SJ. I stood in the Rotunda students to develop a similar ap- and thought about how incredible it in April of 1963. Carroll School of Management preciation for the humanities and was that the astoundingly beautiful junior Ellen Ubl acknowledges that made it very clear that he wanted Gasson Hall existed before anything at first she wasn’t sure how the class’ outstanding people to help instill else on campus. “That was probably the BC fact diverse ideas would come together such admiration among the student that piqued my interest the most – body. into a coherent project. “Fr. Sweeney’s benevolent nature that [University President Thomas “It’s kind of challenging to reconcile topics like World War to his guests and pure dedication to Gasson, SJ] and the other Jesuits I’s effect on the school with the preserving the humanities started behind the move to Chestnut Hill story of how BC wound up with a period of literary and academic put so much effort into that one the drained reservoir that is Lower prestige that was to be unrivaled in building and were so focused on making it truly beautiful; that they Campus,” says Ubl, who researched BC’s history.” knew their tiny school for Boston’s Daniel Latu, a senior political the relationship of athletics to student life at BC in the early 20th science major, studied the BC-Holy boys would one day become one of century. “Then we formulated our Cross football rivalry and its role the most prestigious Jesuit universiarguments, and it became clear that in developing institutional pride ties in the world.” “#WeWereBC” is on display universal themes ran through all the and traditions at both schools. His topics. Regardless of whether it was project entailed more than review- through December in the History Dea world event or something happen- ing game results: He looked at the partment on the third floor of Stokes ing on campus, all influenced BC in origins of BC and Holy Cross, and Hall South. University towards what it is today.” As their individual topics came into focus, Ubl and her fellow researchers found themselves fascinated by the insights into events and personalities that shaped BC’s development from humble beginnings in Boston’s South End to a major international university. Racquel MacDonald, a senior history major with a minor in philosophy, delved into one of BC’s signature literary achievements, the Lowell Humanities Series, which for nearly 60 years has brought distinguished writers, artists, performers and scholars – including Robert Frost, Margaret Mead, T.S. Eliot, e.e. cummings, Maya Angelou,
By Kathleen Sullivan Staff Writer
Every year in the United States, 20 to 28 percent of middle school students are victims of bullying. Despite the positive impact of school programs and public awareness campaigns, youth bullying remains a serious public health problem, according to Connell School of Nursing Professor Judith Vessey, a leading expert on bullying. “Bullied children often experience a wide-range of psychosocial, academic and physical problems,” said Vessey, who holds the Leila Holden Carroll Chair in the Connell School. “And evidence shows that being bullied as a youth contributes to poorer life outcomes throughout adulthood. Yet there has been no standard requiring routine health care screening for bullying for kids.” More than 90 percent of middle school youths make at least one visit to a health care provider annually, and Vesey says these encounters represent millions of missed opportunities for the early identification and intervention with those exposed to bullying, because health care providers do not routinely ask their young patients about bullying. Vessey is looking to change that. With funding from the National Institutes of Health/Eunice Kennedy Shriver Institute of Child Health and Human Development, she and her research team are conducting a two-year study to create a bullying screening tool that can be used by health care providers with middle school youths. “There is a critical need for health care providers to begin taking an active, systematic role in screening for youth bullying as they do for other common youth health concerns,” said Vessey. She points out that the majority of interventions designed to identify and reduce bullying are school-based. In fact, in the last 15 years since bullying emerged as a serious public health issue, 49 states in the US have passed legislation or official policy for handling bullying. Schools have been mandated to have bullying prevention policies in place. Yet, says Vessey, research has shown that while these changes have made some difference in school culture, “we have not made significant progress in reducing the incidence of bullying.” Vessey cites several reasons why school-based efforts have not been as robust as advocates had hoped: advances in technology that have moved bullying off of school property – limiting school administrators’ jurisdiction – and under parents’ radar; uneven distribution of
Lee Pellegrini
“#WeWereBC”
Judith Vessey
resources for schools, where one district might have multiple social workers and psychologists on staff and another district does not even have a school nurse; school personnel’s difficulty in making mental health referrals. Vessey contends that primary care offices and emergency departments are ideal settings for identifying bullied youth. In the ER, a doctor or nurse may see a young patient with a broken bone. They ask the youngster how it happened and the child responds, “I was running.” The response typically is “Be careful next time.” Vessey says, maybe the question should be “Why were you running?” Likewise, adds Vessey, a patient complaining of a stomachache might have a virus, or might be anxious about going to school because he or she is being bullied. The project’s co-researchers are Boston College alumnae, Tania Strout, PhD ’11, director of research in the Department of Emergency Medicine at Maine Medical Center and Rachel DiFazio, MS ’96, PhD ’13, pediatric nurse practitioner and nurse scientist at Boston Children’s Hospital. Lynch School of Education Professor Larry Ludlow is a project consultant. The study is being conducted at Boston’s Children’s Hospital and Maine Medical Center. In the initial phase of the study, the researchers will conduct focus groups with children aged 10-15, and then survey educators, social workers and health care providers about bullying. The researchers will develop a pool of questions and create a self-reporting tool that will be tested among subjects at the two medical facilities. From that research, the team will develop a final screening tool of core questions to help health care providers identify patients who may be in need of intervention. “My dream is that we mandate screening for bullying,” said Vessey. “But before we can do that, we need a brief, valid tool that can be used in busy clinic settings. I’m really excited about this. I think it can really make a difference.”
T he B oston C ollege
Chronicle october 1, 2015
6 Tony Rinaldo
Houston Fellowship Winner Found Enlightenment in Her African Sojourn By Kathleen Sullivan Staff Writer
“Pope Francis says we evangelize when we live lives transfigured by God’s presence,” says STM Associate Professor Thomas Stegman, SJ.
New Testament Voices
Fr. Stegman explores writings of Matthew, Mark, Luke, John and Paul in faith development By Kathleen Sullivan Staff Writer
In his new book, School of Theology and Ministry Associate Professor Thomas Stegman, SJ, turns to the major voices of the New Testament — Matthew, Mark, Luke, John and Paul — for portrayals of the life of faith that can serve to both instruct and inspire readers. “The Bible teaches us that the life of faith is grounded in the faithfulness of God,” said Fr. Stegman, who teaches the New Testament. “Christian faith is, first and foremost, about an encounter with Jesus, an invitation to be in relationship with Jesus.” In Opening the Door of Faith: Encountering Jesus and His Call to Discipleship, Fr. Stegman identifies a passage from each writer and then four unique aspects of faith the writer develops. For example, Fr. Stegman cites the Beatitudes in Matthew, a gospel that emphasizes righteousness, learning the ways of Jesus, community and compassion. Here, the disciples are learners who are called to be teachers of Jesus’ ways. In the Acts of the Apostles, Luke’s description of the early church emphasizes themes of boldness (from the Holy Spirit), generosity, hospitality and prayer. Fr. Stegman concludes the book with a synthesis of all the themes that offers an overarching depiction of the life of faith in the New Testament: encounter with Jesus; call to discipleship and mission; empowerment of the Spirit; prayer and sacrament; community of faith, and connection between
faith and evangelization. Fr. Stegman says he sees Opening the Door as a natural extension of the discussions on faith started by Pope Benedict and continued by Pope Francis. “Pope Benedict announced the Year of Faith with the apostolic letter, ‘The Door of Faith’ (Porta Fidei). Pope Francis’s first encyclical, Lumen Fidei, was the continuation of Pope Benedict’s work on the third theological virtue, faith. Francis’s apostolic exhortation, Evangelii Gaudium (‘Joy of the Gospel’), ties the life of faith — understood primarily as relationship with Christ — to the new evangelization. “The word evangelization can summon up ideas of door-to-door proselytizing,” said Fr. Stegman. “This is not what the Holy Father means. Pope Francis says we evangelize when we live lives transfigured by God’s presence.” According to Fr. Stegman, Opening the Door is geared for adult faith groups, Bible study groups, advanced high school and beginning college instruction, as well as for the people in the pew who want to deepen their encounter with Christ. Each chapter concludes with questions for prayer and reflection. The book is dedicated to Fr. Stegman’s late friend and colleague Daniel Harrington, SJ, an internationally renowned biblical scholar who taught in the School of Theology and Ministry. “Dan was all about making the best of biblical scholarship accessible,” said Fr. Stegman. “I hope, in my small way, that I have done that with this book.”
Mentoring Network to Hold Forum on Diversity The National Research Mentoring Network at Boston College will host “Diversity Toward Institutional Transformation” on Oct. 16. The event features a panel discussion from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Yawkey Center’s Murray Room and a keynote address at 3 p.m. by University of California-Berkeley Professor of Biology John Matsui in Higgins 300. The events will be moderated Professor of Biology David Burgess, a leader of the $19-million National Institutes of Health initiative to diversify the ranks of biomedical researchers in the US. For more information, see http://bit.ly/1LbIGCr.
Connell School of Nursing junior S. Chiamaka Okorie emigrated from Nigeria to America when she was eight, but since she started her nursing studies the thought of returning to Africa had been on her mind. Over the summer, she fulfilled that wish and, for good measure, also was able to put her talents to work on a pressing public health problem in Africa. Okorie traveled to Ghana on an Amanda V. Houston Traveling Fellowship to conduct a research project on malaria prevention as a volunteer with the Ghana Health and Education Initiative (GHEI), a non-governmental organization. As a GHEI field coordinator, Okorie worked with other volunteers and local community health workers on comprehensive surveys that gauged the success of past malaria interventions and identified opportunities for new interventions. The survey asked detailed questions about malaria, family planning, pre-natal and post-natal care, said Okorie. As field coordinator, she was responsible for keeping track of how many surveys were submitted, completed or in need of revision. Okorie’s volunteer work informed her independent research project, “Perceived Susceptibility to Malaria: An Evaluation of Bed Net Usage of Ghanaian Mothers and Children under Five.” Okorie is a scholar in the Connell School’s KILN (Keys to Inclusive Leadership in Nursing) program, an initiative that assists students in maximizing their leadership potential, prepares them for the challenges of providing nursing care in an increasingly multicultural society and nurtures their ability to create positive social change.
“GHEI provided me with experience in epidemiology and taught me what it meant to do public health and organize a nongovernmental organization in a low-resource setting,” said Okorie, who plans to pursue a career in public health. “I am still working on the data we collected, but I am hoping
In her spare time, she was able to visit the local markets and farms, take in some music and cooking lessons and tour Kakum National Park. “My favorite moment in Ghana was visiting Cape Coast Castle, where slaves were held before their departure. Learning more about this aspect of Ghanaian
Connell School of Nursing junior S. Chiamaka Okorie during her summer research project in Ghana, funded through the Amanda V. Houston Traveling Fellowship.
to show a correlation between strong pre-natal and post-natal care and the usage of bed nets in mothers and children under five years old, the two most high-risk populations. “The complexities of public health became even clearer to me,” she continued. “As I have learned in nursing, each intervention must be carefully and individually woven. I intended to only focus on mothers, babies and malaria, but saw the way other factors, like education, financial situation and distance from a healthcare facility shaped each case. It was a humbling opportunity to assess data quantitatively and see, in front of me, the qualitative picture.” While in Ghana, Okorie had the opportunity to tour the Bibiani Government Hospital and meet the doctors and nurses.
From mid-May to early June, eight undergraduates representing a range of class years, schools and majors joined Professor of English Suzanne Matson for a three-week creative writing experience at the foothills of the Himalayas. Dubbed “Writing Out of Place,” the three-credit course required participants to express their experience of a new location—and dislocation from the familiar—through narrative non-fiction, poetry and fiction. Their destination—Mussoorie, India—was born from Matson’s interest in the place where her mother, the child of Mennonite missionaries, grew up. Once a part of Nepal, Mussoorie—known as a hill station due to its relative elevation—is located about 290 kilometers north of the national capital of New Delhi. Read more about “Writing Out of Place” at http:// bit.ly/1WnJOEQ.
history and the conditions of the slaves was heart-wrenching but inspirational. It made me realize the future I hope to have is very much rooted in a history and struggle that is greater than me. “I am very grateful to African and African Diaspora Studies Department for the Amanda V. Houston Traveling Fellowship, which supported this enriching opportunity to work with GHEI and research. I am especially thankful for my research advisor, [O’Neill Library Instructional Services Manager] Kwasi Sarkodie-Mensah, and mentors across the Connell School of Nursing for encouraging and guiding me.” Read Okorie’s blog post about her experience in Ghana at http:// bit.ly/1KdoglL. Contact Kathleen Sullivan at kathleen.sullivan@bc.edu
T he B oston C ollege
Chronicle october 1, 2015
Lee Pellegrini
“These security enhancements should have few noticeable effects on the University experience, while better enabling us to protect all members of our community and safeguard our property.” –John King
Continued from page 1 Chestnut Hill and Newton campuses, and security upgrades to Gasson, Lyons, Devlin and Fulton halls and Burns and O’Neill libraries. A new radio system will also be installed for BC Police. Subsequent phases will include the installation of Wi-Fi card readers on remaining Upper, Newton and Lower Campus residence halls, upgrades to the BCPD Command Center, installation of new blue light emergency phones throughout campus, and security upgrades to Bapst, Burns and O’Neill libraries and all remaining academic and administrative buildings. “The purpose of these security enhancements is to create the safest possible environment for our faculty, staff and students,” said Provost and Dean of Faculties David Quigley. “By adding card access to academic and administrative buildings and lab facilities, and improving security on perimeter doors, we will bring the University in line with best practices at peer institutions regarding personal safety and the protection of intellectual property.” Added Vice President for Stu-
The Career Center held the Diversity and Leadership Networking Reception on Sept. 17 in Conte Forum, offering an opportunity for potential employers to meet with Boston College student athletes, students with disabilities and AHANA and LGBTQ students. Photos by Lee Pellegrini
dent Affairs Barb Jones, “The safety of our students is our highest priority. As a result, we have just committed to improvements that will enhance on-campus security and meet best practices nationally. We expect that this investment will have long-term benefits for the entire Boston College community.” In addition to offering prox, swipe and PIN code technology on all residence hall door locks, the upgrade also calls for security cameras to monitor residence hall exits, which will replicate security features currently in Walsh Hall, and for exit-delay devices to be installed on exterior doors in residence halls to prevent propping. “These security enhancements should have few noticeable effects on the University experience, while better enabling us to protect all members of our community and safeguard our property,” said King. “We look forward to working collaboratively with faculty, students and staff to ensure a successful implementation in the months to come.” Contact Jack Dunn at jack.dunn@bc.edu
Members of the Boston College community were featured in media coverage of Pope Francis’ visit to the US. A sampling: •A report from the BC campus by New England Cable News underscored the pope’s popularity with young people; the segment [which can be viewed at http://bit.ly/1GeCcvf ] featured remarks by Prof. Thomas Groome (STM), director of the Church in the 21st Century Center. •Canisius Professor of Theology and Jesuit Institute Director James Keenan, SJ, previewed the papal vist on BBC Radio. •Roche Center for Catholic Education Executive Director Patricia Weitzel-O’Neill of the Lynch School of Education spoke with Vox.com on why the pope chose to address Congress. •Theology faculty members Prof. Stephen Pope and Assoc. Prof. Rev. James Weiss addressed the pope’s approach to hot-button political issues – Pope on Boston Herald Radio “Newsfeed,” Weiss on Al Jazeera America. •Clough Millennium Professor of History Weitzel-O’Neill James O’Toole wrote an historical perspective on America and the papcy for We’re History.com. •Center for Ignatian Spirituality Director Joseph O’Keefe, SJ, reflected on the Jesuit pontiff ’s visit in an interview with Fox News Boston. •Prof. James Bretzke, SJ (STM), in Philadelphia to see the pope, was interviewed about the visit on WRKO “Boston.com Morning Show” and was quoted twice by USA Today.
Gary Gilbert
Three-Year Effort Will Upgrade Campus Security
BOSTON COLLEGE IN THE MEDIA
NOTA BENE “The Alliance Politics of Concerted Accommodation: Entente Bargaining and Italian and Ottoman Interventions in the First World War,” an article published by Associate Professor of Political Science Timothy Crawford in Security Studies, received an honorable mention from the International History and Politics division of the American Political Science Association for its Outstanding Article of 2015 Award. Boston College has the best collegiate Facebook page in the country, according to the blog Hubspot [http:// blog.hubspot.com/marketing/best-college-facebook-pages]. Hubspot praised the BC Facebook page [facebook.com/BostonCollege] — which is maintained by the Office of News & Public Affairs — for its engagement with “fans, followers, and other departments and schools within the college.” The American Chemical Society announced that Louise and Jim Vanderslice and Family Professor of Chemistry Emeritus Lawrence T. Scott will receive one of the 2016 Arthur C. Cope Scholar Awards. The awards – which consist of $5,000, a certificate, and a $40,000 unrestricted research grant – were established in 1984 “to recognize and encourage excellence in organic chemistry.”
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Some of China’s children are now being taught in a style that’s more typically American, focused less on memorization for grueling exams and more on thinking and reason, thanks to Prof. Mike Barnett (LSOE). His methods, already at use in 500 US schools and now being introduced to the Chinese curriculum, were featured by CBS News. [Watch the segment at http://cbsn.ws/1iHQQFF] Immigration alone did not bring about Boston’s renaissance--but its importance as a catalyst can’t be denied, Prof. Marilynn Johnson (History) wrote in a piece for the Boston Globe “Ideas” section. Her book The New Bostonians: How Immigrants Have Transformed the Metro Region since the 1960s looks at the 50 years since the Immigration Act was signed into law on Oct. 3, 1965. Prof. Alan Wolfe (Political Science), director of the Boisi Center for Religion and American Public Life, wrote on libertarianism as a political movement and an outlook on life in an essay for Commonweal. Research by Asst. Prof. Sean Martin (CSOM) that explores the effect of an organization’s stories on members’ behavior was highlighted by Harvard Business Review.
JOBS The following are among the most recent positions posted by the Department of Human Resources. For more information on employment opportunities at Boston College, see www.bc.edu/offices/hr: Executive Director, Office for Institutional Diversity Administrative Assistant, University Counseling Financial Vice President and Treasurer Career Advisor, Career Center
Connell School of Nursing Assistant Professor Joyce K. Edmonds has received the 2015 Award of Excellence in Education from the Association of Women’s Health, Obstetric and Neonatal Nurses.
Director of Capital Construction Projects, Facilities Management
Connell School of Nursing Associate Professor Jane Flanagan was awarded the American Holistic Nurses Association’s 2015 Research Grant, which will support her study of web-based yoga intervention for breast cancer survivors.
Processing Archivist, O’Neill Library
Earth and Environmental Sciences Professor and Chair John Ebel, former director of the Boston College Weston Observatory, has been elected a fellow of the Geological Society of America for his seismological research, teaching and work to increase public awareness and understanding of earthquakes.
Fiscal Manager, Auxiliary Services
Staff Nurse, Health Services Senior Business Systems Analyst, Student Services Club Coach, Men’s Soccer, Athletics Temporary Office Pool, Human Resources
T he B oston C ollege
Chronicle october 1, 2015
8
NEXT ISSUE: •The 2015-16 Robsham Theater season opens •Monan Professor in Theatre Arts Michelle Miller ’98
Two seminal 19th-century works – both significant in the evolution of American thought and writing, but rarely considered in relation to one another – are the focus of a Burns Library exhibition opening this month, “Nathaniel Hawthorne and Frederick Douglass: Texts and Contexts.” The exhibition, on display from Oct. 15 through Jan. 24, showcases Hawthorne’s The Blithedale Romance (1852) and Douglass’ “The Heroic Slave” (1853). Blithedale, Hawthorne’s third major novel, is set in a utopian socialist community that is undermined by the self-interested behavior of its members. Douglass’ novella follows the development of an enslaved man who first escapes from bondage and then leads a rebellion on board a slave ship. These strikingly different works were released six months apart by publishers located on the same block in downtown Boston. “While Hawthorne’s novel is meditative and ambiguous and Douglass’ story is direct and argumentative, each draws on actual events and features characters who attempt to reform or escape unjust systems,” explains Professor of English Paul Lewis,
Governmental & Community Affairs Office
BC SCENES
tion, in addition to reproductions of engravings and paintings lent by other institutions. A bound volume of The Liberator, an abolitionist newspaper founded in 1831, was borrowed from Providence Public Library, according to Burns Librarian Christian Dupont, associate University librarian for Special Collections. Among the works on display are first or early editions of Douglass’ autobiography and Hawthorne’s fiction, Lewis said, and works by such writers as Louisa May Alcott, T.S. Arthur, Lydia Maria Child, W.E.B. Dubois, Ralph Waldo Emerson, Olaudah “Fighting the Mob in Indiana,” an illustration Equiano, Margaret Fuller, on display at the forthcoming Burns Library Harriet Jacobs, Henry Wadexhibition “Nathaniel Hawthorne and Fredsworth Longfellow, Elizaerick Douglass: Texts and Contexts.” beth Palmer Peabody, Harthe exhibition curator. “Juxtaposed, the works sug- riet Beecher Stowe, Henry David gest different ways in which lit- Thoreau, David Walker, Bookerature absorbs, reflects, engages er T. Washington and Phillis and contributes to contempora- Wheatley. The display grew out an adneous social, economic, political, vanced topic seminar for English and cultural life.” [Burns will host an opening majors on literary Boston from reception for the exhibit on Oct. 1790 to 1860, taught last spring 21 at 5:30 p.m.; for information, by Lewis. For one assignment, students researched a specific call ext.2-4823.] The exhibition comprises context – such as women’s rights some 30 original works from the and temperance reform for HawBurns Library’s Boston Collec- thorne’s novel, and abolitionism
Duncan Johnson
and representations of the heroic for Douglass’ story – and related texts and images that could illustrate these ideas in an exhibit. Lewis then worked with English Department doctoral student Scott Reznick, the display’s associate curator, to develop the exhibit. “In many respects, Frederick Douglass and Nathaniel Hawthorne could not be more different,” Reznick said. “Douglass was a black abolitionist ardently committed to social and political reform while Hawthorne harbored conservative viewpoints. Yet both exhibited an ability to think deeply about what it meant to live in an era of unrest. I hope viewers come away with an appreciation for the way two writers, who seem to have few similarities, wound up crafting imaginative responses to a similar set of concerns,” he added. Placing these works in wid-
er contexts, the curators note, conjures up the world in which they were written and with which they were deeply, if differently, engaged. The array of writers and thinkers represented in the exhibit underscore important elements of the complex historical moment in which Douglass and Hawthorne lived and wrote. “Just seeing this remarkable collection of American books is illuminating,” according to Lewis. “At a time when texts are often accessed electronically, looking at first and early editions is a form of time travel that connects us to the experience of their first readers. Beyond this, each of the two main works is surrounded by others that highlight the complex and varied interconnectedness of literature, politics, and culture broadly defined.” Contact Rosanne Pellegrini at rosanne.pellegrini@bc.edu
“Taking the Stand” Oct. 7, 7 p.m. Higgins 300
Award-winning filmmaker Bernhard Rammerstorfer will present his latest book and film, Taking the Stand. He will be accompanied by Austrian native Hermine Liska, who was torn from her parents’ custody and had to resist Nazi authority while only a pre-teen. For more information, call (617)552-3895.
ON INTO AUTUMN
Annual events, both on and off campus, involved the Boston College community during the past two weeks as summer turned to fall. (Left) the BC Screaming Eagles Marching Band took part in the Allston-Brighton Parade this past Sunday. (Above left) School of Social Work student Jae Yong Kim had his blood pressure taken at Healthapalooza, where (above center) Chris Roy demonstrated the Can Do Exercise Band to students. Parents’ Weekend activities this past Friday included “open houses” with deans, administrators and faculty of BC’s undergraduate schools: Above right, Asst. Prof. Aurelia Campbell (Fine Arts) spoke with Valerie Razis ’89 (mother of freshman Michael Razis) and Morrissey College and Graduate School of Arts and Sciences Director of Development David Cave. Lower right, Connell School of Nursing Dean Susan Gennaro enjoyed a conversation with Molly Smith ’19 and her mother Stephanie.
Christopher Huang
By Rosanne Pellegrini Staff Writer