Boston College Chronicle by Boston College

The Boston College

Chronicle Published by the Boston College Office of News & Public Affairs march 12, 2015 VOL. 22 no. 12

•BC Pep Band’s secret weapon, page 2 •Photos: BC-Sox game a tribute to Frates, page 2

A&S Will Be Named for Former Trustee Morrissey Gift makes 1960 alumnus largest benefactor in history of Boston College By Jack Dunn Director of News & Public Affairs

•First-ever Commencement Fair, page 2 •BC Relay for Life passes $1m mark, page 2 •University hosts conference on law under Nazis, page 3

Boston College has announced that it will name its College of Arts and Sciences in honor of Robert J. Morrissey, a 1960 graduate of Boston College and a prominent Boston attorney and investor who, with this latest

commitment, will become the largest benefactor in the University’s history. Terms of his gift were not disclosed. Morrissey served as University Trustee from 1980-2014, and has chaired the Committee on Investment and Endowment since 1981. His leadership and investment acumen have played a decisive role in the growth of Boston College’s endowment over the past 35 years from $18 million to more than $2.2 billion. “The Robert J. Morrissey College of Arts and Sciences is a fit- Robert Morrissey Mark Alcarez

INSIDE

23 Faculty Are Promoted

•LSOE service trip to Jamaica, page 4 •Pastry chef is sweet on BC, page 4

•ISR Director Doherty receives honor, page 4 •Budding filmmaker chosen for King Scholarship, page 5 •Q&A with Burns Scholar in Irish Studies Damian Bracken, page 6 •Irish events on campus, page 6 •BC grad Bryce Pinkham to make visit, page 6 •Meet UGBC’s new leadership team, page 7 •Fine Arts’ Stoney Conley showcases ‘Northern Sky,’ page 8 •Photos: ‘Sing It to the Heights’ show, page 8

ting tribute to an alumnus whose commitment, service and generosity provide such a powerful example, and will have a lasting impact on Boston College,” said University President William P. Leahy, SJ. “Bob Morrissey has long appreciated the value of a liberal arts education, and has been grateful to his alma mater for his undergraduate experience. He has devoted much of his life to advancing the University, and now his name will forever be connected to the College of Arts and Continued on page 3

School of Social Work student Jennifer Colvin, left, with her grandmother Claudette and mother Cheryl at last month’s campus event honoring Claudette for her contributions to civil rights. (Photo by Lee Pellegrini)

For BCSSW Student, Civil Rights Struggle a Family Legacy By Sean Smith Chronicle Editor

History has been a constant presence in the lives of Boston College School of Social Work student Jennifer Colvin and her family. For the Colvins, history became personal 60 years ago this month – on March 2, 1955 – in Montgomery, Alabama, when Jennifer’s grandmother, Claudette Colvin, made a fateful decision: She refused to give up her seat to a white woman on a segregated bus, and was promptly arrested and thrown in jail. It was an unprecedented act of defiance in the segregation-era

South, especially given that Claudette Colvin was all of 15 years old. Almost a year later, Colvin became a plaintiff in a federal civil action lawsuit against Montgomery and Alabama bus segregation laws. She and her fellow plaintiffs won in district court, and their victory was upheld by the US Supreme Court in November of 1956. But for decades, Claudette’s act was overshadowed by that of Rosa Parks, even though it occurred nine months before Parks’ similar refusal to heed Montgomery’s bus segregation laws attracted international attention – and, in the eyes of many, helped set in motion the Continued on page 5

QUOTE:

University President William P. Leahy, SJ, has announced the promotions of 23 Boston College faculty members. College of Arts and Sciences faculty promoted to full professor were: Marc-Jan Gubbels, Biology; Andrew Sofer, English; Renato Mirollo, Mathematics; Kenneth Kersch, Political Science; and Scott Cummings, Theatre. Also promoted to full professor was Stephanie Green of the Carroll School of Management Business Law Department. Faculty promoted to associate professor with tenure were: Richard Albert and Paulo Barrozo of the Law School; Henrik Hagtvedt (Marketing) and Spencer Harrison (Management and Organization) of the Carroll School; Kelly Stamp and Lichuan Ye (Adult Health) and Melissa Sutherland (Community Health) of the Connell School of Nursing; and, from A&S, Ehri Ryu (Psychology), Sylvia Sellers-Garcia (History), Joshua Greene (Mathematics), Andrea Staiti (Philosophy), Kenneth Burch (Physics), Regine Jean-Charles (Romance Languages and Literatures), Jeffery Cooley (Theology), and Brian Gareau and Sara Moorman (Sociology). –Office of News & Public Affairs

Mathematician Geraghty Awarded Sloan Fellowship By Ed Hayward Staff Writer

Assistant Professor of Mathematics David Geraghty has been awarded a prestigious 2015 Sloan Research Fellowship by the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation. Geraghty is among the 126 outstanding US and Canadian researchers – including only 20 in mathematics – chosen this year to receive the fellowships, which are given to early-career scientists and

scholars whose achievements and potential identify them as rising stars among the next generation of scientific leaders. Geraghty’s selection marked the fourth Sloan fellowship for a Mathematics Department faculty member in the last three years, along with that of Associate Professor Joshua E. Greene and Assistant Professors Maksym Fedorchuk and David Treumann. The achievement puts BC in the company of Continued on page 3

“We are links in a chain. One year we might build a foundation for a home. The next year, when we return, the house has been finished by other mission trip volunteers, but we are needed to install windows in a new building.” –Assoc. Prof. Alec Peck (LSOE), organizer of the school’s Jamaica service trip, page 4

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Chronicle march 12, 2015

A ROUND

C AMPUS

HE’S WITH THE BAND Like many six-year-olds, Andres Jay plays the recorder in his school band. Except that, for Andres, his school happens to be Boston College – and his band is the BC Pep Band, with whom he’s been playing at BC hockey games since 2012. In fact, Andres’ tenure precedes that of current BC Pep Band director Tim Leonelli. “When I became the director in 2013, I was a little shocked to see the new member,” Leonelli says.

MORE THAN A GAME

Andres’ role in it. He knew there was something special about this friendship – the band members had even made it a learning experience, teaching Andres how their instruments worked. Leonelli also recalled how band conductor Tyler Salomon had given a smiling Andres lessons, and the idea just came to him. “I just had an idea,” he says. “Let’s have Andres conduct ‘For Boston’ at an upcoming game.” So on Feb. 14, before a tilt

At their 25th spring training exhibition game on March 3, Boston College and the Boston Red Sox paid special tribute to former BC captain Pete Frates ‘07, now an inspirational crusader in the fight against ALS, by wearing jerseys with Frates’ name and old number, 3. (Left, BC senior Travis Ferrick with Allen Craig of the Red Sox.)

Right, Frates’ mother Nancy held a smartphone so the team could personally offer their best wishes to Frates back in Massachusetts. The jerseys used for the game will be auctioned off for Frates’ No. 3 Fund, which supports a variety of ALS-related charities. Read more at http:// on.today.com/1F8juHM. Six-year-old Andres Jay, who has become a regular in the BC Pep Band, had a chance to conduct the ensemble during a recent hockey game. Watch the video at http://bit.ly/1G6IOMv. (Video still)

“But he is a welcome part of the band now and I value his presence at the game.” Andres’ presence has grown over three years, says Leonelli. He’s become comfortable with the band members, who all call him a friend. He even requests songs to be played from time to time. His little recorder is such a noticeable piece of the ensemble sound that it seems like something’s missing when he’s not there. So Leonelli decided he wanted to do something more for Andres. One night while driving home from a game, Leonelli reflected on the band’s performance and

against the University of Vermont, Leonelli asked Andres’ father, longtime season ticket holder Andrew Jay, if Andres could lead the band. Andrew was obviously surprised, but he was open to the idea as long Andres was up for it. Of course, Andres was incredibly excited about the opportunity, and enthusiastically led the band through their trademark fight song. “Out of all the nights he’s played with the band, his smile that night was just incredible,” Leonelli says. “It will be one of my most memorable moments with the Pep Band.” –Michael Maloney

For the past eight years, thousands of Boston College students and staff have raised money for the American Cancer Society by participating in the ACS’s annual “Relay for Life” event held on campus. Last month, Boston College reached the $1 million mark in donations, making it the first Massachusetts college or university to hit this fundraising level for the American Cancer Society. In fact, BC is one of the top 15 collegiate Relay for Life events in the nation. More than 120 teams have registered for this year’s event BC Relay for Life, which takes place March 20-21. See www.relayforlife.org/bc. 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

Photos by Jim Pierce

THE FIRST STEPS TO COMMENCEMENT Commencement planning can be overwhelming. Just ask any senior. Now, Boston College hopes to make the transition from student to graduate a little easier for the Class of 2015 by holding the first annual Commencement Fair on March 24 and 25 in the Yawkey Center’s Murray Room. The Commencement Fair will offer an array of activities for soon-to-be graduates. Students will be able to pre-register for their cap and gown order; join the Senior Gift honor roll; purchase items such as GOLD alumni football tickets, Senior Week tickets or a class ring; meet with the Career Center; complete a Financial Aid exit interview; and learn how to download the Commencement mobile site [www.bc.edu/2015]. Representatives from the Lynch School of Education, Connell School of Nursing, Carroll School of Management, College of Arts and Sciences, School of Social Work and Woods College of Advancing Studies will all be on hand to discuss graduation requirements. “This is a great opportunity for all those preparing to graduate to accomplish all they need in preparation for commencement,” said Vice President and University Secretary Terry Devino, SJ. “We look forward to assisting our graduates with all things Commencement for graduation is right around the corner.” The Commencement Fair will be held from noon-5 p.m. on March 24 and 1-7 p.m. on March 25. Additional information is available at www.bc.edu/commencement or by calling ext.2-4330. –Melissa Beecher

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The Boston College Chronicle (USPS 009491), the internal newspaper for faculty and staff, is published biweekly from September to May by Boston College, with editorial offices at the Office of News & Public Affairs, 14 Mayflower Road, Chestnut Hill, MA 02467 (617)552-3350. Distributed free to faculty and staff offices and other locations on campus. Periodicals postage paid at Boston, MA and additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: send address changes to The Boston College Chronicle, Office of News & Public Affairs, 14 Mayflower Road, Chestnut Hill, MA 02467.

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Chronicle march 12, 2015

Forum Examines Role of Law in Rise of Nazis Scholars from Germany, Israel and France as well as the United States came to Boston College earlier this week for a two-day conference that examined the legal dimensions in Germany’s transition to a totalitarian state under Nazi rule – and, organizers said, “paved the way for the worst genocidal occurrence in the 20th century.” “Legally Blind: Law, Ethics, and the Third Reich,” which took place Tuesday and yesterday, focused on law in Nazi Germany and its role in such areas as the removal of Jewish lawyers and judges, medicine, the Nuremberg Trials, and religion. College of Arts and Sciences Interim Dean Gregory Kalscheur, SJ, and a number of BC faculty members from a range of academic disciplines served as panel chairs and panelists. “As a scholar whose work has explored the question of how we might understand the relationship between law and morality in contemporary American society, I’m pleased that such a distinguished group of scholars has come to BC from across the nation and around the world to participate in the ‘Legally Blind’ conference,” said Fr. Kalscheur, who offered opening remarks. “An important jurisprudential

“My Boston College education had a transformational effect on my life. I am especially grateful for the faculty at Boston College who served as my teachers and mentors, particularly the members of the Society of Jesus. My classmates and I were often the first in our families to get a chance at higher education, but we knew that we were part of something special, and of great importance to our families – Boston College.” –Robert Morrissey ’60

(L-R) Donald Fishman, Timothy Ryback, Raymond Helmick, SJ, and John Romeiser held a panel discussion on Tuesday as part of the “Legally Blind: Law, Ethics, and the Third Reich” conference. (Photo by Robyn Gesek)

tradition holds that law properly understood is a moral teacher, a teacher of virtue,” Fr. Kalscheur said. “If we want to take that tradition seriously we need to take a hard look at the ways in which the abuse of legal mechanisms have been used to institutionalize injustice and immorality under the guise of law. “As Judge John Noonan reminded us in his book, Persons and Masks of the Law, lawyers and judges have at times used the law to create masks that hide from our eyes the persons whose lives are affected by the law. It is my hope that the ‘Legally Blind’ conference, by focusing our attention on a horrible misuse of a legal system, can remind us of the importance of keeping our eyes open to what our own legal system is teaching us now and how it is shaping our society and our

characters today,” he added. Accompanying the conference was the traveling exhibit “Lawyers without Rights,” which reflects the fate of Jewish lawyers in Germany from 1933 on. Sponsors were the Winston Center for Leadership and Ethics; Clough Center for the Study of Constitutional Democracy; Laura and Lorenz Reibling Foundation; Fine Arts Department/Film Studies Program; Jewish Studies Program; Faith, Peace and Justice Program; Woods College of Advancing Studies; German Studies Department; Center for Christian-Jewish Learning; and the Center for Human Rights and International Justice. For more on the conference, see www.bc.edu/schools/cas/finearts/lawreich.html. –Office of News & Public Affairs

Continued from page 1 MIT and Princeton University as the only universities to have four or more math faculty members named Sloan Research Fellows since 2013. “David has made fundamental contributions to number theory, and the recognition provided by this Sloan Fellowship is well-deserved,” said Mathematics Department Chairman Solomon Friedberg, the James P. McIntyre Professor of Mathematics, and himself a Sloan Fellow early in his career. “I congratulate David on this award and on the achievements that led to it.” A native of Dublin, Ireland, Geraghty earned his undergraduate degree at Cambridge University and his doctorate at Harvard University. Prior to joining BC in 2013, he was a Veblen Research Instructor for three years at Princeton University and the Institute for Advanced Study. Geraghty’s research focuses on algebraic number theory and the sub-area of the Langlands program, a four-decades-old theoretical initiative probing the links between Galois representations and modular forms, areas respectively of modern algebra and complex analysis previously believed to be

Gary Wayne Gilbert

Geraghty Joins Math Colleagues as Sloan Fellow

David Geraghty

unrelated. “I’m very excited to be named a Sloan Research Fellow and grateful to the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation for this recognition,” said Geraghty, who teaches both undergraduate and graduate courses. “I’m thankful to my colleagues, who put my name forward for this honor, and their belief in my work.” Geraghty said the funding would support the collaborative nature of highly theoretical mathematics, taking him to conferences and workshops where scholars are pushing the boundaries of the discipline.

Friedberg noted that, with Geraghty’s selection, the Mathematics faculty includes seven Sloan Fellowship recipients. “In addition to four Sloan Fellowships, in recent years our faculty have received National Science Foundation CAREER Awards, Simons Fellowships and the AWM Birman Research Prize,” said Friedberg. “It’s exciting to be at BC at a time when so many faculty members are doing scholarship at such a high level and getting the recognition they so richly deserve.” Administered and funded by the Sloan Foundation, the fellowships are awarded in eight scientific fields—chemistry, computer science, economics, mathematics, evolutionary and computational molecular biology, neuroscience, ocean sciences, and physics. Fellows receive $50,000 to be used to further their research. Past Sloan fellows have gone on to receive some of the highest honors in science, engineering, economics and mathematics, including 43 Nobel Prizes, 16 Fields Medals in mathematics, 65 National Medals of Science and 14 John Bates Clark Medals in economics. Contact Ed Hayward at ed.hayward@bc.edu

Morrissey to Be Namesake for College of Arts and Sciences Continued from page 1 Sciences at Boston College.” The oldest and largest of the University’s eight schools and colleges, the Morrissey College of Arts and Sciences comprises 6,867 undergraduate and graduate students and 450 full- and part-time faculty within 22 academic departments. As an affirmation of its commitment to the liberal arts, in 2013 Boston College opened Stokes Hall, a $78 million humanities building that is home to several A&S departments and programs, and in recent years has made significant investments in the social and natural sciences. “This gift marks a major milestone in the life of Boston College,” said Provost and Dean of Faculties David Quigley. “Henceforth, all Boston College students will benefit from this substantial investment in the University. I’m thankful for this unrestricted gift and its statement of belief in and support for Boston College.” A native of Watertown who was raised by his mother after his father’s early death, Morrissey commuted to Boston College during his student years. After graduating from Boston College cum laude with a degree in economics, Morrissey earned a law degree at Harvard Law School before joining the firm of Withington, Cross, Park & Groden, where he became a partner at the age of 30. In 1990, he cofounded the Boston-based law firm Morrissey, Hawkins and Lynch, where he currently serves as senior partner. “My Boston College education had a transformational effect on my life,” said Morrissey. “I am especially grateful for the faculty at Boston College who served as my teachers and mentors, particularly the members of the Society of Jesus. My classmates and I were often the first in our families to get a chance at higher education, but we knew that we were part of something special and of great importance

to our families – Boston College.” Morrissey said that he joined the BC Board of Trustees as a way of giving back to his alma mater, which had played such a pivotal role in his formation. “When I got involved as an alumnus 35 years ago, the University had limited financial resources. Growing those resources became my priority, because I knew that doing so would change the lives of future generations of Boston College students.” “No individual has contributed more to the growth of the endowment that is so critical to our future than Bob Morrissey,” said John Fish, chairman of the University’s Board of Trustees. “As a trustee, Bob has devoted countless hours to advancing Boston College and has played a unique role in making Boston College what it is today. We are all indebted to him.” In addition to his work on behalf of Boston College, Morrissey has also served on the investment committees for the Society of Jesus at the Vatican and in New England, as well as the Archdiocese of Boston. He is a member of the Dean’s Advisory Board of Harvard Law School, and chairman of the Board of Directors of Belmont Savings Bank. He received an honorary Doctor of Laws degree from Boston College in 2014. Morrissey and his wife, Alyce, are the parents of five children, all graduates of Boston College. Regular attendees at athletic and campus events, they have long described Boston College as their “home away from home.” Citing the three loves of his life as his family, faith and Boston College, Morrissey said he was happy to support his alma mater. “I have been truly blessed,” he said, “and I am pleased to give back to Boston College for all that it has given me.” Contact Jack Dunn at jack.dunn@bc.edu

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Chronicle march 12, 2015

Lynch School Service Trip Carries Something Extra By Kathleen Sullivan Staff Writer

When Lynch School of Education Associate Professor Alec Peck and Boston College students made their annual service trip to Jamaica last week, they brought with them a monetary gift from a BC alumnus and parent who wanted the group to make an even bigger impact on those they ministered to on their visit. Every spring break for the past 15 years, Peck and 18-20 BC undergraduates have traveled to Jamaica on a volunteer service mission to the Mustard Seed Communities. Founded by BC alumnus Father Gregory Ramkissoon, Mustard Seed Communities is a charitable organization that provides housing, care and education to more than 500 abandoned children. Most of the residents have physical or mental disabilities, while others have HIV or are teen mothers. The Mustard Seed Communities originated in Jamaica in 1978 and has expanded to Nicaragua, Zimba-

part of BC’s International Volunteers Corps (now Jesuit International Volunteer Corps). In addition to his teaching duties, Sullivan got involved with Alpha Boys School in Kingston, an orphanage for hundreds of boys run by the Sisters of Mercy. He lived in the convent and worked with the youngsters at Alpha House. Now an executive in New York, Sullivan chronicled his time at Alpha House in the award-winning book Raising Gentle Men: Lives at the Orphanage Edge. A parent of a BC alumnus and two current BC students, Sullivan asked the Mustard Seed volunteers to distribute the funds in Jamaica as they saw fit. “I saw this as a gift that would not only help, but also force students to grow. I knew this gift would trigger thoughtful, discerned discussion. Instead of merely reflecting on the problems they saw, these students would have the power to help. But it was limited. So it was a gift, but I thought of it as a challenge.” The donation will go to purchase items deemed of critical importance

Transition a Treat for Pastry Chef cial pastries for the holidays and his monthly themes. This month features lemon financier with sweetened vanilla bean creme fraiche and cherry pistachio white chocolate nut tart; next month’s French theme will offer a bittersweet Caitlin Cunningham chocolate chambord tart with fresh raspberries. “We’re trying to bring some of those luxury market items and the five-star pastry dining to the Boston College campus,” says Fonseca. Fonseca loves the change in scenery – “working around students and the el Channel and Food Network while culture of young energy has been very earning rave reviews from a number refreshing” – and embraces the chal- of area newspapers, Fonseca says he’s lenge that comes with diverse orders addicted to the creativity, focus and and multiple campus locations. precision that pastry requires, and he’s “We might have 300 dozen cook- hoping that’s the recipe for getting ies on the same day we have a very high marks from his new audience. high-end dessert going out for a VIP “Someone said to me they could event, so being able to juggle the two never imagine there being a gold leaf sides has definitely been an interesting on a cupcake here at BC a year ago, change.” but now they’re actually seeing it.” Having been featured on the Trav–Sean Hennessey

Boston College Dining Services’ new executive pastry chef wants to take your mind off of academics, if only for a moment. “I want whatever we make to haunt them just a little bit,” says Tim Fonseca with a laugh. “I want students and faculty to wake up in the middle of the night thinking about something other than their studies. I want them thinking about that pastry experience they had and wanting more of it.” Fonseca is enjoying his first year at BC after gaining an international flair through 16 years as executive pastry chef at Boston’s premier hotel, the Four Seasons. When he arrived here last semester, he found a bakery team full of talent already performing at a high standard. Now, he just wants to raise that bar a little higher through attention to “the quality of the ingredients, the flavors, the visual look of how we’re doing things,” he says. “Incrementally, we’re bringing a little bit of that to every aspect of the operation.“ Fonseca has been introducing spe-

Doherty Honored for Navigation Research Boston College students during last week’s service trip to the Mustard Seed Communities in Jamaica. (Photo courtesy Alec Peck)

bwe and the Dominican Republic. The message of the Mustard Seed Communities is a simple, but powerful one: “No child will be abandoned twice.” During their weeklong stay at Mustard Seed-Jamaica, Peck and the students provide about five hours of direct care a day for the residents, helping with dressing, feeding and transportation. For the bulk of the day, the volunteers take on a work project. “We are links in a chain,” explained Peck. “One year we might build a foundation for a home. The next year, when we return, the house has been finished by other mission trip volunteers, but we are needed to install windows in a new building. “The organization absolutely depends on the volunteers,” he added. This year, the BC group arrived in Jamaica with a financial gift of $6,000 from alumnus Jay Sullivan ’84 and his wife Mary. Following his graduation from BC, Jay Sullivan taught in Jamaica for two years as

to the communities: two 96-gallon water tanks and a pump, since the community is often without water; two industrial strength blenders to puree food for students with special needs; a high-capacity washing machine to clean school uniforms, and three ceiling fans for homes that had no cooling mechanisms. Peck – who will be turning over leadership of the trip next year to Assistant Director of Development Betsy Fountain – estimates about 250 BC students have been part of the LSOE Mustard Seed service trip since its inception; some past participants returned on their own to lend a hand. “There are so many worthwhile organizations all over the world that need donations and assistance, but when you visit a place and immerse yourself in it, it becomes personal. It becomes your charity.” To learn more about the Mustard Seed Communities or make a donation, visit www.mustardseed.com. Contact Kathleen Sullivan at kathleen.sullivan@bc.edu

Institute for Scientific Research Director Patricia Doherty’s efforts to promote advanced navigation research throughout the world, and especially in developing countries, have earned her the Captain P.V.H. Weems Award from the Virginiabased Institute of Navigation (ION). Doherty is concluding a two-year term as president of ION, where she has led an international initiative to expand positioning, navigation and timing (PNT) technology and professional development, particularly in developing countries in Africa. “The science of navigation has been a major focus of my career,” said Doherty, whose research interests focus on the ionosphere, space weather and the Global Positioning Satellite System (GPSS). “Using it to make connections with scientists and students from around the world has been particularly rewarding and has served to benefit BC and the ION.” The award – which also recognized Doherty’s service to ION – is given in memory of US Navy Captain Philip Van Horn Weems, a principal co-founder of ION, the world’s premier professional society dedicated to the advancement of the art and science of positioning, navi-

Lee Pellegrini

By Ed Hayward Staff Writer

Patricia Doherty

gation and timing. Doherty has been an active researcher in the area of radio wave propagation for more than 20 years, focusing on ionospheric effects in satellite-based navigation, including Satellite-Based Augmentation Systems (SBAS) and the FAA’s Wide Area Augmentation System. She is the co-chair of the International Working Group, has authored or co-authored over 50 technical papers and in 1995 was a co-recipient of ION’s Burka Award. For the past five years, Doherty has led an initiative to help developing countries derive social and economic benefits from the satellitebased PNT technology. Internation-

al workshops have linked leading PNT scientists from the US and Europe with teams of professors and scientists from African universities. In the future, African governments will be able to use improved PNT capacity to improve food security, natural resource management, emergency location services, surveying and mapping, and greater precision and safety in land, water, and air navigation systems, said Doherty. “Here in the US we most commonly see GPS guide our cars. In the developing world it can be used for precision farming, better emergency services and monitoring scarce natural resources,” explained Doherty. “GPS has many great benefits to society. It’s a phenomenal technology that has been developed and it is free to use. You just have to get out there and use it.” With funding from BC, the International Center for Theoretical Physics, the National Science Foundation, NASA and the US Air Force, Doherty has led workshops in Europe, Africa, South America, the Caribbean, and Southeast Asia. The most recent workshop was conducted in Rwanda. Read the full version of this story at http://bit.ly/1FaM3o0

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Chronicle march 12, 2015

Martin Luther King Jr. Scholarship

Family and Civil Rights History Entwined For Thomas, Film Is Ideal Medium to Tell a Story By Kathleen Sullivan Staff Writer

Junior Cai Thomas says being named the 2015 Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Scholarship winner is “beyond amazing.” “Obviously, MLK was a phenomenal man and to have my name mentioned in the same sentence with him is incredible,” said Thomas, who has visited the King Memorial in Washington, DC, and remembers seeing the hotel in Memphis where the civil rights leader was shot. “I think [people] are now expecting more of me, but if you really want to be excellent in life, that shouldn’t be a problem.” The annual scholarship, presented to a Boston College junior who has demonstrated superior academic achievement, extracurricular leadership, community service and involvement with the African American community and African American issues, was awarded to Thomas at a dinner last month honoring all the finalists. [See http://bit.ly/1Bo3qQA for profiles of MLK Scholarship finalists Julia Biango, Elisa Bushee, Ronald Claude and Afua Laast.] A communication and film studies double major, Thomas has produced and directed a number of film projects, including an eightpart documentary chronicling last year’s Robsham Theater production of “For Colored Girls.” She recently completed a documentary on 2013 BC alumna Blake Bolden, a black professional hockey player for the Boston Blades. Thomas shadowed Bolden for a month, following her from the ice to the locker room to her day job at Innercity Weightlifting, which provides young adults with an alternative to violence and gangs. “I always had an interest in telling stories, though I didn’t know it would specifically involve filmmaking,” said Thomas, who lists Victoria Mahoney, Ava DuVernay, Gina Prince-Bythewood and Issa Rae as among the artists she admires. “Filmmaking allows me to have different moments and experiences. You can tell a story about literally everything and anything through film. There is such a spectrum of content to be covered.” Thomas says one of her favorite things to do is to go to film festivals, such as the Urbanworld Film Festival, a multicultural film festival presented by BET Networks and HBO, and the Athena Film Festival held at Barnard College, which celebrates female filmmakers. Last summer, Thomas attended the Cannes Film Festival. “That was an amazing experience,” said Thomas, who attended panels where practitioners talked about their films, and the process of financing and distribution. “It’s very

Frank Curran

Continued from page 1 American civil rights issues – but one in my family is accomplished. civil rights movement. In recent years, Claudette Col- what happens in the US is not al- But it doesn’t have anything to do vin has shared her experiences, ways what’s happening in the rest with our last name; it’s because we worked hard for what we have, through the book Claudette Col- of the world.” A native of Atlanta who was and for each of us to be our own vin: Twice Toward Justice, authored by Phillip Hoose, as well homeschooled in early childhood, person.” Reflecting on her own journey, as via interviews with the media Jennifer says she feels as if she and through personal appearances “always knew” about her grand- Jennifer says she always had an – including an event sponsored mother. As she grew older, Jen- interest in social issues and doing by BCSSW on Feb. 19 in the nifer began to better appreciate what she could to help others less Heights Room of Corcoran Com- what Claudette had done, and to fortunate. But until recently, that had not translated into a desire to mons, which Jennifer attended respect her for it. “When you’re young, you study social work. along with her mother, Cheryl “I associated social work with (Claudette’s daughter-in-law), a don’t really understand about co-organizer of the 50th anniver- racism and inequality. But when child and family services, or welsary commemoration of the Selma you get older, you realize how fare,” she says. “I didn’t want to the world is. I started to see the get into any of that. And I didn’t civil rights march. Claudette’s story is a compli- interconnectedness of what she want to ‘save the world.’ I wanted cated one, both in its details and went through with everything else to help the community.” But Jennifer began to see a its unfolding, with nuances that going on, and that impressed me connection between these supposdefy a clear-cut, made-for-TV even more.” edly disparate threads narrative. The belated one day last year, recognition of Clauwhen – in the midst dette as a civil rights of pondering the next pioneer brought the stage of her life – she Colvin family into found herself on the public scrutiny, not BCSSW website. She all of it positive or had never been to welcome. NonetheBoston, knew nothless, Jennifer has acing about Boston cepted the fact that College, but as she this pivotal chapter read about the Global in the history of her Practice program, she family also belongs saw a means to develto the history of this “She literally changed America,” says Jennifer Colvin of op professional skills country. her grandmother, Claudette, shown along with Jennifer’s and philosophies that “She literally mother Cheryl at BC last month. (Photo by Lee Pellegrini) could serve a commuchanged America,” Jennifer’s evolving revelations nity of great dimensions. says Jennifer of her grandmother, Jennifer applied, and was acnow retired and living in New about Claudette coincided with York City. “I’m impressed that the growing public and media in- cepted, to BCSSW before she she changed America and indi- terest in her grandmother. Clau- even set foot in Boston. “It all rectly impacted movements all dette, she says, was matter-of-fact seemed so welcoming – the webover the world that stemmed from about all the attention she at- site, the school, BC, Boston.” She felt her decision was vinthe civil rights movement here in tracted, and the events where she was invited to appear. dicated upon hearing BCSSW the US.” “I’d ask her if she was excited Dean Alberto Godenzi’s welcome Proud as she is of her family chronicle, Jennifer is determined about it, and she’d say, ‘I’m too during orientation last fall, which to write her own story, one that old to get excited,’” recalls Jenni- subsequently led to a one-on-one reflects her particular perspectives fer. “For her, it was simply about meeting with Godenzi where she and interests where social justice sharing a memory that is very talked about her life and sources is concerned. She took a step in important to her. An actor can of inspiration – including her that direction by choosing BC- pretend to be a character, and grandmother. That visit, in turn, SSW, where she is enrolled in a singer can sing a song some- prompted Godenzi to invite Clauthe Global Practice concentration one else wrote, but however well dette to speak as part of BCSSW’s and co-leads the Global Forum on they do it, it’s not the same as yearlong focus on race and justice. “I feel very good about my caSocial Issues student group. She’s somebody speaking from their reer goals, and I think a large part also an intern in Boston’s Office memory.” Revisiting that period, howev- of that is the support I’ve received of Fair Housing and Equity; during one recent cold winter night, er, inevitably brought back some from Dean Godenzi and the rest she assisted in the annual census uncomfortable, and painful, as- of BCSSW,” says Jennifer. pects of Claudette’s life that had Does she ever wonder what life of the city’s homeless. “I want to focus on immigrants been private – and now became would be like if her grandmother’s and refugees, and apply social the subject of speculation and dis- story hadn’t become so widely work principles on an internation- cussion in the public arena. More- known? “Every now and then, I think I al basis,” explains Jennifer, a 2013 over, the magnifying glass also was graduate of Georgia State Univer- trained on the Colvin family itself, just want to be average,” she says, smiling. “But average is boring.” sity with a degree in international says Jennifer. “People want to assess you for To read about Claudette Colstudies who spent part of last year in Africa working with refugees. your connections,” she explains. vin’s Feb. 19 appearance at Boston “Because my family is so attached “They ask, ‘Did you make it to College, go to http://bit.ly/1wI3zi9. to American history, I wanted to where you are because of your see what else is out there. I’ll never family, or because you really deContact Sean Smith at give up going to civil rights events serve to?’ My dad’s a CPA, I have sean.smith@bc.edu and will always be interested in a brother who’s a doctor – every-

One of Cai Thomas’ biggest fans, her mother LaChanze, was on hand to watch her receive the 2015 Martin Luther King Jr. Scholarship.

hard to make a film. I don’t think anyone knows how hard it is unless you have done it.” Thomas is native of Miami, where she lived one street over from Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard. She spent two summers as a teacher at Miami’s Breakthrough Collaborative, teaching English to middle school students and offering a basketball elective. “It’s really hard to motivate kids to want to do homework over summer break, but it’s cool to be in a position to not only mentor and nurture these children, but also to educate them. It’s really powerful.” As a high school senior, Thomas was named a Jackie Robinson Foundation Scholar, one of only 60 in the country for her projected year of college graduation. Students are selected for this program based on strong leadership potential and dedication to community service. Thomas praises BC for its “commitment to social justice. And I like the religious aspect. Biblical Heritages is by far the most intensive class I’ve ever taken, but I think it improved my spirituality, which I’m appreciative of.” Thomas cited English Associate Professor of the Practice Allison Adair and Communication Assistant Professor of the Practice Celeste Wells as particularly supportive faculty members. “I had Allison for my freshman writing class. She is into poetry and hip-hop and become a mentor for me. Even though she teaches 150 students, Celeste makes you feel like you have a one-to-one student-teacher relationship. She wrote my recommendation letter for Cannes and has helped me a lot.” Thomas plans to continue to tell stories through film and hopes to submit a project to a film festival in the near future. Her film on Blake Bolden is scheduled to air on New England Sports Network as part of its new series showcasing college filmmakers, “NESN Next Producer,” premiering April 6. To view Thomas’ film and vote for it as fan favorite, go to http://go.nesn. com/1AMxW1I. Read the full version of this story at http://bit.ly/1MqJ1OI

T he B oston C ollege

Chronicle march 12, 2015

Q&A: Burns Scholar Damian Bracken

The period around St. Patrick’s Day (March 17) often serves as an opportunity for Boston College to observe its historic Irish roots. This year, for example, features the Burns Library exhibit “One Story Draws Another,” comprising selections by library staff from Burns’ world renowned Irish Collections – books, manuscripts and artifacts documenting Irish literature and culture, and the Irish-American experience. For more on the exhibit, which runs until May 8, read this entry from the Burns Library blog [http://bit. ly/181RWXn]. This Saturday, Boston College Irish Dance presents its annual performance on March 14 at Robsham Theater at 7 p.m. This year’s show, “Radiance,” will once again feature the student dance troupe’s traditional and contemporary Irish dance pieces; there also will be guest appearances by the Dance Organization of Boston College and a cappella group the Acoustics. Tickets are $10 plus service fee. For information, see www.bc.edu/theater. On March 18, former Burns Library Visiting Scholar in Irish Studies Diarmaid Ferriter returns to campus as part of the Lowell Humanities Series [www.bc.edu/lowell]. Ferriter, Cindy Chen a professor of modern Irish history at University College Dublin who held the Burns Chair during the 2008-09 academic year, will give the talk, “‘Scrambling for the Bones of the Patriot Dead’: Remembering the Irish Revolution, 1913-23,” at 7 p.m. in Gasson 100. The Irish Studies Program and McMullen Museum of Art will present a day-long symposium, “The Arts and Crafts Movement: Making It Irish,” on March 21 in Connolly House. For more on the event – a precursor to an upcoming McMullen exhibition – see http://bit.ly/1wWxCmk. This semester’s Burns Visiting Scholar, University College Cork medieval historian Damian Bracken, will present the annual Burns Chair in Irish Studies lecture, “Outside the Empire: Ireland and the Subversion of Christian Identity,” on March 24 at 4 p.m. in the Burns Library Thompson Room [see separate story for more on Bracken].

–Office of News & Public Affairs

BC Alum Pinkham Returning to Campus Acclaimed Broadway actor and 2005 Boston College alumnus Bryce Pinkham will return to the Robsham Theater Arts Center stage for a Theatre Department event on March 23 at 7 p.m. Pinkham, who earned a Tony nomination for his starring role in the Broadway production of “A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder,” will present the second annual lecture in the Matthew R. DeVoy and John H. DeVoy IV Perspectives on Theatre Series. His talk, “From BC to Broadway,” will address the life and career of a Broadway actor and the importance of creating educational and social change through the arts. “Bryce Pinkham is a gifted artist and devoted humanitarian,” said Theatre Department Chair and Associate Professor Crystal Tiala. “At the stage door after a performance of ‘A Gentleman’s Guide,’ Bryce not only took the time to greet his fans but also made his way through the crowd to give special attention to a child in a wheelchair sitting on the sidelines. That is how I always

picture Bryce: a beautiful mix of talent, kindness, and joy. It is that model I hope our students will follow.” Singled out for praise in many reviews of the critically lauded “A Gentleman’s Guide,” The Hollywood Reporter said: “The invaluable Bryce Pinkham emerges as a terrific musical-comedy Leading Man!” He is now playing the role of Peter Patrone in the first revival of “The Heidi Chronicles” – which is in Broadway previews prior to its March 19 opening night – alongside “Mad Men” star and Golden Globe-winner Elizabeth Moss. Pinkham’s BC event – which was postponed from last November due to his appearance at the famed Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade – is free and open to the public. Organizers request advance RSVPs at http:// bit.ly/1935zHa. To read more about Pinkham and the DeVoy Perspectives on Theatre Series, see http://bit. ly/1A9bqB1. –Rosanne Pellegrini

At a time of year when Irishness is celebrated far and wide, especially in the US, perhaps St. Columbanus deserves as much attention as St. Patrick. While Patrick may be Ireland’s patron saint, it was Columbanus (543-615) who arguably was the first champion of Irish identity, notes University College Cork medieval historian Damian Bracken, the Burns Library Visiting Scholar in Irish Studies at Boston College this spring. An expert in Hiberno-Latin literature, Bracken has done considerable research on Columbanus, widely regarded as an exemplar of Irish missionary activity in early medieval Europe. He is using the resources at Burns Library to continue his ongoing studies of the major influences on Columbanus, the basis of his forthcoming book. Bracken also is teaching a senior seminar, Irish Identity Formation and Expression, which explores how the arrival of Christianity and literacy affected the Irish. In a recent interview with the Chronicle’s Sean Smith, Bracken talked about the legacy of Columbanus, whose life and times sound tailormade for a TV mini-series. Q: How was Columbanus so important to the formation of Irish identity? Bracken: He was the first Irishman to describe himself as Irish. He was the first to investigate the meaning of “Irish” in writing. He was the earliest Irish writer to leave a sizeable, identifiable corpus of material. And he was the first Irishman we know of to be the subject of a scholarly work, Jonas of Bobbio’s Life of Columbanus and his Disciples, written in the middle of the seventh century. Columbanus was a foundational figure for Ireland, especially in a Western, Christian context. Q: Give us a quick biographical sketch. Bracken: His is really a remarkable life. He’s born in what is now part of Leinster, coming from a noble background, goes to the north of Ireland to study under Sinell, the abbot of Cluaninis, and then winds up in Bangor Abbey, where he stays until about age 50. Now, he could’ve just happily stayed there for the rest of his days, but he has what might be called a mid-life crisis – he wants something more, a challenge. Since they didn’t have fast cars or skydiving back then, he packs his bags and heads off to the continent with 12 followers, and they establish these very significant spiritual centers, places of great learning. This requires a lot of resources – holy men don’t come cheap – but he has the backing of major powers and is able to state his case. It’s not all smooth sailing: He gets in a dispute with the French bishops, then later on runs afoul of the French royal family, then he jumps ship ahead of deportation

Lee Pellegrini

Columbanus: Champion of Irish Identity

and goes to Germany, Austria, the Alps and eventually to Italy, where he stays until his death. His career is significant, but his fame is based more on what he left behind in his works. Basically, he crafted a guide for how to run a monastery, and a manual for confessors that became very influential – it allows for private confession and private penance. The thing about Columbanus is, for him Christianity was about being in service to others, living your life heroically. There was an absolute right and an absolute wrong, and there was no point in preaching unless you put it into practice. Q: What do we know about him as a person? Bracken: The consensus is that he’s prickly, he’s not someone to kick back and have a casual chat with. And he wasn’t one for backing down, as we see from his troubles in France. When you write to the high and mighty, you better have a good angle, and he basically said, “In Ireland, we’re used to speaking frankly.” Q: So that relates to what you mean about Columbanus expressing the Irish identity in his various writings? Bracken: Remember, Ireland at this time is for all intents and purposes at the very end of the earth – there’s nothing beyond it, as far as anyone knows. Ireland is on the periphery. And he’s writing for a sophisticated, continental audience, telling them – at first – what they want to hear, engaging in some pretty complex wordplay, complimenting them in a backhanded way. Essentially, he challenges people to think about what is being taught at the periphery, where there’s no access to the kind of culture that’s in Europe. On the one hand, he tells them, “I’m Irish, I’m uneducated” in a self-deprecating kind of way, when of course he was very learned. But he puts them on notice that they’re not meeting standards they’re meant to uphold.

If Christianity’s mission to reach all peoples, he says, then Ireland is all the more important: For all its might, the Roman Empire never conquered Ireland, so on that score, Christianity is greater than the empire because of the influence it has on Ireland. Q: How did Columbanus influence later manifestations of Irish identity? Bracken: Ironically, Columbanus was generally better known outside Ireland. But the period of Irish history that Columbanus represented, the Golden Age, became a very potent symbol in modern Ireland’s attempt to assert its unique cultural identity in the 19th and 20th centuries, that led, in time, to attempts to assert political independence. Formative figures like Columbanus became vital as touchstones of Irish identity and culture, at a time when these came under increasing strain. Columbanus and his world was a very attractive one to modern people because it reflects an identity that is confident and remarkably creative, but not chauvinistic. He and his followers took what they were given and, instead of turning inward, they brought it back to Europe through their missionary work. Q: This is your second sojourn at Boston College, right? Bracken: Yes, I was here in the summer of 2013 as a research fellow with the Center for Irish Programs, but I spent most of that time slaving over a hot copier in Burns. When the opportunity to serve as Burns Visiting Scholar came along, I was only too glad to take it, and be able to make more use of the Burns resources. Given the richness of the collections here, I couldn’t think of a better place to continue my research and writing – and with all these constant snowstorms, there couldn’t have been a better way to spend my time indoors. Q: One last question about Columbanus: Is it true he’s the patron saint of motorcyclists? Bracken: Yes, it’s true. The archbishop of Armagh took part in a ceremony in Bobbio – the town in northern Italy where Columbanus died – in 2004 where Columbanus was declared to be the saint you pray to if your motorbike’s engine makes a funny noise. I think it’s because Columbanus travelled so far across Europe, from the very north to the south – although it might be bad form to point out that he didn’t do it on a motorbike. Damian Bracken will present the annual Burns Chair in Irish Studies Lecture, “Outside the Empire: Ireland and the Subversion of Christian Identity,” on March 24 at 4 p.m. in the Burns Library Thompson Room. For the full version of this story, see http://bit.ly/1D1uVBL

T he B oston C ollege

Chronicle march 12, 2015

Lee Pellegrini

Napoli, Hussey to Lead UGBC

Last month saw the election of Thomas Napoli ’16 and Olivia Hussey ’17 as president and vice president, respectively, of the Undergraduate Government of Boston College. Napoli, a native of Glen Ridge, NJ, is pursuing a double major in international studies and political science; Hussey, from Kennebunk, Me., is a history major with a minor in international studies. The pair, who will assume office later this semester, recently shared their thoughts about BC student government and other matters. The full interview is available at http://bit.ly/1E9uBOW. Q: What motivated you to become involved in student government, and to run for office? Napoli: I joined UGBC because I saw it as an opportunity to learn what happens behind the scenes at BC in order to better make sense of my own BC experiences, to meet new people, and to ultimately contribute to BC’s growth and development as a university. As my time progressed at BC and in UGBC, I kept on coming back to the same conclusion: The student voice should be the driving force of university life. I decided to run for president because I am not certain that this is currently the case. While Boston College has a rich history, caring administrators and professors, loyal alumni, and active Jesuits, all factors that play an important part in determining BC’s identity, the 9,000 undergraduates must be empowered to take ownership of their BC experiences as well. I believe that UGBC has the opportunity to have a meaningful role representing the student voice in all aspects of University decision-making, to enrich students’ lives by catalyzing important discussions on campus, and to create an environment where students know that the best way to show their love for BC is to work to grow and improve the University. Hussey: Initially, I joined UGBC fall of my freshman year because I thought it would be a great way to meet new people, make new friends, and be involved in things bigger than just my freshman floor of girls. However, I soon came to love it and think of it more as a family than just another club. I discovered the things I’m passionate about and found out that there is a way to make a difference on campus and help my peers right here at BC; to this day, my favorite part of UGBC is how we have the opportunity to improve everyone’s BC experience. In terms of deciding to run, this had never been a goal of mine. Going into sophomore year, it was not on my horizon. However, as the semester progressed and I had a new leadership role in UGBC, I found that I had a clear vision not only for UGBC, but BC as a whole that I wanted to share. At the end of the semester, I realized that I was most passionate about making other people’s dreams and passions a reality, and it seemed logical that I could best do this as executive vice-president. Q: Do you see BC students as largely disconnected from student government, or are they more engaged than people might think? Napoli: I believe there has been a disconnect between the students and the student government at Boston College, which exists largely because students have not felt that UGBC has the power to advocate for them. Every year new ambitious promises are made during election season and then, over the course of a year, few of those promises are achieved. This, of course, leads to distrust between students and their student representatives. We want to find a way to bridge this gap. Over the course of our campaign, we met with many students to talk about their experiences at BC. For both of us, we began to better appreciate just how many wonderful and passionate students there are on campus. This is something that UGBC needs to key into; by engaging students across campus through collaboration, we can focus on the issues that truly matter to students. Q: This year’s UGBC campaign and election took place against a very snowy backdrop. What things stood out to you about the BC community as it sought to cope with the severe winter weather – and has this influenced your ideas and plans for governing? The first thing we noticed is that after the excitement of the first snow days, BC students were eager to get back to school and be in the classroom. This really confirmed for us the fact that BC students prioritize their intellectual development and want to be in school, growing as men and women. This fact gets us really excited for our plans to re-energize this campus with activism and public discourse. We know that students want to be involved in academic and social discussions, and right now don’t always feel like they have the avenues to do so. With a free-speech policy, encouragement of public debates, a fund for outside speakers, and more space on campus for tabling, banners, speeches, etc., we believe BC can be transformed to a truly active institution that produces inquisitive and outspoken men and women. –Sean Smith

Newsmakers From Throwback Thursday to Timehop, nostalgia has been embraced by the social media community. Prof. Elizabeth Kensinger (Psychology), who studies memory, discussed how the brain processes live and recalled experiences in an interview with The Atlantic. Her colleague Prof. James Russell also spoke with The Atlantic for a story on how researchers’ efforts to understand human emotions. Asst. Prof. Sean Martin (CSOM) was among experts asked by The Boston Globe to offer recommendations for putting the MBTA back on track following its recent collapse. What if there were a better way for employees to get the feedback they need to improve their job performance? Assoc. Prof. Spencer Harrison (CSOM) offered some guidelines to Time for maximizing the value of feedback in the workplace. New rules passed by the FCC

Robsham Theater recently presented “One Flea Spare,” a Theatre Department workshop production directed by senior Cara Harrington. (Photo by Jonathan Wall)

are aimed a leveling the Internet playing field. Assoc. Prof. Daniel Lyons (Law) discussed the development on “WBZ NightSide with Dan Rea.”

BC BRIEFING Recent moves to restrict who can run for local office in Rajasthan, India’s largest state, are “anti-democratic, anti-poor and anti-woman,” wrote Asst. Prof. Gabrielle Kruks-Wisner (Political Science) in a piece for Indian Express.

NOTA BENE

Prof. Robert Bloom (Law) provided commentary on the trial of Boston Marathon bomber Dzhokhar Tsarnaev for a number of media outlets, including ABC News, ABC News Radio, WGBH News, the Associated Press, New York Times, Boston Globe and Boston Herald.

Publications Assoc. Prof. Andrea Vicini, SJ (STM), co-authored “Longing for Transcendence: Cyborgs and Trans- and Posthumans” in Theological Studies.

Time and a Half Prof. Maxim D. Shrayer (Slavic and Eastern Languages; English) read at the Brooklyn Public Library at the launch of OurCrimea (NashKrym), an international anthology of poems by 120 poets in support of peace in Crimea.

JOBS

The team of Boston College undergraduates (L-R in photo) Lesley Zhou ‘17, Bridget Gorham ‘17 Natalie Buckner ‘16 and Megumi DeMond ‘17 won the 2015 Regional KPMG Case Competition earlier this year and earned a trip toe KPMG US finals in New York City Feb. 26-27, along with eight other teams (Michigan won the national competition to advance to the international round next month). BC’s team – the first all-women team to reach the national finals – was coached by KPMG recruiter Alanna MacKenzie. The KPMG Case Competition offers students the opportunity to explore the fast-paced world of casework and test their abilities to develop innovative solutions to real-world business issues. Students also gain insight into what it’s like to work with clients, while building their social and professional network. Thirty-two members of the Liturgy Arts Group (LAG) traveled to Washington, DC, during the weekend of Feb. 2022 to sing Masses at St. Matthew’s Cathedral and Georgetown University’s Dahlgren Chapel. LAG, which provides music at Sunday liturgies and special events on campus, occasionally visits parish communities in the Boston area or out of state, including New Orleans and New York City.

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: Network Systems Engineer, Information Technology Fiscal Assistant, Auxiliary Services Health Services Aide, Health Services Assistant Director, Graduate Student Life Legal Information Librarian, Law Library Director of Assessment and Accreditation, Lynch School of Education Assistant Director, Office of Health Promotion Research Economist, Center for Retirement Research Assistant/Associate Director for Parents’ Fundraising, Development Director of Major Gifts, Athletic Association Food Service Worker, Dining Services

T he B oston C ollege

Chronicle march 12, 2015

More Campus Arts on page 6

•Celebrating Irishness at BC •Bryce Pinkham Talk

BC’s Stoney Conley finds inspiration by taking a look around By Rosanne Pellegrini Staff Writer

Living in this particular part of the world has often provided artistic inspiration for Fine Arts Professor of the Practice Stoney Conley, whose works are the subject of a current O’Neill Library exhibit. “I live under a northern sky,” he explains in his introduction. “The light, its color, intensity, sensation, season, and length of day influence my psyche, mood, interior life and art practice. The long hours of daylight during summer and short hours during winter define our seasons, influence our lives, and distance us from our southern neighbors.” This influence has inspired him over the past few years to incorporate painting and collage to create works that “are combinations of painted skies conjoined with tree forms.” Conley’s “Northern Sky“ exhibit comprises 13 pieces and traces their development from earliest to most recent, spanning 2010 to 2014. A career painter and accomplished artist whose work has been widely exhibited in Boston and New England, Conley has taught at BC since 1982 and was McMullen Mu-

seum of Art curator from 19882005. He has been the recipient of many awards and distinctions for his work, and his paintings are contained in both museum and corporate collections. To create his collages, Conley cuts forms with a razor knife – a blunt tool compared to a brush. The technique, “forces one to simplify, to see the whole and not get lost in details,” he explains. “Making these collage-paintings allows me to paint, attempting to capture the sky, the quality of light and color, how it filters through the clouds and atmosphere.” After combining a dark image of trees or a distant horizon, he makes an ink or acrylic image on thin paper; when dry, it is placed on a heavier sheet of watercolor paper painted black. “I [then] cut the image out, cutting through both sheets. After aligning and adjusting, the silhouette is glued on top of the sky painting.” Of the dimension added by collage, he said the sharp cut edges of paper make a visual break in the space, and separate foreground from background. During summers spent in Maine, Conley observes the early morning and late afternoon views of horizons of trees against the sky. His inspiration also includes a summer drawing class he has taught in Venice. A side trip to Vicenza – the setting sun silhouetting a hill ridge, with a church

BC SCENES

Photos by Caitlin Cunningham

“In our busy lives we forget to slow down and notice the world we inhabit. Noticing is the first step to making an image that captures an experience in physical materials.” -Stoney Conley

Samples from the “Northern Sky” exhibit by Fine Arts faculty member Stoney Conley.

and surrounding umbrella pines and Cyprus trees against the sky – sparked the first work on display. Several large trees in Massachusetts became the focus for his winter pieces. According to Conley, his previous oil painting landscapes were completed in one or two sittings “in a flurry of painting while the paint is wet. Although I love that technique I wanted to slow down my process. Adding the collage stretches out the process; there is more time to contemplate compositional changes, more opportunity to refine the work.” The pieces on display, he says, are “contemplative moments in

nature. In our busy lives we forget to slow down and notice the world we inhabit. Noticing is the first step to making an image that captures an experience in physical materials.” One piece from July 2013, “The Northern Sky: Pink and Tree,” came as a result of jet lag. Having just returned from Italy, and still on Italian time, Conley got up before dawn and found himself captivated by the light in the sky. The English novelist Henry James helped provide inspiration for another work, “Northern Sky: Summer Afternoon,” as Conley explains: “[James] said the two most beau-

tiful words in the English language were a ‘summer afternoon.’ I recalled that scene and made the painting last winter - when I needed summer the most.” Among those praising Conley’s exhibit are some who know him quite well: his students. Senior Nuria Boj calls his use of collage “very effective; the monochrome nature of the black paper draws my attention to the silhouette of the trees more so than if they were painted the same way as the background.” Boj adds that Conley’s works have inspired her to find new ways to create mixed media collages. Another senior, Stephanie Viccaro, says “Northern Sky” offers a means to see “in practice, a lot of the theoretical techniques he shared with us. He taught us how you can use collage to add a sense of illusion to the art, and how you can collage with almost anything.” For more on the “Northern Sky” exhibit, see http://bit.ly/1826tT4. Contact Rosanne Pellegrini at rosanne.pellegrini@bc.edu

STAGE BRIGHT

Despite the snow and cold, February ended on a high note – quite a few high notes, in fact – at Boston College with the annual “Sing It to the Heights” talent competition to benefit Brighton’s St. Columbkille Partnership School, held Feb. 26 at Robsham Theater. Ten BC undergraduates took part, including Wynnm Murphy ’18 (far left), this year’s winner, Jon Vaughn ’15 (near left) and Liz McGovern ’18 (lower left). Finishing second was Nick Page ’18, accompanied by Ameet Kallarackal ’18, and in third place was Patrick Fei ’18. In addition, St. Columbkille students from the Junior Choir, Senior Choir and St. Columbkille Band performed at the event, which raised $6,350.00 for the school’s arts and music program.