The Boston College
Chronicle Published by the Boston College Office of University Communications MAY 24, 2018 VOL. 25 NO. 18
The Power of Words
Use your voices to uphold human dignity, Archbishop Gregory tells Class of 2018 BY SEAN SMITH CHRONICLE EDITOR
On a day when the Boston College campus reverberated with expressions of praise, congratulations and gratitude – formal, public and private – Archbishop of Atlanta Wilton D. Gregory reminded the Class of 2018 at Monday’s Commencement Exercises that words have the power to unite or divide, uplift or discourage. He urged the graduates and others in attendance to “take careful watch over their words” and do their part to promote civility, whether in conversation, online or via other forms of discourse. A “hostile language environment of hatred,” he said, can too easily turn violent words into violent acts such as those that occurred during the past few years in Las Vegas, Charleston, Orlando, Parkside, and – only last week – Santa Fe, Tex. “Our desired national identity is not that of a cruel or angry people,” said Archbishop Gregory, who received an honorary Doctor of Laws degree from University
INSIDE honors Fr. Keenan; 2 •PBK spring sports update; BC Race to Educate
a Truman success 3 •BC story; Dreyfus Award for
Chatterjee; NCAA recognizes BC teams
Bellarmine 5 •Finnegan, winners announced
offer parting 6 •Retirees thoughts on BC
President William P. Leahy, SJ, at Commencement. “We are startled and offended by brutal human behavior that recently seems to abound. Therefore, men and women of our nation must unite in calling us to our nobler selves, and the way that we speak about and to other people must lay the foundation for a much-needed and long overdue restoration of civility and respect. “We must work together to address the causes that prompt and allow people to commit such acts of hatred and brutality.” Some 4,287 Boston College students received their undergraduate and graduate degrees at
Atlanta Archbishop Wilton Gregory at Commencement. (Photo by Gary Wayne Gilbert)
separate ceremonies held around campus after the main Commencement event. In addition to Archbishop
BC custodian Manuel Martins is flanked by sons Ricardo (left) and Filipe, custodial staff supervisors who received master’s degrees Monday. (Photo by Peter Julian)
‘Go As Far As You Can’
Brothers become two-time Woods College grads BY ED HAYWARD STAFF WRITER
While others are sleeping, Filipe and Ricardo Martins are part of Boston College’s overnight workforce that cleans the classrooms, offices, hallways and other spaces of Boston College. The two custodial staff supervisors are also two-time BC alumni. On Monday, in the bright light of day, they joined 4,287 of their fellow undergraduate and graduate students as they received their master’s degrees in leadership and administration from the Woods
College of Advancing Studies. For the two brothers, who earned their bachelor’s degrees from the Woods College just a few years ago, the advanced degrees help to fulfill not only their dreams, but the dreams of their parents: their late mother, Rosa, who passed away in 2005, and their father, Manuel, who has worked on the University’s custodial staff for nearly 20 years. “My father emigrated from Portugal at a time when the average person got a sixth-grade education in that country,” said Filipe Continued on page 7
QUOTE:
Gregory, the University presented honorary degrees to: retired Boston College administrator Joseph Duffy, SJ, ’50, MA’51, STL’58; Drew Gilpin Faust, outgoing president of Harvard University; Kendall B. Reid ’79, award-winning HBO documentary producer; and Alberto Vasallo III ’89, president and CEO of El Mundo Boston [see page 4]. “Today is about gratitude, memories, and the future,” said Fr. Leahy, welcoming the graduates, along with their friends and
families, to Alumni Stadium. He thanked BC’s newest alumni for enlivening and strengthening Boston College “with their talent, energy, commitment and generosity.” As is his custom, Fr. Leahy invited family and friends to stand and be recognized for the support, encouragement and challenge they offered to the graduating class members. He also recognized BC faculty and administrators, as well as alumni and friends of the University, for their roles in the graduates’ intellectual and faith formation at BC. Fr. Leahy said Boston College has never been “stronger, more confident and more capable” of helping contemporary society and the Catholic Church address compelling challenges of the day and age. He exhorted the graduates to “give to others from the abundance that you have received, and to put into practice the principles, values, and beliefs of Jesuit education that continue to shape BosContinued on page 4
19 Earn Fulbright Awards lowships won by BC students include Benjamin A. Gilman Scholarships and a Fund for Education Sixteen members of the Class Abroad Scholarship. of 2018 and three Boston ColA look at this year’s Fulbright lege alumni have received Ful- winners: bright Scholarships, which support a year’s post-baccalaureate study Layla Aboukhater abroad. Recipients typically pursue HOMETOWN: Watertown, Mass. DESTINATION: Malaysia research in various disciplines, or PROJECT: Work on research at Malaya serve an English Teaching Assis- Medical School that, as part of developtantship, through which they teach ing HIV monitoring systems, will help identify at-risk populations with high English language and provide in- numbers of transmitted drug resistance sights about American culture. cases; volunteer at a clinic to learn more Two other 2018 graduates have about affected population. FUTURE PLANS: Attend medical been named as Fulbright alternates, school in dual MPH/MD program; pending confirmation of funding hopes to work at Centers for Disease for their projects. Eric Parolin ’13 Control or World Health Organization with focus on HIV/AIDS. also was awarded a Fulbright to “At Boston College my eyes were opened South Korea but declined it to to the opportunities in research and public health, and I became interested pursue graduate studies. Continued on page 8 Other externally awarded felBY UNIVERSITY COMMUNICATIONS STAFF
“The number of international and AHANA students has grown tremendously at BC over the years. This remarkable rise has enriched the campus, and provided the University community with valuable learning experiences; it’s been a win-win for us all.” –Retiring administrator Jean Yoder, page 6
T he B oston C ollege
Chronicle MAY 24, 2018
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A ROUND
C AMPUS
STILL IN PLAY
‘MY GREATEST MENTOR’
vised via ESPN3 or on mobile devices via the WatchESPN app. The 18-time national champion Eagles’ sailing team will be seeking championships in three disciplines: the NCAA Women’s National Championship, which began Tuesday and ends tomorrow; the Team Race discipline over Memorial Day Weekend; and the Coed National Championship May 29June 1. BC won the New England InterCollegiate Sailing Association Women’s Championship/Reed Trophy as well as the Coed Championship/US Coast Guard Alumni Bowl last month. There also were some individual honors for the Eagles: Greg Wilkinson was named the Coach of the Year; Alice Bohan ’18 and junior Emma Perry ’19 were named to the All-NEISA coed crew second team, Charlie Sinks ’18 and Wade Waddell ’19 to the All-NEISA skippers first team. See bceagles.com for updates on the lacrosse and sailing teams. –Boston College Athletics
Canisius Professor of Theology James Keenan, SJ, director of the Boston College Jesuit Institute, is the 2018 recipient of the Phi Beta Kappa Teaching Award, given annually by Boston College students in the prestigious honors society. Each year, Phi Beta Kappa students submit nominations for outstanding teachers who have positively influenced their experiences at BC, either inside or outside the classroom. Faculty are selected for the award based on the cumulative nominations from students over multiple years. “I am honored to be selected by the students to be the BC Phi Beta Kappa Teacher of the Year,” said Fr. Keenan prior to the PBK’s annual induction ceremony. “I join a fine, impressive list of great BC faculty. I am looking forward to the ceremony so as to congratulate the new inductees and to thank the members themselves.” A faculty member since 2005, Fr. Keenan – who was the Gasson Visiting Professor from 200305 – is co-director of the Gabelli Presidential Scholars Program, an integrated honors educational experience for select undergraduates of exceptional academic talent and leadership potential. An
Lee Pellegrini
The Boston College academic year is over, but its spring sports season is not, as the BC lacrosse and sailing teams are in the thick of postseason competition. BC lacrosse earned a trip to the NCAA Final Four with a hardfought 12-11 overtime victory over Stony Brook on Saturday. The Eagles will look to make a return appearance to the championship game tomorrow when they take on Maryland, the No. 1 seed in this year’s tournament – and the team that beat BC in last year’s championship game. The 2018 season has already been a memorable one for head coach Acacia WalkerWeinstein and her players, as they went undefeated throughout the regular season and didn’t lose until the ACC Tournament championship game against North Carolina. The Eagles, seeded fourth in the NCAA Tournament, defeated Princeton in the first round before their victory over Stony Brook. Tomorrow’s game, which starts at 7:30 p.m., will be tele-
James Keenan, SJ
expert in moral theology, he has taught courses such as Virtue Ethics, Twentieth Century Catholic Moral Theology, and Ethical Issues of HIV/AIDS. In 2014, he was appointed as director of the Jesuit Institute, which supports the Jesuit, Catholic mission and character of Boston College through collaborations with BC’s schools, faculty and programs to promote personal research, academic interchange and inquiry into questions that emerge at the intersection of faith and culture. Students who nominated Fr. Keenan praised his ability and willingness to engage with students, whether as teacher, mentor or
counselor. “It is difficult to make a 60-person ethics class truly interactive, but he managed to do so with ease,” said a student of Fr. Keenan’s HIV/AIDS and Ethics class. “Without incentive for a participation grade or consequence of any sort, students were eager to speak about the readings and react to Fr. Keenan’s insights. He brought so much to the class through speaking about his own research and advocacy in the field in a way that inspired many of us.” This student also pointed to Fr. Keenan’s participation in a panel discussion of Jesuit perspectives on sexual assault as an example of “his dedication to helping students tackle truly difficult issues we face at BC.” Another student called Fr. Keenan “my greatest mentor at Boston College,” citing his advising role through the Gabelli Presidential Scholars Program and his leadership of the Jesuit Institute, among other qualities. “He is the pinnacle of a faculty member committed to distinguished research and novel contributions in his field, alongside care and commitment to his undergraduate students.” –University Communications
NO QUITTING THIS RACE More than 1,000 runners participated in this year’s BC Race to Educate to benefit Saint Columbkille Partnership School. Through donations from a record-breaking 70 sponsors and the community’s fundraising efforts, the eighth annual race on April 28 at Alumni Stadium raised more than $180,000 for the Brighton-based pre-K-8 school to ensure that all students have access to a highquality education. “The BC Race to Educate is one of the most rewarding and fun events of the year,” said Saint Columbkille Head of School William Gartside. “Our families, students, and the community all come together to support our school.” The all-ages event (its youngest participant was six months old, its oldest 93) featured a va-
riety of kids’ runs, including a 50-yard dash, 1K races, and a 5K run/walk. Volunteers from the Allston-Brighton community and Boston College – including 52 BC student-athletes – helped make the event a success, while sponsors also contributed to the experience with in-kind donations of water, snacks, and post-race food. BC Pep Band musicians inspired the crowd and runners. The BC Race to Educate is one of many University collaborations with the Brighton school. In March, Boston College’s Lynch School of Education designated Saint Columbkille a laboratory school, to enhance opportunities for teacher training, educational research, and professional development at the school. –University Communications
ASSOCIATE VICE PRESIDENT FOR UNIVERSITY COMMUNICATIONS Jack Dunn SENIOR DIRECTOR OF UNIVERSITY COMMUNICATIONS Patricia Delaney EDITOR Sean Smith
CONTRIBUTING STAFF Christine Balquist Phil Gloudemans Ed Hayward Rosanne Pellegrini Kathleen Sullivan PHOTOGRAPHERS Gary Gilbert Peter Julian Lee Pellegrini
And they’re off and running! Local children took part in a 50-yard dash as part of the April 28 BC Race to Educate event at Alumni Stadium that raised more than $180,000 to benefit Saint Columbkille Partnership School.
The Boston College
Chronicle www.bc.edu/bcnews chronicle@bc.edu
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 University Communications, 3 Lake Street, Brighton, MA 02135 (617)5523350. 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 University Communications, 3 Lake Street, Brighton, MA 02135.
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T he B oston C ollege
Chronicle MAY 24, 2018
BC is an annual contender for the prestigious public service scholarship BY SEAN SMITH CHRONICLE EDITOR
position a few times, Hayao says, although both worked with students interested in the Truman). In addition to the nine students who have earned scholarships since then, Hayao notes that BC has averaged two finalists a year for Trumans. Approximately 55 to 60 Trumans are awarded nationwide each year, compared to the Rhodes (32) and Marshalls (about 40), says Hayao – Deaette was one of 59 winners chosen out of a pool of 756 candidates. Applying for any competitive fellowship or grant takes effort and commitment, but the Truman application requires more work than just about any scholarship, according to Hayao: Students not only have to list their relevant activities and ac-
to research the people in the real world who are making an impact in the areas they are interested in. I also give them suggestions about how to shape their policy proposals. Generally, each student will go through multiple drafts for each of the essays.” Hayao also confers with persons writing letters of recommendation for BC applicants, since the letters often play an important complementary role by providing greater depth and detail about students’ activities. However demanding the application process, Trumans have a value that goes beyond the up to $30,000 they provide for graduate school, he says. “Many students can also leverage the award to get more funding at a number of grad schools.
Spring is not only graduation time, it’s when many national academic fellowships and awards are announced, notably the Harry S. Truman and J. William Fulbright [see story on page 1] scholarships, both considered among the most prestigious of such honors. Last month, Natalee Deaette ’19 became the 11th BC student in the last 20 years – and 19th overall since 1981 – to earn a Truman, which supports the graduate education and personal development of standout undergraduates committed to public service leadership [see http://bit. ly/deaette-truman-scholar]. Boston College has consistently been among the nation’s top 20 Fulbright producers, but administrators say the University’s success in the Truman Scholarships program – with a distinctively rigorous and exacting application process – is equally worthy of acknowledgement. Taken with other highly competitive fellowships won by BC students in the past two decades, including Rhodes, Marshall and Goldwater scholarships, work involved in applying for a Harry S. Truman Scholarship is considerable, says the Truman track re- The Associate Professor of Political Science Kenji Hayao, who coordinates BC’s participacord is another measure tion in the program, but its value can be long-lasting. (Photo by Lee Pellegrini) of the University’s academic excellence. complishments, but also describe Just as important, the Truman Less than 80 colleges and uni- their desired entry position after provides access to its network of versities have achieved the status graduate school, and how they Truman Scholar alumni, who are of Truman Honor Institutions – see their career unfolding five involved in all aspects of puband BC is one of them. Truman years and more beyond that. In lic service: government, politics, Honor Institutions are chosen addition, applicants must write education, NGOs, academia.” on the basis of a college or uni- a policy proposal related to their Vice Provost for Undergraduversity’s encouragement of out- particular area of interest. ate Academic Affairs Akua Sarr standing young people to pursue To recruit potential Truman and other colleagues hail the careers in public services; effec- candidates, Hayao keeps in touch achievements of BC’s Truman tive promotion of the Truman with faculty members – particu- Scholars, and laud Hayao’s role program on their campus; and larly from Political Science, In- in the program. sustained success in helping their ternational Studies and Sociol“Our success with the Trustudents win Truman Scholar- ogy – and undergraduate deans, man Scholarship is very much a ships. as well as the Gabelli Presiden- result of Kenji’s leadership and Other Truman Honor Insti- tial Scholars Program. He usu- commitment,” she says. “I’m tutions include Brandeis, Brown, ally contacts 50 to as many as 75 grateful for Kenji’s many years of Columbia, Duke, Georgetown, students individually about the generous support of our Truman Harvard, Princeton and Yale Truman, and follows up with a applicants.” universities, and the universities few dozen for further discussion; As for Hayao, after 16 years, of North Carolina-Chapel Hill, typically, eight to 12 students he is quick to cite the best thing Pennsylvania and Virginia. end up applying. about being the Truman coorAssociate Professor of Polit“When they start work on dinator: “Meeting and working ical Science Kenji Hayao was the application, most students with some truly amazing students named BC coordinator for the don’t have clear ideas about what and helping them think more Truman program in 2002, when they hope to do for a career yet,” clearly about their potential cahe succeeded departmental col- Hayao says. “I give them advice reers in public service.” league Associate Professor Jennie about how to think about this. Contact Sean Smith at Purnell (the two swapped the For example, I encourage them sean.smith@bc.edu
Chatterjee Wins Dreyfus Teacher-Scholar Award Assistant Professor of Chemistry Abhishek Chatterjee has been named a 2018 recipient of the prestigious Camille Dreyfus Teacher-Scholar Award, given to young scholars in the chemical sciences on the basis of scholarship and commitment to education. Recipients of the awards are recognized for their scholarship and commitment to undergraduate education and are within the first five years of an academic career. The research accomplishments of the 2018 award winners span the broad range of contemporary research in the chemical sciences, according to the Camille and Henry Dreyfus Foundation. “The Camille Dreyfus Teacher-Scholar Award is the Dreyfus Foundation’s flagship program,” said Mark Cardillo, the foundation’s executive director. “The award supports exceptional young academic researchers at an early and crucial stage of their careers. They are selected based on their independent contributions to both research in the chemical sciences and education.” Research in Chatterjee’s lab is focused on the development and application of methods enabling site-specific labeling of any chosen protein in a living cell with useful biochemical and biophysical probes to investigate its function in its native environment. Chatterjee’s research was titled “A Genetically Encoded Toolset to Unravel the Roles of Post-translational Modifications
Lee Pellegrini
Truman Track Record a Solid One
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Abhishek Chatterjee
in Human Biology.” “Being named a Camille Dreyfus Teacher-Scholar places Professor Chatterjee in rarified territory,” said Professor of Chemistry Marc Snapper, department chairman. “It was exciting for all of us in the department to learn that Professor Chatterjee’s outstanding teaching and research efforts were being recognized in this manner. “Not only is it an important recognition for Professor Chatterjee’s program, it is also a wonderful reflection on the outstanding training environment that we have created within the department.” Each Camille Dreyfus Teacher-Scholar receives an unrestricted research grant of $75,000. Since its inception in 1970, the Teacher-Scholar program has awarded over $49 million to support emerging young leaders in the chemical sciences. –University Communications
NCAA Recognizes 12 BC Sports Teams in APR Report Twelve Boston College athletic teams were recognized last week with the NCAA APR (Academic Progress Rate) Public Recognition Award. Each year, the awards are given to teams finishing in the top 10 percent of their respective sport based on the most recent multi-year APR. With 12 honorees, BC is tied for third nationally among Football Bowl Subdivision schools, and second among Atlantic Coast Conference members. The BC programs recognized are: men’s cross country, football, men’s fencing, women’s fencing, men’s golf, women’s golf, lacrosse, men’s skiing, women’s skiing, men’s swimming and diving, women’s tennis and volleyball. Boston College has been among the national leaders of FBS schools honored with the APR Recognition Award every year it has been presented. The APR measures eligibility, graduation and retention each semester or academic term and provides a clear picture of the academic performance for each team in every sport. All teams must meet an academic threshold of 930 to qualify for the postseason and can face penalties for continued low academic performance. The most recent APRs are multiyear rates based on scores from the 2013-14, 2014-15, 2015-16 and 2016-17 academic years. –Boston College Athletics
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Chronicle MAY 24, 2018
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Archbishop Urges Civility Continued from page 1 ton College and that challenge its alumni.” Archbishop Gregory, former president of the US Conference of Catholic Bishops, began his remarks by noting that spoken words are often inadequate to capture the depth of emotions, such as those experienced at the birth of a baby or loss of a loved one. In such situations, words can be “insipid,” he said: “‘We send our thoughts and prayers,’ to cite a useless contemporary phrase.” On the other hand, there are words that “fuse the tongue to the human heart,” said Archbishop Gregory, such as “thank you” – a phrase, he added, that would no doubt be heard often on this day. Some words and phrases can simultaneously inspire and enrage, he noted, especially in a world of pervasive social media: “Black Lives Matter” and “#MeToo” are examples of “words that some people find encouraging while some others only find them to be agitating if not threatening.” Today, “debate and disagreement often have been reduced to defamation and denigration,” a circumstance Archbishop Gregory said is the polar opposite of Jesuit teachings. “Disputes are best addressed to principles, ideas and policies rather than to be used to demolish the reputation, dignity and humanity of those with whom
we may disagree,” he said. “I urge you to use words that may clearly voice your strong opinions but also shun the annihilation of another individual’s human dignity.” The archbishop ended with a quote from Saint Paul – “No foul language should come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for needed edification, that it may impart grace to those who hear” – and left the lectern to sustained applause and a standing ovation. The close of the ceremony provided a demonstration of how words can encourage camaraderie, as graduates and others in the audience sang along to a recording of Neil Diamond’s “Sweet Caroline,” punctuated with the now-popular “so good, so good!” catchphrase. Monday’s Commencement also included presentation of the Edward H. Finnegan, SJ, Award to Christopher Reynolds as the graduating senior best exemplifying Boston College’s motto “Ever to Excel,” and of the inaugural Saint Robert Bellarmine, SJ, Award to Thomas F. Rattigan Professor of English and Director of the Institute for the Liberal Arts Mary Crane – the new award honors a faculty member whose significant contributions have consistently and purposefully advanced the mission of Boston College. [See page 5] Contact Sean Smith at sean.smith@bc.edu
Jubilant graduates showed off their dance moves, above, while one audience member used hand signals to try to set up a photo. (Photos by Lee Pellegrini)
Texts of the 2018 honorary degree citations Most Rev. Wilton D. Gregory
As an 11-year-old at St. Carthage Grammar School in Chicago, Wilton D. Gregory knew that he wanted to be a priest, but never imagined that his vocation would one day lead him to become Archbishop of Atlanta — one of the nation’s fastest-growing archdioceses. The highest-ranking African American bishop in the US Catholic Church, he has been at the forefront of critical issues facing the Church and wider society. While president of the US Conference of Catholic Bishops from 2001–2004, he played a critical role in the Church’s response to clergy sexual abuse, especially in the drafting and approval of the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People. A builder of bridges among people of all ages, races, and viewpoints, he chaired the US Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Special Task Force to Promote Peace in Our Communities, which held discussions between bishops and individuals affected by violence and released recommendations to foster healing and lasting peace through concrete action and ongoing dialogue. Following Pope Francis’ encyclical on the environment, he worked with lay leaders to commission a conservation and sustainability plan for the Archdiocese of Atlanta. He has also written pastoral statements regarding the death penalty, euthanasia, and physician-assisted suicide. For his service to the Archdiocese of Atlanta and the US Catholic Church, and his inspiring commitment to faith and justice, Boston College awards Archbishop Wilton D. Gregory the degree of Doctor of Laws, honoris causa.
Kendall Bridges Reid
For 27 years, Home Box Office was home base for film producer Kendall Bridges Reid. In the film “Journey of the African-American Athlete,” this gifted storyteller helped document the many challenges and indignities, as well as the significant triumphs, of Black athletes ranging from Jesse Owens and Jackie Robinson to Althea Gibson and Wilma Rudolph. Acclaimed as the most comprehensive examination of the history of the African-American athlete, this documentary celebrated the pioneering achievements of Blacks in all sports. She and her collaborators followed with “Dare to Compete: The Struggle of Women in Sports,” which traces the history of American women and their fight for equality in athletics. Highlighting the strife and victories of many of the greatest American female athletes, the film demonstrates how each generation narrowed the gender gap on and off the field. Both documentaries won Peabody Awards. This 1979 Boston College graduate also created acclaimed films that linked sports and race, including documentaries of Boston Celtics great Bill Russell, the 1968 Detroit Tigers, and O.J. Simpson. For her contributions to the world of film and our understanding of the struggle for racial and gender equality in America, Boston College awards Kendall Bridges Reid the degree of Doctor of Fine Arts, honoris causa.
L-R (standing): Cardinal Seán O'Malley, OFM., Cap., Archbishop of Boston; University President William P. Leahy, SJ; Alberto Vasallo III '89; Kendall B. Reid '79; Boston College Board of Trustees Chair Peter K. Markell '77; (seated) Joseph Duffy, SJ, '50, MA'51, STL'58; Archbishop of Atlanta Wilton D. Gregory; Harvard University President Drew Gilpin Faust. (Photo by Gary Wayne Gilbert)
Joseph P. Duffy, SJ
A man for others, Joseph P. Duffy of the Society of Jesus has devoted most of his life in service to his alma mater. As University secretary, he directed these Commencement Exercises with patience, grace, and attention to detail. During his two-decade tenure, the event evolved from a ceremony witnessed only by the Alumni Stadium audience to one viewed worldwide via webcast. This native Bostonian and proud Eagle earned a trio of degrees from Boston College after graduating from Boston College High School. During a distinguished early career as an educator, dedicated to enriching the hearts and minds of youth, he was named principal of Cheverus High School in Portland, Maine, and later BC High, which established a scholarship in his honor. Returning to the Heights, he joined the Lynch School of Education faculty, and went on to serve as Jesuit Community rector and as a University trustee. A popular figure on campus, he remains active with the Boston College Association of Retired Faculty, for which he is a liaison to several campus groups, including the Office of the Provost and the Jesuit Community. To this loyal son of Boston College, the University confers on Joseph P. Duffy, SJ, the degree of Doctor of Science in Education, honoris causa.
Alberto Vasallo III
The son of immigrants from Cuba and Ecuador, Alberto Vasallo III has dedicated his life to providing news and opportunity for the growing Latino community and to forging connections on its behalf with his hometown of Boston. A 1989 graduate of Boston College, he is president and CEO of El Mundo Boston, which publishes the largest Spanish-language newspaper in New England. A successful family-run business founded in 1972, El Mundo Boston has expanded to include a digital presence and event sponsorships, making it the premier point of contact with the region’s Hispanic marketplace. More than 20 years ago, he began a partnership with the Boston Red Sox to create Latino Youth Recognition Days, in which more than 1,500
schoolchildren have been honored for their academic achievements. He also established the El Mundo Latino Family Festival, an annual event that brings thousands of people to Fenway Park to celebrate Latino culture. In 2004, he launched El Mundo Latino Career Expo, the largest Latino career fair in New England. Each year, he hosts the Hispanic Heritage Breakfast, which gathers leaders from public and private sectors to honor the contributions of Latinos. He has also been an influential host and producer of a Spanish radio show and local public affairs television programs. In recognition of his lifelong commitment to the Latino community, Boston College confers on Alberto Vasallo III the degree of Doctor of Social Science, honoris causa.
Drew Gilpin Faust
There are those who write history and those who make history. Drew Gilpin Faust has done both. A highly respected historian and academic leader, she was named the 28th president of Harvard University in July of 2007, making her the first woman to lead the nation’s oldest university since its founding in 1636. Harvard’s Lincoln Professor of History and a scholar of the Civil War, she is the author of six books, and was awarded the Bancroft Prize in 2009 for her most recent publication, This Republic of Suffering: Death and the American Civil War. She also served as founding dean of the Radcliffe Institute for Advanced Study, which is dedicated to creating and sharing transformative ideas across the arts, humanities, and sciences. With grace and pragmatism, she has sought to improve access to Harvard College for students of all economic backgrounds by increasing financial aid. Under her leadership, Harvard broadened its international reach, put a renewed emphasis on the arts, sought sustainable solutions, and opened classrooms to all by launching the online learning partnership “edX.” For her insightful examination of our nation’s history, her contributions as one of the world’s most influential educational leaders, and her steadfast faith in the future of the liberal arts university, Boston College confers on Drew Gilpin Faust the degree of Doctor of Humane Letters, honoris causa.
T he B oston C ollege
Chronicle MAY 24, 2018
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EDWARD H. FINNEGAN, SJ, AWARD
Presidential Scholars Program as being “the most formative program during my time at Boston College. BC was my top choice for college since high school, and the GPSP scholarship not only made it financially possible for my family to afford a BC education, but has impacted my life personally and professionally in profound ways. The moment I arrived, I was introduced to caring faculty who developed into mentors. GPSP en-
Academic excellence. Commitment to service. Peer leadership. Global research and engagement. Christopher Reynolds ’18 embodies these hallmarks of a Boston College education. In recognition of his outstanding undergraduate career, University President William P. Leahy, SJ, presented him with the Edward H. Finnegan, SJ, Award at Commencement Exercises on Monday. The award is given annually to the graduating senior who best exemplifies Boston College’s motto “Ever to Excel.” “It is a tremendous honor to receive the Finnegan Award,” says Reynolds, of Wilmington, Del. “I am consistently blown away by my classmates at BC, who are doing amazing work worthy of recognition. Being nominated by faculty for whom I have deep respect is nothing short of the greatest privilege. “BC commits itself to educating the whole person. I truly believe the well-roundedness that is palpable at BC is a result of the focus on formation that comes from a Jesuit education. It has been a privilege to attend college with committed classmates and witness such passion on a daily basis.” A member of the Gabelli Presidential Scholars and Chemistry Honors programs, Reynolds “has combined excellence in his biochemistry major with the principles and values of his theology major in order to live the ideal of ‘men and women for others’ by delivering equitable healthcare to the world’s poorest,” according to Morrissey College of Arts and Sciences Associate Dean Michael C. Martin in his Finnegan nomination letter. Through his activities, research and internships – on campus and around the world – “Christopher has already begun this work,” Martin notes. A sampling of Reynolds’ service activities include outreach to his peers as a BC EMT leader and mentor; to marginalized communities in the City of Boston through his 4Boston volunteer work; and around the globe, as an undergraduate researcher on global health equity in Peru and the Dominican Republic (through Advanced Study Grants), Ecuador (via a study-abroad program) and Liberia. He also served for two years as a research fellow in Professor of Biology Ken Williams’ laboratory assisting students in doctoral thesis research, participating in nine scientific paper reviews, and leading the review of two papers. Reynolds describes the Gabelli
Photos by Peter Julian
BY ROSANNE PELLEGRINI STAFF WRITER
Christopher Reynolds
courages its members to use their gifts and talents in the service of others, which aligns perfectly with BC’s mission of women and men for others.” Boston College students “have remarkable talents that the world needs them to use for good,” he adds. “I believe that people in this position have an obligation to care for others in a way that practices sacrificial love. Being attentive to the needs of others is not only important for me because of my Catholic identity, but also because it allows people to share in their common humanity in a profound and beautiful way.” He regards GPSP Co-Director James Keenan, SJ, as his “most influential mentor at Boston College,” and also cites as influential Center for Student Formation Executive Director Michael Sacco. “Because of him, I was involved for four years with the Freshman League, a male mentor program and hugely important part of my BC experience.” Another mentor, Assistant Professor of the Practice of Biology Danielle Taghian, “cemented my interest in biological sciences, trusted me as her teaching assistant, and has done so much to help me realize my capacities as a student.” Taghian returns the praise: Reynolds “stands out in his efforts to promote and spread compassion, social justice and humanitarian care to those in need.” Though he often gets comments on his “conflicting” majors, Reynolds says “they are very complementary. I want to be a physician, and I see compassionate, person-centered medicine as the perfect intersection of biological sciences and theology. These traditions call for practicing accompani-
ment – walking with another in a mutually reciprocated relationship – and a preferential option for the poor, which I believe should be incorporated into all forms of healthcare. “I’m confident that my theology studies will be crucial for my life, both for discerning ethical approaches to dilemmas that are sure to arise as a healthcare provider, and to affirm my lifelong commitment to service.” Reynolds deferred application to medical school when he was awarded a Fulbright research grant [see page 1 for story on Fulbright winners] to study health care reintegration among former Colombian rebels and displaced persons. He then plans to pursue a dualdegree graduate program in medicine and public health and become a physician who will treat and advocate for vulnerable individuals in Latin America and Africa. What will Reynolds – who cites the St. Ignatius statue outside of Higgins Hall as “his favorite place on campus” – miss most about BC? “College is special: You’re surrounded by thousands of people your age, all with different passions but an eagerness to learn. I’m going to miss above all else the friends I’ve made, and the chance to always connect with these people who mean a great deal to me – whether it’s to have intense debates about something in class or a social justice issue, or just to hang out.” Contact Rosanne Pellegrini at rosanne.pellegrini@bc.edu
At this year’s Commencement Exercises, University President William P. Leahy, SJ, presented the inaugural Saint Robert Bellarmine, SJ, Award to Thomas F. Rattigan Professor of English and Director of the Institute for the Liberal Arts Mary Crane. The award, named after Saint Robert Bellarmine, SJ, a cardinal and influential Jesuit professor, will be given each year at Commencement to honor a distinguished faculty member whose significant contributions have consistently and purposefully advanced the mission of Boston College. Crane, an English Department faculty member since 1986 and former chair of the department, is an eminently respected teacher and Shakespearean scholar who is dedicated to her students, her scholarly field of English Renaissance literature and culture, and the Boston College community. The author of three books and numerous scholarly articles, she is internationally recognized for her pioneering work spanning intellectual history, the history of science and technology, and cognitive literary theory. Under her leadership, the Institute for the Liberal Arts has deepened the quality of student-faculty exchange, fostered innovative programs that enhance the intellectual life of the University, and organized seminars and symposia
Gary Wayne Gilbert
Is the First to Reynolds’ BC Years Were Well-Rounded Crane Receive Bellarmine Award
that bring together faculty from different disciplines around shared topics of interest. It is a tangible example of the University’s commitment to liberal arts education. As a co-chair of the Core Renewal Project and a member of the University Core Renewal Committee since 2015, she has worked tirelessly to revitalize and strengthen the Core Curriculum at Boston College. “It’s wonderful that Boston College has instituted the Saint Robert Bellarmine, SJ, Award to recognize a faculty member during the Commencement ceremony each year,” said Crane. “Both the ILA and Core Renewal have succeeded only because of the dedication of countless BC faculty to research, teaching, and the University mission, so it’s great that faculty effort and initiative will now be recognized annually. I was honored to be the first to receive the award.” –Kathleen Sullivan
Other Candidates for the 2018 Edward H. Finnegan, SJ, Award
Jessica Barnes (Lynch School of Education): A member of LSOE’s Honors Program, she majored in Applied Psychology and Human Development, and pursued multiple minors in Faith, Peace and Justice; special education; and management and leadership; led the 2018 Jamaica Mustard Seed trip and served as FACES outreach coordinator; research assistant to LSOE Professor Brinton Lykes at the Center for Human Rights and International Justice and on a project on communication among autistic children for LSOE Assistant Professor Kristen Bottema-Beutel; participated in a community-based immersion in the Philippines during her junior year, in a study-abroad program which emphasized social justice; volunteered at the Campus School, where next year she will work full-time as a teaching assistant; chosen as an alternate for a Fulbright teaching grant in Montenegro.
Mary Ladesic (Connell School of Nursing): Pursued a Hispanic Studies minor; member of the Sigma Theta Tau and Alpha Sigma Nu honor societies; participated in a variety of activities internationally, including a month-long comparative health care course in Switzerland, a study-abroad program at the University of San Franciso Quito and a Nicaragua Service and Immersion Trip; research fellow for three years with CSON Dean Susan Gennaro on maternal and neonatal health; InterVarsity Christian Fellowship team leader; Freshman Nursing Seminar peer advisor; SCRUBS sophomore retreat leader; Office of Health Promotion health coach; mentor to fifth graders through the College Success Academy; will study in CSON’s Family Nurse Practitioner graduate program.
Jay Nam (Carroll School of Management): Double major in information systems and finance and philosophy; research assistant; resident assistant; Career Center peer advisor; J.P. Morgan investment banking intern; chosen by peers for CSOM Honors Program’s Semper Esse Excellentia award, which recognizes “the senior who excels beyond the classroom”; AHANA Management Academy leader; tutored and mentored South Boston middle school students through PULSE; secured first-ever student intern role as a researcher with One Way Ventures, an immigrant-focused venture capital firm in Boston; won first place in national PwC Challenge Case Competition and honorable mention in Deloitte Advisory Case Competition; has accepted a position from J.P. Morgan as an Investment Banking Analyst. –University Communications
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PARTING THOUGHTS It is a fitting metaphor to say that Professor of Art History Jeffery Howe has painted his Boston College career with broad brushstrokes. An engaged, popular and accomplished member of the faculty since 1978, he also has been committed to collaboration with colleagues, and service to the University and its members; a curator of several acclaimed McMullen Museum of Art exhibitions, he has been influential in the evolution of the arts at Boston College over the past four decades. Howe has taught a wide range of courses in the history of art and architecture, served as chair of the Fine Arts Department (now the Art, Art History, and Film Department) and from 1998-2010, was the inaugural chair of the University Arts Council. Among its pursuits, the council launched and continues to organize the annual Arts Festival, which last month reached the 20-year milestone. An art history award in Howe’s honor is among those presented at the festival to undergraduates. He recently spoke with Chronicle about his retirement at the end of the academic year. What has been most gratifying in your career at BC? Howe: Over 40 years at Boston College I have seen tremendous growth in the arts, and have been privileged to participate in their advancement. When I began teaching at BC, the arts were dispersed in remote silos, unconnected to each other and the larger life of the University. The first major transformation came in 1993 when the Fine Arts Department moved from the Newton Campus to Devlin Hall. I was department chair at the time, and it was a new beginning for all of us. I have always been grateful for the freedom to shape my research and teaching according to my interests, and the chance to share the research with major exhibitions at the McMullen Museum. BC provides opportunities that are rare at other schools, and the administration gives faculty wings to make and share their discoveries. Finally, I have been fortunate to work with talented and dedicated professionals in the arts in all of the endeavors of the Arts Council. I was never trained to be an arts administrator, and could never have survived without the skills of talented faculty and University staff. The support of University administrators, particularly the MCA&S deans, University provosts and Father Leahy, was crucial.
Lee Pellegrini
Conversations with retiring members of the University community
What will you miss most about teaching? Howe: The enthusiasm and talent of the students, and vicariously sharing in their excitement at new discoveries and understandings of the creative process and history. Over the years, what lessons have you learned from your students? Howe: That art matters deeply to everyone. Some of the most passionate and insightful students I have worked with have come from across the University, including the Carroll School of Management, the sciences and the Lynch School of Education. Many students from the traditional humanities have enriched my classes with their individual backgrounds. Also, that art unites cultures; the increase in international students has brought some of the finest and most original insights to my classes. What does it mean to you to have played a key role during your tenure in the evolution of the arts at BC? Howe: The enduring success of the Arts Council is extremely gratifying, notably bringing about the first dedicated dance studio at BC on the Brighton Campus. After uncertain beginnings, the Arts Festival has thrived for 20 years. Curating exhibitions at the McMullen Museum has been one of the most satisfying professional experiences. Being able to research such artists as Edvard Munch, Fernand Khnopff, Gustave Courbet, John La Farge, and a host of Belgian modernists and landscape artists would be exciting enough for most art historians. To be able to bring the actual works to Boston College and share them with the community is a dream come true. The beautiful new facility for the McMullen Museum is a fitting setting for the world-class art that will continue to be showcased there.
What’s next for you? And will we continue to see you on campus at arts and other events? Howe: Yes, Boston College will continue to be an important part of my life. I have committed to curating one more exhibition at the McMullen Museum for the fall of 2019. It will be titled “Nature’s Hieroglyphs: Landscapes of William Trost Richards,” and will focus on the seascapes and geological paintings of the noted New England artist. I will also continue to research the art of the late 19th century in Belgium, and may curate some additional exhibitions with Charles Hack, the extraordinary collector we featured in the 2017 exhibit “Nature’s Mirror: Reality and Symbol in Belgian Landscape.” –Rosanne Pellegrini Clare O’Connor Associate Professor of Biology YEARS AT BC: 23 HIGHLIGHTS: Associate Chair and Undergraduate Program Director, Biology Department; Academic Technology Advisory Board; Undergraduate Core Curriculum Committee; taught approximately 180 students each semester in Investigations in Molecular Cell Biology, a course she designed to increase students’ understanding of core biological concepts, proficiency in experimental design, ability to search online databases, familiarity with the primary scientific literature and proficiency in scientific communication. “Investigations in Molecular Cell Biology uses an unusual model for an introductory biology class. Instead of students splitting their time between lectures and labs, students meet twice a week for three hours in a laboratory setting where theory is integrated with practice. We wanted students to do real research and test questions that nobody had ever investigated before. Students in the course are now generating publishable research results. “There’s been a sea change in educational technology over the past 20 years. In the early days, if you wanted to use a computer in the classroom, you had to fetch the cart with the computer from a locked closet and connect a bunch of wires to an electrical panel on the wall. Now we bring our laptop to class and plug it
Retirees to Be Honored May 30 Boston College will honor retiring administrators, faculty and staff at the annual President’s Recognition Dinner this Wednesday. The Office of Governmental and Community Affairs also will present its annual Community Service Award at the event. Employees who have retired during the 2017-18 academic year are: Marilyn Adams, Carlos Archilla, Lynn Barenberg, Sheppard Barnett, Carol Bisceglia, Sheila Blair, Richard Blake, SJ, Cindy Blazuk, Jonathan Bloom, Stephen Brown, Frank Cadle, Mary Cahill, John Casey, Leo Chahryn, Kwong Cheung, Kevin Croke, Joan Crowley-Horan, Paul D’Anello, Joseph Duffy, SJ, Stephen Erickson, Noreen Foley, Robert Frye, Mark Gately, Paul Gray, Esther Griswold, Andrew Hargreaves, Gina Harvey, Gail Howe, Jeffery Howe, John Joyce and Patrick Keating. Also, Mary Lessard, Theresa Lima, Frances Loftus, Joao Lopes, Jean Lovett, James Lubben, Michael Malec, Mary McCrosson, John McDargh, Thomas McGuinness, Kathleen McInnis-Dittrich, Larry McLaughlin, So Sim Moy, Ann Murphy, David Murphy, Jacob Mycofsky, Nu Nguyen, Rita Nicholson, Rose Noonan, Roberta Norton, Clare O’Connor, Edward O’Donnell, Philip O’Leary, Karen Peirce, Thomas Peters, Diana Pullin, Sergio Raffi, Blanca Rodriguez, Sister Callista Roy, Richard Sanger, Steven Sass, Peggy Saunders-Lieberman, Maria Schwab, Norma St. Martin, Eileen Sullivan, Richard Tresch, Rein Uritam, Walter Vaughn, David Walsh, Kathleen Williams, Kathleen Winarski, Catiana Wong, Jean Yoder and Ted Youn. –University Communications into a console with a range of projection options. It has made a huge difference in the classroom experience. Biology has seen an explosion of knowledge, and technology allows us to quickly integrate new information into our classes.”
Rein Uritam Associate Professor of Physics YEARS AT BC: 50 HIGHLIGHTS: While Physics chair from 1982-95, made the decision to focus departmental research on condensed matter physics, a field in which BC is now a widely recognized leader; co-founded and served as president of the Association of Marshall Scholars and a member of the Ambassador’s National Selection Committee, and was subsequently awarded membership in the Order of the British Empire by Queen Elizabeth; served as BC’s Marshall Scholarship advisor and coordinator for 15 years, during which time the University had six Marshall Scholars. “Over a half-century, Boston College has changed from primarily a commuter college for local men to a national research university, although the coming changes were already on the way in 1968 when I arrived. Doctoral programs had been established in the sciences in the early 1960s and others were coming in the early 1970s. The University went through a stepwise process of academic growth and improvement. Even in my first year, 101
new faculty were hired. Soon the University was open for women and more and more drew from a nationwide pool of applicants. “BC invested heavily in the sciences, with the building of Merkert for chemistry and the rebuilding and doubling in size of Higgins for physics and biology – to say nothing of the soon-to-come Schiller Institute for Integrated Science and Society. Clearly, all this change built upon the quality and quantity of faculty research, as seen in publications, external funding, and the awarding of scholarly fellowships, grants, and prizes.”
Jean Yoder Associate Director for Student Organizations and Leadership, Office of Student Involvement YEARS AT BC: 39 HIGHLIGHTS: Also served as international student advisor, and assistant dean for student development and intercultural affairs, working with international students and overseeing intercultural activities; helped develop and lead campus diversity programs, including “Prejudice Reduction” and “BC Pride.” “The number of international and AHANA students has grown tremendously at BC over the years. This remarkable rise has enriched the campus, and provided the University community with valuable learning experiences; it’s been a win-win for us all.” –Ed Hayward, Sean Smith Photos by Lee Pellegrini
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Commencement Week highlights included the traditional Class Toast with 1968 alumni joining this year’s graduates. (Photo by Lee Pellegrini)
‘Proud of the Both of Them’ Continued from page 1 Martins, who came to work as a custodian at BC in 2011. “He always made sure that education was our top priority. He’s worked hard all his life. He came here from Portugal and this past March he became a US citizen. It’s a great thing. He provided us this great opportunity and we took it. BC has provided us with so much and we are grateful.” Ricardo Martins started working at BC in 2002 and earned his bachelor’s degree in corporate systems in 2015. Their mother shared their father’s belief in education. “He always wanted us to do better and do things he couldn’t do,” said Ricardo. “Our mom always said, ‘Education is huge. Go as far as you can.’ They never had that chance and they wanted us to have that chance.” Making use of tuition remission for the children of employees, Filipe Martins began his undergraduate studies in the Woods College in 2010, a year before he began working here, and earned a bachelor’s degree corporate systems in 2016. Both brothers embarked on their masters’ degrees in 2016. Their sister, Nancy, earned her bachelor’s degree from the Woods College in 2011. The brothers have risen from custodian to supervisory roles. They work the overnight shift, starting at 11 p.m. and concluding their work at 7:30 a.m. “It was not an easy task,” said Filipe. “But working nights kind of worked out in my favor. I’d wake up at 3 p.m. and head in for class. It’s kind of the beginning of my day. I’d go to class and then I’d go to work.” Ricardo said he’s always felt encouraged by the BC community, including his co-workers. “We’ve had great support. They want us to get our education, to better ourselves. It’s great to take advantage of it and do
it. I think everybody should do it. I met a lot of great classmates and great faculty too. We’ve met people we wouldn’t have met working overnights, but taking classes gave us the chance to meet them. You definitely build some good relationships.” “We are very proud of the hard work that Ricardo and Filipe have done to complete their master’s degrees,” said Woods College Dean James P. Burns, IVD. “They epitomize the variety of students and backgrounds of those who come to Woods College to seek a degree and pursue an education that they know will lead them to a fuller and more rewarding life – but especially a life that is directed at service to others through education.” Ricardo said coming to work at the University – and his father’s constant urging – convinced him to pursue his undergraduate degree, taking advantage of the tuition remission benefit for employees. “I never thought I was a school person,” he said. “I thought I’d go out and earn money and work. But he got me here. I saw everyone else going to school and my parents encouraged me to go to school. So, I started slowly: one class a semester, then two and sometimes three. That’s how I got back into school and here I am graduating with my master’s degree.” Manuel Martins is thrilled to see his sons earn their advanced degrees. “I always encouraged my kids to pursue higher education and I am very proud of all three of them going to school here at BC and receiving their degrees. Filipe and Ricardo getting their master’s degrees this year is a great accomplishment and I am very proud of the both of them.” Contact Ed Hayward at ed.hayward@bc.edu
Associate Professor of Music Ralf Yusuf Gawlick is the winner of The American Prize in Composition, in the vocal chamber music (professional) division, for his composition “Kollwitz-Konnex (...im Frieden seiner Hande).” Founded in 2009, the American Prize is a series of new, nonprofit, competitions unique in scope and structure, designed to recognize and reward the best performing artists, ensembles and composers in the United States based on submitted recordings. Premiered at Boston College in 2013, “Kollwitz-Konnex” is a song cycle on legendary German graphic artist Käthe Kollwitz – the full title translates into English as “Kollwitz-Connection...in the Peace of His Hands” – whose steadfastness and determination has been a lifelong inspiration for
OBITUARY
Howard Gray, SJ; Directed Ctr. for Ignatian Spirituality Howard J. Gray, SJ, who was the inaugural director of the Boston College Center for Ignatian Spirituality, died on May 7 of complications from a car accident. He was 87. In 1997, Fr. Gray – who had come to Boston College the previous year as a visiting fellow at the Jesuit Institute – was appointed to direct the newly-established Center for Ignatian Spirituality. Created through an agreement between the University and the Jesuit Community at Boston College, the center develops programs on Jesuit education and Ignatian spirituality, helps faculty and staff to integrate Ignatian values in their professional or personal lives, and encourages those wishing to lead this process. “People want to talk about the distinctiveness of Jesuit education,
Lee Pellegrini
Gawlick Wins Music Prize
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Gawlick. Kollwitz lived through two world wars and other social upheavals, endured censorship and artistic and professional humiliation, and lost both a son and grandson to war. “Kollwitz produced over 100 self-portraits throughout her life,” said Gawlick. “The textual complement to her self-portraits are Kollwitz’ extensive letters, memoirs and diary. Here we discover her thoughts, hopes, fears and especially those who are new to it, and this cannot be accomplished in one general orientation session,” said Fr. Gray in an interview with the Chronicle. Jesuit institutions, he added, look to “their faculty, staff and students to help provide the leadership that will enable Jesuit education to thrive. The hope is that there will be a core of people, whether they are Jesuits or not, who are willing to invest in this education.” During his four years at the center, Fr. Gray led or directed a variety of tasks and activities: producing a directory of spiritual and apostolic opportunities for BC students; initiating a yearlong seminar on student formation; holding a series of workshops for University Housing administrators and staff on cura personalis and student living; publishing a book on BC’s historical and Jesuit tradition for incoming students and faculty; sponsoring retreats for faculty and staff, as well as groups representing academic or administrative areas in the University; and meeting with
impressions. These writings, seen as literary unfoldings of the selfportrait, mirror the main themes of her art: life and death, suffering and empathy, brutality, sickness, family, children, old age and growing old, misery and innocence. “She champions the vulnerable poor, despairing; she is the artistic patron saint of mother and child, of the outcast and downtrodden, of those who are neglected and whose lives constantly hang in the balance. Her art is an art of social conscience.” [More information about “Kollwitz-Konnex” is available at www.kollwitzkonnex. com.] Gawlick’s other works include a commissioned piece for the 25th anniversary of the visit of Pope John Paul II to Boston and the United States, music for a documentary commemorating the 20th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall, and a cantata written for the 70th anniversary of the outbreak of World War II. –University Communications students in the Philosophy Department’s Perspectives program. In 2000, Fr. Gray was selected to direct a project – funded by a $50,000 grant from the Lilly Endowment to the University – to plan initiatives supporting the University’s mission to integrate students’ intellectual and social formation under the central principle of vocation. When Fr. Gray left in 2001 to become rector of the Jesuit community at John Carroll University in Cleveland, he was widely acknowledged as having left a solid foundation for the center. In 2007, he moved to Georgetown University to become the assistant to the president for special projects and in 2017 – his final year there – he served as interim vice president for mission and ministry. Read more about Fr. Gray at http://bit.ly/howard-gray-obituary –University Communications
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: Campus Minister, University Mission & Ministry Director, Undergraduate Admissions, Academic Affairs/Provost Assistant Director of Biology Labs, Academic Affairs/Provost Assistant/Associate Director, Classes, University Advancement Senior Philanthropic Advisor, University Advancement
Boston College Club Chairman Jack Joyce ‘61 MBA’70 recently presented a club donation to University President William P. Leahy, SJ, to benefit a scholarship fund for Boston’s inner-city students. Over 20 years, the BC Club has given $7.5 million to the fund. (Photo by Lee Pellegrini)
Development Assistant, University Advancement Broadcast Engineer, ACC Network Production
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Fulbrights Continued from page 1
in HIV research, which stands at the intersection of these interests. Malaysia has been heavily struck by the HIV epidemic, and in response to national needs, its community of scientists and researchers created some of the strongest HIV/AIDS research centers in the world. “The end goal of my work is to alleviate the burden of HIV, reduce the number of HIV transmission cases and, in the long term, help work to eliminate the disease. I firmly believe that someday we will completely eliminate HIV, but only as a result of decades of research from all over the world. When that day comes, I hope to be able to say that I contributed to it as well.”
Omeed Alidadi (Alternate)
HOMETOWN: White Plains, NY DESTINATION: Tajikistan PROJECT: “Mobile Telephone Technology: Expanding English Language Learning in Dushanbe” FUTURE PLANS: Pursue a graduate degree in international education policy or public affairs, followed by a career with an organization like USAID or in the US State Department. “My interest in Tajikistan arose from my study abroad semester in the country in spring 2017. I studied Farsi and Tajiki daily and taught English at a community center sponsored by the US Embassy in Tajikistan. Living in Dushanbe exposed me to a number of challenges within the Tajik education system, namely access to quality English language resources. It drove me to write a senior thesis on the topic when I returned to BC. “My Fulbright research project aims to determine whether mobile telephone technology can effectively help Tajiks learn English in areas of the country that are distant from a language center. As an increasing number of Tajiks own smart phones, it would be interesting to learn whether there is a market for languagelearning platforms like Duolingo and Mixxer. The goal of this research is to help an increasing number of Tajiks learn English, better their understanding of US culture, and enhance their employability in a rapidly changing world.”
Jessica Barnes (Alternate)
HOMETOWN: Stafford Springs, Conn. DESTINATION: Montenegro PROJECT: English Teaching Assistantship; integrate a deeper meaning of language into her own pedagogy of teaching, while exploring the country’s cultural understanding and perception of disability and difference. FUTURE PLANS: Post-graduate education in psychology and anthropology.
Jacob Ciafone
HOMETOWN: Castle Rock, Colo. DESTINATION: Germany PROJECT: “Weltpolitik looks East: Revisiting the Kiautschou Bay Concession”; research analysis, using historical archives at the Free University of Berlin, of how official views on nationalism and race affected interaction with the local Chinese population. FUTURE PLANS: Graduate program in international politics, with specialization in German and Chinese affairs. “I will research how the personal writings of Germans living in late Qing China reflect the understanding/misunderstanding of China in the German mind. I’m excited to be able to unite my interests in German, Chinese and history. At the Free University of Berlin, there will be opportunity to further develop those skills that I began acquiring at BC. I couldn’t be more excited.”
Luke P. Cronin ’15
HOMETOWN: Duxbury, Mass. DESTINATION: India PROJECT: English Teaching Assistantship FUTURE PLANS: Attend law school, with hope of becoming a sovereign debt
attorney representing overleveraged nations. “As India rises, I hope to contribute to its thriving through the joyous service of teaching. Serving as an educator has been the most fulfilling experience of my life. Teaching enables you to transform the world directly and, in turn, teaching transforms you. I’ve seen how marginal changes made by each class can accumulate over time to expand a student’s understanding of themselves and the world. These changes are the bedrock upon which the future’s foundation lies. As I’ve done in my time as a Peace Corps volunteer in Western China, I would like to use my Indian school as a launching pad for community engagement. Recognizing that each site has unique opportunities and needs, I would tailor the activities to be the most effective for the community.”
Audrey DeLorenzo
HOMETOWN: Wenham, Mass. DESTINATION: Spain PROJECT: English Teaching Assistantship; will offer modern dance lessons to students and community members and work with them to choreograph a performance. FUTURE PLANS: Teach English to Spanish-speaking students; earn master’s of education degree; hopes to work as reading specialist in a Spanish-English immersion school. “I am grateful for my family and professors who have supported my education to develop a teaching philosophy centered around social justice and a global understanding of humanity. This award also belongs to the influential role models who have fostered my love of learning and appreciation of diversity. Through cultural exchange and engagement, I hope to realize the common threads across humankind. The role of foreigner will give me greater sensitivity to those who integrate into a new culture. I strive to use this award to empower students as global citizens, to bring about positive change. This Fulbright experience is not for me alone. I hope to share the knowledge and experiences I gain with many others throughout my life.”
John Ebersole
HOMETOWN: East Aurora, NY DESTINATION: Germany PROJECT: English Teaching Assistantship; use stories by American authors to support and teach ideals of tolerance and acceptance. FUTURE PLANS: Study German literature in graduate school, especially narratives of immigrants and ostracized peoples; pursue teaching career at high school, or study for related field of interest such as international relations. “The Fulbright is my next great opportunity to learn, and test what I have learned in college. Teaching English in Saxony during the coming year will hopefully propel my knowledge of German to the next level, and help prepare me for graduate school. I have not been to Germany since the summer after my freshman year, and I look forward to seeing how and where my German has improved.”
Isra Hussain ’17
HOMETOWN: Lincoln, RI DESTINATION: Austria PROJECT: Researching economic and social integration of refugees in Vienna. FUTURE PLANS: Graduate study in international development or migration studies; work for U.S. government or multilateral agencies on issues of displacement. “The Fulbright presents an opportunity to understand how society can craft policies and programs to accommodate an increasing number of displaced people. As a child of Muslim immigrants to the United States, I was initially drawn to Austria because of its unique historical behavior towards its large Muslim refugee population following the Bosnian War. At a time of increasing xenophobic and nationalistic rhetoric, I plan to use my Fulbright year abroad to study Vienna’s social and labor integration of Bos-
nian refugees, and to compare these policies to modern day refugee integration in Austria and other European countries. I look forward to gaining the skills necessary to contribute to discussions on the global forced migration crisis.”
Solina Jean-Louis
HOMETOWN: Atlanta DESTINATION: Germany PROJECT: English Teaching Assistantship FUTURE PLANS: Pursue a master’s degree in international affairs with a goal of working as Foreign Service officer in the US State Department. “I applied for the Fulbright because I truly believe in the power of intercultural communication and dialogue to foster a more peaceful world over time. I was awarded a Diversity Fulbright award, which means that I will be teaching in a German school with a high number of students with minority and/or immigrant backgrounds. I hope to show my students that the United States is more than what they see in movies and on television. With this award, I want to tell the story of America by highlighting the successes and contributions of immi-
intervention on the communication of deaf-blind students. FUTURE PLANS: Teach for a few years before eventually seeking a doctorate.
Conor McCadden
HOMETOWN: Calais, Me. DESTINATION: Bulgaria PROJECT: “A View from Bulgaria: Domestic Policy Impliations of the Perceptions of Russia & the West”; includes an assessment in Bulgaria of public and political perceptions of Russia, the US and Western Europe, and NATO to determine what effects they could have on Bulgarian domestic and international politics. FUTURE PLANS: Work for a member of US Congress or for the Congressional Research Service. “Fulbright is an incredible opportunity and I am so grateful to be selected. One of the most rewarding experiences I have had at BC is taking [Slavic and Eastern Languages and Literatures Lecturer] Mariela Dakova’s Bulgarian language and Slavic studies courses. I was able to explore a part of history and contemporary international politics I find interest-
Christopher Reynolds
HOMETOWN: Wilmington, Del. DESTINATION: Colombia PROJECT: “Barriers for Health Care Reintegration for Former Rebel and Displaced Colombian Populations”; two-pronged approach through study of perspectives of emergency health providers and a public health analysis. FUTURE PLANS: Apply to medical school; pursue a dual-degree graduate program in medicine and public health, and become physician advocating for vulnerable persons in Latin America and Africa. “I am so grateful to have received a US Student Researcher Fulbright to Colombia. In partnership with Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Bogota, the project will examine potential barriers to health care faced by ex-rebels and internally displaced persons involved in reintegration following the Colombian conflict. This opportunity is the ideal continuation of my health research in Latin America during my time at Boston College, and will allow me to pursue a professional passion by working in public health with vulnerable populations in a post-conflict setting.”
Anna Ringheiser
Boston College Fulbright Scholars (L-R) Solina Jean-Louis, Conor McCadden, Audrey DeLorenzo, Talia Mango, Layla Aboukhater, Melissa Wanyoike, Jacob Ciafone, Lori Niehaus, Anna Ringheiser, Mattia Pizzagalli, Omeed Alidadi, and Christopher Reynolds. (Photo by Lee Pellegrini) grant populations and allow my students to tell their own stories.”
Lauren Lin ’17
HOMETOWN: San Jose, Calif. DESTINATION: South Korea PROJECT: English Teaching Assistantship FUTURE PLANS: Graduate school “I intend to join a local music group where I can meet people of my age and older, learning a traditional flute like daegeum. I hope to also offer assistance to afterschool programs with music and flute lessons. Lastly, I will attend local events as an active participant to truly immerse myself in Korean culture; therefore, I will study Korean prior to arrival and continue to practice the language with my host family and engage with them as much as they allow. The goal is to spark conversation.”
Mary C. Lodigiani
HOMETOWN: Ridgefield, Conn. DESTINATION: Germany PROJECT: English Teaching Assistantship FUTURE PLANS: Become a German teacher, or work for a multi-national company with a German division, or re-focus career on governmental service. “I welcome the opportunity to engage with my German students in addressing the challenges that may arise as the country’s population becomes increasingly diverse. I’m committed to fostering greater intercultural understanding, including how foreigners are depicted in American literature, film and political rhetoric so they become more critical consumers of media.”
Talia Mango M.Ed
HOMETOWN: Billerica, Mass. DESTINATION: Italy PROJECT: Analyze the impact of early
ing and particularly important today. With my research project, I hope to contribute to the ongoing conversation around Russian involvement in Central and Eastern Europe.”
Lori Niehaus
HOMETOWN: Downer’s Grove, Ill. DESTINATION: Malaysia PROJECT: English Teaching Assistantship; form bonds with community members through shared meals and sporting activities. FUTURE PLANS: Master’s degree in public health, with focus on global health and education’s role in improving health outcomes and overcoming healthrelated stigmas. “In our interconnected world, complex problems must be solved through collaboration, which requires communication and mutual learning between people of diverse backgrounds. Winning a Fulbright grant to Malaysia is important to me because it gives me the opportunity to engage in and facilitate cross-cultural and interreligious dialogue to encourage young people to take an active role in developing comprehensive solutions to today’s global problems.”
Mattia Pizzagalli
HOMETOWN: Winchester, Mass. DESTINATION: Austria PROJECT: Research fellowship FUTURE PLANS: Medical school “Over the next two years, I will be performing proteomics research at the Research Center for Molecular Medicine at the Austrian Academy of Sciences, investigating the protein interactions of Soluble Lipid Carriers, a family of transporter proteins. Very little is known about these proteins so we hope to learn about how these interactions may lead to the development and progression of disease states.”
HOMETOWN: Carlisle, Mass. DESTINATION: Indonesia PROJECT: English Teaching Assistantship FUTURE PLANS: Pursue a graduate degree in teaching history to high school students in low-income communities; earn a master’s degree in public policy and work in the US government to educate young people and empower them to lead better lives for themselves and their communities. “I’m interested in teaching in Indonesia because my academic focus has been on Islamic societies. I have a strong desire to teach English while learning about another country’s history and culture. Given my passion for service, I hope to engage in community service opportunities through local organizations or faith communities; I’m also passionate about the environment and hope to learn abort Indonesian views on conservation and sustainability.”
Melissa Wanyoike
HOMETOWN: Lake Forest, Calif. DESTINATION: Argentina PROJECT: English Teaching Assistantship FUTURE PLANS: Law school “Being a political science and sociology major has allowed me to delve into issues of politics and race in an intimate way. Using this knowledge, I would strive to work with Grupo de Estudios Afrolatinoamericos, an organization at Universidad Buenos Aires, to try to create a chapter at the university where I am placed. I would hope to start a creative writing seminar amongst this group in order to encourage free expression about their experiences and highlight their narratives.”
•Three rising seniors were awarded summer Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarships: Daniela Benitez (Islamic Civilizations and Society/political science major), Jordan; Liam Madden (International Studies/economics major), Jordan; Jonghee Byun (English major), France. •Felix Lee ’19, a history major, won a Fund for Education Abroad Scholarship and will study at the University of Hong Kong this fall. He also will be supported by a Boston College Fung Scholarship. •Rising juniors Trevor Jones, Mary Grace Mitchell and Luke Sanabria were selected as alternates for David L. Boren Security Education Program Scholarships.