Boston College Chronicle

The Boston College

Chronicle Published by the Boston College Office of News & Public Affairs september 17, 2015 vol. 23 no. 2

2 •BC’s Agape Latte

becomes a national model

By Kathleen Sullivan Staff Writer

•University offers course in emergency response Vice President 3 •Senior James McIntyre dies •BC is 30th in US News college rankings •Simboli Hall dedicated Francis’ visit: Goizu4 •Pope eta discusses pope’s stop in Cuba; faculty on what message he’ll give to US

Center for Real 5 •Corcoran Estate and Urban Action primed for second year

•Trio of talented singers at Pops on the Heights

Dalsimer Lecture to 6 •First be held Oct. 1 •Photo gallery: Student Involvement Fair Kenneth 7 •Obituary: Schwartz of CSOM •Affiliates Program seeks candidates produced of ‘For 8 •Video the Greater Glory of God’ •Photo gallery: Mass of the Holy Spirit

Susan Martinelli Shea ’76 with members of “Dancing with the Students,” which she founded. The students will perform for Pope Francis during his visit to Philadelphia next week. (Photo courtesy of Susan M. Shea)

Performance of a Lifetime

A unique dance group founded by a BC alumna will be in the spotlight when Pope Francis makes his trip to the United States later this month nominated actor Mark Wahlberg, who will serve as host, “Queen of Soul” Aretha Franklin and Italian Rather than a coveted audience opera singer Andrea Bocelli. with the pope during his muchTwenty-two eighth-grade stuanticipated trip to the US next dents will perform the tango to week, a group of Philadelphia in- “La Cumparista,” while another ner-city teen dancers in a program group of 22 will present a swing led by a Boston College alumna dance to the “American Bandwill take the stage to perform for stand” theme. the pontiff on Sept. 26, during “This opportunity truly is an the World Meeting of Families. answer to a prayer,” said Shea, The talented who was spurred to youths are members start the program af“This opportunity ter her son’s college of “Dancing with the Students,” the brain- truly is an answer roommate was killed child of University in an act of violence. to a prayer.”

Trustee Susan Marti“These students startnelli Shea ’76, presi- –Susan M. Shea ’76 ed ballroom dancing dent and founder of last year as seventh the non-profit orgagraders. They are nization which brings ballroom talented, determined, polite and dancing to Philadelphia-area always have fun. Whenever they schools. dance, they are transformed into “Philadelphia is more excited ladies and gentlemen, who respect this September than if we were and bring out the best in each hosting the Super Bowl,” said other.

Shea. “Performing for the World “Knowing how well they dance Meeting of Families when Pope the tango, and knowing that the Francis comes to town is a dream tango is Pope Francis’ favorite come true.” dance...Boston College and the During Philadelphia’s Festi- Jesuits taught me that anything is val of Families event, the student possible,” she added. dancers will join a roster of highThe “Dancing with the Stuprofile performers and partici- dents” mission is to offer ballroom pants, including Academy AwardContinued on page 4

By Rosanne Pellegrini Staff Writer

NOTICE:

Timothy Greenfield-Sanders

Former Secretary of State to Speak at BC on Nov. 4

INSIDE

Former Secretary of State Madeleine Albright will be the inaugural speaker at the Council for Women of Boston College Colloquium, a new initiative that will bring exceptional thought leaders to campus to consider contemporary issues through the lens of women’s leadership.

Albright’s address, open to the public, will be on Nov. 4 in Robsham Theater. Her address will begin at 6 p.m., followed by a Q&A. The CWBC Colloquium will be administered under the aegis of the Institute for the Liberal Arts.

Albright was the first female secretary of state, serving from 1997 to 2001. As secretary of state, she reinforced America’s alliances, advocated for democracy and human rights and promoted US trade and business, labor, and environmental standards abroad. She previously had served as the US permanent

Madeleine Albright

representative to the United Nations. In 2012, Albright was awarded the US Medal of Freedom, the nation’s highest civilian honor.

“In recognition of the importance of the continued success of our mission to promote women as leaders, the CWBC has endowed a permanent program, the CounContinued on page 7

Core Renewal Leadership Discusses Next Steps at Forum

By Sean Smith Chronicle Editor

Administrators and faculty members heard a progress report last week on Boston College’s undergraduate core curriculum renewal, including the debut of interdisciplinary pilot courses this academic year and the tasks ahead for the committee charged with coordinating and managing the core.

The town hall-style forum, held Sept. 9 in Fulton Hall, featured a discussion with inaugural Associate Dean for the Core Julian Bourg that touched on faculty questions about issues such as assessment of the core and core substitution requests.

The event served as a formal introduction to Bourg, an associate professor of history, in his new role – he was appointed to a three-

year term as associate dean last month. Bourg also serves on the University Core Renewal Committee (UCRC), created this past summer to succeed the University Core Development Committee in providing governance for the core.

“The core is about our students,” said Bourg in his overview. “We may disagree about what’s best for our students, and what should be in the core – and these debates are healthy. But in the end, the core is about our students. So it will require reasonable people of good will from across the campus to ensure our students’ core experience is a successful one.”

Also on hand at the forum was Morrissey College of Arts and Sciences Dean Gregory Kalscheur, SJ, who chaired the Core Foundations Task Force that produced Continued on page 6

Due to the nationally televised Boston College-Florida State football game taking place in Alumni Stadium at 8 p.m. tomorrow, Sept. 18, all University administrative offices will close at 4 p.m. on Friday. The University asks that all vehicles be removed from campus as close to 4 p.m. as possible.

T he B oston C ollege

Chronicle september 17, 2015

2

A ROUND

C AMPUS

BE PREPARED With safety and emergency preparedness becoming watchwords on US college campuses, members of the University community have the opportunity to become trained in responding to various emergency situations.

Boston College’s Office of Emergency Management sponsors the Campus Community Emergency Response Team (CCERT) program, a series of nine classes that enables participants to help themselves and others in case of disaster, accident or other events. C-CERT gives instruction in emergency preparedness, hazard identification, hands-on basic medical operations, CPR, light search and rescue, fire suppression, disaster psychology, and disaster operations.

Registration for the course closes tomorrow, Sept. 18; registration and other links are available at http://bit.ly/1JXlpyc. The nine-part course – including a simulated disaster drill – runs from Sept. 29 to Nov. 21, and participation is required in each course to receive a certificate.

Director of Emergency Management John Tommaney says the C-CERT program has gradually expanded since it was first provided for Residential Life staff in 2009, and now includes faculty and staff members. The courses also are taught by a cross-

section of the University community, he adds.

“We have a lot of people at BC who want to be helpful,” he says, “and this is a way for them to learn how to help. What the program teaches, essentially, are some important life skills that can be applicable anywhere, whether at BC or beyond. It’s a terrible thing to feel helpless when someone needs assistance, and enrolling in this program can give you the means to take action.”

While C-CERT participants will not replace trained public safety personnel, Tommaney says they can serve as an additional resource for BC in emergency situations, working with BC Police, BC EMS and other offices and departments.

“We’re not expecting them to go put out fires,” he explains.

“But we can look to C-CERT members to be a self-activating, self-organizing group that knows what roles they can play if there’s a fire, an accident, severe weather – anything in which someone with emergency preparedness training is needed.”

Tommaney notes that another C-CERT program will likely be offered in the spring.

Watch a video about the CCERT program at https://youtu. be/8hA1m4G4qPg. –Sean Smith

Students and others in the Boston College community turned out to celebrate the beginning of Hispanic Heritage Month last Friday. The kick-off event, held in the Plaza at O’Neill Library, included a picnic and some impromptu dancing. (Photo by Christopher Huang) 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

Agape Latte events (including this one from 2014) have been popular with Boston College students since the program began nine years ago.

Now, other colleges and universities have started adopting the model. (Photos by Lee Pellegrini)

SETTING A GOOD EXAMPLE

The caffeinated faith conversation that is the trademark of Boston College’s popular Agape Latte program is now sparking similar conversations at colleges as far away as Ohio and Indiana.

Through an outreach program supported by an anonymous grant, the Church in the 21st Century Center has exported the Agape Latte program to 10 other colleges, with some 20 additional schools either poised to, or in talks to, launch Agape Latte this year.

At BC, more than 5,000 students have listened to nearly 50 different speakers over the course of Agape Latte’s nine-year run on campus. Offered by C21 in partnership with Campus Ministry, the successful, student-driven program – which derives its name from the Greek word for selfless, unconditional love that seeks nothing in return – uses personal stories on the intersection of faith and life to teach students lessons about life’s big questions.

The storyteller — a faculty or staff member — tells personal, authentic accounts about friendship, hope, forgiveness or prayer, allowing for plenty of post-event conversation with students in the audience.

“We’ve found a way to make faith fun and it has captured the curiosity not only of our own students, but of students at other universities,” said Karen Kiefer,

The Boston College

Chronicle www.bc.edu/chronicle chronicle@bc.edu

C21 associate director. “Hearing these personal stories has helped students in their own journey.”

This year, BC’s series will kick off with a special event, Agape Latte Beanpot, on Sept. 29 in Robsham Theater. The speaker will be Kerry Cronin, a Philosophy Department faculty member who is director of BC’s Lonergan Institute. Doors open at 7 p.m. with a musical performance by BC student band Juice, followed by a trivia contest. Cronin’s talk will begin at 8:30. Members of the Agape Latte partnership colleges are expected to attend.

Schools that have already launched Agape Latte include the College of the Holy Cross, Canisius College, Assumption College, Manhattan College, University of Dayton and University of Saint Francis in Indiana.

Interestingly, noted Kiefer, not all the colleges replicating Agape Latte are Catholic institutions. Babson College, where it is estimated only 20 percent of the student population is Catholic, has brought the program to its campus, and the University of Wisconsin, Brandeis University and University of Rochester are getting ready to launch Agape Latte.

Kiefer and her team offer full support to the schools adopting Agape Latte. “We Skype with the students and other represen-

tatives of the schools. We give them packets of information that answer their questions and tell them what the key ingredients are that make Agape work.”

About a half-dozen of the colleges have made a pre-launch visit to BC to witness an Agape event live. While schools can adapt the program to their campus culture, they are required to use the Agape Latte logo.

Agape has been embraced at other colleges in much the same way it has at BC, organizers say.

“The experience was very cathartic and moving,” Holy Cross Professor Stephanie Yuhl said about her school’s Agape event.

“It felt human and authentic, and offered a space for everyone to be present, which is a real gift in our fast-paced lives.”

At Assumption College, student Shannon MacDonnell said her school’s Agape Latte event “made me feel that all the things we go through, that seem like such a big deal, are just a small piece of our journey.”

Another Assumption student, Kailey Filiere, added, “I thought it was great how [the speaker] opened up about his experiences and how his faith helped him to grow as a person and affect others.”

–Kathleen Sullivan See the Agape Latte website at https://www.bc.edu/church21/studentcorner/agapelatte.html

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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T he B oston C ollege

Chronicle september 17, 2015

3

James McIntyre, ‘Mr. BC,’ Dies at 81 ing many of the largest gifts in BC history, including several major gifts in the current $1.5 billion Light the World campaign.

In a 2000 Boston Globe article, then US Representative Edward J. Markey ’68, JD’72, a longtime friend of Dr. McIntyre’s with whom he organized the campus finance conferences, said: “Jim McIntyre has dedicated his life to the effort of ensuring that Boston College joins the ranks of the top universities in the United States and in the world.

And during his years that goal has Senior Vice President James McIntyre been accomplished.” den Catholic High School, he went That article called him “legendto work full time to support his fam- ary for his ability to draw upon his ily while studying at BC’s Evening far-flung connections in academia, College. government, business, and other He graduated from Boston Col- realms to enhance the college’s filege with a degree in English in nances and prestige.”

1957 and served two years in the The honorary degree citation Army before returning in 1959 as presented to him, at Boston Colthe first layman hired in admissions, lege’s 2011 Commencement Exera job that would also introduce him cises read, in part: to his wife, Monica.

“During his half-century as a “BC not only provided me an student and administrator at ‘the education, but it also provided me a Heights,’ James P. McIntyre has wife. It’s easy to see why I feel such had an immense impact on the great love for this institution,” Dr. evolution of Boston College…His McIntyre once said.

43 consecutive years of service as Dr. McIntyre went on to earn a a vice president are unmatched in master’s degree in 1961 and a PhD Jesuit higher education in the Unitin higher education and administra- ed States. For his many contribution in 1967, and was awarded an tions and unwavering commitment, honorary degree in Boston College 2011. awards James P. After fulfillMcIntyre the deing a request from gree of Doctor of then-University Science in EduPresident Michael cation, honoris Walsh, SJ, to help causa.” build a first-rate At University admissions office Convocation in that would attract 1998, Fr. Leahy the best students, announced that Dr. McIntyre’s the James P. Mcnext assignment Intyre Chair had was to create a been established modern student af- Dr. McIntyre with House Speaker in his honor by Thomas P. “Tip” O’Neill in 1979. fairs office. Named a Boston College vice president in 1968, he would be- benefactor. The chair is currently is gin the difficult tasks of centralizing held by Professor Solomon Friedstudent affairs in a University with berg, chairman of the BC Mathfour undergraduate colleges, and ematics Department. helping to transform a commuter “I am fortunate to have had a school into a residential university, very satisfying career and to have all while dealing with the turbulent worked at an institution I love and social issues of the late 1960s. whose mission I fully support,” said In 1976 then-University Presi- McIntyre in a recent interview with dent J. Donald Monan, SJ, asked the Boston College Chronicle. “It has Dr. McIntyre to take on a new role been a wonderful experience and a as vice president for University Rela- joyous life.” tions. “I got the job on March 1 and Well known in BC circles for his on April 11 we started a capital cam- love of family, Dr. McIntyre is surpaign,” Dr. McIntyre recalled years vived by his wife of 52 years, Monlater. “The goal was $21 million ica, and six children – Mary, Peter, and we raised $25 million. When James Jr., Ann, Kara, and David – you consider that we didn’t have all graduates of Boston College, and the resources to do research and 16 grandchildren, Michael, Sarah, cultivation, it was a very successful James, Eddie, Caroline, Kate, Ryan, campaign for Boston College.”

Matt, Yana, Julia, Patrick, McKayla, As senior vice president since Owen, Monica, William, and Tim. 1986, Dr. McIntyre was responsible Donations may be made to the for major donor fundraising, as- James P. McIntyre Scholarship sisting with congressional relations, Fund at Boston College via bit. securing federal appropriations, and ly/1UHzudC. a myriad of other functions impor–Jack Dunn and Sean Smith tant to the University. A prodigious Read the full obituary for James fundraiser, he is credited with secur- McIntyre at http://bit.ly/1i3LlAU

Gary Gilbert

A funeral Mass was celebrated on Sept. 9 in St. Ignatius Church for Senior Vice President James P. McIntyre, a beloved Boston College administrator whose career spanned more than half a century and touched all facets of University life. Dr. McIntyre died on Sept. 4 from complications from multiple myeloma. He was 81.

Dr. McIntyre had worked at Boston College since 1959, serving under four presidents, and played a unique role in the advancement of Boston College from a commuter school to a preeminent national university.

In modern BC history, there were few major University developments in which he was not personally involved. He had a hand in establishing BC’s financial aid program, directing its first major capital campaign, and hosting nationally acclaimed finance conferences on campus, which convened top leaders from the financial world.

“When you think of all the key jobs Jim McIntyre held at Boston College, you realize how much he helped shape this University,” said University President William P. Leahy, SJ. “He was such an effective, dedicated ambassador for his alma mater. Future generations will benefit greatly from his lifelong commitment to BC.” BC’s Newton Campus, Flynn Recreation Complex, Thomas P. O’Neill, Jr. Library, Silvio O. Conte Forum, Robsham Theater Arts Center, the renovated Alumni Stadium and the Merkert Chemistry Center were all the fruits of Dr. McIntyre’s efforts, in addition to many of the University’s largest donations, and less visible entities such as the Presidential and Tip O’Neill scholarships that have benefitted generations of BC students.

“Jim McIntyre was known as ‘Mr. BC’ to all who knew and loved him,” said longtime University trustee and benefactor John M. “Jack” Connors ’63. “He accumulated many ‘firsts’ during his career at Boston College. He was the first lay person to work in admissions, the first emissary to the neighborhoods surrounding the school, the first VP for University Relations and the first administrator to secure federal grants for Boston College programs and capital projects. He was the unofficial college ambassador to the world and fundraiser extraordinaire. Jim would go anywhere and talk to anyone when it was time to raise money for the school.

“He had a knack for relationships, for bringing people together, and for identifying and overcoming challenges. He wore Boston College on his sleeve and was tireless in support of the school that meant so much to him.”

The son of Irish immigrants born and raised in Malden, Dr. McIntyre was six when his father died. Upon graduating from Mal-

University Climbs to 30th in 2016 US News Rankings Boston College improved to 30th among national universities in the 2016 US News & World Report survey, its highest ranking to date.

The University, which shared the 30th spot in the rankings with the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill, was bolstered by improvements in faculty and financial resources, reflecting the University’s strategic investments in faculty and instructional support. BC also improved in reputation among high school guidance counselors, reflecting the outreach efforts of staff in the Office of Undergraduate Admission, and in its alumni giving rank.

Boston College also rose to 35th in the “Great Schools Great Prices” ranking, on the strength of the University’s growing expenditures for financial aid and its commitment to need-blind admissions and to meeting the full demonstrated need of all of its accepted students. In addition, the Carroll School of Management retained its position among the top 25 undergraduate business, earning 22nd in the “The Best in Undergraduate Business” rankings of top AAC-

SB-accredited programs.

“I’m pleased to see this latest recognition of Boston College’s standing among the nation’s great universities,” said Provost and Dean of Faculties David Quigley. “The investments made possible by the Light the World campaign continue to pay off, and we can see evidence of our success each day in the work being done by our students and faculty in our classrooms and our laboratories, on campus and around Boston and across the globe.”

Overall, Princeton was ranked first by US News, followed by Harvard, Yale, Columbia, Stanford and the University of Chicago. Others in the top 35 included Tufts and Wake Forest universities, tied at 27th; the University of Michigan at 29th; New York University (32nd); the University of Rochester (33rd); and Brandeis University and the College of William and Mary (34th).

US News’ rankings of all colleges and universities are available at www.usnews.com.

–Jack Dunn

STM Dedicates Simboli Hall Yesterday afternoon, the School of Theology and Ministry dedicated 9 Lake Street on Brighton Campus in honor of Anthony C. “Tony” Simboli ’50, MA ’50, a real estate developer and longtime benefactor of Boston College. For more coverage of this event, see online Chronicle at www.bc.edu/chronicle.

Boston College welcomed New York Times op-ed columnist and author David Brooks to campus last Thursday, where he presented the keynote address at the annual First Year Convocation in Conte Forum. On the following day, above, he spoke informally with First Year Experience Director Joseph Marchese and students in the Fulton Hall Honors Library. (Photo by Lee Pellegrini)

T he B oston C ollege

Chronicle september 17, 2015

A Message of Hope There’s great anticipation about the pope’s US visit, but his stop in Cuba is also worth watching, says BC theologian

By Sean Hennessey Staff Writer

As the United States makes its final preparations for hosting Pope Francis next week, the popular pontiff will be visiting Cuba this weekend – and there to see him will be Cuban-born Boston College theologian Roberto Goizueta, who expects a “profoundly moving experience” at seeing Pope Francis in his home country.

“I suspect that a lot more will be going through my heart than through my mind,” says Goizueta, the Margaret O’Brien Flatley Professor of Catholic Theology.

“This trip will be a moment of unimaginable grace. Pope Francis will be bringing Christ’s message of hope to a people who have suffered so much for so long.”

This will be Goizueta’s third trip to his homeland in the past

10 years – all for religious or humanitarian reasons – but his first time in the presence of a pope. He says the visit of Pope Francis will send a strong signal to a people on the margins and praying for better days ahead.

“As this pope has so often reminded us, the very word ‘pontiff’ means ‘bridge builder,’” says Goizueta, past president of the Academy of Catholic Hispanic Theologians of the United States and the Catholic Theological Society of America, the world’s largest professional association of Catholic theologians. “Building bridges is ultimately about giving people hope – hope that isolation and estrangement will not have the last word. That’s the message of the gospel and that, I think, is the message that Pope Francis will be bringing to the people of Cuba. His presence represents to the Cuban people a commitment to their struggles and to

Alumna’s Dance Program to Perform for Pope Francis Continued from page 1 dancing classes to students in the fifth through ninth grades in low socio-economic areas, with a goal of fostering positive self-esteem, manners and respect for others, in an atmosphere of confidence and fun.

“Through ballroom dancing, I learned how important it is to be motivated, which will help me in high school and throughout the rest of my life,” said one student participant.

Under Shea’s effective and enthusiastic leadership, the program – highlighted last spring by the Philadelphia Inquirer for its success as a community initiative – has become a refuge for some students who have endured tragedies and other hardships in their lives.

“Ballroom dancing was a blessing from God (and Sue),” said a student named Carrie, who added that the experience will forever influence her future.

The papal performers are from Gesu School, an independent Catholic, Jesuit school in North Philadelphia recognized as a national model for inner-city education. It provides 450 mostly nonCatholic children, in grades pre-K through eight, innovative education to empower them to break the cycle of poverty and violence.

In a city with a public high school graduation rate of approximately 65 percent, 90 percent of Gesu

students graduate, and 86 percent of graduates go on to college or other post-secondary education.

Launched in 2005 at Gesu School, where Shea volunteered, raised funds and now serves as a trustee, the “Dancing with the Students” initiative has added schools annually and expanded to 11 schools in underserved neighborhoods, with some 250 student participants who receive instruction in the waltz, swing, merengue and tango.

Over the past decade, according to Shea, the students have performed at Philadelphia 76ers and Phillies games, the city’s Charity Ball and many other venues, and will continue to share the joy that dancing has brought to their lives.

In 2009, a “Dancing with the Students” troupe was created with membership from eight Philadelphia high schools. Taught ballroom dancing in elementary school, the students made the commitment to continue and take their dancing to the next level.

“Dancing for this event for our beloved Pope Francis will be life changing,” Shea said. “The students love this man. His picture is on every floor of Gesu School.”

For more information on “Dancing with the Students” see www.dancingwiththestudents.org.

Contact Rosanne Pellegrini at rosanne.pellegrini@bc.edu

“As a Cuban-American, it’s particularly heartening for me to see the pope calling attention to the faith of

Lee Pellegrini

4

the people that continues to endure and survive even in the midst of a great deal of suffering and strife.”

–Roberto Goizueta

their faith.

“As a Cuban-American, it’s particularly heartening for me to see the pope calling attention to the faith of the people that continues to endure and survive even in the midst of a great deal of suffering and strife. Pope Francis has a particular affection and concern for those sectors and elements of the Church that have tended to be forgotten and been marginalized, whose voices have not been heard. Certainly the people of Cuba represent that for him. That’s very important.”

The pope arrives on the island Saturday for a three-day

stay, during which he’ll say Mass in Havana’s Revolution Square, much like predecessors John Paul II and Benedict XVI did during their visits. Goizueta, who will be in Revolution Square to see the Mass, says it’s not so much the presence of a pope that has Cuba’s people excited, but this particular pope.

“Pope Francis is one who has energized people’s hearts, their faith, their hope and who has befriended the global Catholic community in a very personal and touching way, especially those people who have experienced marginalization or who

have felt forgotten by the larger global community,” says Goizueta, named by National Catholic Reporter as one of the 10 most influential Hispanic-American educators, pastors, and theologians.

“The pope has made the encounter with those who have been forgotten in the world a centerpiece of his papacy, his theology, and his vision of the Church. His presence there represents a real sign of hope for the people – a people who in many ways have lost hope or are threatened by the loss of hope.”

Q: What do you expect Pope Francis’ message to America will be?

Thomas Groome

Director, Church in the 21st Century Professor, School of Theology and Ministry

I expect Pope Francis’ message to American Catholics will be appreciative and affirming, but also confronting and inviting us to new horizons in our faith – for example, to commit to care of the environment as a central aspect of Catholic social teaching. I also expect him to push back against much of the political rhetoric we are hearing.

Instead of building walls, he’ll be encouraging us to build bridges; instead of “sending home the illegals,” he’ll be encouraging us to be hospitable and respectful of all people.

Stephen Pope Professor, Theology Department

Pope Francis will remind us that we have amassed great power which we must use responsibly, especially on behalf of the most marginalized people. We are called to be merciful as our heavenly Father is merciful. This message applies to our personal lives but also to how we craft public policies, including those pertaining to immigration and climate change.

He will also remind Catholics to remember that the Church has a

God-given mandate to show compassion to all people, particularly to those who are divorced and civilly remarried, those who live with a partner outside of marriage, and gays.

Tiziana Dearing

Assoc. Prof. of the Practice, School of Social Work

I expect the Pope will have three messages to America. First, a call to decrease our environmental consumption. He has written, “The climate is a common good, belonging to all and meant for all.” Americans use resources disproportionately; he will challenge us to change. Second, I believe he will question the American economic approach. Specifically, he will emphasize that the economy is meant to serve humanity, not the other way around. Third, he is likely to call us to action on the refugee crisis stemming from conflicts in Syria and the Middle East. The urgency of the situation requires it.

Joseph O’Keefe, SJ

Director, Center for Ignatian Spirituality Professor, Lynch School of Education

I think that Pope Francis will urge all of us in the United States to pay more attention to the better angels of our nature. He will remind us

of the inestimable dignity of every human being as a child of God, from the mother’s womb to the end of life.

He will call us to welcome the stranger, to care for the poor, and to ensure that future generations have a habitable planet. He will invite us to deepen our faith and renew our hope. And he will do all of that with humility and warmth.

James Bretzke, SJ Professor, School and Ministry

of

Theology

Pope Francis will underscore America’s crucial role in the world by highlighting the positive American values of freedom, democracy and a practical ability to innovate to solve vexing problems. He will also challenge America to greater practical commitment to the poor, especially in the global economy, life issues, and to overcome a natural “indifference” to those less fortunate that marks most human societies. He also will underscore the need to address more dynamically world problems, especially the environment, the plight of immigrants and refugees, and building a just and lasting world peace.

Photos by Caitlin Cunningham and Lee Pellegrini

T he B oston C ollege

Chronicle september 17, 2015

All Ready for Year Two After active debut year, Corcoran Ctr. continues its innovative mission

also will feature the University Chorale. A sell-out crowd is once again anticipated; at press time, Dubbed “the ultimate week- tickets were still available; for end for BC families,” Parents’ information, see www.bc.edu/ Weekend hits the Heights Sept. pops.

The three guest stars are the 25-27, with a spirited influx of BC dads, moms, siblings and talented voices behind some of the greatest rock, pop and R&B other relatives.

Parents’ Weekend provides hits of all time: Love, part of an opportunity to connect with Phil Spector’s “Wall of Sound” fellow BC parents, visit class- hit factory in the 1960s, was es with their students, attend inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and just open houses hosted released “Introducing by deans and other Darlene Love”; Fischadministrative leader, who has appeared ers, and hear from on albums by Tina University President Turner and Aretha William P. Leahy, SJ, Franklin, toured with who will give a talk the Rolling Stones on Friday, Sept. 25, and won a Grammy at 4 p.m. in Robsham for Best Female R&B Theater.

Performance; Hill, A highlight of the whose debut record weekend is the much“Back In Time” will anticipated perforbe released this year, mance by the Boshas provided backing ton Pops Esplanade vocals for artists such Orchestra, under the as Michael Jackson, direction of conducStevie Wonder and tor Keith Lockhart, Elton John. at the Pops on the Parents’ WeekHeights Barbara and end activities include Jim Cleary Scholara Friday afternoon ship Gala – now in talk on study-abroad its 23rd year – which experiences by Nick takes place later that J. Gozik, director of Friday in Conte Fothe Office of Interrum. national Programs Special guest artand McGillycudists are musicians and dy-Logue Center legendary back-up From the top: Singers singers Darlene Love, Lisa Fischer, Judith Hill for Undergraduate and Darlene Love will Lisa Fischer and Ju- be guest performers at Global Studies, foldith Hill, immense this year’s Pops on the lowed by a presentatalents who have per- Heights event, Sept. 25 tion on “The Value of a BC Degree” by formed with icons in Conte Forum.

Vice President for throughout the music scene. The trio – whose mem- Planning and Assessment Kelli bers have powered the hits of Armstrong and Kerry Cronin, such artists as Marvin Gaye, the Lonergan Institute associate diRolling Stones, Prince, Michael rector and fellow at the Center Jackson, and more – are among for Student Formation.

Saturday will feature the BCthe stars of the Oscar-winning 2013 documentary “Twenty Northern Illinois football game Feet From Stardom,” in which at Alumni Stadium at 1 p.m., they discuss their journeys as and Parents’ Weekend will conthey became part of musical his- clude Sunday with a 10 a.m. family liturgy in Conte Forum tory.

Proceeds from Pops on the open to all faiths, with an exHeights benefit the Pops Schol- pected attendance of some 3,000 arship Fund; the event has pro- students, parents, and other vided more than 1,200 scholar- members of the Boston College ships for BC students over the community. The liturgy will be past 22 years. Serving as gala followed by a continental breakco-chairs are University trust- fast.

Details on the Parents’ Weekees Chuck Clough ’64 and Phil end schedule are available at: Schiller ’82.

Following performances www.bc.edu/parents.

by BC student groups in and around Conte Forum, which beContact Rosanne Pellegrini at gin at 6 p.m., the Pops will take rosanne.pellegrini@bc.edu the stage at 8 p.m. The concert

By Rosanne Pellegrini Staff Writer

By Sean Hennessey Staff Writer

With the academic year under way, the Carroll School of Management’s Joseph E. Corcoran Center for Real Estate and Urban Action is gearing up for the next phase of its young life with a new (top photo, L-R) Hyewon Han ’18 director, a new faculty member, and Rachel Forray ’16 and Marwa and new classes in place.

Eltahir ’17 (at right) were among Founded to educate and in- Boston College students who spire the next generation of pro- served in internships through the fessionals to use real estate as Corcoran Center for Real Estate and Urban Action. (Photos provided by a catalyst for turning struggling Corcoran Center) neighborhoods into stable, flourishing communities, the center Chazen, who has taught at Bos– guided by the Jesuit ideal of ton University, Babson College “men and women for others” – and, most recently, at Brandeis is named for benefactor Joseph International Business School.

Corcoran ’59, a pioneering real One model for real estate as estate developer. a means to social change, McSince the Corcoran Center’s Cullagh notes, is Joseph Corcoinauguration last fall, the Carroll ran’s successful effort to revitalize School has hired Neil McCul- Dorchester’s crime-ridden Colagh, former executive director lumbia Point housing project by of The American City Coalition creating Harbor Point, a widely (TACC) and long-time econom- praised housing development ic development leader, as the where low-income families live center’s director and Ed Chazen side-by-side with middle-class – who spent 28 years in the real families. His accomplishment is estate sector as a private equity the basis for the course Real Esinvestor and 14 years teaching at tate and Urban Action, which the graduate level – as a senior has been taught at Boston Collecturer. lege for the past five years.

The center also launched an McCullagh, who internship program, is also one of the placing 16 Boston “These students original class instrucCollege students in tors, said the course government, non- have every oppor- exemplifies the cenprofit, and private tunity to become ter’s mission, chalsector organizations lenging students “to across Boston, in- powerful agents of understand and anacluding the Boston social change.” lyze a neighborhood, Housing Author–Neil McCullagh and develop a new ity, the City of Boshousing concept that ton’s Department of will advance positive Neighborhood Detransformation in a velopment and Preservation of high-need neighborhood. They Affordable Housing, and multi- meet experts from related fields ple economic development agen- and work in teams to develop cies. plans, including analysis of so“In the last eight months, it’s cial service needs, job creation been very busy,” sums up Mc- opportunities and community Cullagh. “I hope that we are partnerships. They’ll look at all going to be able to develop pro- aspects of the development and fessionals who understand real es- then present thoughtful, creative, tate is an incredibly transforma- and actionable plans for how to tional tool – a platform for social work with the community to change that can be employed in transform the neighborhood.” neighborhoods with the highest Now, the center will build concentrations of poverty. These on the lessons of the Corcoran students have every opportunity experience by offering a slate of to become powerful agents of new classes, including two debutsocial change.” ing this semester, Real Estate Fi“Students are drawn to this nance and Fundamentals of Real work, and also learn that there Estate. Also in the works are a is a great opportunity to apply Real Estate Development Course their knowledge to solving sig- and a semester-long Real Estate nificant urban problems,” adds Field Projects class, in which

Pops on the Heights to Usher in Parents’ Weekend

students undertake a real-world consulting project for a real estate company or public agency. More than 60 students have enrolled in the classes thus far.

Adds Chazen, “Our goal is to teach students solid real estate analytical skills -– in acquisitions, development, financing and market research -– and encourage them to apply this knowledge to revitalizing urban neighborhoods. We want them to see where real estate has transformed communities, see the roles of all the different stakeholders – the community, the government agencies, the financing sources – and understand that real estate can play an important role in improving living conditions for people.

“At the undergraduate level, I’m not aware of any school in the Boston area that has anything even close to this commitment,” he says.

Along with classes and internships, the center will host two speakers each semester, and sponsor at least two larger-scale events each year spotlighting innovations in the field of real estate and neighborhood revitalization to the Boston College community. The center also is collaborating with the undergraduate Real Estate Club to host a workshop in Argus, the primary software used by the real estate industry for financial analysis.

For more information about the Joseph E. Corcoran Center for Real Estate and Urban Action, see www.bc.edu/schools/csom/research/realestate.html.

Contact Sean Hennessey at sean.hennessey@bc.edu

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Oct. 1 Dalsimer Lecture Honors Memory of Irish Studies Pioneer The Boston College Center for Irish Programs will inaugurate the Adele Dalsimer Memorial Lecture this fall, honoring a key architect of BC’s renowned Irish Studies Program – and featuring as its first speaker one of the program’s most accomplished graduates, Margaret Kelleher PhD’92, the first woman to hold the chair of Anglo-Irish Literature and Drama at University College Dublin.

Kelleher, who served as the Burns Library Visiting Scholar in Irish Studies in 2002-03, will present “Focla Déigheanacha (Dying Words): The Execution of Myles Joyce (Galway, 1882) and its Continuing Legacy,” on Oct. 1 at 6 p.m. in Devlin 101. A reception will follow in Connolly House.

She is widely regarded as an innovator in Irish literary studies, through her work on 19th-century literature, women’s writings, and the historical relationship between literature in English and Irish. Her books include The Feminization of Famine and the landmark publication The Cambridge History of Irish Literature, co-edited with BC English Professor Philip O’Leary.

Prior to joining University College Dublin, Kelleher was founding director of An Foras Feasa: The Institute for Research in Irish Historical and Cultural Traditions at the National University of IrelandMaynooth.

The event Kelleher will help launch honors the memory of Adele Dalsimer, who co-founded the BC Irish Studies Program with Associate Professor of History Kevin O’Neill in 1978 and was its codirector until her death in 2000.

Dalsimer received several honors for her work in the field of Irish studies, including honorary degrees from the University of Ulster and the National University of Ireland and was recognized as an honorary Irish-American by Irish America magazine in its “Top 100 Irish

Americans” issue of 1996.

“I am honored to be invited to give this inaugural lecture in memory of Professor Adele Dalsimer, and to represent the myriad students and scholars inspired by her teaching, life and research,” said Kelleher, who first came to the University in 1985 as a graduate student via a scholarship that Dalsimer helped establish for Irish students to attend BC. “My time at BC, and all my later work, was crucially shaped by Adele’s vision for an Irish studies that would be outward in perspective, constructively critical in focus and rooted in a deep love for our distinctive literature and history,” she said. “This is a living legacy cherished and continued by her many students and colleagues.”

“Adele Dalsimer was enormously important in Boston College’s rise to be the Irish studies leader in North America,” said Professor of History Oliver Rafferty, SJ, director of the Center for Irish Programs.

“She was immensely well-respected throughout the field and beyond, to the extent that two leading Irish poets – Seamus Heaney and Nuala Ní Dhomhnaill – wrote poems in her honor. It’s a testament to the high regard for her, not only in America but Ireland.

“Adele is still very much talked about, her memory still venerated, and she is still very much loved.”

Kelleher, added Fr. Rafferty, “is, from all points of view, the right person to give the first Adele Dalsimer Memorial Lecture. Margaret was a student of Adele, of course, but she has cultivated a very successful career in her own right and is a leading advocate for Irish studies internationally. It will be a delight to welcome her back to Boston College.”

The event is free and open to the public, but registration is required; go to http://bit.ly/1XPFb8f.

–Sean Smith

Author Eva Selhub, a clinical associate at the Benson-Henry Institute for Mind-Body Medicine who is on staff at Harvard Medical School, presented “Changing Your Health Destiny” on Sept. 9 as part of Boston College’s HEALTHY YOU program. The event was co-sponsored by the Women’s Collaborative and the BC Wellness Support Group. (Photo by Lee Pellegrini)

Boston College clubs and organizations were out in force Sept. 4 for the Student Involvement Fair, held on Stokes Lawn.

Photos by Lee Pellegrini

Committee Seeks Pilot Course Proposals Continued from page 1 the 2014 statement titled “The Vision Animating the Boston College Core Curriculum.” That document, along with the 2013 “Toward a Renewed Core” proposal, articulated the importance of intellectual engagement and interdisciplinary approaches, and the centrality of Jesuit principles, to the core.

“This is an exciting time for the core renewal,” said Fr. Kalscheur in his introduction, citing the new pilot courses – which all have “healthy enrollments,” he added – as an important outgrowth of the work done by many administrators, faculty and staff across the University.

“But these and other new courses to follow aren’t the only dimension of the core renewal process. It also will be important to foster innovation in existing core courses, so they more energetically follow the vision expressed in the core statement.”

Bourg described the two categories for the 15 new pilot courses, which are open to first-year students only. Three are designated Complex Problems: teamtaught by two faculty from different disciplines and consisting of three lecture classes as well as weekly lab sections and evening reflection sessions. The other 12 are linked in six pairs through Enduring Questions, taught by faculty from different disciplines – who collaborate on readings and materials – and are taken by the same group of students, who meet for four evenings during the

semester to reflect on and integrate the classes’ content.

The approximately 350 students enrolled in the pilot courses this year might constitute “a small footprint,” said Bourg, but a number of departments have reported significant increases in freshmen enrollments for core courses over last year, including Sociology (119 percent) and Earth and Environmental Sciences (59 percent). Yet this rise did not result, he said, in a drop in freshmen enrollment for established interdisciplinary programs like Cornerstone and Perspectives.

Bourg encouraged faculty to submit pilot course applications for the 2016-17 academic year by the Oct. 5 deadline. The UCRC will hold luncheons today and Sept. 23 that he said would enable faculty members to meet and brainstorm on potential interdisciplinary collaborations.

“One big challenge we face is that we tend not to know a lot of people in departments other than our own,” said Bourg. “The core provides the opportunity for us to seek one another out, and that is something we need to do. No discipline has a monopoly on knowledge. Liberal arts is at the center of all we do in the core, which is to model connections and integration between disciplines. It’s our job, not our students’ on their own, to make those connections.”

Bourg said the UCRC will serve as a resource and means for faculty participation in the core,

outlining several areas the committee will focus on, such as evaluating proposals for new core classes and for changes to existing ones; tracking core courses and their status; processing student core substitution requests; and offering core pedagogical innovation grants to aid faculty in devising creative ways of teaching core classes.

Core assessment also will be a major task for the UCRC, especially with the University set to undergo reaccreditation in 2017 – although he added that some aspects of assessment, such as of pilot courses, will be for internal program development and distinct from the reaccreditation process.

Bourg said he and the UCRC are making every effort to ascertain, and fine-tune systems and procedures to meet, faculty members’ needs with respect to the core.

But the committee also will take a big-picture approach to the core and its place at BC – something he said faulty members should do in dialogue with one another and with the Jesuit, Catholic mission of Boston College.

“Through the core, we are attending to the context of our students’ lives,” he said. “We should always each make time to reflect on our role as teacher and mentor, and how the core can enable us to serve that role.”

For information on the Boston College core curriculum, see www. bc.edu/core.

Contact Sean Smith at sean.smith@bc.edu

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CSOM’s Kenneth Schwartz, 65 Funeral services were held on Sept. 6 at Stanetsky Memorial Chapel in Brookline for retired Carroll School of Management Associate Professor of Accounting Kenneth Schwartz, who died Sept. 3. He was 65.

Dr. Schwartz taught at the Carroll School from 1986 until his retirement at the end of last academic year, and served as chairman of the Accounting Department from 1990-94. He also taught at Boston University.

Widely praised for his teaching, Dr. Schwartz also was well regarded for his research on the regulation of public companies and enforcement actions relating to financial statement manipulation and audit failure. He served as an accounting expert in litigation cases involving complex transactions and structured business arrangements and their compliance with generally accepted

accounting principles.

Dr. Schwartz wrote on the analysis of financially distressed firms, business restructuring and sell-off activities, and the resolution of accounting disputes with auditors, and published articles in prestigious management journals such as The Accounting Review, Auditing: A Journal of Practice & Theory, Journal of Financial Economics, and Academy of Management Journal.

He is survived by his wife, Julia Heskel; his daughters, Alyson Strianese and Karly Servais; his sister Judith Rosenthal, and his grandson Matthew Servais.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Schwartz Strianese Fund for Esophageal Cancer Research at Dana Farber Cancer Institute at www.danafarber.org.

–Office of News & Public Affairs

First CWBC Colloquium to Host Madeleine Albright

Continued from page 1 cil for Women of Boston College Colloquium,” said CWBC Chair Kathleen McGillycuddy NC ’71.

“The colloquium will position Boston College as a leading voice in the national conversation on women and leadership. We hope that the colloquium will foster conversations throughout campus and beyond on the critical issues of the day and the role that women play in addressing them. We are delighted to launch this very special initiative with such a renowned and accomplished leader, Madeleine Albright.”

The colloquium is made possible by the generous support of council members and other Boston College donors.

“Madeleine Albright’s achievement as the first woman to serve as United States secretary of state and her record of outstanding leadership make her the ideal inaugural speaker for the colloquium,” said Rattigan Professor of English Mary Crane, director of the ILA. “She can address substantive issues and is a lively speaker who will engage faculty, students, alumni and the broader community. We were thrilled when she accepted our invitation and look forward to welcoming her to Boston College.”

Albright chairs both the National Democratic Institute for International Affairs and the Pew Global Attitudes Project and serves as president of the Truman Scholarship Foundation. She is a member of the US Department of Defense’s Defense Policy Board, a group tasked with providing the

Secretary of Defense with independent, informed advice and opinion concerning matters of defense policy.

A best-selling author, Albright has written about her time in office (Madam Secretary: A Memoir), her legendary pin collection (Read My Pins: Stories from a Diplomat’s Jewel Box) and her childhood in Czechoslovakia (Prague Winter: A Personal Story of Remembrance and War, 1937-1948), among other titles.

She is chairwoman of the Albright Stonebridge Group, a global strategy firm, and of Albright Capital Management LLC, an investment advisory firm focused on emerging markets.

Through its organization and sponsorship of professional, educational, cultural, athletics and service activities both on campus and across the country, the CWBC provides alumnae with professional and personal enrichment opportunities; connects them to the University; supports Alumni Association initiatives, and mentors women undergraduates, the alumnae of tomorrow.

Established in 2002, the CWBC has grown to include some 150 alumnae, with a membership roster that reads like a “Who’s Who” of leaders in business, financial services, law, medicine, education, broadcasting and other fields.

An additional 800 alumnae are associate members of the council.

Contact Kathleen Sullivan at kathleen.sullivan@bc.edu

BOSTON COLLEGE IN THE MEDIA The announcement by Pope Francis that simplifies Catholic annulment procedures is a pastoral response to the many couples experiencing profound pain and alienation as a result of broken marriages, said Prof. James Bretzke, SJ (STM), who was quoted on the subject by the New York Times, Reuters, Voice of America, The Guardian (UK), AP and CNN. Asst. Prof. Arissa Oh (History) discussed her new book, which details how South Korea pioneered the international adoption model, on Public Radio International’s “The World.”

The Huffington Post noted a study by researchers at the New York Federal Reserve, including Prof.

Claudia Olivetti (Economics), which found women in management see an even greater disparity in compensation by gender than do women in working-class jobs.

A directive on “equal access” by the Education Department’s Office for Civil Rights ignores the law and won’t achieve its intended goals, wrote O’Neill Professor of American Politics R. Shep Melnick in an op-ed for the Wall Street Journal.

What does the grading of global institutions have in common with

sports championships? Research Prof. Philip Altbach (LSOE), founding director of the Center for International Higher Education, and Associate Director Laura Rumbley examined the parallels in a piece for Times Higher Education.

From a legal perspective, the NFL has itself to blame for losing the

Prof. Jeffrey Cohen (CSOM) had his article, “Media Bias and the Persistence of an Expectation Gap: An Analysis of Press Articles on Corporate Fraud,” accepted for publication in the Journal of Business Ethics.

Assoc. Prof. Andrea Vicini, SJ (STM), received a $10,000 grant award from the John Templeton Foundation to teach the course Human Genetics and Biotechnologies: Challenges for Science and Religion. Fr. Vicini, a doctor of medicine with a medical degree from the University of Bologna,

Prof. Elizabeth Graver (English) was interviewed by the Boston Globe for a story on how a herd of some 30 wooden and plastic rocking horses gradually appeared on a parcel of farmland in Lincoln, Mass., near where she and her husband live.

EXPERT OPINION School of Social Work Associate Professor of the Practice Westy Egmont, director of the Immigrant Integration Lab, on last week’s announcement that the US will accept 10,000 Syrian refugees.

“The United States demonstrates again its commitment to refugees by committing to an additional 10,000 Syrians among next year’s refugee admissions. The urgency of the moment requires an expedited processing to relieve pressure on the borders of adjoining states to Syria and on the European borders as well. It’s hoped that the United States will remember its success on resettling the Kosovars, when much of the processing was done in the United States at Fort Dix. We know the United States has the capacity to use expedited processing when there’s a crisis environment, such as what exists today.

“It’s also important to recognize that Syrians are only one population of 13 million refugees worldwide, many of who have languished without attention. It’s hoped that we commit to our ongoing long-term refugee program sufficient resources to assist the many millions more in dire need of hope and opportunity.”

For more commentary from the BC community, go to the News & Public Affairs web site at www.bc.edu/offices/pubaf

BC BRIEFING Assoc. Prof. of the Practice Michael C. Keith (Communication) published stories in The Literary Yard, The Penmen Review, Yellow Chair Review, and The Lowestoft Chronicle.

“Deflategate” case, Prof. Fred Yen (Law) told WGBH News.

Lee Pellegrini

obituary

Italy, was among 15 recipients of the awards, part of an effort by the Catholic Church to encourage scientific literacy in the formation of seminarians.

Prof. Jorge Garcia (Philosophy) presented the following: “From Neighbor-Love to Utilitarianism, and Back,” to New England’s inaugural Philosophy in an Inclusive Key Summer Institute (PIKSI-Boston) at Massachusetts Institute of Technology; “Strong Social Constructionism and Race,” at the annual Institute for Diversity in Philosophy, Rutgers University; “Institutional Racism without ‘Indirect’ Discrimination,” at a University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill miniconference on “Implicit Bias, Racism, and Philosophy; and “The Ethics of Race-Loyalty,” to Wellesley College’s Freedom Project.

AFFILIATES PROGRAM SEEKS CANDIDATES The University Affiliates Program, which helps prepare AHANA employees for potential leadership positions, is accepting applications for the 2015-16 cohort. The deadline is Sept. 25. For details about the program and information about the application process, see www.bc.edu/offices/diversity/programs/affiliates.html, or call the Office for Institutional Diversity at ext.2-2323.

JOBS The following are among the most recent positions posted by the Department of Human Resources.

For more information on employment opportunities at Boston College, see www.bc.edu/offices/hr: Executive Director, Office for Institutional Diversity Associate Vice President and Director, University Counseling Financial Vice President and Treasurer Director of Career Advising, Career Center Director of Capital Construction Projects, Facilities Management Compensation Analyst, Human Resources Department Admissions Assistant, School of Theology and Ministry Staff Nurse, Health Services Head Librarian, Assessment and Outreach, O’Neill Library Club Coach, Men’s Soccer, Athletics Financial Aid Associate, Student Services

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The talk by author and Irish literary expert Declan Kiberd, “Militarism or Modernism? Intellectual Origins of the Easter Rising, Dublin 1916,” scheduled for this Wednesday, Sept. 23, has been postponed to Nov. 18. The event, sponsored by the Lowell Humanities Series, will take place at 7 p.m. on that date, at a location to be announced later; for updates, see www.bc.edu/lowellhs.

Fr. VerEecke’s ‘For the Greater Glory of God’ dance piece captured on video documentary

By Rosanne Pellegrini Staff Writer

For decades, St. Ignatius Church pastor Robert VerEecke, SJ, has explored Ignatian spirituality through dance, and created pieces for holidays and worship services. Now, the acclaimed choreographer and longtime Boston College artist-in-residence has had one of his signature works captured on a professionally produced video, thanks to a BC Jesuit alumnus.

Last week saw the premiere screening of a video by award-winning documentary filmmaker Jeremy Zipple, SJ ’00, STM ’14, that depicts a performance of “For the Greater Glory of God,” a dance/ theater piece of Fr. VerEecke that was inspired by the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius. The video, which has the same title, was screened at Robsham Theater on Sept. 10, an event sponsored by the Center for Ignatian Spirituality that brought Fr. Zipple back to campus.

“Almost since the founding of the Society of Jesus in the 16th century, Jesuits have been immersed in the arts,” said Fr. Zipple, executive editor of America films and a University trustee associate.

“Jesuits have been painters and playwrights, composers and musicians, and it’s exciting to witness this great tradition continued so vibrantly today at Boston College.”

BC SCENES

Jeremy Zipple, SJ ’00, STM ’14 filming a performance of “For the Greater Glory of God,” a piece created by Robert VerEecke, SJ (front), based on the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius. Fr. Zipple screened the video last week at Robsham Theater.

Fr. VerEecke said the performance piece — which he created in 1990 for the 450th anniversary of the founding of the Society of Jesus and the 500th anniversary of the birth of St. Ignatius — holds special significance for him.

“The first live performance of ‘For the Greater Glory of God’ was at St. Ignatius Church in 1991,” he explained. “Twenty-five years later, it is very gratifying to see that the premiere of the video version is at Robsham, where we presented it live many years ago. And, of course, Robsham has been home to so much of my work over the 38 years I have been at Boston College.”

Since its debut a quarter-century ago, “For the Greater Glory

of God” has been performed, by a company of musicians, dancers and actors, in many Jesuit universities, parishes and retreat centers.

The making of the video took place last summer at St. Ignatius Church, with one aspect done in Robsham Theater, due to the need for a larger space.

Fr. Zipple’s video, Fr. VerEecke said, gave him the opportunity to view the performance anew, by seeing the movement and expressions of the piece from many different perspectives.

“The most amazing thing for me is to see Jeremy’s ‘choreography,’” he said. “Because he used multiple cameras you see the dances from different angles. Ordinarily an audience only sees what is right

before their eyes. The camera creates a very interesting interpretation of the dance.”

Fr. Zipple said the project “was especially meaningful for me because I got to collaborate with Bob, a brother Jesuit artist who is so creative and so talented. I’m a filmmaker in my 30s, and Bob’s a choreographer in his 60s. Though we work in different mediums, have different styles, are of different generations, we’re both Jesuits. That means we approach our art with a common conviction: that the divine is to be found in all things, most certainly creative expression.”

In an article for America magazine this past spring, Fr. VerEecke – who portrays St. Ignatius in “For the Greater Glory of God” – described how he used the basic structure of the Spiritual Exercises to

weave together music, dances and Scripture texts that “would bring the exercises to life through artistic imagination.

“For those who know the exercises, imagination is a key to St. Ignatius’ genius of inviting people into an intimate relationship with God. Although this exercise of the imagination would happen in the prayer of the person making the Spiritual Exercises, I wanted to use the exercise of the artistic imagination to help others to ‘see’ and ‘feel’ the exercises through the power of music and dance.”

Read Fr. VerEecke’s piece in America, which includes a segment of “For the Greater Glory of God,” at americamagazine.org/issue/gotta-dance.

Contact Rosanne Pellegrini at rosanne.pellegrini@bc.edu

Our Common Home: An Ethical Summons on Climate Change Sept. 28-Oct. 1

This conference explores the implications of Pope Francis’s newly released encyclical on the environment and climate change, “Laudato Si’ (Praised Be): On Care for Our Common Home.” Featured speakers will include Cardinal Peter Kodwo Appiah Turkson, a chief advisor to Pope Francis, and US Sen. Edward Markey ’68, JD ’72. For the full conference agenda, venues and registration, see www.bc.edu/centers/ila/our-common-home.html.

UPHOLDING TRADITION

The Boston College community gathered last Thursday for the annual Mass of the Holy Spirit, a Catholic university tradition that dates to the Middle Ages. University President William P. Leahy, SJ, below, was the principal celebrant, with members of the Jesuit community and other BC priests concelebrating.

School of Theology and Ministry Associate Professor Thomas Stegman, SJ, served as the homilist.

Photos by Lee Pellegrini