The Boston College
Chronicle Published by the Boston College Office of News & Public Affairs april 26, 2012 VOL. 20 no. 16
•Health coaches program, page 2
•Venture Competition, page 2 •Heights wins Neiman award, page 3 •Gabelli to receive honor, page 3 •Jesuit networking conference, page 3 •St. Columbkille and BC, page 4
•BC Private Industry Council, page 5 •Q&A with hockey coach York, page 5 •Fr. Schaeffer steps down, page 5 •Reynoldo Sylla wins Brown award, page 6
•Schlozman book receives honor, page 6 •Nursing leader visits CSON, page 7 •Fr. Massaro accepts dean’s post, page 7 •Arts Council awards, page 8 •Gaelic Roots to host Irish duo, page 8
A NEW LOOK FOR THE PLAZA
Summer project will include landscaping, reconfiguration for major campus spot By Sean Smith Chronicle Editor
The plaza in front of O’Neill Library, a major crossroad of activity and central gathering place at Boston College, will have a vastly different look to it this fall, with grass replacing much of the concrete and trees ringing the periphery. The newly configured plaza also will be regraded, and contain a pedestrian walkway running diagonally from the front of O’Neill Library toward the Quad between Gasson, Lyons, Devlin and Fulton Halls. Work on the plaza begins the day after Commencement, May 22, and will be completed by the start of the fall semester, according to Facilities Management administrators. The summer project will represent the most significant alteration to the plaza since it opened in 1984. The revamped, greener space will offer a more attractive location for both informal socializing and University events, such as the Mass
University Says a Big ‘Thank You’ to Fr. Woods
of the Holy Spirit and Commencement activities, or those organized by student groups, said Associate Vice President for Capital Projects Mary Nardone. “This will serve to ‘soften’ the look of the plaza in front of O’Neill,” she explained. “But at the
The plaza in front of O’Neill Library — as seen from Devlin Hall in photo at right —will look very different this fall. (Illustration by Stephen Stimson Associates)
Continued on page 4
Lee Pellegrini
Shrayer Is Selected for a Guggenheim Fellowship
Jared Kirk Charney
INSIDE
By Sean Smith Chronicle Editor
By Patricia Delaney Deputy Director of News & Public Affairs
The Boston College community opened its collective heart last week to one of its most beloved members: retiring Woods College of Advancing Studies Dean and namesake James A. Woods, SJ. Fr. Woods, stepping down after 44 years, was honored for his renowned dedication and commitment in service to others — in particular his efforts to make educational opportunities available to those in need — at a “Celebration of Gratitude” on April 17 in Conte Forum. A crowd that included many of Fr. Woods’ colleagues and former students, along with other well-
The John Simon Guggenheim Memorial Foundation has awarded a 2012 fellowship to Professor of Slavic and Eastern Languages Maxim D. Shrayer, to support a research project designed to bring a new perspective to Holocaust studies through exploration of the experience of Jewish-Russian poets during World War II. Guggenheim Fellowships recognize advanced professionals in all fields who exhibit unusually distinguished achievement and exceptional promise for future accomplishments. This year, the prestigious awards were presented to a diverse group of 181 scholars,
Woods College Dean James Woods, SJ, at the event in his honor.
wishers, gathered on the floor of Conte and in the adjacent stands to hear speakers praise his devotion to his vocation and Boston College. More than a few of the tributes included phrases that have become part of the Fr. Woods lexicon, notably “Couldn’t be better.” “Fr. Woods is ‘excellent’ today,” quipped Professor of Communication Marilyn Matelski, who served Continued on page 3
OF NOTE:
artists, and scientists, chosen from nearly 3,000 applicants. “I am honored and humbled by this recognition of my research,” said Shrayer, who joined the University in 1996. “I also regard it as a hopeful sign for the future of Russian and Soviet studies, of Jewish studies, and of Holocaust studies here at Boston College.” “Maxim Shrayer’s work explores the literatures of old worlds and new, and his writing helps us better understand a range of modern cultures,” said College and Graduate School of Arts and Sciences Dean David Quigley. “It’s wonderful to see that the Guggenheim Foundation now joins us in recognizing his original voice.” Continued on page 6
The annual Boston College Arts Festival begins today at noon, with numerous events and activities taking place around campus through Saturday. For complete details, see the festival website at www.bc.edu/artsfestival