2024 Gasson Report

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YOUR GENEROSITY HAS MADE ALL THE DIFFERENCE FOR BOSTON COLLEGE

This past year, the University continued its upward trajectory, admitting another class of outstanding Eagles. Hailing from all 50 states, three U.S. territories, and 91 countries, the Class of 2028 is as diverse as it is academically exceptional. In fact, 95 percent rank in the top 10 percent of their high school class, and 14 percent of admitted students will be among the first in their families to attend college.

Here at BC, they’ll spread their wings, discover who they’re called to be, and grow into men and women for others. None of this would be possible were it not for donors like you.

Your support is instrumental in the formation of the next generation of world-changing scientists and thinkers, pioneering innovators and entrepreneurs, selfless educators and leaders, and so much more. The Jesuit, Catholic roots that form the basis of the BC experience are deepened by this generation of Eagles and passed on to those who will follow their footsteps. The University is profoundly grateful for your commitment.

FINANCIAL AID & SCHOLARSHIPS

MIGUEL CASTRO ’26

Edison, New Jersey; Connell School of Nursing

My scholarship helps me pursue my dreams and study at this fine institution. Without it, I wouldn’t be able to pursue my

A scholarship to Boston College is an extraordinary gift, opening the door to a transformative education that expands the horizons of what’s possible for graduates, no matter their financial situation. Your philanthropy not only serves as a bridge between our students and their towering personal, professional, and educational goals, it also enhances the University’s implementation of federal, state, and institutional funds.

Over the past decade, the amount of financial aid distributed by the University in a year has doubled, surpassing $170 million. As one of only 21 private universities that remains need-blind and committed to meeting the full demonstrated need of all accepted students, BC relies on the support of donors like you to provide financial aid to the 67 percent of undergraduates who receive some form of funding.

calling of being a nurse and caregiver. It’s also enabled me to experience all the life that BC has to offer, and really look deep inside of myself, asking who I am and what will make me happy. Without my donors’ continuous and generous support, my dreams would only be that: dreams.”

STUDENT LIFE

As a Jesuit, Catholic institution, Boston College considers formative education central to the University’s mission of educating students who will use their gifts in service of others. Beyond the rigorous academic demands, BC aims to help students thrive personally and socially, learning to build positive relationships, staying healthy, and finding interests that bring joy.

Boston College caters to the needs of the whole person of its students—that means offering everything from campus ministry retreats and service immersion trips to cultural groups, student government, or counseling for students struggling through a difficult time. Central to these efforts are the divisions of Students of Affairs, Mission and Ministry, and other offices supported by gifts to the BC Fund and elsewhere.

ADRIAN DE JESUS ’27

Toa Alta, Puerto Rico; Morrissey College of Arts and Sciences

“Thank you for your investment in Boston College. BC has a community that welcomed me way before even committing to the school. It felt somewhat like an extension of home. BC not only offers an excellent academic curriculum, but it also offers a Jesuit education where faith and serving others is the foundation of each discipline. [Representatives from BC] visited Puerto Rico and took the time to get to know me, greeted me, and asked about my interests. I felt like Boston College was paving the way for me and was my future home.”

CORE

CURRICULUM

In Fall 2023, Elizabeth Shlala was named associate dean of Core Curriculum, which provides undergraduates with a common educational foundation in canonical works of the humanities, as well as natural and social sciences. These courses ask students to consider the forces that have shaped world history and culture, broadening their intellectual framework regardless of the subjects they go on to study. Equipped with this holistic understanding of the world, Eagles can step into post-graduate life as compassionate, discerning leaders in their fields and communities.

This year, BC launched a fellowship program tailored to adults seeking academic growth and personal reflection. Boston College Companions will allow fellows to audit courses at various levels and access campus facilities and events, introducing new perspectives to the campus community.

Additionally, nine members of the Class of 2024 won coveted Fulbright Awards, which support a postbaccalaureate year abroad. BC consistently ranks among the nation’s top producers of student Fulbright winners.

DR. HEATHER ROWAN-KENYON

Professor and Chair of Education Leadership and Higher Education Department, Lynch School of Education and Human Development

As a researcher who was a first-generation college student, I conduct research with the goal of closing access and attainment gaps for students who are underrepresented in higher education. I am guided by the desire to promote a more just and equitable society.

[Donor] support is essential in providing the resources needed to design and carry out rigorous research studies. I appreciate your generosity, without which I would not have been able to fund my work and have it accepted for publication at high-quality outlets in the field of higher education. Thank you!”

ACADEMIC EXPERIENCE

Boston College is proud to employ distinguished researchers and scholars across its many schools and programs. However, BC faculty truly shine in the classroom, mentoring students and challenging them to rise to the world’s most complex problems.

Recruiting and retaining the best faculty grows harder every year, with competition from peer universities increasing all the time. Thus, philanthropic support is crucial to hiring and keeping the best and brightest faculty at the Heights, thereby maintaining an excellent academic experience for all Eagles. In fact, last year’s Student Experience Survey found that 90 percent of BC undergraduates were satisfied with the quality of teaching at the University, while 84 said they would recommend BC to others.

Recently named to Forbes’ list of “New Ivies,” Boston College produces students who excel at using their liberal arts education to become leaders and problem solvers in an increasingly complex world, says Dean of Undergraduate Admission and Financial Aid Grant M. Gosselin. This past year saw Boston College admit another phenomenal collection of Eagles in the Class of 2028, with 95 percent of admitted students ranking in the top 10 percent of their high school.

Among BC undergraduates, finance remains the most popular major, with economics, political science, psychology, communications, computer science, and nursing close behind. The University is proud of the strides it has made as a leader in STEM fields, as the Human-Centered Engineering and Global Public Health and the Common Good programs advance BC’s standing in these areas while staying true to its Jesuit, Catholic mission of serving those in need and addressing the world’s most urgent problems.

“Out of all the people at BC, my professors have had the biggest impact on me. They’ve all influenced me in different ways, and they share a real passion for what they teach and creating the best classroom environment in which to learn.”

ATHLETICS

As the heartbeat of Boston College, Athletics has long been central to the University’s experience and identity. Competing on the biggest stages of intercollegiate athletics, BC student-athletes bring generations of alumni, family, and friends together in support of the maroon and gold. Thanks to donors like you, our Eagles are able to pursue and demonstrate competitive excellence, promoting Boston College to audiences around the globe while adding trophies to the University’s collection.

The Eagles had another banner year in 2023-24 which was capped off with the second national championship in four years for BC lacrosse. Men’s ice hockey won its first Hockey East championship since 2012, and reached the national championship game after spending the majority of the season as the nation’s top-ranked team. Acacia Walker-Weinstein of lacrosse and Schiller Family Head Hockey Coach Greg Brown are among the best coaches in their sports. Meanwhile, BC football is enjoying a resurgence thanks to a Fenway Bowl victory and the hiring of Bill O’Brien as the Gregory P. Barber ’69 and Family Head Coach.

Off the field, BC student-athletes remain exemplars of academic excellence and community involvement, with our student-athletes volunteering more than 20,000 hours in the past year. By caring for the whole person of its student-athletes, Boston College prepares them to lead fulfilling, successful lives—no matter what they pursue after they graduate. Support from donors like you plays a major role in the holistic success of our teams and student-athletes.

BLAKE JAMES

Our studentathletes’ achievements are a testament to the unwavering support from our alumni, parents, donors, and friends. We have made incredible progress in all areas thanks to the collective efforts of our community, including facility upgrades, wellness resources, and coaching hires. I am looking forward to watching our 600+ student-athletes excel in the classroom while representing Boston College at the highest level of intercollegiate athletics, and I am confident that the future will be bright as they continue to develop as men and women for others.””

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