Boston College Magazine, Winter 2025 by Boston College

B O ST O N CO LLEGE MAGAZINE

Serving in Crisis

As war raged all around, Jesuit priest Daniel Corrou CSTMʼ17 delivered shelter, solace, and hope.

The Numbers Game

How Cynthia Frelund ʼ05 landed her dream job crunching data on the NFL Network.

Bravo!

Will Nunziata ʼ06, Michael Quinn ʼ19, and Patrick Lazour ʼ13 are taking chances and earning applause with innovative off-Broadway plays and musicals.

FEATURES

18 Calling an Audible

How data scientist (and certified football fanatic) Cynthia Frelund ’05 walked away from a budding business career, survived cancer, built a proprietary statistical model, and landed her dream job crunching numbers on the NFL Network.

By Elizabeth Clemente

22 Eagles off Broadway

Theater is a tough business. Its grinding financial pressures incentivize producers to play it safe with shows based on hit movies or pop songs. But away from the lights of Times Square, these three Boston College alumni are taking risks and earning applause with innovative original works.

By Billy McEntee ʼ14

Photography by Peter Murphy

32 

“Don’t

Give Me the Babe in the Woods Routine”

As a crusading federal prosecutor, Edward McDonald ’68 sent some of the country’s most notorious mafia leaders to prison. But what he’ll always be known for is playing himself in the classic Martin Scorsese film Goodfellas

By John Wolfson

38 Campus Curiosities

A look at some of the wildly random historical treasures of the University.

By Elizabeth Clemente

Photography by Caitlin Cunningham

Diego Vincentini ’16

To fight or to flee? In Simón, the bold filmmaker explores the agonizing struggle of Venezuelan asylum seekers—and comes up with a global Netflix hit.

Greg Rogers ’88 left the daily grind behind to build a destination

Mapping Black History at Boston College

CLASS NOTES

44 Alumni News and Notes

Weddings

Baby Eagles

Fond Farewells 70 Advancing Boston College

72 What I’ve Learned Alicia H. Munnell

73 Parting Shot

and influences the content we click. Here’s how these old- and newschool media leaders view their work.

10 From Connection to Crisis

Professor Ana M. Martínez-Alemán, an expert on college students and social media, discusses her timely research on mental health in the digital age.

Professor Rhonda Frederick’s online walking tour showcases important contributions of Black students and faculty to the BC community.

16 Character Builder

In a new collection, Marisa Labozzetta ’71 once again demonstrates her mastery of the short story.

From left: Will Nunziata ’06, Michael Quinn ’19, and Patrick Lazour ’13 photographed at the New York Theatre Workshop.

photo: Peter Murphy

Introducing Messina College

Our Fall 2024 cover story explored BC’s new residential junior college for first-generation students.

In the digital age we live in, I still like to hold publications in my hands. I enjoyed much of the recent fall issue of Boston College Magazine, but was struck by, inspired by, and proud of the story about Messina College. The writing and photography were very well done. My best wishes for the students and teachers who are participating in this special educational effort. Many years ago Fr. Leahy was quoted as saying, “the world needs Boston College.” At the time I thought it a bit hyperbolic. Messina College may give me cause to rethink that.

John C. Mahoney MA’00 Burlington, Vermont

A must-read. Some feedback my BC roommates shared: “Very encouraging that BC is moving forward with this. As the article states, the elite schools have not historically provided this outreach.” It’s also a good move to combat the market penetration of MOOCs [massive open online courses], which target lower-income people. There’s so much fraud in that arena. This is a good deal to get an accredited education.

Maureen O’Hara ’81

Boston, Massachusetts

What a wonderful article about Messina College. As a Pine Manor Junior College graduate way back when, I am heartened to

know its beautiful campus is now home to a group of innovators and students who are assets to the new school and community. Thank you, Boston College, for keeping a dream alive for deserving young people. Very cool!

Amy Huggins PMC’76 Los Angeles, California

“

As a BC grad, I am thrilled this has come to fruition. Thrilled.”

Deirdre Donovan ’91

Lynnfield, Massachusetts

Excellent leadership. This is a national model that is anchored in your history and you should be recognized for making this valued educational opportunity accessible to more students. You made a way to stand on business to reach and support students. You put students first!

Nicole Sutherland

New York, New York via LinkedIn

Celebrating Jack Connors ’63, H’07

We commissioned a series of reflections from people who knew and worked closely with the late Connors, a legendary advertising executive, mentor, philanthropist, and Boston College alumnus.

He was certainly one of the more engaging gentlemen in Boston’s philanthropic circles. He left big shoes to fill.

Jim Curtin ’79

Newton Centre, Massachusetts via LinkedIn

You’re a good friend, Jack. Rest in peace. A life of “learn, earn, and return,” using all his God-given talents.

John Biggs ’66

Lake Forest, Illinois via LinkedIn

A truly outstanding person. An inspiration to many, including myself.

Craig Carlson ’77

Boston, Massachusetts via LinkedIn

It is hard to imagine a better person, or one whose impactful life not only did good in this world but gave great example and influenced so many others. As Saint Francis said, “Preach the Gospel, and when necessary, use words.”

William Bagley Boston, Massachusetts via LinkedIn

photos: Lee Pellegrini (Messina); Gary Wayne Gilbert (Connors)

Discovering Her Voice

We profiled Jordyn Zimmerman MEd’21, who may be nonspeaking but is a powerhouse advocate for disability rights and education reform.

As a BC graduate with two kids with disabilities, the article “Discovering Her Voice” resonated with me. Jordyn’s voice and advocacy is what so many need for the future. While my oldest is now in college in Boston, our experience in the public school system has been rocky at best. I applaud Jordyn for her work, as often many cannot get the support they need. It takes a lot of money and time. Families are often overwhelmed. Thank you for sharing this article. Her strength and motivation is giving hope to millions of families.

Gina Nagle ’92 Wayland, Massachusetts

So proud of what Jordyn Zimmerman is doing for the community. Bravo!”

Dan Harris,

founder of Neurodiversity in Business United Kingdom via LinkedIn

“What a powerful story about an amazing woman.”

Amy Dufour ’98

Cambridge, Massachusetts via LinkedIn

Constitutional Crisis

We spoke with Law School Professor Aziz Rana about his acclaimed new book The Constitutional Bind, which argues that mythologizing our founding document is impeding national progress.

Rana’s book attacking the United States Constitution sounds more like a partisan call for dismantling a document that has an underlying intent to prevent one-party tyrannical rule from emerging. I’m betting professor Rana imagines such a dismantling would

lead to the ascension of his favored leftist ideology. Such an erudite person should be astute enough to realize that the dismantling of this protection could cut either way.

J. Cremins GSAS’76

Sneads Ferry, North Carolina

B O ST O N CO LLEGE MAGAZINE

EDITOR

John Wolfson

DESIGN DIRECTOR

Keith Ake

DEPUTY EDITOR

Scott Kearnan

STAFF WRITER

Elizabeth Clemente

DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY

Lee Pellegrini

SENIOR PHOTOGRAPHER

Caitlin Cunningham

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Linden Lane

Serving in a Time of Crisis

As war raged in the Middle East, Jesuit priest Daniel Corrou CSTM '17 worked to deliver shelter, solace, and hope.

BY EMILY GOLD BOUTILIER

It was 7 p.m. in the Achrafieh neighborhood of Beirut, fifty-four days into the airstrikes, and Daniel Corrou, SJ, was at his desk. Outside, attack drones buzzed overhead. Down the hall, families who had already lost much of what they ever had settled in for another night living in a church.

Corrou CSTM’17 is regional director of Jesuit Refugee Services Middle East & North Africa (JRS). In normal times the Jesuit priest’s job is to run an NGO that provides social services, education, and advocacy for ninety thousand of the most vulnerable people in Lebanon, Iraq, Syria, and Jordan. Some are refugees of war. Others are migrant workers. In other words, Corrou’s work is always daunting. Last fall, it became a rescue mission.

This past September, Israeli forces launched airstrikes in southern Lebanon and the Bekaa Valley, in an expansion of Israel’s war against the militant group Hezbollah. A ground invasion followed. In addition to being Hezbollah strongholds, many of the targeted areas were home to the migrant communities JRS serves. In Lebanon, Corrou’s home base, JRS works with displaced people from as far away as the Philippines, Sri Lanka, and Sierra Leone, and from right next door: refugees from neighboring Syria make up almost a quarter of Lebanon’s population. In fact, Lebanon hosts the world’s largest number of refugees per capita, even as 44 percent of the country (per the World Bank) lives in poverty. This puts Lebanon at the center of a global refugee crisis.

As the airstrikes began, hundreds of these migrants left their neighborhoods and made their way to the one place they knew to be welcoming: the JRS building in Achrafieh, which includes offices, a migrant center, and Saint Joseph Church, of which Corrou, in addition to everything else, is the pastor.

“Father,” they said, “this is the safest place we can be.”

At first, Corrou’s team tried to find beds for them in government shelters. “But only Lebanese were being allowed in,” he said.

“The migrants, they had no family, they had no connections, they didn’t speak the language. We realized we had to do something.”

And so, they laid out mattresses and opened the doors. Soon, JRS was sheltering some seventy migrants at a time in the Achrafieh building, and dozens of others in monasteries in the north—women, men, children, families. One Bangladeshi woman had to walk past the body parts of her neighbors in the street as she fled the city of Nabatieh in southern Lebanon. She told Corrou that even if her apartment survived, she didn’t know how she could ever go back after what she’d seen.

“

Corrou's work is always daunting. Last fall, it became a rescue mission. ‘The migrants, they had no family, they had no connections, they didn't speak the language. We realized we had to do something.’”

Corrou sighed as he recounted this woman’s story. “As the Catholic Church has said very clearly, war is always a failure,” he said. We were on a video call, and he wondered if I could hear the drones. I couldn’t. He said they sound like lawnmowers. He said they fly all the time.

Corrou grew up in upstate New York and joined the Society of Jesus in 2007 at age thirty-four. He moved to Beirut in 2011 for his Jesuit regency, during which he studied Arabic and worked at JRS. He witnessed the

Arab Spring protests in the city that year, and he helped start the JRS refugee program in Lebanon to assist the people who poured in after the uprisings in Syria transformed into civil war.

Returning to the US in 2014, Corrou earned his STL degree from BC’s Clough School of Theology and Ministry in 2017, and then served a parish in Manhattan. But he missed the Middle East. “It’s not entirely rational,” he said, “but I knew there was this calling to be with the displaced, to be with refugees.”

Corrou moved back to Beirut in 2019. Since then, Lebanon has faced so much turmoil: political protests, the pandemic, an accidental chemical explosion in the Port of Beirut that produced one of the most powerful nonnuclear blasts on record, an economic crisis, and, of course, the devastating regional war that was precipitated by the October 7, 2023, Hamas attacks in Israel. Then two things happened that changed everything. First, after ten weeks of war, Israel and Hezbollah signed a ceasefire agreement last November. Days later, rebels overthrew the Syrian dictator Bashar al-Assad, ending fifty years of his family’s rule of the country.

“It’s a whole new world,” Corrou said the next time we spoke. “We have great hope.”

With the end of the airstrikes, Corrou and his team developed a plan to close the shelters and help those in them find housing, pay rent, and restart their lives. “They were renting cheap apartments, and those buildings have been destroyed,” Corrou said. “Everyone is looking for a place to live, so the prices are higher.”

It remains to be seen how the war’s aftermath and Syria’s power shift will affect the lives of the migrants JRS serves. In such uncertainty, Corrou leans on the Jesuit practice of accompaniment. He asks himself: Where is my neighbor right now? How can I walk with them on their journey? “I draw a line and say, I do not know the future. I exist in the radical present. This is where I meet God. This is where I meet people.”

In tonight’s radical present, the shelter was busy, and the sky was quiet. n

photo: Paul Antoun

Meet the Man Who’s

Cool Class

Name: Critical Studies of Stardom and Celebrity

Instructor: Lindsay Hogan, associate professor of the practice in the BC communication department

Focus: The history, psychology, and cultural influence of fame

Ever find yourself flipping by a face in a magazine, wondering, Why is this person so famous? This popular senior course explores the history of celebrity, the impact of stardom on society, and how definitions of fame have developed and evolved through the centuries—from the great regard we pay to royalty and religious figures, to the influential power of social media personalities and the infamy associated with notorious criminals. “Who becomes known and what they become known for tells us a lot about societal values,” Hogan said. The course also considers how fame affects the rest of us, including how fandom fosters social connection and community.

Elizabeth Clemente

(Almost) Never Missed a BC

Football Home Game

Ron Saloman has never taken a single class at Boston College, but the ninety-one-year-old certainly has an A-plus attendance record when it comes to BC football. In September of 1957, Saloman, who lived nearby, was excited to attend the first football game ever held at Alumni Stadium—and he’s been in the stands for nearly every one that followed. In fact, the decades-long season ticket holder has been a spectator at 400 out of a possible 402 BC games at the stadium, and has journeyed to away games in twenty-one other states. (He missed one home game due to a family bar mitzvah, and the other while traveling home from a trip to Alaska—although he caught it on TV in the airport alongside actor Cuba Gooding Jr.) As for the BC Superfan’s favorite football player? That would be Doug Flutie ’85, because the 5’10” quarterback was “my size,” Saloman said.

He may not be an Eagle himself, but Saloman, who played freshman football at Northeastern University and earned his Juris Doctor degree from Suffolk University Law School, thinks very highly of Boston College: He served on BC’s estate planning council and fondly recalls sharing steak dinners with former BC President J. Donald Monan, SJ. After receiving public recognition at his four hundredth BC home game in November, Saloman (who, incidentally, said he also attended the first games ever played by the Boston Celtics and the New England Patriots) plans to continue his attendance streak during the 2025 season for one simple reason. “I love good football,” he said.” Eliz abeth Clemente

Partnering for Global Public Health

Boston College students now have a faster track toward making a positive impact in public health. Beginning as early as their junior year, students may now pursue an accelerated Master of Public Health degree from Tufts University School of Medicine. Made possible through a partnership between the medical school and BC’s Program for Global Public Health and the Common Good, the partnership allows BC upperclassmen to take up to twelve credits toward the forty-two-credit degree before graduating from BC. Because the program allows for accelerated completion, students can earn the master’s degree in as little as one year, and the Tufts courses do not entail added cost to BC undergraduates.

BC Professor of Biology Philip Landrigan MD, founding director of the Global Public Health program, said the new degree program is an exciting one. “We look forward to seeing our students take advantage of this incredible educational opportunity,” he said, “and go on to make a difference in the world of public health.”

Elizabeth Clemente

Courtesy of the Saloman Family; Alamy (Cool Class); Caitlin Cunningham (Landrigan)

CAMPUS NEWS

BC’s Institute for Advanced Jesuit Studies has received a $10 million grant from Lilly Endowment Inc. to establish a twoyear pilot program designed to invigorate the faith and service practices of young people aged sixteen to twenty-nine. This funding follows another recent award from the foundation for $971,000, which will allow BC’s Church in the 21st Century Center to provide one hundred parishes with resources to strengthen children’s worship practices.

Beth Bolyn Thompson has been named vice president for development. Thompson arrived at BC in February from Harvard University, where she served as the assistant dean of development in the Faculty of Arts and Sciences. She has more than thirty years of experience in higher education and will work in support of the university’s $3 billion Soaring Higher campaign.

Boston College Prison Education Program Director Patrick Conway has been named the inaugural Ignacio Chair of the program. The newly named and endowed directorship was made possible through a gift by anonymous donors. Conway has led the program, which offers incarcerated students the opportunity to take collegelevel courses with BC instructors and earn credits toward a bachelor’s degree, since 2021.

Christine Murphy is the new associate dean for academic affairs in the Graduate School of the Morrissey College of Arts and Sciences. An accomplished researcher in chemistry, Murphy has held senior administrative positions in graduate education at Harvard and Princeton universities. Murphy will oversee several academic-related facets of MCGS including instruction, advising, and research.

BC has been named a Climate Leader by the Sponsors of Mass Save. BC was cited for its efforts to curb energy use, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and work toward a net-zero future.

CHARACTER SKETCH

Colleen Foley ’83 and Patrick Dunphy ’73

Colleen Foley and Patrick (Pat) Dunphy are, respectively, the executive director and board director of Legal Aid Society of Milwaukee, a nonprofit with a mission to create a more just society by providing low-income clients with legal representation in proceedings involving everything from housing security and consumer protections to immigration and civil rights.

Audrey Loyack

Foley: There are so many vital rights at stake when someone goes before any kind of judicial official. Our goal is to provide really high-quality legal services regardless of someone's income so that when they get in front of the court, they have an advocate and they are treated the same as anyone else who comes in the door.

Dunphy: As a lawyer, what better way to get involved in people’s lives than to help the law serve them? It was a really easy choice when the opportunity came up for me to work on the board at the Legal Aid Society. It was an opportunity to fulfill what a law degree should be about, and that is to serve a socially useful purpose. What I do goes beyond just being able to get a monetary recovery and pass that on to the individuals who I represent.

Foley: When you encounter people in the system who aren’t being treated equitably, you have the opportunity to change that. At Legal Aid, we’ve had big wins on that front. Our eviction defense program has moved the dial on tenant representation from 3 percent to 20 percent on average in its three-year pilot. Evictions have huge ramifications for families and neighborhoods. By helping households, you allow kids to stay in school and parents to keep their jobs.

Dunphy: There's a whole world in the United States that is living on the edge. If you can change one person's world with your law degree and your skill set as a lawyer, that is a valuable contribution. That is a win. It doesn't have to be changing legislation and making an earth-shattering impact on everything you touch. It's taking care of everyday people with everyday problems who couldn't make it to the other end of those problems if they didn't have a lawyer helping them through it.

photo: Dan Herda (Dunphy and Foley)

Eagle Eyes on the Media

Jim Dunford ’85, president and CEO of American Public Television, oversees syndicated programming for more than 340 stations. Kevin Allocca ’06, global director of culture and trends at YouTube, analyzes and influences the content we click. Here’s how these old- and new-school media leaders view their work.

BY SCOTT KEARNAN

Telling stories. “I took Broadcast Programming and Promotion with Professor Marilyn Matelski. Our final project was to read a novel and package it as a miniseries: the marketing, the casting, adapting the book. I thought, ‘If this is a career, this is what I want to do.’ I used that assignment when I taught the class as adjunct faculty.”

Promotes common knowledge. “We want to give public media stations, which in many cases are the last locally owned media organizations in a community, the tools to be sustainable in a fractured media environment. I think our content allows them to bring people together, with everything from cooking and lifestyle shows to documentaries with local angles to stories.”

Authority. “Folks can rely on us. Over and over, year after year, in nationwide surveys public media is considered number one in trustworthiness. We’re in a time when people are looking for that. In many ways, this is the moment public media was made for. Our editorial standards are as strong as they’ve ever been. It’s not the time to not double down on that.”

Documenting history. “We want to keep doing what we’re doing: telling stories of value to communities. We’re spending a lot of time right now on America250 [the US semiquincentennial]. I’m excited to be working with about twenty stations on hyperlocal stories around that history we’re going to bundle for a collection.”

“What’s the primary passion that fuels your work, and inspired you to go into the world of media?”

“What’s something your platform does that makes it unique in media and benefits audiences?”

“What’s an important quality your medium contributes to the world, that makes your work important?”

“What’s something you’re excited to accomplish through your platform going forward?”

Understanding audiences. “I’ve always been fascinated with understanding why people like the media they do, and dissecting how entertainment works. I wrote papers at BC about the impact of TV shows like CSI on actual juries. I believe that a lot of how society plays out is heavily influenced by the media we consume.”

Serves niche interests. “We run surveys with people in lots of different countries. More than half the people that we survey watch content that no one they know personally is interested in. That’s a funny modern phenomenon. It’s what makes this era of entertainment different, and YouTube distinct from the media that we grew up with.”

Innovation. “YouTube pioneered the creator economy, which has fundamentally changed all entertainment. For example, if you’re a singer and creators aren’t making stuff with your song, it probably won’t be successful. Plus, when distribution and marketing costs are zero, you can test anything. That means you can take risks that wouldn’t make sense for traditional media.”

Imagining futures. “Everybody is trying to understand the impact that AI tech is going to have. Virtual creators are a thing. On one hand, you’re like, ‘This is so weird. I thought this was a platform for authenticity.’ On the other hand, in a world where you can have an avatar, maybe that’s a truer version of yourself.”

Kevin Allocca

Jim Dunford

PUNCH LINES

Rising comedy star Joyelle Nicole Johnson ’03 shares a few favorite laughs.

BY SCOTT KEARNAN

“There’s always a way to get to the funny.” That’s the maxim that guides Joyelle Nicole Johnson every time the sly stand-up comedian takes the stage—including for her recent Peacock special, Love Joy, in which she finds big laughs exploring topics like women’s rights, interracial relationships, and more. Johnson credits her public speaking course at BC for helping the shy communication major find her confident voice in political-skewing comedy. But what splits her side? Here’s what makes Johnson LOL.

FILM: Coming to America. “My number-one comedy of all time. When I saw it when I was a kid, I didn’t realize I was watching a standup comedian ‘in his bag,’ as we would say. I know every word. I can do the whole movie.”

TV SHOW: Abbott Elementary

“It’s a masterpiece. I’m so proud of how Black it is. I got to interview [creator] Quinta Brunson, and she said her goal was to make a show with as much heart and humor as The Office. Girl, you did it.”

BOOK: Born Standing Up by Steve Martin. “It’s really, really funny! But he also talks about how the most successful time of his life was also his loneliest. It’s the most impactful book I’ve read.”

Back in Fashion

Style expert Clinton Kelly ’91 returns to TV.

BY SCOTT KEARNAN

For more than a decade, Clinton Kelly famously told people What Not to Wear on the TLC network’s hit makeover show, alongside cohost Stacy London. Nowadays, though, he and London are more interested in empowering folks to Wear Whatever the [ahem] You Want, the name of their upcoming Amazon Prime Video series. Instead of dictating how others should dress, the duo is “helping people live their style truth” by encouraging them to unabashedly express an entirely new side of themselves through fashion.

It's a concept that resonates strongly with Kelly. After all, the one-time “shy, working-class kid” chose BC in part because he read about the school’s snazzy reputation in The Official Preppy Handbook and felt it “fit the vision” he fancied for himself. “Style is communication,” said Kelly, who majored in communication. “It tells the rest of the world

Padded-shoulder power suits. “Fierce. A strong shoulder is a great way to manage the proportions of your body.”

polo shirts. “That was my life, that was my look: Short shorts with a polo, collar popped, under an argyle sweater.”

Acid-washed jeans. “I briefly tried the high-waisted, triple-pleated, acid-washed denim look. I felt silly. I hated these then and I still kind of hate them now.”

Preppy

photos: Duane Cole (Johnson); Sari Goodfriend (Kelly); Shutterstock

From Connection to Crisis

Professor Ana M. Martínez-Alemán, an expert on college students and social media, discusses her timely research on mental health in the digital age.

BY ELIZABETH CLEMENTE

We appear to be in the middle of a national reckoning about social media’s effects on young people. Jonathan Haidt’s book The Anxious Generation: How the Great Rewiring of Childhood is Causing an Epidemic of Mental Illness became a bestseller last year after sounding the alarm about what smartphones are doing to our children. Meanwhile, former US Surgeon General Vivek Murthy was concerned enough that he wrote an op-ed in the New York Times urging Congress to require social media platforms to carry warnings that their use poses a significant mental health risk for adolescents. How worried should we actually be about social media? We discussed its impact on young people with Lynch School of Education and Human Development Professor Ana M. Martínez-Alemán, widely recognized as one of the first researchers to study the effects of social media on college students. Martínez-Alemán’s work frequently explores the intersection of technology, class, and race. To hear more from this conversation, listen to the Boston College Magazine podcast at bcm.bc.edu.

You’ve studied the relationship between social media and college students since 2007. Why did this relationship interest you, and how has it evolved over the years? I was always interested in the friendship aspect of social media, and the impact it had on experiences on campus. The research signaled to us that college student life was a landscape of both in-person and virtual

experiences. Over time, it’s become very, very difficult to separate those two spaces. We find that students navigate them seamlessly now, as if there’s no other way. In fact, the generation now on campus knows nothing else.

What have you observed about the pressure social media puts on college students? Back in 2007, I primarily studied how social media impacted identity development in college. Facebook was a space where students engaged in self-creation and managed their impression, from the photos they posted to the relationship status they shared. That type of curation still goes on. Today, you’ll see it on TikTok and Instagram. It’s performative, a little too clean and perfect. The arc of development in all of us is greatly affected by images, and the big concern around identity development, in particular, has to do with gender, body image, and consciousness of self. How does a fifteen-year-old girl see herself in this world?

Why does social media have such a negative impact on young people, compared with earlier media, like television? Earlier on you could put parental controls on media. It was never perfect. Teenagers snuck into R-rated movies and things like that. But that was very different. Social media is ubiquitous: It can be done anywhere, any place, any time.

You’ve done much recent research on the impact of online racism on students of color, in collaboration with Lynch School Professor Heather Rowan-Kenyon and Adam McCready PhD’18. What have you learned? We found lots of negative impact on the mental health of students of color, their perception of the racial climate on campus, and their sense of belonging. We saw a direct relationship between students perceiving themselves as far

more stressed on campus and, quite frankly, how they choose to segregate themselves and not engage fully, because it’s too problematic. There’s also a phenomenon of White students posting something and then saying, “It’s a joke.” Somebody might send around a post that, if they looked at it again, they would realize is a racist stereotype. We found that for students of color, one thing that could dull the edge of all this was having connections with supportive staff and administrators. Having friends on campus that shared their racial or ethnic identity also positively influenced their sense of belonging and mental health.

Are there any upsides to young people using social media? Lots of young people in different stages of their identity connect with people online who, like them, aren’t part of the majority. For example, we see this with identity development in LGBTQ+ students, young people who are looking for a place to see people like them. It’s the same thing with race. I always warn folks, especially young researchers who want to tackle the social media space, that you can’t go into it thinking it’s harmful to all people all the time—because it’s not.

What’s next for your studies on students and social media? Before the 2024 presidential election, we interviewed students of color by survey to study the links between social media use and political engagement. What sources do they get their information from? How do they curate their sources? We are now interviewing them again, post-election. I don’t yet know how students are going to engage on social media—if they’ll use it productively, or if they’re going to say, “I need a mental health break.” We don’t have that data yet. n

photo: Caitlin

AS TOLD TO Diego Vincentini ’16

To fight or to flee? In Simón, the bold filmmaker explores the agonizing struggle of Venezuelan asylum seekers— and comes up with a global Netflix hit.

I wanted to use filmmaking to let the world know what’s happening in Venezuela. I love my country. I loved growing up there. But the country kept getting worse and worse. Kidnappings were frequent. Being out at night was dangerous. Our home was broken into. The economy collapsed and people were starving. We left when I was fifteen years old.

The story I had in my heart was about the guilt of not being there to fight for it. The tension between your right to individual happiness versus the responsibility to the collective. I felt this reflected in so many of the freedom fighters I interviewed as research for the film. They went through so much, yet still felt guilty about being away and seeking asylum. The decision to make the lead in Simón a college student was kind of automatic. If I’m going to lift up and give a voice to anyone, it’s going to be the youth. They’re always the most political.

From the moment I started the script, I knew I’d never be able to go back until the regime changed. But then I did, for the Venezuelan Film Festival. I had to represent the movie, which is about the idea that risk and sacrifice are required to gain something. We had a chauffeur on standby in case I needed to go quickly. There were military dressed as civilians at the festival. The experience was intense, at times threatening. The morning after the festival, we were in the car about ten minutes from the border when I got a text from someone I know that just said, “Leave now.” The adrenaline! It was just like a movie.

Simón was the most-seen movie in Venezuela in years. It grew and grew. Netflix picked it up. It reached the top ten worldwide for non-Englishlanguage movies. It was so rewarding to share with people, to reach them emotionally so they feel connected to this issue.

It builds empathy for the situation in Venezuela specifically, but it’s also a cautionary tale about the fragility of democracy. Generation by generation, we must defend the systems we value. We cannot take them for granted. As told to Scott Kearnan

photo: Gala Ricote winter 2025 v bcm

v bcm

Beach Boss

Greg Rogers ’88 left the daily grind behind to build a destination surf resort.

BY SCOTT KEARNAN

Every day is twenty-four hours in paradise for Greg Rogers ’88. He lives and works on Rote Island, a small, remote speck of unspoiled white sand beaches in the Indonesian archipelago. It’s a long way from Boston College, where Rogers majored in communication before establishing a successful career in film and television production. But trusting his gut and following his bliss brought him to idyllic Rote, where he’s made a home, family, and business: Nemberala Beach Resort, a boutique getaway for surfers with a similar sense of wanderlust.

“About twenty-four years ago, I took a three-month sabbatical. I’m still on it,” said Rogers, who was in his mid-thirties and wrestling with professional burnout at the time. During an extended surfing vacation in Mexico, he met a resort owner who desperately needed a property manager. On a whim, Rogers took the job, loved it, and emailed surf resorts around the world looking for other opportunities. He found one at a resort in Samoa, eventually partnering with its owner to build the seaside bungalows of Nemberala on Rote from the ground up.

Today, besides running Rote’s surftourism utopia, Rogers is proud to be making a positive impact on the still largely untouched island by creating sustainable jobs and developing additional projects, such as a new seven-villa neighborhood for long-term stays. He also hopes his story might encourage other ambitious adventure seekers to carpe diem and pursue their personal destiny. To do so is a powerful feeling, like the one he gets riding a massive wave: “For a second,” he said, “you feel like you’ve harnessed the energy of the ocean.” n

AN AVERAGE DAY IN AN EXTRAORDINARY PLACE

Midmorning. 

After breakfast, Rogers socializes with guests (Nemberala has only eight guest rooms) and helps them choose an afternoon activity. Snorkeling, motorbiking, and jungle hikes are among the exciting options.

Sunset. 

By this time, Rogers and the guests are winding down their active days, maybe with spa treatments, a twilight yoga session, or one final surf before the sun disappears.

 Sunrise.

Time to shine! Rogers wakes at 5 a.m. to check surf conditions for his boatmen, who bring guests and their boards to the best breaks by “first light.” He’ll often join and surf, too.

 Afternoon.

It’s admin time. Rogers’s days are full of to-dos for business and charitable ventures, from running swimming and lifeguarding lessons for islander children to founding a nonprofit school and community center.

 Evening.

Rogers—and perhaps his wife, a native islander, and two children—join guests for nightly Indonesian- and Western-inspired meals, from fresh-caught seafood specialties to signature smoothies of local fruits and veggies.

photos: Courtesy of Greg Rogers

WHAT WE'RE LISTENING TO

Pop Fiction Women

Every week on their podcast Pop Fiction Women, Eagle classmates Carinn Jade ’98 and Kate Schumacher ’98 analyze a different complicated female character from a current or classic movie, television show, or book. Together, they dissect the idiosyncrasies of roles that range from the iconic, like Sally Albright, the sweetly ambitious journalist portrayed by Meg Ryan in When Harry Met Sally, to the contemporary, like Joanne, Kristen Bell’s outspoken dating expert in Netflix’s recent hit show Nobody Wants This. Both are emblematic of the complex fictional women that inspired Jade and Schumacher to create their now-popular podcast in 2019. “It just felt like there were messy characters, complicated characters that people weren’t unpacking in the way that we wanted to,” Jade said. One episode examined Margot Robbie’s take on Barbie, for instance. “We were looking for characters who came off one way, but as you dug deeper there was more to it.” The pair often analyze female creators behind popular media, too, and the motivations behind their work. It’s refreshing to hear the hosts dedicate serious discussion to beloved shows marketed to women but often regarded as shallow or melodramatic, like Gossip Girl. “Anything that’s deemed ‘for women’ is sort of seen as less-than,” Schumacher said. “We are certainly trying to counter that.” Elizabeth Clemente

Spider-Man Supports Campus School Kids

Actor Tom Holland, best known for portraying the web-slinging superhero of the SpiderMan films, visited the Campus School at Boston College in November after donating $25,000 through his family’s nonprofit, The Brothers Trust. The grant will be used to purchase assistive technology and a ceiling lift to aid physical therapy exercises at the school, which provides special education to young people with extensive support needs. Holland spent several hours interacting with students in the classrooms and even playing tambourine and singing during a music therapy session. “The way he engaged with them was really quite beautiful,” said Jennifer Miller, marketing manager for the Campus School. “He was just so natural and so caring.” Eliz abeth Clemente

Legal Action

Law School alum John Simon has won more than $1 billion in wrongful death verdicts over the past two years.

The St. Louis attorney John Simon JD’15 has been on a notable winning streak. In 2023, Simon secured a $745 million verdict in a wrongful death suit against a distributor and a retailer of Whip-It! nitrous oxide cartridges. The case followed the death of a young woman who was struck by a motorist who’d passed out after inhaling nitrous oxide from a Whip-It! cartridge. Simon argued during the trial that the distributor was knowingly selling the cartridges, which are supposed to be used for whipped cream, to smoke shops for sale as an inhalant. Then, with his father as cocounsel, Simon last year won a $462 million jury award in a case against a manufacturer of truck trailers. Simon brought the suit on behalf of the families of two men who died in an accident involving one of the company’s trailers. He argued that the trailer’s rear impact guard failed during the crash, and that the company had lobbied against regulations that would have mandated more effective guards. Simon, founder and managing partner of the Simon Law Firm in St. Louis, said the two cases weren’t about money but about helping people in a time of need. “These aren’t file numbers,” he said. “This is a mom, dad, sibling, or friend going through the worst thing they’ve ever been through in their life.” Audrey Loyack

photo: Jennifer Miller winter

Mapping Black History at Boston College

Professor Rhonda Frederick’s online walking tour showcases important contributions of Black students and faculty to the BC community.

BY ELIZABETH CLEMENTE

In 2019, the fiftieth anniversary of what would become Boston College’s African and African diaspora studies program, Professor Rhonda Frederick set out to document the history of the Black experi ence at the University. Frederick, a BC English professor who also teaches in the program, spent years conducting historical research, which culminated in the Black BC Walking Tour—an interactive online map that features twenty-seven locations around the BC cam pus with a connection to Black history. Each stop on the map includes a historical description and photo, highlighting the meaningful ways that Black people have contributed to the academic, cultural, and social fabric of BC for nearly a hundred years. “I wanted the walking tour to represent the ways we celebrate Black life on this campus,” Frederick said, “the things students did that were joyous and loving and about enjoying being here.” But the tour doesn’t shy away from the sometimes-painful experiences of Black people at BC, either, with some landmarks marking the locations of student protests.

Since Frederick unveiled the tour at the 2022 Blacks in Boston Conference, BC professors have used it as a teaching tool in their classes, and students have expanded Frederick’s original historical timeline on the site with their own research. Frederick said she wants Black students to know that they can thrive at the University, “and that they’re working with an ancestry of people here who have made BC their own.”

Here’s a look at eight of the stops on the tour. (Another of the stops honors BC’s first Black football player, Lou Montgomery. To learn more about him, please turn to the back page.) You can find the entire Black BC Walking Tour at blackbc.bc.edu.

FENWICK HALL

Freshmen admitted through BC’s Black Talent Program—a precursor to the University’s AHANA initiatives—were assigned to live in Fenwick during much of the 1970s. Black residents of Fenwick told The Heights in 1970 that the dorm had become a beloved haven for the Black community on campus.

In 1989, the AHANA House was renamed for Sister Thea Bowman, a Catholic nun who rose to prominence thanks to her advocacy for Black Catholics and her work to dismantle racial and cultural barriers through prayer, gospel preaching, and song.

THEA BOWMAN CENTER

TRINITY CHAPEL

In 2008, the chapel was the site of a farewell concert for Hubert Walters, who’d served for twenty-five years as conductor of BC’s gospel choir, Voices of Imani. The choir was founded by a small group of Black students in 1977 in an effort to build community through singing songs of their religious traditions.

CAMPION HALL

Campion houses the Lynch School of Education and Human Development, where Professor Lillie Albert in 2004 became the first faculty advisor for the anti-racism FACES Council. BC football players Jim Unis ’05, LGSOE’08, and Jason Lilly ’06 came up with the idea for the student organization in 2003.

LYONS HALL

Lyons is home to BC’s African and African diaspora studies program, which the University launched in 1969. Today, the program offers both a major and a minor focused on the history, culture, and politics of African and Africandescended people living around the world.

BURNS LIBRARY

The library is home to many books from the collection of Robert Morris, who was born in 1825 and went on to become the nation’s second African American lawyer. Morris built a practice that represented fugitive slaves and Irish immigrants, and became close friends with both former BC President Robert Fulton, SJ, and Frederick

DEVLIN HALL

McGuinn is where Jane Moosbruker, an assistant professor of psychology, showed two important films in 1969 about the challenges faced by Black people in our society. The screenings were part of the Internal Racism Project that Moosbruker created with the Black Student Forum to spark dialogue about racial inequity. 3 4 5 6

MCGUINN HALL

On his way to becoming BC’s first Black graduate, Casper Augustus Ferguson ’37 completed much of his coursework in Devlin. Ferguson commuted to Chestnut Hill every day by streetcar. Then, after completing his last afternoon lab in Devlin, he would travel to South Station, where he carried passenger bags at night to help cover his $250 annual tuition.

Character Builder

In a new collection, Marisa Labozzetta ’71 once again demonstrates her mastery of the short story.

BY ALIX HACKETT

In Men Who Walk in Dreams, her third collection of short stories, the award-winning author Marisa Labozetta ’71 ushers readers into the flawed hearts and minds of an eclectic cast of characters: a transgender son grappling with his mother’s dementia, a woman seeking revenge after her abusive partner brings her to an Italian snake festival, an HR representative recovering from a breakup in Antarctica amid the pandemic. The book has received critical praise, with Kirkus calling it “an exquisite set of stories steeped in humor, humanity, and grace.” We recently caught up with Labozzetta to discuss her inspiration, creative process, and enduring love for short stories.

What themes did you want to explore with this collection?

I always write about men and women and relationships, but in these stories I really let all the guards down—whatever bugged me, it came up someplace. As I say to men when I'm at readings, “Guys, this is your time. I'm sorry.” The women have their own issues, but I think they deal quite well with them and eventually come out okay. Some of the men do, and some don't. I’m also interested in a sort of dream world—not sci-fi, but I love reading something that’s based in

imagination to write fiction, but the buffalo story came from something I had heard about. Someone had actually done that, and it struck me as so unusual, so crazy, that I wanted to pursue it. I visited farms and spoke to some very generous farmers and learned all about dairy farming, buffalos, and how mozzarella is made. The research is so important if you’re going to write about something with accuracy and believability.

Your characters are so diverse; how do you write confidently from so many different perspectives? I get bored, so I like a challenge. That's why I like to write from different voices—a man, a transgender person, a millennial, someone on the spectrum. I just like the challenge of saying, Can I do this? Let's get in that head. Let's understand them. And once you understand them, you can write about anybody, because the human condition, with all its flaws, doesn't change. I don't care where you are in the world, everyone wants to be loved, to derive satisfaction in their work and their life, to survive, to understand themselves, and to be understood.

the time. When I was a little kid, my mother thought I was doing something else, but I was always listening to her phone conversations, figuring out what was really going on with these women or that family member. I’ll be sitting in a cafe, waiting for my kids to finish a sports event, and people may think I’m writing a grocery list, but I'm actually writing down the conversation happening next to me, which is so darn interesting. I may never use it, or there may be something in there that spurs an entire story.

What makes a good short story? Characters, to me, are everything. You don't always know them when you start to write, but once you do it's as though they're born and you suddenly know everything about them: what they'll say, what they'll wear, what their attitude would be toward anything. Then you need a challenging dilemma and some transformation in your character’s life journey, whether it’s a crisis of conscience or some psychological struggle. I also like an unexpected twist, because it keeps readers on their toes.

reality and all of a sudden something happens, almost otherdimensional, and you go, whoa, wait a minute, where am I? So at some point in these stories, all of the characters have to come to grips with what is reality and what is illusion. And some of them are just delusional.

Speaking of delusional, one of your stories is about a man who quits his finance job to start a water buffalo cheese–making business—how do you come up with such unexpected plotlines? You have to have a good

One story consists entirely of phone conversations between a World War II bomber and his long-lost love. What’s the key to writing believable dialogue? You have to have a good ear, and that means eavesdropping all

You’ve also written three novels. What keeps you coming back to the short story format? Every word has to count, and that actually fits my style nicely. I don't think I write the most beautiful, long, narrative passes. My strength is more characterization, dialogue, and being concise. There actually was a time when maybe I rushed a little too quickly, and I had to learn to stay a little longer in the moment. I’ve also loved the genre since childhood, so that’s why I enjoy writing them. In this world of small soundbites, when everything has been reduced to smaller articles, it’s ludicrous to say, “Nobody wants to read short stories anymore.” I think there's going to be a revival of the short story, a big resurgence, because people do like them. n

The Cabernet Club

A novel toast to women aging vibrantly.

It’s never too late to write the next great chapter in your life. That’s the bright, bullish mentality that motivated Margie Zable Fisher ’89, a former finance major, to close her public relations firm in 2019 and pursue a new career as a full-time writer at age fifty. In doing so, Fisher, whose writing frequently focuses on what she calls “empowered aging,” followed in the footsteps of the mother she cherished, Rona S. Zable, an author and longtime editor of a newspaper for seniors.

Appropriately, “second acts” is also the central theme of The Cabernet Club, the novel Fisher coauthored as a final promise to

her mother. Before she died, Fisher’s mother had already drafted the book and its storyline about Debbie, a New England divorcée seeking a fresh start and new friends as a Florida retiree. Fisher vowed to finish the novel. “It gave me a way to honor her and helped me grieve,” said Fisher, who added several subplots and expanded the cast of colorful winesipping characters to speak to the importance of developing sisterly bonds at any age. The humorous and heartfelt result is, as Fisher described it, “a cross between Schitt’s Creek and The Golden Girls.”

What’s more, it’s the beginning of an entire series: Fisher has already outlined at least two more installments that follow the adventures of these wine-loving ladies in their quirky condo community and beyond. The author, who fondly remembers sharing a glass with her mother every Sunday, hopes The Cabernet Club will offer women ageless inspiration: “We wanted to show you can have a great life as an older person.” Scott Kearnan

BRIEFLY

Shadows

into Light: A Generation of Former Child Soldiers Comes of Age by Theresa S. Betancourt, Salem Professor in Global Practice at the BC School of Social Work

The culmination of a twenty-plus-year study of more than five hundred boys and girls forced to fight in the Sierra Leone Civil War, Shadows unpacks the weighty research and insights gleaned by Betancourt, director of the Research Program on Children and Adversity, and her collaborators in West Africa. In addition to heartbreaking stories of personal trauma, it also details surprising and heartening data that shows healing is possible for child soldiers who receive proper social support in their postwar environments.

Theology

of Horror: The Hidden Depths of Popular Films by Ryan Duns, SJ, ’14, MCGS’18

Refuting the stereotype that horror films are lowbrow entertainment, Duns argues that the movies that scare us can also offer profound philosophical insights. Whether analyzing the metaphysical questions raised by The Blair Witch Project or exploring how The Texas Chain Saw Massacre inspires fear in its audience through godless nihilism, Duns illustrates how movies that depict the scary, supernatural, and surreal can also be inherently spiritual.

Polarized by Degrees: How the Diploma Divide and the Culture War Transformed American Politics by David A. Hopkins, BC associate professor of political science, and Matt Grossmann

In this sequel to their 2016 book Asymmetric Politics, Hopkins and Grossmann, a Michigan State University political science professor, examine how, over the last two decades, those who hold college degrees have become more likely to identify as Democrats than Republicans. The book suggests that the association of Democrats with higher education has increasingly alienated White Americans without diplomas, resulting in a widening political gap that has transformed American society.

Adventures in Community Science: Notes from the Field and a How-To Guide for Saving Species and Protecting Biodiversity by Ron Smith ’92

This illustrated book by Smith, a science teacher of thirty years, educates children about a variety of animals and their habitats, from shorebirds to spiders. It’s also filled with ideas for entertaining outdoor activities that will help young naturalists learn how to observe, protect, and collect data on different species in the wild.

Mothering in the Time of Coronavirus by Amy Lutz ’94, Sujung (Crystal) Lee, and Baurzhan Bokayev

The authors explore how the changes to daily life introduced during the pandemic disproportionately burdened working mothers in America, intensifying the already enormous demands of child-rearing. The book proposes that traditional gender norms assigned greater responsibility to mothers for supervising at-home schooling and managing their children’s physical and mental health during the crisis, even as they had to balance remote work and other duties.

CALLING AN AUDIBLE

BY ELIZABETH CLEMENTE

SUPER BOWL LI IS BEST KNOWN for the New England Patriots’ historic comeback win over the Atlanta Falcons in 2017. But for Cynthia Frelund ’05, the game is unforgettable for a different reason. It was the first Super Bowl Frelund worked as a data analyst for the NFL Network, and as she walked into the massive NRG Stadium in Houston that Sunday afternoon, she was overcome with emotion. What on earth am I doing here? she thought to herself. How did I get here?

Frelund has covered every Super Bowl since. With her long blonde hair and sparkly outfits, she’s slightly more glamorous than your typical data scientist, but she has quickly become one of the most recognizable faces of predictive analytics in professional sports. A branch of data science, predictive analytics examines data from the past to make predictions about the future. Frelund uses a data analytics model she built to predict what will happen in football games, and to tell stories across a variety of NFL Network shows and platforms. On NFL GameDay View, for instance, she predicts the scores of games to be played in the coming week. On NFL GameDay Morning, meanwhile, she makes more granular estimates, such as the number of yards, touchdowns, and receptions she expects a particular running back to have. Then there’s NFL Fantasy Live, on which Frelund helps viewers decide who to play in their fantasy football matchups.

And Frelund has plenty else to keep her busy. She writes analyticsinformed articles for the NFL website, and travels frequently to contribute to broadcasts for league events such as the Super Bowl, the annual draft, and team training camps. She also updates her social media accounts for her approximately four hundred thousand followers, and each week she puts out a new episode of her YouTube show, Numbers Game with Cynthia Frelund, during which she cheerily breaks down sports data.

Frelund’s analysis can be very detailed. In one recent video, she explained that over the past season, 22 percent of the passes thrown by Denver Broncos

rookie quarterback Bo Nix came while he was on the run—meaning while he was moving at a minimum of eight miles per hour. That was the second-highest rate in the NFL. That same whirlwind thirty-minute video contained dozens of other fun facts from the past season and predictions for an upcoming slate of playoff games. With her encyclopedic knowledge of professional football, Frelund has earned a reputation around the NFL Network for being intelligent and hardworking, said Steve Mariucci, a former NFL head coach who works as an analyst for the NFL Network. “What she does is different than anybody in television,” Mariucci said. “She’s doing something unique, something that none of us do.”

To make predictions, Frelund’s data model runs one million simulations of each game. The model crunches years of historical data from when teams with similar traits have played each other in the past—for instance, how certain types of offenses have fared against certain types of defenses—then projects what is likely to happen in an upcoming game. Frelund uses the results to predict not just which team will win, but also what the score will be and how individual players will perform. And she has an enviable record. During the 2024 season, she correctly predicted the winner of NFL games 71.7 percent of the time.

to use it. “I don’t know how I would teach someone else how to use it at this point,” she said. “It’s not beautiful, I’m not a front-end developer. It’s like my own mouse trap that I live in.”

Frelund’s success is even more impressive when you consider that she stumbled into her career almost by accident. She started out working in finance, and didn’t make her first sports television appearance until she was thirty-one years old. “It’s just not a normal path,” she said. “For people who want to do what I do, this is not the way I would recommend doing it at all.”

FRELUND’S LOVE OF FOOTBALL

started young.

Growing up in East Lansing, Michigan, home of Michigan State University, she often attended football tailgates on campus or drove to Pontiac with her father to watch their beloved Detroit Lions play. When she wasn’t enjoying football, she was excelling in school. In fact, she began taking math and psychology classes at Michigan State when she was just fifteen.

Frelund reporting during an NFL Network pregame show at Super Bowl LVII at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, on February 12, 2023.

As the games are being played, Frelund’s model “watches” them using a form of AI that allows computers to interpret information from video. The model flags any play where what happened was different from what the model had predicted. “After every snap, you can see if the play is following what would be expected based on running lots of simulations,” Frelund explained. “If it’s bucking the trend, you can start to dig into why.” Frelund often calls coaches to ask about what happened. “I look for patterns, that’s all analytics is,” she said. “So it really stands out for me when someone deviates from a pattern.”

Given how important the model is to her work, it’s understandable that Frelund doesn’t trust anyone else

Frelund arrived at BC in the fall of 2001, and during orientation she met Mathias Kiwanuka ’05, who would go on to become one of the greatest football players in BC history and to win two Super Bowls with the New York Giants. Kiwanuka and Frelund bonded over being from the Midwest, and remain close to this day. “She’s one of those people who’s just always one hundred percent reliable. She’s going to answer her phone, she’s going to go the extra mile,” Kiwanuka said. “And socially, she’s really somebody who can fit in in any room.”

After graduating in 2005, Frelund, who’d always planned on becoming a doctor, enrolled at the Illinois College of Optometry. But after a few months, she realized that medicine wasn’t for her. So she left the program and took a job as a financial analyst at a Chicago private equity firm.

In 2008, Frelund enrolled in business school at the University of Chicago. It was there that she had two experiences that would change the trajectory of her life. The first began with an email. “As cocky business school students do, I cold emailed the CFO of the NFL at the time,” she recalled. “Like, what was I doing?” But her boldness paid off. That CFO was Anthony Noto, a leader in the field of equity research. Noto helped Frelund secure a summer internship in finance and strategy at the NFL, which introduced her to the field of data science and got her interested in coding. Toward the end of the internship, however, came Frelund’s second pivotal experience. She began having health issues, which led to the shocking discovery that she had ovarian cancer, at the age of twenty-six. Her illness forced her to suspend her graduate studies, and she spent the next two years in treatment and eventual recovery. “It’s really helped me see that things are going to happen and you can’t control any of them,” she said. “But what you can find peace in is your reaction to them. There’s

20 bcm v winter 2025 photos: Alika Jenner/NFL (left); Ben Liebenberg/NFL (opposite)

spirituality in that.” Frelund focused her attention in the midst of the illness on building her data model. “For me, it was about digging into something that made me feel happy and excited,” she said.

In 2010, Frelund took a job in business development with Disney and moved to California. Two years later, she moved to Connecticut for a job in technology development at the Disney subsidiary ESPN. Frelund worked on what was then referred to as big data. “Now we would call it more analytics, or data science, or maybe you’d call it AI,” she said. “I got to meld some of what I learned from coding, and kept all of my relationships in this predictive analytics world.” Frelund resumed her graduate school studies while working full-time, graduating in 2015 with both a Master of Business Administration and a Master of Science in Predictive Analytics from Northwestern University.

That same year, ESPN introduced a segment on its nightly SportsCenter broadcast that featured Frelund giving analytics-based fantasy football advice. But the turning point in her television career came the following year, when Paul DePodesta was hired as chief strategy officer by the Cleveland Browns. DePodesta was well known for his role, as depicted in the 2003 book Moneyball, in helping then–Oakland A’s General Manager Billy Beane use analytics to transform the club into a contender despite spending far less than other successful teams. Now DePodesta had been hired to apply the same concepts to an entirely different sport, and ESPN suddenly needed someone to explore how the whole thing would work in football. Frelund, with her deep background in data analysis, was well suited for the new role. “Analytics for football—what’s Moneyball for football?” she said. “They didn’t know how to talk about it on TV, so I gave it a shot.” Soon, Frelund was appearing regularly on SportsCenter, revealing how analytics applied to not only football, but also other sports, like basketball.

“I was awful on TV at the beginning—so rigid, I had to get over myself,” Frelund recalled. “But sometimes you just need to say yes.” She took improv comedy classes to look more natural on camera, and studied techniques to project her voice. Meanwhile, the use of analytics in football began to catch on, and approximately a year after making her on-air debut at ESPN, Frelund was recruited in 2016 by the NFL Network. The league had recently installed a system that collected data on player locations, speeds, and distances traveled. Frelund’s new job would be to tell stories using all that data.

Nearly a decade later, data analytics has transformed professional football, changing the way coaches understand how to win games and select the right players to help them do it.

FRELUND’S DEMANDING JOB requires working long hours, including weekends, which means she sometimes misses important occasions with friends and

family, especially during the football season. “It can be trying because I don’t really get to see a lot of other people,” she said. Her hobbies aren’t exactly relaxing, either. Frelund has run twenty-five marathons so far. (Her goal is to run one in every state.) She and her fiancé, Kyle Deombeleg, are also in the midst of planning their wedding, which will take place sometime before the 2025 football season. They hope to expand their family soon as well, and Frelund is currently undergoing IVF treatments. Looking ahead to potential motherhood, she said she doesn’t feel like it has to mean sacrificing her career. “ You can have everything,” she said, “you just can’t have it all at the same time.”

Then there are the challenges of being a woman in a field dominated by men. Frelund said that, through the years, she has heard the same sexist comment over and over again from men in her industry. “The number one thing people say when they meet me in person is, ‘Oh my God, you actually know football,’” she said. “At this point, I don’t really care.” She also has to deal with scrutiny, especially online, of her appearance, from the way her face looks to her body. “It doesn’t make you feel good when someone’s like, ‘you look really fat,’” she said. She credits therapy with helping her make peace with the more negative aspects of her job.

Frelund said that what keeps her motivated through all the hard work and occasional bumps is getting to be a part of something that unites people and brings them joy. In what other job, she wondered, would she get to experience a moment like last year’s NFL Draft? At the draft, she got to interview the legendary running back Barry Sanders, one of the greatest players in NFL history, who, of course, played for Frelund’s favorite team, the Detroit Lions. “I got to tell Barry Sanders in front of 350,000 viewers that for at least 75 percent of people in that draft room, he was the reason they became a football fan,” she said. Moments like that make her feel just as awed as she did at that first Super Bowl nearly a decade ago. “When you get to be a part of something that matters, it just means so much,” she said. “It’s hard to say how grateful I feel.” n

Frelund, a Michigan native, posing with fellow fans of her beloved Detroit Lions at the NFL Draft in Detroit in 2024. “It’s hard to say how grateful I feel,” Frelund said of having a job that provides her with such memorable moments.

Eagles Broad

BY BILLY MCENTEE

ʼ14

PHOTOGRAPHY BY PETER MURPHY

off way

From left, Will Nunziata ’06, Michael Quinn ’19, and Patrick Lazour ’13 photographed at the New York Theatre Workshop.

There’s a saying in the American theater: “You can make a killing but not a living.”

It’s a pointed joke about the art form’s economic realities. When most people think about theater, it’s while watching the Tony Awards or reading about the incredible success of blockbusters like Hamilton. The reality, however, is that theater’s glamour and riches are reserved for a lucky few. Many productions are staged far from the lights of Broadway, by smaller nonprofit theaters supported largely by donations, not ticket sales. And even on Broadway, some shows can close within months, long before recouping their initial investment. The composers, lyricists, and playwrights of hits such as The Lion King and Wicked can find massive success but, by and large, going into theater is a risky endeavor.

And yet, because the theater is such a powerful tool of art, commentary, and self-expression, it maintains its hold on talented people from all across the world. They spend their days creating audacious plays and musicals that they hope will push the art form forward while captivating audiences through the power of live performance and inspirational storytelling. To help prepare these strivers, the Boston College theatre department gives young artists the opportunity to direct, design, and create their own works. Each year, about a hundred students take classes in the department or perform or work backstage in its productions.

Many of these Eagles go on to successful careers in the theater. In the pages ahead, we’ll meet three such BC graduates. Michael Quinn ’19, Patrick Lazour ’13, and Will Nunziata ’06 are each in a different decade of life and stage of career, but all three are pursuing their passion and realizing some of the returns that keep artists motivated, from securing grants and winning prizes to the simple thrill of sharing their original works with audiences. In a field in which the opportunities can sometimes seem dim, Quinn, Lazour, and Nunziata are shining a bright light.

“When you’re twentytwo and just out of college, you really do have to have faith that things are going to work out.”

Michael Quinn ’19

Michael Quinn ’19 arrived on campus in 2015 from his home in the suburbs of Philadelphia. Quinn had enjoyed performing in shows while in high school, so in his first year at BC, he enrolled in the theatre department’s introductory course, Dramatic Structure and Theatrical Process, which was taught by Professor Scott T. Cummings. There was just one problem: Quinn feared the class might be too elementary.

“I was a total idiot,” Quinn recalled. “I thought I knew everything about everything.” He quickly realized how much he had to learn, however, and soon became interested in writing plays of his own. In his junior year, one of his compositions was selected for the theatre department’s New Voices festival, a biannual event that features productions of original plays written by undergraduates. Quinn’s play Get It Together explores the emotions of complicated relationships by following a pair of high school crushes who, on a college break, return home to the outskirts of Philadelphia. As the play’s performance at the Bonn Studio Theater neared, Quinn worked closely with Cummings to hone the dramatic structure and theatrical process. After that experience, Quinn recalled with a laugh, “You’re like, Oh wow, these people actually teach you so much.” Since graduating, Quinn has continued to rewrite Get It Together. The play has evolved from one act to two and enjoyed productions in New Jersey and California. Wherever it’s performed, Quinn insists on keeping it authentically Philadelphia, right down to the brand of beer that’s used as a prop. “In LA, we were going to beer distributors being like, ‘You guys carry Yuengling?’” he said. “They were like, ‘You will not find that west of the Mississippi.’ So my mom stuffed Yuengling cans with newspaper and mailed them over there.”

Following those early productions, the play had a run last fall at The Flea, a tiny New York theater with an outsize reputation that was founded by, among others, the actress Sigourney Weaver. “Forty-six seats in a theater is intimate in a way the play demands,” Quinn said. He added that having the play performed at an

esteemed off-Broadway theater provided him with a sense of arrival.

That production wasn’t the only milestone for Quinn last year. His next play, The River East, was shortlisted for the Yale Drama Series Prize, one of the nation’s most prestigious playwriting awards. Out of two thousand entries, just nine were shortlisted. “I was literally shaking and crying,” Quinn said of receiving the news. He quickly emailed Cummings at BC to thank him. “You changed my life when you picked Get It Together for New Voices all those years ago,” he wrote.

“This is a big win,” his former professor replied, “and remember: on to the next thing.” And Quinn is. He’s working on both a staged reading of The River East and a new documentary play.

Quinn’s writing reveals a sharp ear for youthful, contemporary dialogue, and explores the desire to find a more meaningful life away, if possible, from where you grew up. The River East and Get It Together, for example, both follow young people from Philadelphia who have left in pursuit of a fresh start. But Quinn’s hometown is never far from his heart—or his craft. “Philadelphia isn’t well-defined in literature,” he said. “For a writer, you can bend it to your vision, whereas with New York you’re competing with every New York story ever written.”

It’s a clever strategy for helping your work stand out, which can lead to some of the recognition that Quinn said is so important for a young artist. Playwrights sometimes require validation through community, accolades, or commissioned productions to be able to see themselves as legitimate writers. “When you’re at the beginning of your career, it’s like you have no evidence you’re good at this, that’s the hardest,” he said. “When you’re twenty-two and just out of college, you really do have to have faith that things are going to work out.”

As he looks ahead to what comes next, Quinn said he remains motivated primarily by the art itself.

“What I’d like out of a successful career is to work with great actors,” Quinn said. “Bigger audiences and venues are good, but what’s most important is to write more good plays.”

Patrick

Lazour ’13

Afew years ago, Patrick Lazour ’13 lost two family members in close succession. The death of loved ones, he understood, is a shared and unavoidable experience, but he was struck by the isolated nature of how we grieve, and how little we talk about it. “Illness and dying are universal,” Lazour said, “yet so often these experiences are kept in whispers.”

Lazour and his brother Daniel set out to write a musical, Night Side Songs, that explores the layers of death and dying. The musical is scheduled for productions this year at three of the nation’s most prestigious venues, a rare feat for a new musical. “It feels incredible,” Lazour said. “It’s not something that happens every day.”

Night Side Songs, which has already completed a January run at Lincoln Center, is scheduled for the Philadelphia Theatre Company starting in February, and this spring will move to the American Repertory Theater (A.R.T.) in Cambridge, a powerful artistic incubator that has sent several shows to Broadway. In collaboration with those theaters, and in keeping with its themes, the musical will also tour hospitals, community centers, and houses of worship.

“We wanted to make a musical that could be performed anywhere—that audiences could feel a part of,” Lazour said. In fact, those in the audience are invited to sing along. “For a show about illness, it has a real playfulness,” he said.

Broadway has become increasingly reliant on musicals that are adapted from movies, books, or songs from pop stars (Aladdin, The Outsiders, and & Juliet, to name a few), but Lazour writes original works even though they typically have less commercial appeal. “I was chatting with our director, and she was joking, ‘Okay, you’re thirty-three, it’s time for you to sell out,’” he recalled with a laugh. “Creating original work is hard on the pocketbook but simply the most thrilling act of creation there is.”

And Lazour has certainly found success doing it his way. He and his brother received a Jonathan Larson Grant in 2021—just five are given each year—and their professional debut, We Live in Cairo, won the Richard Rodgers Award for Musical Theater in 2016.

Lazour began writing We Live in Cairo while at Boston College. He was an active student in the theatre department—his musical The Grand Room, about a wealthy family during the Great Depression, premiered in 2012 in the Bonn Studio Theatre—when he was moved one day by a photograph he saw in Professor Peter Krause’s political science class. The image depicted young activists organizing around a computer screen, its glow illuminating their determined faces. “That photograph inspired the musical,” Lazour said. We Live in Cairo traces the relationships of young activists during the Arab Spring, the Middle East political uprisings of the 2010s that toppled, among others, the Egyptian dictator Hosni Mubarak. Lazour started working on the musical while on the Heights and continued after graduating and moving to New York City, where his brother was finishing up at Columbia. For a few years, Lazour worked a day job at a press agency and spent nights fine-tuning the musical.

Then, he got his big break. With the $40,000 prize from the Richard Rodgers Award, the Lazour brothers organized what’s known as a workshop, a reading designed to catch the attention of potential producers, of We Live in Cairo. A producer from A.R.T. enjoyed the presentation so much that he gave the musical its professional debut, a full production at the Cambridge theater in 2019. That production led to connections with still more producers, and funding for the development of the brothers’ future shows. These commissions from larger theaters, including New York’s storied Lincoln Center, allowed Lazour to leave his day job and write full-time.

Even as Lazour has found success elsewhere, he has continued to build his relationship with A.R.T., where he has developed other works. And as Lazour prepares for the upcoming productions of Night Side Songs in Philadelphia and Cambridge, he’s also working on new projects, including musicals for both the stage and the movie screen.

“Musical theater is a commercial venture, but it’s also a wild, experimental form with ingredients galore— dialogue, song, dance, dream ballets,” he said. “The project of taking these elements and creating something is challenging as hell but unbelievably satisfying.”

“Creating original work is hard on the pocketbook but simply the most thrilling act of creation there is.”

“Theater is in my blood, and it’s always been whispering to me to go into it fully.”

Will Nunziata ’06

Will Nunziata ’06 was well into his career as a professional singer by the time he decided to fully transition to theater. He’d spent years on tour with his twin brother Anthony Nunziata ’06, performed in the nation’s finest venues, and then, in 2016, fulfilled a lifelong goal of singing at Carnegie Hall. With that dream realized, Nunziata recalled, “it was time to go after the next one.”

For Nunziata, that meant the notoriously challenging field of theater. “As much as I loved to perform,” he said, “it was creating, writing, and directing that always were my bliss.” Nunziata grew up loving theater, and got his first experience with theater while at BC, where he had the opportunity to direct a production of a musical comedy called Bat Boy. The project allowed him to tell stories, collaborate with other creative people, and shape performances. “This combines everything I love,” he recalled thinking at the time.

Nunziata’s decision to follow his passion has been rewarded. Last year, he made his off-Broadway debut, directing White Rose: The Musical, and in February he directed his latest work, Figaro: An Original Musical, at the London Palladium, home to many of England’s top productions.

The London performances are an important step in the development of Figaro: An Original Musical, which traces a young woman’s rise to stardom as a singer. New plays, and especially musicals, require lots of development before they find a producer and venue. The Palladium booking allowed Nunziata to present a couple of early performances of his new musical, with full set, costumes, and choreography. That staging, he said, allowed potential investors in the musical to see “what it will look like when it moves to a commercial theater or one in the West End,” which is London’s equivalent to Broadway.

Nunziata began working on Figaro: An Original

Musical during the pandemic, in collaboration with the songwriter Ashley Jana. Staging a musical, with its many moving parts, is a herculean effort, and after years of rehearsals, recordings, and rewrites, Nunziata said it was moving to finally bring all the elements together for an audience.

Although the two disciplines require different skills, Nunziata said his experience as a singer helped to prepare him for his work as a director. “I know what it’s like to stand downstage with all the vulnerability and the nerves,” he said. That awareness now guides the way he coaches actors. “I want to give other people their ‘downstage center moment,’” he said. “And if I can do that as a writer, director, and creator, God bless.”

Nunziata said that even though he understands the commercial realities of theater, and that there will always be a financial incentive to create musicals that are remakes of popular movies or books, his artistic compass leads him in the direction of original new works. “Let people see something new, universal, familiar yet different,” he said.

As he continues the evolution of Figaro: An Original Musical, he’s also hard at work on two additional original projects, both of them to be staged in London. This year he will direct the UK debut of White Rose and the premiere of Faygele: A New Play

Walking away from an established career as a singer may have seemed like a risk, but for Nunziata, the move feels more like a homecoming. “Theater is in my blood, and it’s always been whispering to me to go into it fully,” he said. “I’ve truly felt this calling for a very long time.”

Whether it’s a new play or musical, he said, he wants “to create art that entertains, inspires, and allows people to realize that they can do anything they put their mind to.” Nunziata’s work also has a message for audiences, he said: “It’s never too late to go after their dreams.”

“Don’t Give Me the Babe

As a crusading federal prosecutor, Edward McDonald ’68 sent But what he’ll always be known for is playing himself

in the Woods Routine”

some of the country’s most notorious mafia leaders to prison. in the classic Martin Scorsese film Goodfellas.

b y John w olfson

One day in the spring of 1989, Edward McDonald ’68 received a phone call from the noted crime journalist Nicholas Pileggi. The two men had known each other for nearly a decade, ever since Pileggi first chronicled the courtroom exploits of McDonald, a swaggering federal prosecutor who’d won convictions against some of the nation’s most notorious mafia members. “Ed,” Pileggi said into the phone, “my friend Marty Scorsese wants to send a staff person down to take pictures of your office.”

Pileggi explained that Scorsese, the celebrated film director, was shooting his latest movie, an adaptation of Pileggi’s bestselling and wildly entertaining book Wiseguy, which traces the life of a mid-level associate in the Lucchese crime family named Henry Hill. McDonald, the prosecutor who’d secured Hill’s cooperation in government cases against higher-ups in the Lucchese family, had featured prominently in Pileggi’s book, and now Scorsese wanted to include him in his new movie, too. Pileggi told McDonald that the photos of his office would help Scorsese plan his character’s scene. “They want to make the set look authentic,” he said.

A few days later, a Scorsese staffer named Robin Standefer showed up at the Brooklyn offices of the Organized Crime Strike Force for the Eastern District of New York, where McDonald was attorney-in-charge. “So she’s taking a bunch of pictures in my office and asking me questions,” McDonald recalled when I met with him last fall. As Standefer was finishing up, McDonald turned to her. “Who’s playing me in the movie?” he asked.

“We haven’t cast that part yet,” she replied.

“I’ll do it! I’ll play myself!”

An hour and a half later, McDonald got another call from Pileggi. This time he’d pulled Scorsese into the conversation. “Robin came back here and told us you’re interested in playing yourself,” Pileggi said. “You want to have a screen test?”

In his nearly seventeen years as a prosecutor, McDonald obtained the convictions of an astonishing array of criminals, among them organized crime leaders; the inside man in the famed Lufthansa heist, which in its day was the largest cash robbery in American history; and numerous corrupt politicians, including the disgraced Senator Harrison Williams of New Jersey, who accepted bribes during the wide-ranging Abscam sting operation. But what McDonald will forever be remembered for is the few minutes he spent on screen in Scorsese’s movie, Goodfellas

After talking his way into the part, McDonald went on to deliver a cracking performance, so comfortable and projecting such authority in front of the camera that people are always surprised when they learn he’s the actual guy he’s playing, and not a professional actor. In the scene, McDonald meets with Hill and his wife Karen, portrayed by Ray Liotta and Lorraine Bracco, to convince them to enter the witness protection program in exchange for Henry’s testimony against his former friends in the mafia. As they grow increasingly frantic, McDonald remains chillingly calm, nearly menacing, while laying out for them that cooperating with the government is their only chance for survival. Then, when Karen protests that she doesn’t know anything that would make her useful to the prosecution, McDonald delivers a line for the ages, one he made up on the spot. Leaning forward in his chair, elbows on his thighs, he scoffs, “Don’t give me the babe in the woods routine, Karen. I’ve listened to those wiretaps. And I’ve heard you on the telephone. You’re talking about cocaine.”

Three and a half decades after the movie’s release, strangers still excitedly recognize McDonald. “I’ll see people in the street or in a bar,” he said, “and they’ll say it: Hey, don’t give me the babe in the woods routine!”

Releasedin 1990, Goodfellas today is properly recognized as a masterpiece. As acclaimed for its acting and dialogue as its cinematography and directing, the movie is included on many lists of cinema’s greatest works. The American Film Institute, for example, ranks it as the ninety-fourth best American movie ever made (which, in my rather biased estimation, is preposterously low). But as Ed McDonald approached the Warner Bros. offices on Fifty-First Street in Manhattan a couple of weeks after his call with Pileggi and Scorsese, the last thing on his mind was where the movie he was about to audition for might wind up in film history. This is ridiculous! he kept telling himself. I’m not an actor. What am I doing?

McDonald may not have been an actor, but at age forty-two, his career was certainly reading like something out of a movie script. In 1977, six years after graduating from Georgetown Law, and following a stint with the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office,

photo: James Farrell

McDonald photographed in his office, which is filled with mementos from his days as a crusading federal prosecutor and his star turn in Goodfellas

A courtroom sketch of McDonald’s 1979 prosecution of Louis Werner, the “inside man” in the Lufthansa heist, in which nearly $6 million in cash and jewelry was stolen, then the largest cash robbery in American history.

he’d joined the Organized Crime Strike Force, a squad of federal prosecutors established in the late sixties to combat mafia racketeering. In 1982, he became chief of the force’s Eastern District office, overseeing thirteen lawyers. He’d get up in the morning and race to learn what had been captured overnight on the bugs planted in mafia hangouts, or who undercover FBI agents had talked to. There were current trials to monitor and upcoming ones to prepare for, meetings with law enforcement agents working cases, grand jury appearances, verdicts being delivered. And, of course, there was the whirlwind coverage in the New York press. From morning to night, the job sizzled with excitement.

Odd, then, that a prosecutor who’d been part of the convictions of such major underworld figures as Colombo crime family underboss Alphonse “Allie Boy” Persico, Bonanno crime family boss Philip Rastelli and acting boss Joey Massino, and Lucchese family heavyweights Paul Vario and Jimmy Burke was poised to land a role in a Martin Scorsese movie not because of those cases, but because of his work with the distinctly small-time Henry Hill. But what made Hill interesting to a writer like Pileggi was the same thing that made him valuable to a prosecutor like McDonald: Vario and Burke, who inspired the Goodfellas characters Paulie Cicero and Jimmy Conway, adored him. They’d never trust him with any important jobs, but he was fun and charming and they loved having him around—which meant he knew everything about all the various crimes they were committing.

Now McDonald was about to screen test for Scorsese’s movie about that life, and he was feeling anxious. When he arrived at the Warner Bros. offices, the scene he encountered did little to relax his nerves. “It was bedlam,” he recalled. “Every guy with a small part—every waiter and every wiseguy—they were all jammed in there, coming in for their auditions.” McDonald made his way through the sea of hopefuls

and entered a small room. There, sitting behind a desk, was Scorsese himself. McDonald hadn’t expected him. “I was really nervous,” he recalled.

Suddenly, the director leapt to his feet. “Oh, Mr. Prosecutor,” he cried, “I didn’t do nothing! I didn’t do nothing!” Then he started laughing.

The startling outburst had its intended effect. “He was trying to make me feel at ease,” McDonald recalled. “So I say to him, ‘You’re nothing but a mook!’”

“I’m a mook?” Scorsese shot back. “What’s a mook? You’re a mook!”

The two men laughed at their reenactment of the classic pool-hall scene from Scorsese’s 1973 film Mean Streets. “Okay,” the director said. “Let’s get to work.”

McDonald began to dutifully recite his lines from the script. After a minute or so, he began to panic. This is a joke, he thought to himself. It’s just horrendous. I’m so bad.

“Give me that,” Scorsese barked, grabbing the papers from McDonald’s hands and throwing them on the floor. He turned to the actors playing Henry and Karen for the audition. “He’s the prosecutor,” Scorsese told them. “Ask him questions.” For the next several minutes, they fired impromptu queries at McDonald, who was much more comfortable answering in his own words.

“Alright, stop,” Scorsese said. “That was great. You’ll be hearing from us.”

If you’re a man of a certain age, there’s a good chance you’ve seen Goodfellas enough times that “Don’t give me the babe in the woods routine” is just one of many lines from it that you can quote. “Women never come up to me and recognize me,” McDonald told me with a laugh, “it’s always guys.” A lot of women like Goodfellas, actually, but with its violent and crude depiction of a violent and crude world, McDonald is probably correct that it appeals more typically to men.

In any case, Goodfellas is, without question, my favorite movie. So imagine my excitement when, not so long ago, I finally read Pileggi’s Wiseguy and discovered that McDonald went to Boston College. I knew right away that I wanted to write about him…but what were the chances that the stern, aggressive, all-business prosecutor I’d been watching on my television screen for the past thirty years would be interested in something as frivolous as a magazine article? I sent him an email to find out.

Fifteen minutes later, McDonald called me. “Of course I’m interested!” he bellowed. “Who wouldn’t want to be in a magazine? I’m a lawyer and an actor—that means I’ve got a big ego!” He laughed warmly and was self-deprecating throughout our conversation. I learned that he’d grown up in the Bay Ridge neighborhood of Brooklyn and attended Xaverian High School before matriculating to BC in 1964. He played briefly on the basketball team as a freshman and majored in history,

McDonald and his team of prosecutors at the Organized Crime Strike Force for the Eastern District of New York. The group was photographed for a 1983 New York Magazine cover story.

and it was on the Heights that he met his wife, Mary McDonald, who is from the Boston area and graduated from the nursing school in 1969. They remain happily married to this day and have three adult children.

A couple of weeks later, I visited McDonald in the Manhattan offices of Dechert LLP, the enormous international law firm where he’s practiced since 2003. He greeted me in a reception area on the twenty-eighth floor, casual in black jeans, sneakers, and a pink dress shirt. As we shook hands, I saw that the dark hair and lean frame of his Goodfellas days had made a few concessions to time, but he was tall and charismatic as ever.

He led me to the office where, at seventy-eight, he still works a couple of days a week, handling cases involving powerful corporations and Master of the Universe types. The walls of his office were filled with photos and mementos from his years as a prosecutor, including a Goodfellas poster (with a still from McDonald’s scene tucked into the frame), courtroom sketches from his notable trials, and a framed copy of a 1983 New York Magazine cover story called “Gangbusters” that Pileggi wrote about the Brooklyn Strike Force’s mafia prosecutions.

McDonald took a seat at his desk, the large windows behind him affording a sweeping view of Midtown Manhattan. He said that he’s at work on a book about his many cases. An entire chapter details his long, complicated, and often amusing relationship with Henry Hill, who died in 2012. “Henry was not Ray Liotta,” he said. “He was not a particularly bright guy. But he was as charming as hell.” The two men first met in 1980, and Hill served as an effective witness until the mideighties, when he was arrested in Seattle on a major drug case. McDonald helped him get probation, but Hill was continually getting into trouble. “I got him out of jail a lot,” McDonald said. “I was constantly going to bat for him. When the bars would shut down, he’d want to

keep drinking so he’d break into a grocery store. They’d catch him sitting there drinking beer on the floor. He was a pathetic addict.”

WhenI asked McDonald what it was like to film his Goodfellas scene, he pointed out something I’d never noticed in all my viewings of the movie. He’s actually in two scenes—the famous one in his office, and the one in the courtroom that follows. That’s him questioning Ray Liotta’s Henry. The scenes were shot over two days, he said, in a Social Security Administration building in Queens. Unbeknownst to McDonald, Scorsese had another actor in the building in case McDonald’s takes—six in all—didn’t work out.

I asked McDonald about the remarkably enduring appeal of his performance, which, after all, amounted to a cameo. “Well, it’s a cameo,” he said, “except it’s the seventh-most lines in the movie.” That couldn’t be right, I replied. He’s onscreen for only a couple of minutes. “A lot of characters are in the movie a lot but they don’t speak very much,” he said. “I think it’s the seventh-most lines in the movie, because I have the screenplay…oh, and I counted one time like an idiot.” He laughed deeply.

McDonald, who has his Screen Actor’s Guild card to this day, managed to land a few other roles after Goodfellas. He played a prosecutor in a 1995 thriller called Kiss of Death. “I had a few scenes with David Caruso,” he said. “Stanley Tucci was in my scene. All these big stars were in the movie but it went nowhere.” He got another part, once again playing a lawyer, in a TV show called Michael Hayes that also starred Caruso. They spent an entire afternoon filming with lots of impromptu dialogue. “When it aired, what happens?” McDonald said. “My client turns to me and says, ‘Should I cooperate?’ I nod my head, yes. And that’s it.”

A final role was arranged by a former mafia member named Sal Polisi, who’d been a cooperating witness for McDonald. Years later, Polisi wrote a screenplay about his time owning a social club with the former mob boss John Gotti. McDonald got a few scenes in the 2010 movie as a priest with a gambling problem. “It was going to be called The Sinatra Club, McDonald said, “but it went straight to video and they realized people go alphabetically when they decide what to watch so they changed the name to At the Sinatra Club.”

His acting career may have stalled, but McDonald said he’s proud and more than satisfied to have been part of Goodfellas. “I guess we have my obituary: He appeared in Goodfellas,” he said. “People are always coming up to me. It’s crazy. It’s like a cult movie. I mean, this is thirtyfive years ago I shot the movie. It’s just a phenomenon. My oldest son went to Brown, and we were sitting in a restaurant up in Providence. And at a nearby table there were these young guys. We look over and one of them is going, ‘Don’t give me the babe in the woods routine!’” n

Campus Curiosities

A look at some of the wildly random historical treasures of the University Archives.

By e liza Beth Clemen te

photography By Ca itlin Cunningham

When you think about libraries, books probably come to mind. But Boston College’s John J. Burns Library is also home to the University Archives, a staggering—and delightfully random—array of historical artifacts spanning nine centuries. Whether you’re interested in thirteenth-century church sheet music, a 374-year-old map of the moon, or eighty years of Batman cartoons, you’ll find it in the BC archives.

Some items in the archives were donated by prominent Eagles, while others were purchased from vendors. Many of the objects can be traced back to alumni, but others have no obvious BC connection. All the collections are overseen by six archivists and a conservator who assesses and repairs items as needed. The archives are used by students, faculty, and the public alike. Last spring alone, professors held thirty-nine different class sessions at the archives. For instance, an English class visited to observe original materials by Gulliver’s Travels novelist Jonathan Swift. Meanwhile, staff helped more than 650 people from around the world conduct remote research in a single recent year.

Since arriving at BC in 2023, Marta Crilly, head librarian of User Engagement and Burns Public Services, has made it a priority to publicize the collections and expand their reach. On the Burns Library Instagram account, she shares photos of weird and wonderful items, and invites the BC community and the public to visit and enjoy the archives. “They don’t have to be working on a special project, they don’t have to be doing research for a paper,” Crilly said. “We want them to just walk in.”

We asked Crilly to select some of her favorite objects in the collections. In the pages ahead, you’ll find the fascinating assortment she unearthed.

This 1918 service banner was hung by New England Deaconess Hospital in Boston to honor its medical workers serving in the US Army Nurse Corps during World War I. The corps played a critical role in treating Allied forces in hospital settings that were close to battlefields, challenging notions of where women belonged during wartime. Below is a 1918 photo of NEDH School of Nursing alumni serving in the Corps at Base Hospital No. 51 in Toul, France.

These vintage cold-weather items—a parka, leather mittens, goggles, and an ice pick— were used by seismologist Daniel Linehan, SJ, ’30, MS’31, during expeditions to Antarctica between 1954 and 1958. Linehan, director of BC’s Weston Observatory and chair of the department of geophysics, served as consulting geophysicist to the US Navy Department’s Operation Deep Freeze missions to the White Continent. Seen in the accompanying photo using equipment in front of a military vehicle, Linehan conducted the first seismic ice measurements of the Antarctic and celebrated the first Mass at the South Pole.

clockwise from left: A portable telephone from the 1950s that Daniel Linehan, SJ, used on his Antarctic expeditions. A glass syringe and carrying case presented by Eli Lilly and Company to New England Deaconess Hospital student nurse Evelyn Peterson Simonds in 1922 to commemorate the administration of the first insulin dose in New England at NEDH. Passports that belonged to legendary British novelist and journalist Graham Greene. Greene traveled extensively (he was particularly interested in Latin American politics), and in the 1960s he gave up his British residence in favor of homes in Paris and on the island of Capri, Italy.

clockwise from above: A Geneva fluting iron used by the Sisters of the Holy Cross and the Seven Dolors of Philadelphia to handpress fluted ruffles into their habits. A Mass kit chest that US Army Chaplain W.J. Leonard used to carry items for conducting service in the Philippines and New Guinea, where he was stationed during World War II. An 1886 ballot box used by Boston’s Charitable Irish Society for secret voting. Members used white or unpainted balls to vote in favor of a proposal, and black balls to vote in opposition. Hence the modern expression, “to blackball.”

On November 14, 1896, during the second football game ever played between Boston College and the College of the Holy Cross, a fight broke out among players that ended the game early and sparked a historic school rivalry that continues on the playing field today. The memorabilia pictured here represents that (now-friendly) competition between Jesuit universities: There’s a football that bears the score from a 1916 game at Fenway Park, as well as a program and wooden scoreboard from a 1939 game at the stadium. Both were BC victories. The items sit atop a BC men’s cheerleading sweater from the 1950s.

What Can Your Chapter Do for You?

The gift of the Boston College experience doesn’t end when you make your last walk down Linden Lane. In fact, with the help of the Boston College Alumni Association and its many local chapters, your BC journey is just beginning.

Whether you’re trying to make connections in a new place, tailgate for the big game, network and build professional relationships, or get involved in nearby community service efforts, your local community of Eagles can provide it and more.

Each chapter takes on the personality and priorities of its members. In Los Angeles, Eagles have built a close-knit community through networking events, family pumpkin patch outings, and more. Now, they are working together to bring food and supplies to those impacted by wildfires; the Chicago chapter always brings the energy—whether it’s a game watch, a summer send-off, or a holiday party; and in New York, the enthusiasm for philanthropy runs as deep as that for social and networking events.

A few miles north in Westchester County, “our chapter’s identity is rooted in community service,” says Ned Roseberry ’93, P’28. “When people with the same value set, molded at BC, come together in service, it becomes obvious how the power of many is so much greater than the power of one!”

In San Diego and Portland, Oregon, the chapters love a morning hike or beach bonfire, followed by brunch at the local BC haunt. In Puerto Rico, “everybody knows everybody,” says Glori Alvarez ’88, P’16, “and we like to be together … Whether it’s days of service or a party, you say ‘social’ and attendance is through the roof.”

No matter what you’re looking for, your local BCAA chapter can add plenty of friendship, laughter, and purpose to your life. Get in touch and involved today—you won’t regret it!

Find out more about your local alumni chapter at bc.edu/chapters.

Alumni Class Notes

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1953

Guy Brigida lives on Cape Cod and is happily retired from a career in computer programming. He has been married for 67 years to the former Ann Larkin. They have raised three boys, all of whom played basketball at Reading High School, each captaining the team in their senior year. His youngest matriculated at Clark University in Worcester, attaining AllAmerican status in the 400-meter event. He is a member of the Hall of Fame at Clark. // John Cheney continues the Jesuit tradition of continuing education by being actively enrolled at the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) at UMass–Boston, taking courses in writing poetry, Shakespeare, and short story writing, as well as serving on the board of directors

of the OLLI offerings. He is a father of three (graduates of BC, Wheaton, and Harvard), grandfather of four, and greatgrandfather of two.

1957

David Rico sends greetings to fellow classmates! For the past 25 years he has been aging in place in his Pompano Beach home. He is widowed, still mobile, taking care of himself, and still driving. He would love to hear from classmates.

1958

Jean Harrington Crowley lives with one of her six daughters, Constance, in Arlington, Virginia, and spends summers on the Outer Banks in North Carolina, where her daughter Christin owns a brewery in Corolla. She enjoys being outside and loves listening to music. She’s anxiously awaiting the birth of her second great-grandchild and is grateful for the many blessings in her life. Jean keeps in touch with her “forever friend” from BC, Joan Keenan Barry, whom she met during their fall semester in 1954.

1960

65th Reunion, May 30–June 1, 2025 John Eddy merely wishes to inform his classmates that he is still happily alive. // Thomas Kelly and Sandra are back in Arizona for the winter. They recently returned from fly-fishing in Arkansas. They traveled there and back in his RV. Just under 3,900 miles of adventure! He is hoping to see classmates for his 65th reunion.

1961

John Carr called his old Brighton friend Bernie Shea because they have the same cardiologist. They had a great conversation, but John was crushed when Bernie told him he didn’t see anyone from their class at Laetare Sunday. John was under the weather but he usually makes it. He hopes maybe they can do better next year, God willing.

NC 1961

Mary Ann Curtin hosted a luncheon. Barbara Feely O’Brien, Judy Thompson Collins, Beth Good Wadden, Gail Giere Collins, Mickey McQueeny Matthews, and Paula Keane Teeling joined the gathering, as well as Ellen Mahony King, Janet Miele, Ellen MacDonald Carbone, and Brigid Sullivan Sheehan. They recalled the incidents that disciplined them and were surprised at the number of old boyfriend names that surfaced! They connected, felt their bond strongly, and thanked Mary Ann for giving them this day! // Missy and Bob Rudman ’61 have done quite a bit of traveling the past months. In January they traveled to Breckenridge, Colorado, to see their son’s new mountainside home. In March they traveled and made camp along the Columbia River in Washington and Oregon. Mid-June found them again in Breckenridge for a family reunion. Their children, some grandchildren, and their great-granddaughter traveled from Las Vegas, Dallas, Nashville, and Colorado Springs to enjoy the area. In August they joined family in Charlotte, North Carolina, for Bob’s sister’s surprise birthday party. Class correspondent: Missy Rudman // newtonmiz@aol.com

1962

Bob Caprio says hello to all his 1962 classmates. He retired from Polaroid Corporation in 1995 after 25 years. He remained on Cape Cod for a number of years, boating and fishing, before moving to the Villages in Florida. He misses those Cotuit oysters. His weekly activities include bowling; playing golf, billiards, and cards; and eating out. He still works out five mornings a week. He is 88 years old and beginning to feel it. // Kevin Duffy (aka the “Victorian Santa”), along with Patricia (Mrs. Claus),

COURTESY OF THOMAS KELLY ’60

strolled around the Derby Street Shops in Hingham, Massachusetts, this December. Beginning in 2004, this marks Kevin’s 20th year. Kevin and Patricia walk around the shops and grounds, giving free photo opportunities. // Jeremiah Long now has three great-grandsons. The youngest is one year old, another is two years old, and the oldest is 10 years old. // Joan Mullahy Riley and her husband, John, took their granddaughter, Rose (eight), to Ireland. Their visit to the Shrine of Our Lady of Knock was a beautiful experience. // Patricia Stabile vacationed with her daughter in Italy in September. // 1962 alums, connect with your classmates and attend a First Friday Luncheon. Send a message to Eileen Faggiano to let her know you would like to be on the list. Class correspondent: Eileen Corazzini Faggiano // efaggiano5@gmail.com

NC 1962

A few times a year, the Newton College Class of 1962 tries to get at least a minireunion pulled together. This one was originally to have 14 from their class, but at the last minute Sheila Tiernan Balboni, Jackie Gegan Mooney, and Ann Tomasello O’Hearn had to cancel. In attendance were Susan Mulvanity Donlan, Mary Hallisey McNamara, Mary Ann Brennan Keyes, Maura O’Neill Overlan, Anne Gallagher Murphy, VV Martin, Mary Martha Pallotta Llewellyn, Ellen Markey Thurmond, Sheila Leahy Valicenti, Sue Coogan Stone, and Penny Whelan Kirk NC’62, MEd’75. Class correspondent: Mary Ann Brennan Keyes // keyesma1@gmail.com

1963

Dan O’Neill is proud of his son, David ’91, for winning the 2024 NCAA Rowing Championship as head coach of the University of Texas–Austin women’s rowing program. // Robert Smith shared that after graduation and in recognition of the cold fact that he was not an NFL prospect, he opted for the US Marine Corps. As a young captain in Vietnam, he saw action in Operations Utah and Texas and returned home alive and a few pounds lighter. He and Linda will be married for 60 years come February, and they have three children: Rob, Shannon, and Susan (graduates of PSU, Princeton, and Clemson, respectively);

and nine successful grandchildren. They have settled in Cape Charles, Virginia. In lieu of golf, Robert continues to row competitively, and he misses his classmates of ’63. Class correspondent: Ed Rae // raebehan@verizon.net

1964

Robert Consalvo ’64, MEd’66, PhD’70, shared that the Academy of the Pacific Rim Charter Public School in Hyde Park, which he cofounded with former Boston School Committee member Dr. Robert Guen, recently celebrated its 25th anniversary. The Academy is often cited as one of the best charter schools in Boston. // Marshall Hoffman and his public relations company, Hoffman & Hoffman Worldwide, are working on the global public relations for ITER, the $22

billion plant being built to demonstrate that carbon-free fusion energy can be produced and controlled. // Dennis Rossi has been retired from radiology practice for 10 years now. He has one wife (of 58 years), three children, six grandchildren, and one boat. He splits time between New York and Florida and is trying to figure out where the years went!

1965

60th Reunion, May 30–June 1, 2025

Dr. Steve Colucci is moving from Riverside, California, to Carlsbad, California, to a senior living community. After the death last year of his beloved wife of 55 years, Dr. Marie Thonis Colucci ’66, followed by the death of their only son, Michael Colucci ’97, Steve and family pet Mo have decided to open a new chapter in their lives. // Sally Stevens is still enjoying the Hawaiian vacation that began in 1967, although her Boston accent is still intact! She never tires of daily swims and balmy trade winds. Like Boston, Honolulu has changed through the years. She is thankful to have experienced both terrific places. // James Vary, who is a professor of physics at Iowa State University, was named fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science in 2022 and distinguished professor in liberal arts and sciences in 2024. // After his 1965 graduation from Boston College, John Vernon joined the PhD program in English at the University of California at Davis. He received his PhD in 1969 and was offered a position as an assistant professor at the University of Utah. After two years at Utah, John moved to Binghamton University, and became a distinguished professor there in 2002. In John’s career as a writer, he has published 11 books, three scholarly studies, one book of poetry, a memoir, and six novels. Class correspondent: Patricia McNulty Harte // patriciaharte@me.com

1966

Steve Arlinghaus, long retired from the Foreign Service of the US, was honored in August by his four daughters and six grandchildren, who organized a familywide celebration of his 80th birthday for a week at the beach in Delaware. In October he and his wife, Eileen, marked

COURTESY OF JAMES VARY ’65

COURTESY OF DENNIS ROSSI ’64

their 58th wedding anniversary. He remains a faithful season ticket holder for men’s hockey at the Heights. Steve is in frequent contact with classmates Rich Falco and Rich Batsavage, who live in Florida. // John Bonin, the Chester D. Hubbard Professor of Economics and Social Science, retired after teaching at Wesleyan University for 54 years. After graduating from BC, he earned a PhD in economics from the University of Rochester in 1973. He published over 75 articles in economics journals and book chapters; he coauthored three books and co-translated four microeconomic texts from French with his wife Hélène. His retirement project is studying the craft beer industry in the US and Quebec. // Arnold Garber has two happily married daughters, five grandchildren, and one great-granddaughter, with another on the way. He was married in 1967, one

year after he graduated from BC, and the year he entered the Army as a lieutenant, having obtained his commission from ROTC at BC. He turned 80 on October 15, and is retired from a 37-year career as an executive with Dunkin’ Brands. // Maurice Giguere shared that as a senior in 1966, he was getting ready for certain deployment to Vietnam. Suddenly he contracted Type 1 diabetes. His draft status quickly changed to 4F from 1A. After meeting with the famous Fr. Drinan, dean of BC Law, he decided on an MBA instead; a major fork in the road. Now at 80 years old, Maurice often thinks of the plight of our Vietnam veterans who weren’t so lucky … if they made it back at all. He’s now enjoying a great life, so he wonders: Was this disease a blessing or a curse? // Jane McDonough reflects on the many good memories of her years at BC. Her roommate of three years, Sandy Lehto Cravedi ’65, died a few years ago. In 1966 they drove across the country with Jane’s brother Tom. They went camping and saw the US in the best possible way. Her ’57 Chevy made it to California and back to Massachusetts.

1967

John Austin Murphy ’67, MA’69, JD’73, is following the football team more closely than ever now that it is being coached by his nephew Bill O’Brien. He is cheering them on in person whenever he can. He attended the Duquesne game with his classmate Bill Cooney // D. Michael Ryan ’67, MA’88, is recovering on the Gulf of Mexico from two hurricanes. There was not much damage in his unit but it’s still a mess. His cats are helpful! His “lady friend” is arriving from Pennsylvania to help him out, especially emotionally and lovingly. She is very special. Back to cleaning! // Bob St. Germain as well as Bitsy Kelly Smith and Mary-Anne and Charles Benedict ’67, MBA’70, were seen at the Pops on the Heights gala in September. Also on campus were Jim and Judith Day ’68 The Veterans Remembrance Ceremony brought together Vin and Joan Browne Iacono, Paul Gerety, and Mary-Anne and Charles. Paul White; Jim Hughes; Tom Walsh ’67, MEd’68; Dave Gay ’67, JD’70; Al Butters; Cindy Rae Butters; and Roger Croke all enjoyed the BC vs. Syracuse game! Jack Keating and Marty

Paul are recovering from surgeries. Class correspondents: Mary-Anne and Charles Benedict // mainside55@gmail.com

1968

Bill Driscoll was acknowledged as the longest-practicing dentist in the Connecticut State Dental Association, at 52 years. He still enjoys private practice and works three days a week. He strongly feels the environment created in his years at BC was instrumental in helping him have a fulfilling career and life. // James Geary is training for his 30th consecutive Boston Marathon in 2025. He is looking forward to the BC students at Heartbreak Hill once again! // Since retiring, Bill O’Mahoney has been playing and performing classical guitar for Veterans Affairs Hospitals, hospice facilities, local hospitals, and nursing homes. Recently, he was asked to play, as a study, for infants born to mothers experiencing drug addictions, to see if it would be of any therapeutic benefit. So far, so good, he reports. // Ruth and Mark Schwartz are celebrating being great-grandparents at the birth of their first great-grandchild. // In 1965, John Trapani organized the BC Eagles of Sound jazz ensemble. Its members included Kip Doran and Pat Byrne ’69. John was also the music director for the Class of 1968’s junior class musical, How to Succeed in Business. The Eagles of Sound performed many campus concerts and attended the MIT Jazz Festival in 1968. In 1977, John founded the John Trapani Big Band. After 47 continuous years of concerts, dances, and shows, John and his Big Band finally played their last two concerts in July. Class correspondent: Judith M. Day // jnjday@aol.com

1969

Rich Foley and his wife Jean have retired and are now living on Cape Cod. They have three sons and four grandkids, who also love the Cape. // Ed Hanley ’69, MPH’72, retired from his career as an economic geologist in 2013. Ed had worked for New Jersey Zinc in mineral exploration, as a senior geologist at Billiton Metals, and was an independent consultant in Reno, Nevada. Ed also spent six years on the faculty of the University of Nevada–Reno. He completed his career doing gold mine reserve expansion in

COURTESY OF JOHN BONIN ’66

COURTESY OF MAURICE GIGUERE ’66

California and Nevada and in China and Mongolia. In retirement, Ed spends his time between his home in Reno, where he continues to learn guitar, and his sailboat in Alameda, California. // Jim Littleton remarked that it was good to see the members of the Class of 1969 who attended their 55th reunion luncheon on June 1, 2024. Among the classmates who attended were: Cornelius Neal Maher; Mary Mulvoy Lofty; Marty Gavin ’69, MBA’74; Pat Daly ’69, MAT’71, JD’73; Kathie Reynolds; Jim Malone; and Myrna Cohen Thurnher. Jim Littleton introduced Casey Beaumier, S.J., who serves as the University vice president and secretary. Class correspondent: James R. Littleton // jim.littleton@gmail.com

NC 1969

Last fall Ellen Chamberlain and her husband drove from Minneapolis to Banff, Aberta, to go hiking. Along the way they stopped in Calgary. And then last October they flew to Denver to meet their precious new grandson, Sam. During the last election, Ellen knocked on many a door as she canvassed neighborhoods. They spend winters in Tucson, Arizona. // Pam DeLeo Delaney reports that she’s still vertical! During the recent election she worked the polls in Rhode Island. // Julie Lombardi Goulet writes how she enjoyed hearing from other classmates during the election season. She wrote many postcards to individuals in battleground states encouraging them to vote. She feels Newton did a great job in educating our class to become independent suffragettes. // Last fall, Mary Miller James wrote an op-ed entitled “Reflections from a Presidential Campaign Daughter.” It appeared in the Salisbury, North Carolina, newspaper as well as the Buffalo and Lockport, New York, papers. Her father was the vice presidential running mate with Barry Goldwater in the 1964 election. During the past election campaign she wore out several shoes canvassing neighborhoods in North Carolina. Beth Heller NC’69, MSW’76, read the column and thought it deserved to be on the front page of the New York Times // Diane Palmer Lilly is living in Minnesota and says she is late to the grandparent thing! Her grandson, Adam (three), is the delight of her life. It’s so much easier than parenting. //

Winnie Loving recently traveled from Saint Croix to Charlotte, North Carolina, to celebrate her granddaughter Leslie’s 12th birthday. // Sue Davies Maurer and her husband had an amazing trip to Rio de Janeiro to attend the wedding of their oldest grandson, Johnny. His wife is originally from Rio. The wedding took place right by the water just beneath the Christ statue. She says the food, the beaches, and the people in Rio are wonderful. During the past election she made many phone calls. // Pattie Pratt Moriarty says that her calendar seems to be filled with doctors’ appointments. Her grandchildren are a constant source of delight. Maddalena graduated from James Madison University and moved to Montana. Her youngest grandchild, George, is just eight and according to his dad, he’s a football phenomenon. An 80-yard touchdown qualifies, right? // Deborah Nolan also is later to the grandparent party. She has four grandsons, two in New Jersey and two in Los Angeles. She’s motivated to stay in shape and enjoy them, as two are three years old; the others five and six. She and her husband have been living on a farm in the Hudson Valley for the last 20-plus years, allowing them to still enjoy New York City. They travel to St. Augustine during the colder months. // During the past election, Kathy O’Connell says she focused on the League of Women Voters effort in Cincinnati. She registered eligible voters in the 1,000-person county jail system. She reflected that it really makes you think when you realize there are people who are eligible to vote who don’t know it, or don’t know how they can exercise their right. She loves hearing

about other classmates and what they’ve been doing. // Patt Smith Peterson and her husband have been happily retired at the Jersey Shore for 20-plus years. They have six grandchildren: two are out of college, one living in Indianapolis and one in Connecticut. Two are in college, one at the University of New Hampshire and the other at the University of Florida. Two are high school seniors. She reflects on her friends from Newton and remarks that good friends are always good friends in spite of the miles that separate us. // Dene Davis Ryan NC’69, MS’71, reports she and her family are well. Their oldest grandchild, Joey, is looking at colleges. The other two, Riley (11) and Matthew (eight), are such a joy. She and her husband, Jim, traveled on a cruise to Japan and then took a 50th anniversary trip to the Grand Canyon. // Noreen Weaver Shawcross says her oldest grandson recently committed to run cross country and track at BC. She thinks it would be so crazy if he gets assigned to Hardey or Keyes. Last winter Noreen attended the BC event at the Ritz Carlton in Naples, Florida. She was astounded to be seated right up front at table one. They said it was because it was her 55th reunion year. // Mary Beth McGrail Swofford reports that she enjoys reading about her classmates. She feels it brings her closer to them. Her daughter graduated from BC in 2010. She is a rabid fan of BC. Her granddaughter sports a lot of BC baby gear. Mary Beth thinks she has the youngest grandchild of the group. Mary Beth’s son graduated from Northwestern University and is a chemical engineer. Class correspondent: Mary Costello // mgc1029@aol.com

COURTESY OF JANET CORNELLA ’70

1970

55th Reunion, May 30–June 1, 2025

Janet Cornella thanks Dennis “Razz” Berry for his continued service to the Boston College Class of 1970, and for being so diligent in posting news about their classmates over the past 50+ years. It takes a lot of dedication, she writes. Janet’s college friends Ginger Romano McCourt ’70, MEd’74, and Sheila Clifford Sollinger have enjoyed their biweekly phone calls over the years, now more than ever. They made it to the Golden Eagle Reunion and have enjoyed seeing the Reunion pictures and reminiscing. // Philip Kremsreiter was introduced to a national organization helping those who recently lost a spouse or loved one. GriefShare can be used to find locations and resources online to help guide you through the time after loss. Recordings of classes can be viewed online if you miss an in-person class. The $20 cost is worth it for the booklet and weekly meetings and resources offered. Both his sister in Nashville and Phil are in GriefShare groups. // Mike Ryan and daughter Katie Wisecarver ’00 participated in the National FatherDaughter Tennis Tournament, held in August 2024 on the grass courts of Longwood Cricket Club in Chestnut Hill, right down Hammond Street from Upper Campus! Class correspondent: Dennis “Razz” Berry // dennisj.berry@gmail.com

PMC 1970

Jane Geltman Gordon writes from Minnetonka, Minnesota, that 2024 was quite a year. She lost her husband of 51 years, Jon, on February 13. They met while Jon was a student at Babson College in the class of ’72. Jon was a certified public accountant and tax specialist. Jane’s first grandchild is a freshman at Vanderbilt University and loves each day there! Her other grandchildren are Jack Gordon (16), Madeline Liegel (nine) and Elodie Liegel (six). They all miss Jon but they are a strong family.

1971

Paul W. Chisholm was honored recently by Boston’s Cathedral High School (CHS). He was awarded the Vigor in Arduis Medal, along with his wife, Margaret Chisholm, in recognition of their family’s

philanthropic support and Paul’s longterm service and leadership to the school. This includes his 11 years as CHS board chair and trustee of the Adopt-A-Student Foundation, the charitable foundation for the exclusive benefit of CHS, providing scholarships to students. // Greg Daoust and Samuel Scribner reunited in August 2024. They met in their freshman year at BC at 45 Strathmore Road, an off-campus dorm just two blocks from Cleveland Circle. They met up recently at Pino’s Pizza to have lunch and reminisce. Pino’s was where they often went to get either a pizza or a sub to take back to their dorm. At that time Greg’s home was Detroit and Sam’s was the Republic of Panama. It was a great reunion. Class correspondent: James R. Macho // jmacho@mac.com

1972

The David Auth Celebration of Life, held on June 15 in New Haven, Connecticut, was attended by fellow Marauders—the intramural basketball champs in ’70 and ’71, and roommates for all four years at BC. Attendees included Alan Kreczko (Weatogue, Connecticut), Bill Ingellis (Southbury, Connecticut), Jack Turcotte (Harpswell, Maine), Rich Pavia (Smyrna, Georgia), and Dan Jasinski (Austin, Texas). Dan also visited with Marauders John Sandberg (Lincoln, Rhode Island) and Brian Houston (Portland, Maine) at the Cedars care facility to watch the Celtics win the NBA Championship game. Dan shared that Marauder MVP Brian Houston succumbed to Parkinson’s on November 12. Intramural basketball GOAT Tim Lechmaier passed away in 2021, just missing his 50th reunion. In 1972, after moving to on-campus housing, Tim had to switch teams, and beat his former Marauders in the championship game. // Richard Keeley ’72, MA’77, MBA’89, will have his book Exploring the Thought of Jane Jacobs: The Conversation of Cities published by Hamilton Books early in 2025. // Anthony Polito ’72, MS’75, has retired to Sarasota, Florida. He had lots of fun with BC alums at the BC vs. FSU tailgate in Tallahassee and BC night at the Tampa Bay Rays vs. Red Sox game at St. Petersburg. Class correspondent: Lawrence G. Edgar // ledgar72@gmail.com

NC 1972

Meg Barres Alonso and Mario Alonso ’72 moved from Clearwater, Florida, to

COURTESY OF PAUL W. CHISHOLM ’71

COURTESY OF SAMUEL SCRIBNER ’71

Ocala, Florida, on the day before Hurricane Helene arrived. // Margi Molidor Dooley’s son Jeffrey and his wife, Dayana, welcomed a baby daughter, Anastasia, in September. She joins her brother, Henrikh. // After Thanksgiving, Gail Hegarty Fell and Greg visited Ambassador Jane Hartley and saw friends from their London years. After business school, Gail worked at CBS in the US before transferring to CBS London. A week before her new job, Gail married Greg, who had arranged a transfer, too. Their two daughters’ births in London entitled them to dual citizenship. Alas, neither studied at British universities, which are notably less expensive than those here. // Lisa Kirby Greissing and Ed celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary. // Mary McShane writes that she is learning to assist the Congregation of the Sisters of Saint Joseph Motherhouse in Brighton Mount Saint Joseph Academy in live streaming Masses and other ceremonies to their supporters. Mary is a regular attendee at the live streamed Sunday Mass from St. Cecilia’s Church in Boston’s Back Bay. // Please keep the Alumni Association aware of changes to your contact information. As always, please fill your class correspondent’s email box with news. Class correspondent: Nancy Brouillard McKenzie // mckenzie20817@comcast.net

1973

William O’Neill hopes that his fellow alumni and the BC community realize what a great hire [Head Swimming and Diving Coach] Dara Torres is for the University. He has followed Dara locally for years. He writes that “she is the real deal and now the Eagles are a serious contender in swimming east of the Mississippi.” Class correspondent: Patricia DiPillo // perseus813@aol.com

1974

David Bogonovich and his wife, Sheila Lalli, reside in Dorset, Vermont, and now have three grandchildren with the arrival last year of Llewyn David. After a career in investment management, David founded Northeast Money Management seven years ago and has no plans to retire. // Michael Canavan writes that he and his wife, Freda, are enjoying a great ride in

life. He recently retired and they enjoy spending six months a year in Meredith, New Hampshire, on Lake Winnipesaukee. They are blessed with four wonderful grandchildren, three boys and one girl. // Linda Chatalian moved to the Belmar, New Jersey, area. She’d like to connect with BC alumni, especially those in the Classes of 1974 and 1975. She appreciated the several pictures from BC of their Golden Eagle Investiture. She requests classmates join the Class of 1974 Facebook group and post additional pictures and videos of their reunion gatherings. // Dr. James DiResta has been elected to the board of trustees of the Massachusetts Foot and Ankle Society for the 2024–25 term. // Robert Harnden shared that he has older adopted children and Braden is his fourth great-grandchild. // Dave Hinchen, MDiv’74, is now in his 15th year as director of Ignatian Volunteer Corps

(IVC) New England. Fifty-five Ignatian volunteers serve in 33 nonprofit agencies in Boston, Worcester, Providence, and surrounding communities. BC graduates serve as volunteers, spiritual reflectors, and council members with IVC New England. He invites you to join them. // R. Kevin Kearney shared that he is fully retired. His wife, Donna, continues her law practice, but part-time. They live in Norfolk, Virginia. He volunteers at Sacred Heart Church as a lector, eucharistic minister, and adult catechist. They are traveling the world and just returned from a 52-day, nine-country tour of Europe. // Theresa and Chris Levy relocated to the Charleston, South Carolina, area in November 2023, after 30 years in Westport, Connecticut, moving into the new home they built on Johns Island. They worked hard to get settled in before Thanksgiving with their golden retriever, Gracie. They had a great Golden Eagle weekend with so many ’74 friends and roommates during Reunion weekend in June. Chris invites you to stop by and say “hi” anytime you’re in the Low Country. // Doug Rawlings is a cofounder of the group Veterans For Peace, a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization established in 1985 that has the abolition of war as its founding principle. // Nancy Yablonski writes that as proud graduates of the Class of 1974, five roommates from Mod 37B arrived at the 50th Reunion looking forward to all the activities and good weather. They were astonished to find Mod 37B still “living and breathing” and famously housing another generation of Eagles. Their Reunion highlights included the 50th Golden Eagle Induction Ceremony and the Saturday evening Reunion dinner. They had their annual Mod 37B reunion in October in Washington, DC, with Nancy, Kathy, Martha, Christina, and ML Class correspondent: Patricia McNabb Evans // patricia.mcnabb.evans@gmail.com

NC 1974

Sara Auth Martin has enjoyed multiple facets of life, teaching in high school, working in the family heating business, being a full-time mother and volunteer, and now enjoying retirement with her husband, Paul ’75, their children, and grandchildren. // Sheila Balch Butts spent 25 years in the Newton parks and

COURTESY OF CHRIS LEVY ’74

COURTESY OF NANCY YABLONSKI ’74

recreation department before becoming the assistant director of the Lexington parks and recreation department. She then became the first director of Lexington’s community center before enjoying retirement with her husband, Michael, and their three children, who all live nearby. // After graduation, Linell Cady received a master’s and doctorate from Harvard Divinity School. Linell took a position at St. Mary’s College, where she met her husband, Bob Borengasser. Linell joined the faculty at Arizona State University, retiring after 38 years. Linell and Bob have two sons, Jeff and Craig. Linell is now obsessed with pickleball. // Barbara Anne “BA” Cagney taught at Stuart Country Day School until retirement. BA has travelled to Ireland and Hungary while continuing her commitment to Loaves and Fishes in Trenton, New Jersey, established by the Class of 1974 graduation speaker, Dorothy Day. // Pat Clossey, C.S.C.,’s ministry has taken her to rural Texas, Peru, and New Jersey, as well as Monterrey, Mexico, and now Ventura, California. Pat is director of the Holy Cross religious community and a volunteer chaplain for women prisoners. She also tends to immigrant and justice issues. Class Correspondent: Beth Docktor Nolan // menolan510@yahoo.com

PMC 1974

Anne St. John is looking to find Katie Wilkinson of the Class of 1973 or 1974. She asks if anyone knows her whereabouts. She was from Louisiana.

1975

50th Reunion, May 30–June 1, 2025 Pat Colella Armstrong retired in June after finishing her 49th year of teaching high school English. She is enjoying a slower pace and lots of reading! // Steve Carroll, Mary Jo Dow and Paul Kelleher, Pete Lawlor, Pete Foley, Bob Feeney, and their respective spouses have rented an Airbnb in Newton and look forward to the Class of ’75’s 50th Reunion celebration at the Heights. Steve’s son has made the most of his time at BC, graduating and then pursuing a master’s in education. He is dedicated to his career and now works as an assistant principal. // After retiring as CEO of the Campbell’s Company, Denise Sullivan Morrison

NC 1975

50th Reunion, May 30–June 1, 2025

moved with her husband, Tom, from New Jersey to Marco Island, Florida. In “chapter next” she serves on the Boston College Board of Trustees and is a board director for MetLife, Visa, and Quest Diagnostics. She is a mentor and leadership coach for Bank of America’s enterprise executive development program. Denise adores her four grandchildren and oversees the care of her 91-year-old mother. She is actively involved in boating and traveling. // Robert Mucciarone thanks BC for giving him the opportunity to have a great career at F.W. Webb Company, which is still going. He reflects that the BC name means a lot in the business world.

Class correspondent: Hellas M. Assad // hellasdamas@hotmail.com

Mary Ann Young Horne and husband, Fred, have been living in Savannah, Georgia, for 14 years, enjoying retirement and keeping busy serving on various club boards and playing lots of golf at the Landings Club on Skidaway Island, where they reside. They have two sons and five grandchildren who love to visit. Mary Ann is looking forward to the 50th Reunion this spring to celebrate with her treasured Newton friends. // Mary Ellen Quirk and her husband went into New York City to watch their daughter, Sarah, run the 2024 New York City Marathon on Sunday, November 3. It was a perfect day for running and she completed 26.2 miles with a time of 03:02:22. // Beth Reifers had a wonderful reunion with Kim Lucchesi Marshall, Enid Hatton, Mary Beth Simpkins Wells, and Mary Ellen Quirk in Connecticut in August. They are all excited to come to their 50th reunion in Boston this spring! Beth is still painting at the Rowayton Arts Center and exhibiting at the Carriage Barn in New Canaan, Connecticut. Kim and Beth also got the chance to visit the newly reopened Peabody Museum last spring in New Haven, Connecticut, and highly recommend it if you are nearby. // Karen Freeman reminds her classmates to mark their calendars, gather their friends, and start making plans for their 50th Reunion. She looks forward to celebrating this special milestone with everyone! Class correspondent: Karen Freeman // karenfoleyfreeman@gmail.com

1976

Paul Alphen ’76, MA’77, has retired from the practice of law, and instead will concentrate on improving his cooking skills, boating, and welcoming friends and family, with his wife, Nan ’79, MEd’80, to their new home in Falmouth, Massachusetts. He was also elected as the president of the Abstract Club (a 141-yearold association of real estate attorneys). // In 2024 Linda Deegan, MEd’76, and her husband, Richard, celebrated 25 years of owning and operating Pirates Treasure House in Little River, South Carolina. They moved there in 1999 from North Reading, Massachusetts, where Linda owned an educational toy store for eight years in

COURTESY OF DENISE SULLIVAN MORRISON ’75

COURTESY OF KAREN FREEMAN NC’75

Wakefield, D&D Crafts and Creative Play. In Little River the store features Richard’s artwork, consisting of whales, sea captains, fishermen, and much more, made out of dock wood and pilings from the Little River Pier. // A summer reunion of old friends and classmates was organized by Denise Guthrie Dawley and Mary Cormican Horan at Granite Links in Quincy. The friends raised a glass to treasured loved ones now lost and promised to make the reunion a semiannual event. Attendees included: Denise, Mary, Elaine Reinhardt Bowler, Fred Brady, Paul Durgin, Aideen Guthrie Hunt, John Dumas, William “Sully” Sullivan, Leah Picardi Gallivan, Gene O’Brien, Kathy Duggan Carey, and Martha Foley Sherman ’76, MEd’85 // Carolyn Langelier and Jim Foster have been married for 47 years. Carolyn met Jim while he was working at the School of Management Library when it was in Fulton Hall. Jim retired from the TJX Companies, where he was manager of facilities for 2,000 T.J. Maxx, Marshalls, and HomeGoods stores. They currently reside on the Cape in Yarmouth, Massachusetts, where Jim works part-time for Hy-Line Cruises. // Ron Sinkovitz shared that Mod 16B roommates from the Class of ’76 continue to get together annually after 48 years. With all six roommates present, it’s easier to piece together and reminisce about some of their memorable events and parties. Conversations always include BC’s successful athletic teams, recent trips, and any updates on other BC alumni. The roommates include Ron, Bob Coates,

George Montana, John Purcell, Jack Early, and Nick Gistaro Class correspondent: Gerald B. Shea // kshea8181@gmail.com

1977

Lou Chrostowski shared that Paul Lazour hosted a dinner with classmates Paul Pedulla and Jennifer Lynch along with their spouses this summer. Paul Lazour’s son Patrick ’13 was also there. He and his brother, Daniel, have their latest play, “We Live In Cairo,” playing at the New York Theater Workshop. Lou has been involved with Boston College’s LGBTQ+ Alumni council, serving on its executive committee for the past few years, and is currently its membership committee chairperson. // Joseph Fay recently joined the Boston College LGBTQ+ Alumni Council and hopes others from the Class of 1977 will, too. He and his husband live in New Orleans, where his husband’s family has lived for generations. Joseph has also joined the board of New Orleans Advocates for LGBTQ+ Elders (NOAGE), which provides services and advocacy for LGBTQ+ older adults in the New Orleans metro area. // Mary Jane Enterkin Kolassa has been an advocate for naturists for over 20 years. // Larry Raiche has retired from a 46-year career as a certified public accountant as of last June! The company he created, Raiche & Company CPAs, continues under the same name by a former partner in New Hampshire. He continues to be involved in the hotel industry on a part-time basis and now resides on Sanibel Island,

Florida, for six winter months. He is still a BC football season ticket holder! Class correspondent: Nicholas Kydes // nicholaskydes@yahoo.com

1978

Larry Barton retired in December from his crisis management consulting practice and became the first American to be inducted into the Security Hall of Fame. That honor, from the nonprofit Outstanding Security Performance Awards organization based in the UK, has only been given to seven individuals from the law enforcement and security sectors. Larry will continue to serve as distinguished professor of crisis management and public safety at the University of Central Florida. // Willie Brown, JD’78, practiced law in Massachusetts and in the Army’s Judge Advocate General’s Corps for 17 years, then moved to Santa Fe, New Mexico, where he practiced law for an additional 18 years before retiring. Now he works in the movie business as both a background “extras” worker and an actor and Screen Actors Guild member. Netflix built a big studio in Albuquerque, where he’s currently involved in a three-year streaming movie. Willie has worked on six movies and series filmed in New Mexico. // Peter G. Crummey was reelected to a second term as town supervisor in his hometown of Colonie, New York. Previously, he served as town judge for 21 years. Boston College continues to play a large role in his family and with his daughters Carol ’08, Constance ’11, and

COURTESY OF LARRY RAICHE ’77

COURTESY OF PETER CRUMMEY ’78

COURTESY OF STEVEN MACLELLAN ’78

Canon ’18. A mini family reunion was held during the BC vs. Syracuse game on November 9 and he enjoyed being invited out to the field at halftime, when former student athletes were recognized. // While at BC, Steve MacLellan vowed to retire by age 55. He did, twice, but now he’s back at work as an AI consultant for Broadcom, growing its travel funds. Steve is happily married to Pauline and they have three wicked smart boys (Stephen, Alex, and Ian) and now five wonderful grandchildren (Calum, Ingrid, Fiona, Ry, and Ezra). Steve reports that nothing is as humiliating as bowling with a four-yearold and nothing is more rewarding than creating travel memories with grandkids. // Marian Hoar McGrath, Esq., recently began working with Bradley C. Pinta, Esq., ’77 at Pinta Law Group, LLC. The firm, which specializes in complex business litigation and transactions, was featured in the law experts section of the December/January 2025 issue of Boston Magazine Class correspondent: Julie Butler // julesbutler33@gmail.com

74th annual Laetare Sunday Mass and Brunch

March 30 at 9:30 a.m.

Conte Forum

Boston College

Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts

Presider: University President

William P. Leahy, S.J.

Guest Speaker: Bill O’Brien, the Gregory P. Barber ’69 and Family Head Coach, Boston College football Register at bc.edu/laetare

1979

Jane McGlew Collen just published the eighth children’s book, Magic Afloat, in the Enjella Adventure Series. Her fourth novel in the historical fiction series Journey of Cornelia Rose, The Path of Saints and Sinners, will be published in March. She and her husband, Jess Collen, are intellectual property lawyers in New York. // James Curtin had a nice Halloween get-together with Julius Sciarra, Tom Pope, Steve Papazian, and Jim Merrigan, along with their spouses and some mutual friends. They enjoyed reminiscing about their time at the Heights, careers, and retirements for a few of them. James says this is supposed to be the time of their lives to travel and experience life. Tempus fugit; just do it! // Kevin Hassey went to Croatia with his wife and ran into two other alumni. It was a delightful time! The Hasseys met Cynthia Bremer ’84 and Paul Smiegal ’83! They had a wonderful time and proved that even in this large world we’re able to connect with each other and find

other Screaming Eagles! // Gene Reineke, MA’79, has spent much of the year volunteering with the Moreau College Initiative—a prison education program run by Holy Cross College and the University of Notre Dame. Gene has been supervising study halls and is teaching at the state prison in Westville, Indiana. // Mary-Noel Sellers is living in Birmingham, Alabama. She is enjoying spending time with her four grandchildren, who all live in Birmingham at last. She worked on the Capital Campaign for BC and loved it! Her husband, Bob, retired as CFO of the Diocese of Birmingham and they recently took a two-week trip to Provence. She loved being able to use her French again and revisit Avignon, where she spent her junior year abroad while at BC. Mary-Noel is still running and has taken up golf! (She stinks at golf, but goes back for more punishment!) Class correspondent: Peter J. Bagley // peter@peterbagley.com

1980

45th Reunion, May 30–June 1, 2025 Forchelli Deegan Terrana LLP is pleased to announce that Laureen Harris, a partner in the firm’s tax certiorari practice group, has been identified as one of the most influential individuals on Long Island by City & State New York magazine. As such, she was profiled in the 2024 Long Island Power 100 List. Laureen was also selected by Long Island Business News as one of the Most Influential Long Islanders of 2024. // Doreen Cook Hope recently retired from Washington Gas in Washington, DC. After practicing law in DC and Florida for 12 years, she joined Washington Gas in 2000 as a lobbyist, and since 2018 led operations of its legacy sites. She is enjoying traveling, home renovating, and continuing to support BC as a Neenan Society member, a volunteer on the 45th

Reunion Committee, and a board associate on the Boston College Alumni Association Board of Directors; and of course, happily spending more time with her husband and their two adult children. // Alisa Fontana Lewis has been teaching for over 35 years in Greenwich, Connecticut, and was honored as a distinguished teacher. She sees veteran teacher Joanne Dubrul Riley (a classmate in the late Dr. Charles Smith’s methods class) and dear friend Suzanne Reidy Arnone ’81. She recalls inquisitive discussions about education and teaching with Dr. A. Lin Goodwin back during their Teachers College days. She and her husband, Rick, live in Greenwich and have two 20-something-year-old sons: Ricky, in Colorado, and Ryan, in Connecticut. // Donald Maloney earned an MPA degree from Regis College. He writes that, God willing, it will be followed up by a JD. // Nancy Sterling was excited to welcome her daughter, Jenna Sterling ’24, to the BC Alumni Association. They were delighted to have Nancy’s college roommates, Peg O’Brien Bernhardt and Dr. Ingrid Akerblom, as part of the celebration. That same month, Nancy marked her third decade with ML Strategies, LLC, the consulting affiliate of Am Law 100 law firm Mintz, where she specializes in strategic and crisis communications and public relations litigation strategy for clients. Nancy has an accreditation in public relations from the Public Relations Society of America. Class correspondent: Michele Nadeem-Baker // michele.nadeem@gmail.com

1981

Jennifer L’Herbette and her husband, Bertrand, recently moved to California to be closer to their daughter and two grandchildren. She is still a practicing psychotherapist and is loving her job! She has been in private practice for nearly 20 years. Their daughter Margaux ’14 moved to Cameroon and is working for the United Nations. // John McLaughlin, Esq., president of McLaughlin Investigations & Security Services, LLC, has expanded the firm’s services to cover all of New England. // Joe Roy is retiring. He spent most of his career in the retirement plan business but has spent the last eight years working for the Manufacturing Extension Partnership with

the University of Nebraska. Joe and his wife, Vicki, are excited to be near their daughters in Omaha. He has kept up his support of the Eagles and attends BC sporting events when they are close by. In 2024, Joe attended the Frozen Four and the Missouri football game. Class correspondent: Alison Mitchell McKee // amckee81@aol.com

1982

Dan Leahy ’82, MEd’91, who lives in Lowell, Massachusetts, with his wife, Joyce, is pleased to share that for over 40 years, he and his family have been supporting Mustard Seed Communities, the ministry of his longtime BC friend Gregory Ramkissoon, MA’81, MA’82 Mustard Seed Communities is presently ministering to more than 700 children with disabilities who have been abandoned in five countries, including Jamaica, where it all began. Each fall a fundraiser is held in greater Lowell to support this amazing work. // Joe Schreiber graduated with a master of science degree in communication management from Temple University. // Mary Zaylor, Maura McKone, Sheila Buckley, Maureen Armacost, Tricia Cusumano, Joanne Guinan, and Jane Sulick ’82, MEd’85, MSW’94, met up in Newport, Rhode Island, for a terrific weekend. They had great food, walks, and especially enjoyed catching up late at night. The conversations just picked up from the last gathering! They hope to do it again soon. Class correspondent: Mary O’Brien // maryobrien14@comcast.net

COURTESY OF ALISA FONTANA LEWIS ’80

COURTESY OF LAUREEN HARRIS ’80

COURTESY OF DAN LEAHY ’82, MED’91

1983

A fun-filled extended weekend in Charleston, South Carolina, was enjoyed by Lynn DeRosa ’84 and Martin Romanelli; Dena ’83, MSW’84, and Ken Carlone; Sandy and Jim Clinton; Karen Karaszewski ’84, PhD’05, and Tony Giuliano ’82; Joann Infante Elkins and her husband, Ken; Joanne Battibulli Bertsche and her husband, Tom; Ann Considine Russo; and Kathleen Woodward Milano ’83, JD’88, and her husband, Sean. The group enjoyed good food, good conversation, laughter, and many great memories honoring their lifetime friendships. Class correspondent: Cynthia J. Bocko // cindybocko@hotmail.com

1984

Mary Jacobs submitted the following reflection: “My name is Mary Jacobs. When you turn 60, you start to think about your story. Mine is simple. [I was] created in love by a Father in heaven, loved by family, friends from BC and beyond. [I] had a calling to ‘care for those who couldn’t care for themselves’ and became a nurse. [I] remain working in a field that is challenging; with hard work and faith, compassion and empathy can shine for those in need. I got lucky to find love late in life at 39, and am married 8,608 days! Now that’s a story.” // Brian

Murphy ’84, MBA’89, enjoys keeping up with BC Athletics. He was recently honored with an invite to a classmate’s son’s wedding, and received the sad news of another classmate’s passing. Brian is in close contact with fellow classmates and friends Peter McAvinn, Larry Wein, Bruce Wheeler ’83, and Michael Zafiropoulos ’85 // Forty years after graduating and still good friends, roommates Chris MacLean Garner, Laurel Holmes, Gina Libro Marksteiner, Diana Ribera Segura, Michelle Russo ’85, and Nancy Wilkins-Diehr gathered in Madrid for a visit with Diana and her family. Class correspondent: Carol A. McConnell // bc1984notes@optimum.net

1985

40th Reunion, May 30–June 1, 2025

The Super Mega Ultra Vixens of 733 West (Grace Bergdahl, Nancy Bryant, Eileen McCarthy, and Kate O’Boyle) got together recently for a weekend of Chicago fun. The Art Institute, architectural boat tour, deep dish pizza and Cheezborgers were enjoyed by all. Honorary roommate Marc McNamara supplied the hats. And of course plans were made for the upcoming 40th Reunion! They can’t wait to see everyone. // Laurie Zamparelli Marcello had a mini reunion sleepover with these New Dorm/ Edmonds roommates: Christine Bucci Carpenter ’86; Dianne Anestis Caraviello ’86, MEd’89; and Debbie Green ’86 They celebrated Christine’s birthday. When not at her Maine summer home, she is riding her horse. Dianne lives in

York, Maine, and owns an Ogunquit gallery. Laurie is a realtor living in Portland, Maine. Her daughter Hope is an Austin Scholar at Merrimack College. Debbie is a nurse and restaurateur in Vermont. It was as if no time had passed. // Peter Neronha ’85, JD’89, is currently serving his second term as attorney general of Rhode Island and living in his hometown with his wife, Dr. Shelly Johnson. Their son Zach graduated from medical school in May and is a resident at Northwestern Health in Chicago, and their son Josh works as an analyst for American Airlines in Dallas. Every chance Peter gets he hires BC and BC Law grads; he says they are good reminders of how much he loved his seven years at Chestnut Hill. // Maria “Mary” Leonard Olsen proudly announces that her son Chris Olsen opened for Meghan Trainor’s concert tour! Maria is a DC lawyer, podcaster (whose podcast is called Becoming Your Best Version), TEDx speaker, author, and mentor to women in recovery. Her next books are about consumer DNA testing and 50 After 50: Reframing the Next Chapter of Your Life’s Sequel // In recognition of her leadership on fossil fuel–free investing, Leslie Samuelrich was named by Barron’s as one of the 100 Most Influential Women in Finance and honored by Forbes on its 50 Over 50 list. Leslie started as president of Green Century Funds in 2012. Class correspondent: Barbara Ward Wilson // bww415@gmail.com

1986

Joseph T. Walsh has joined Duane Morris LLP as a partner in the firm’s trial practice group in its Houston and New York offices. Prior to joining Duane Morris, Walsh was assistant general counsel at Exxon Mobil Corporation. Class correspondent: Leenie Kelley // leeniekelley@hotmail.com

1987

Belinda Johnson-Cornett, MS’87, received a master’s degree in nursing from Boston College years ago. She is currently a CEO of a healthcare organization in Florida, and she graduated this year with a doctorate in business administration. // Carolyn Elvidge Loucas raised her children, Lindsey (a 2022 graduate of Boston University) and Lydia (a 2024

COURTESY OF BRIAN MURPHY ’84, MBA’89

COURTESY OF PETER NERONHA ’85, JD’89

Class Notes // Weddings

Alice Hurley Dickinson NC’62 to Eric Schultz, 7/10/2024

Emily Keane ’05 to Vincent Di Terlizzi, 7/19/2024 // Eagles in attendance: Dave Levy ’05; Liz Adams Levy ’05; Erin O’Reilly Lagasse ’05, MEd’06; Erin Taylor Gallivan ’05; Shannon Donovan Anderson ’05; Christine Bourque Barsanti ’05, MS’06; Becca Magnone VanDenHeuvel ’05; Vee Castanaro Gallotta ’05, MEd’06; Kristen (Baum) ’05 and John Xeller ’05, MA’07; and Jeff Gallotta ’05

Erin Lavelle to Matt Lindner ’05, 8/3/2024 // Eagles in attendance: Dan Dwyer ’05, MA’06; Adam Mistler ’05; Jim Ramella ’09, MBA’10; and Patrick Ramella ’08

Emily Norman ’09 to Kevin Faldu, 10/6/2024

Amber Slattery ’10 to Simon Herbin, 4/13/2024 // Eagles in attendance: Maryellen (Barba) Babcock ’10; Kathleen (Donohue) Cerra ’10, MEd’12; Robert Lamberti Jr. ’10; Jeanette (Hall) Torres ’10; Joseph Foley ’10; Hannah Feeney ’12; Kelley Durham ’12; Caitlin (Mead) Zager ’10; and Veronica Smith ’10

Alison Wagner ’11 to Al Kelly III ’09, 6/29/2024 // 60+ Eagles in attendance

Chelsea Chin ’13 to Anthony Santacrose ’13, 6/3/2023 // Nearly 30 Eagles in attendance

Allison White ’13, PhD’20, to Tyler Mertens, 10/5/2024 // Several Eagles in attendance from the Shaw Leadership Program!

Kellan Etter ’14 to Lauren Rank, 10/12/2024 // Eagles in attendance: the rest of Mod 36B (EJ Risley ’14, MBA ’18, JD ’18; Justin Smith ’14; Nick Martis ’14; Sean Sweeney ’14; Vince Mendola ’14); Cooper Aakhus ’14; Nate Shnipes ’14; Bill Gaughan ’15; Sean Keane ’15; and Zachary He ’15

David Farley ’14 to Sydney Tice

Lexi Schneider ’14 to Matthew Parra ’13, 6/2024 // 30+ Eagles in attendance, spanning decades

Katie Stack ’14 to Vaibhav Reddy, 9/12/2024 // A flock of Eagles in attendance

Lizzie Baker ’15 to Jimmy Bujold ’15, 8/3/2024 // 40+ Eagles in attendance

Isabella Iarrobino ’15 to Andrew McManus ’15, 9/7/2024 // Nearly 30 Eagles in attendance

Katie Jones ’15 to John Ippolito ’15, 6/22/2024 // Many Eagles in attendance

Elizabeth Pehota ’15 to Matthew Keemon ’13, 8/16/2024

Julie Orenstein ’16 to Andy Maggard, 5/11/2024 // Eagles in attendance: Erin Ducey ’16, MSW’17; Emma Vitale ’16; Rachel Aldrich ’16; Bob Orenstein ’80; Alex Christofferson ’16; Andrew Malley ’16; Chris Karousatos ’16; Sean Sudol ’16; Zach Russell ’16; Christopher Kabacinski ’16; Katlyn Noonan ’17, DNP’22; Brendan Koscher ’15; and Megan (Lang) ’16 and Mitch Wolfe ’17

Kelsey Craig, JD’17, to Dillon Pruett, 10/5/2024 // Eagle in attendance: Mal Mrozek, JD’17

Mayra Almeida-Trejo to Luke Heineman ’17, 6/22/2024 // Eagles in attendance: Laura McLaughlin ’17; Laura Simeon ’17; McCaela Sullivan ’17; John Heineman ’84; Julie Daniels ’86; and Joseph Heineman ’89

Savanna Kiefer ’17 to Edouard Nicaise ’17, 8/10/2024 // Surrounded by fellow Eagles

Wendy Stanko ’17 to William Lambert, 10/12/2024 // Eagles in attendance: Mary Mangraviti ’86; Christine Smith ’86; Nancy Marrs ’86; Christine Mulroney ’86, MEd’93; Mackenzie Hart ’17; Gregory Michalowski ’17; Maura Stanko ’86; Joseph McCarthy ’17; Christine Qin ’17; Elizabeth Phelan ’95; Arnav Roy ’17; Emma Phelan ’23, MS’24; and Neil Phelan ’95

Bea Lynch ’18 to Conor Finn ’18, 8/31/2024

Elena Michaelides ’18 to Trevor Prince ’18, 6/8/2024 // Officiated by Casey Beaumier, S.J.

Erin O’Keefe ’18 to Mark Pfister ’18, 5/11/2024 // 40+ Eagles in attendance

Kalie Paranzino ’19 to Justin Schnebelen ’21, 8/3/2024

Isabel Catanzaro ’20, JD’23, to James McGrath ’20, 6/1/2024 // Surrounded by generations of Eagles

Rachel Wallen, MHA’23, to Andrew Hegewald, 10/5/2024 // Eagle in attendance: Rachel, MSW’22

COURTESY OF ALLISON WHITE ’13, PHD’20

To submit your note, visit bc.edu/classnotes.

COURTESY OF EMILY KEANE ’05

COURTESY OF ELIZABETH PEHOTA ’15

COURTESY OF KELLAN ETTER ’14

COURTESY OF ELENA MICHAELIDES ’18

COURTESY OF WENDY STANKO ’17

COURTESY OF LIZZIE BAKER ’15

COURTESY OF KELSEY CRAIG, JD’17

COURTESY OF CHELSEA CHIN ’13

COURTESY OF KALIE PARANZINO ’19

COURTESY OF ERIN O’KEEFE ’18

COURTESY OF LEXI SCHNEIDER ’14

COURTESY OF JULIE ORENSTEIN ’16

graduate of Saint Lawrence University), in Boston’s South End with her husband, Tom Loucas. Who was the first person recognized at her 30th reunion? Tom. Gerry Frost was calling Tom’s name from the steps of McElroy! Carolyn is a professional organizer (her dream job!) who helps people manage their stuff, financials, and electronic lives. Tom markets alternative investments to family offices. He recently joined MBX Capital in Farmington Hills, Michigan. // In August 2023, Sister M. Leonarda Nowak, MEd’87, F.D.C., celebrated her 60th anniversary of religious life in the Congregation of the Daughters of Divine Charity. The entire congregation is now celebrating the 150th anniversary of their consecration to the Sacred Heart of Jesus with a special Holy Hour each month. Their General Chapter has the theme, “You must be born from above” (John 3:7).

1988

Lori Grifa, JD’88, was nominated by the New Jersey governor for a Superior Court judgeship in December 2021. Following her confirmation in January 2022, Judge Grifa was assigned to preside in the Family Court of Essex County, located in Newark. Following the entry of a transfer order issued by the Chief Justice of the New Jersey Supreme Court, Judge Grifa now presides in the criminal division. // Paulist Press has just released Dorothy Day: Radical Devotion, a graphic biography by Jeff Korgen ’88, MA’95, MSW’95, that explores the life of the radical activist and candidate for

sainthood. The book is available from Paulist Press and most booksellers. // Bob Rivers was selected by Lawdragon as among the 500 leading family law attorneys in the United States and one of the Top 100 Massachusetts Super Lawyers in all practice areas by Boston Magazine Bob practices at Lee & Rivers LLP. Class correspondent: Rob Murray // murrman@aol.com

1989

Class of 1989 alumni Cathi Ianno ’89, MBA’96; Mike Farber; Laura Brinkley and Joe Loftus; and Aileen Sullivan and Matt Zogby enjoyed the BC vs. Louisville game (despite the loss!) with their kids Abby Fournier, Jack Farber, Melissa Loftus, Adam Loftus, and Peter Zogby ’21 They reflected that there’s no greater joy than enjoying a BC game with your BC kids who grew up together! // MaryElizabeth Tessi Maynard, MSW’89, retired from Leominster High School as a teacher of psychology and sociology in June 2024. She also teaches psychology at Mount Wachusett Community College. Her degree from Boston College made her a better teacher of adolescents. In her retirement, she plans to use her social work degree and license to continue to serve others in the community. // In her role as founder of Winslow Workplace Advisors, Joan Parsons Ziady, JD’89, recently launched a platform specifically designed to empower women attorneys. She is delighted to partner with Gail

Miniutti-Parsons of LifeCycle Focus on this exciting endeavor. // Susan Pickles shared that after spending 26 years teaching in Florida, she became principal of Basilica School of St. Paul in Daytona Beach, Florida, in 2023. Part of the Diocese of Orlando, the Basilica School of St. Paul celebrated its 100th anniversary this January. The school is very proud of its diverse student population, and strives to be the hearts and hands of Jesus to all. Susan invites you to pop by on a Wednesday morning for the school Mass at the beautiful Basilica Church of St. Paul! // Matthew Pye was recently inducted into the Candy Hall of Fame in recognition of his 30-year career in candy (most of which were spent with Just Born, the makers of Peeps and Mike and Ike) and his active industry involvement. // Eric Welter was inducted into the College of Labor and Employment Lawyers, a professional association honoring leading lawyers nationwide in labor and employment law. He is also a senior fellow in the Litigation Counsel of America, an honorary society of trial lawyers. Outside of law, Eric writes about prayer at Abound in Hope (aboundinhope.substack.com). He lives in Leesburg, Virginia, with his wife, Kimberley, and son, Paul Thomas. Class correspondent: Andrea McGrath // andrea.e.mcgrath@gmail.com

COURTESY OF SUSAN PICKLES ’89

COURTESY OF JEFF KORGEN ’88, MA’95, MSW’95

1990

35th Reunion, May 30–June 1, 2025 Maria Archer, MA’90, and her family just visited BC again to see the beautiful campus. The colors were stunning. // Former political science major Tony Fernandes was appointed the principal deputy assistant secretary in the Bureau of Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs at the US Department of State. He is a career member of the Senior Foreign Service. He is proud of his daughter, who is a sophomore in the Morrissey School of Arts and Sciences. // Brian Hellgeth is the head of sales, North America, for Ardor— an all-in-one travel and expense platform for small and midsize businesses, which can be used for personal travel as well. He is still in the Chicago area and will have his last of three children graduate from college this spring. If you come through Chicago, he invites you to give him a call to get together. // Steve Hudson writes that he and his son Connor recently celebrated Connor’s graduation from Clemson University with a trip to Ireland. They spent two weeks visiting his great-grandparents’ home in County Kerry. It was the 100th anniversary of his maternal grandfather coming from Ireland on the SS America to Ellis Island. While in Dublin, they came across a young woman in a BC sweater taking classes at Boston College Ireland; she is the daughter of fellow 1990 classmate John Fox! It is a small world! // Toni-Michelle Rubio writes that the Jesuit tradition and her theatre major from BC have truly inspired her. She founded the Living Museum in

2008, which produces immersive “living history museum” experiences for schoolchildren K–12. She performed at the New York Metropolitan Opera for 20 years. She created Move to Empower (M2E), an official NGO of the United Nations. M2E works in Kenya, India, and Cambodia to empower women through fitness and health education and provides fitness job opportunities. Toni-Michelle raised three compassionate sons, and she thanks BC. // Keith Wargo was incredibly thrilled to see his daughter graduate last May from the Carroll School. After many years of football tailgates as a family, Caroline ’24 now charts her own journey as an Eagle alumna, and he could not be more proud. Class correspondent: Missy Campbell Reid // MissyCReid1@comcast.net

1991

In April 2024, Jennifer Ament Moeller was elected Door County Circuit Court judge, Branch 1. The investiture was in August 2024 when she was sworn in, formally received her robe, and addressed friends, family, and members of the legal community in Northeast Wisconsin. She serves a court of general jurisdiction, hearing every type of case in state court: criminal, juvenile, family, probate, civil, and municipal. She has lived in Door County for 25 years with her husband of 30 years, Mark. Class correspondents: Peggy Morin Bruno // pegmb@comcast.net and Leslie Poole Petit // lpetit@dominicanacademy.org

1992

After a year of online classes, Alison Berger, MA’92, is now certified as a professional Christian life coach. The classes were offered by Light University. Alison previously received an advanced diploma in biblical counseling. // Brian Dossie took his family to Copenhagen to visit his son John Patrick ’26, who was studying abroad for the fall semester. // Debbie Volpe Hogan ’92, PhD’24, received her PhD in higher education from the Lynch School in November 2024. Her dissertation is titled “A Systems Approach to Exploring Belonging and Successful College Outcomes of Black Student-Athletes at Predominantly White Division I Institutions: A Three-Paper Dissertation.” Class correspondent: Katie Boulos-Gildea // kbgildea@yahoo.com

1993

Cami D. Agan, MA’93, a graduate of the master’s in English program at Boston College, became the first woman to achieve the rank of distinguished university professor at Oklahoma Christian University. Her edited collection, Cities and Strongholds of Middle-earth, came out in July of 2024. // In November, at Gillette Stadium, the Urban League of Eastern Massachusetts awarded Sean Curran the Robert Treat Paine Jr. Chairman’s Award. The organization is led by Rahsaan Hall, who said, “the Robert Treat Paine Jr. Award is a way to acknowledge CEOs who have made meaningful commitments to equity in the community. Sean’s efforts are a testament to his dedication to making this region better for everyone. We are proud to honor him as we celebrate 105 years of empowering communities and changing lives.” // If you like philosophical novels, check out Henry’s Chapel (Sagging Meniscus Press, 2022), by Graham Guest, MA’93. // Sheryl Kujawa-Holbrook, PhD ’93, is now semiretired, having left her second post as academic dean at the Claremont School of Theology in 2023. She now serves there as professor of Christian histories, and is the editor of the journal Anglican and Episcopal History. In June 2024 she was elected the historiographer of the Episcopal Church. // After almost 23 years with Citizens Bank, Patrick Laundry ’93, MBA’02, is coming up on his first year with BankNewport as its senior vice president and director of business intelligence and strategic planning. The

COURTESY OF SEAN CURRAN ’93

COURTESY OF KEITH WARGO ’90

Heights are well represented at BankNewport, as fellow BC alumnus John Sullivan ’93, MS’99, serves as the bank’s executive vice president and chief information officer. It is not uncommon to find Patrick and John at local Newport, Rhode Island, watering holes and eating establishments after a long day at the office. It’s a tough job but someone has to do it. // Deborah Michienzie, MEd’93, is employed as a literacy specialist in Norwood, Massachusetts, and recently earned an EdS in reading and literacy instruction with initial licensure from Bay Path University.

Class correspondent: Laura Beck // laurabeckcahoon@gmail.com

1994

Jylene Livengood, JD’94, is still using her skills to solve complex problems with Dell/EMC. Your cat videos are safe with her! She recently moved up to saffron belt in tai chi. She offers best wishes to all the graduates of BC Law. // Yolanda Rabun, JD’94, was promoted to IBM vice president as associate general counsel and trust and compliance officer, based in Atlanta. She celebrated 30 years with IBM in June 2024. Class correspondent: Nancy E. Drane // nancydrane@aol.com

1995

30th Reunion, May 30–June 1, 2025 Kimberly Dee has been named executive vice president, consumer banking director at the Boston-based Eastern Bank. She will also serve on the bank’s management

committee, composed of Eastern’s most senior executives. She will have direct responsibility for Eastern’s retail, consumer lending, and mortgage businesses. She lives in Braintree, Massachusetts, with her family. // Allison “Ali” Zeinoun Ferrier is doing well in the New York area! She has taught English at Somers High School for the last 28 years and is also a certified yoga and mindfulness instructor. She offers lunch yoga classes for staff and students. She also created an elective called Mindfulness Through Literature! Ali saw some of her BC roomies and pals at the November 9 BC game. They included Liz Landry, Michele Missan, Tom O’Keefe, Phil Pergola, Ed McLoughlin, Erik Fortier, Brian Kelly, and Tom Dee ’95, MBA’03. Bring on the 30th Reunion! // Shyama Friedenson earned her MBA from the NYU Stern School of Business, focusing her studies in luxury marketing, sustainability, and real estate. Friedenson is a global marketing executive with a portfolio of work that represents over 150 Academy Award nominees and $6 billion in global box office revenue. With stints in the US and Europe, she has had creative collaborations with Martin Scorsese, Leonardo DiCaprio, and Margot Robbie, showcasing her strategic and creative marketing expertise. // Chanda LearyCoutu was promoted to vice president, integrated marketing at Wellness Pet Company. Chanda has been a committed Wellie for the last 18 years and continues to define excellence and hard work in her role, setting the bar as a cross-functional partner and leader. She has helped fuel the growth of the business, managed a multitude of functions over her years, and has always done so with a positive and collaborative spirit. // Michele Mollard is proud to have been operating her franchise, Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS), for over four years, and has helped many companies increase their profit and gain control of their business. She has also impacted individuals within these companies to be more fulfilled at work and in their personal lives. Class correspondent: Kevin McKeon // kevin.mckeon@ridgewaypartners.us

PMC 1995

Sue Gibson has been elected to serve as an alumni board member of the St. John’s

School in Houston. She lives in Palm Beach; New York City; and Jackson, Wyoming.

1996

Stephanie Dawson is excited to announce her latest venture: Unboozle, the Un-Drinking Game. Unboozle is a free mobile app that gamifies the experience of reducing drinking. Stephanie and her husband launched this app because not everyone is looking for sobriety, but many of us could use better habits. The user sets a self or group challenge, tracks their drinks, and is ideally motivated to drink less alcohol. We can still have fun, but without the hangovers! // Katherine A. Ladetto ’96, MS’02, PhD’24, earned her PhD in nursing after defending her dissertation, “Multilevel Factors Associated with Intent to Leave in US Nursing Home Nurses.” She is an assistant professor in nursing at Simmons University and continues to practice as an adult and gerontological nurse practitioner. // Boston College alumni and Fordham Prep Fathers’ Club copresidents Anthony Lucarelli and Neal Denning ’99 were thanked by His Eminence Cardinal Timothy Dolan, archbishop of New York, for their club’s continued support to the Saint Ignatius School in the Bronx. The school honored the Fordham Prep Fathers’ Club at its 2024 Annual Scholarship Benefit at the Metropolitan Club in New York City. // Ed Moffitt, MBA’96, is a first vice president, investment officer and senior financial

COURTESY OF ANTHONY LUCARELLI ’96

COURTESY OF YOLANDA RABUN, JD’94

Class Notes // Baby Eagles

Vivian Chin and Hugh Donnelly ’02, Hugh VII, 9/29/2023

Justine ’11 and Benjamin Forster ’13, Blair Catherine, 10/25/2024

Darcy and Gunnar Esiason ’13, Mieke Elina, 6/29/2024

Greer Millard ’13 and Creighton Dixon ’13, Maeve, 6/7/2024

Clara (Kim) ’14 and Cooper Aakhus ’14, baby girl

Chelsea (Wood) ’14 and Matthew Brown ’14, Naomi Annabelle, 9/4/2024

Deirdre (Gaffney) ’18, MEd’20, and Aniello O’Connor, Cecilia Therese, 5/8/2024

Jordan, MS’23, and McKay Lewis, Harvey George, 9/15/2024

COURTESY OF JORDAN LEWIS, MS’23

COURTESY OF DEIRDRE O’CONNOR ’18, MEd’20

COURTESY OF MATTHEW BROWN ’14

COURTESY OF BENJAMIN FORSTER ’13

advisor in the private client group of Wells Fargo Advisors in Beverly, Massachusetts. // Maryann Rabkin, JD’96, shared that after a busy career as a divorce and family law attorney and a collaborative divorce professional and mediator, she is entering and enjoying retirement. She finds it hard to believe the years that have passed since her time at BC Law, and she has great and fond memories of her time and work with colleagues and classmates there. Sadly she reports the passing of her beloved husband Ira in late 2023. She is so grateful for her life with him. She offers best wishes to her BC family. // Joel Vengco and Leigh McGrale-Vengco are so proud to have their daughter, Grace Vengco ’28, join BC’s Class of 2028. Like her dad, Grace has joined BC bOp! and plays the drums.

1998

Kristen Wolthausen Frame ’98 shared that she and three other BC alumnae are members of the MOMbies, who have gained international attention with millions of views on TikTok and other media—such as ABC World News Tonight, The Kelly Clarkson Show, and Good Morning America—in their effort to raise money for metastatic breast cancer research. The other members are Lisa Cancilla McCormack; Keri Gleason O’Connor ’95; and Lisa Frias English ’00, MS’05. Learn more at MOMbies.org. // Gavin and Colleen Custer Mhley are saddened to report the passing of their daughter, Caroline, who was a junior in high school in La Grange, Illinois. An avid

2000

25th Reunion, May 30–June 1, 2025

Louis Lehot, JD’00, was named to the National Association of Corporate Directors Northern California’s 2024 Leadership Council, a group of key advisors who will help shape the future of corporate governance within the board director community. Louis was also named to Law360’s mergers and acquisitions editorial advisory board. Louis is a partner with Foley & Lardner in Silicon Valley and San Francisco, and coleads a team of 45 lawyers dedicated to serving emerging growth companies and sponsors from garage to global.

Class correspondent: Kate Pescatore // katepescatore@hotmail.com

dancer, Caroline passed away suddenly three months after suffering paralysis from a rare cancerous tumor in her spinal cord. Caroline’s valiant final months of life, which Gavin documented on a CaringBridge website, inspired many. Numerous BC classmates from all parts of the country attended her funeral services. Class correspondent: Mistie P. Lucht // hohudson@yahoo.com

1999

Molly Honan DiLorenzo moved back to her home state of Maine in 2022 and is now the director of communications at the Roman Catholic Diocese of Portland, which covers the entire state. // James Hederman, S.J., MDiv’99, was happy to celebrate his 25th jubilee year of his Jesuit priesthood with his family and brother Jesuits at Fordham University in October. He writes that God has blessed his ministry in terrific ways, and he asks His continued guidance. // Heather Anderson Kurzman is the 2024 recipient of the Science Educator of the Year Award for Middlesex County, awarded by the Massachusetts Association of Science Teachers. Heather is a chemistry teacher at Bedford High School in Bedford, Massachusetts. // Ted Trevens, MBA’99, just celebrated 25 years in business for his company Dynamic Solution Associates, which provides full-service consulting to nonprofit organizations. He lives in Arlington with his wife, Courtney, and their two children.

Class correspondent: Matt Colleran // colleran.matt@gmail.com

2001

Brandon Gantus recently returned to the law firm Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati as a partner and coleader of the firm’s employee benefits and compensation practice. He lives in the San Francisco Bay Area with his wife and three kids. // Dan Nelson was recently acknowledged at the 45th annual News and Documentary Emmy Awards show at the Palladium Times Square in New York City as coeditor for the award-winning documentary Rap Trap: Hip Hop on Trial It was stated on stage that “the editors took the footage and made art.”

Class correspondent: Sandi Birkeland Kanne // bcbubbly@hotmail.com

2002

Julie Alden Cullinane has published her debut memoir, Ghosts Only I Can See, released in October by Yellow Arrow. Ghosts peeks back in time to Cullinane’s younger self and focuses not on literal ghosts, but the ghosts—the shells—of her former self. In this hauntingly woven collection of creative nonfiction and poetry, Cullinane shares these ghosts and the painful, powerful, and wonderful experiences that made her the woman she is today. Cullinane is a neurodivergent poet, author, and mom in Boston. // Dianna G. El Hioum, JD’02, chief growth strategist at Fox Rothschild, was recognized by the New York Business Journal on its 2024 Women of Influence list. The feature highlights women in New York City “who are impacting those

COURTESY OF LEWIS LEHOT, JD’00

COURTESY OF KRISTEN WOLTHAUSEN FRAME ’98

around them both professionally and personally.” El Hioum leads the firm’s efforts to expand its reach through strategic lateral acquisitions. She is former chair of the firm’s nationwide Intellectual Property Department. // In January Ryan Kennedy was sworn in as the mayor of Hopewell Borough, New Jersey, where he lives with his two daughters. When he’s not at town hall, Ryan practices real estate law in the Princeton, New Jersey, office of Stevens & Lee. // Rick Klein joined the LGBTQ+ Alumni Council Executive Committee. He aims to stay connected to the University, and to bring together LGBTQ+ alumni and allies. Class correspondent: Suzanne Harte // suzanneharte@yahoo.com

2003

Corie Fogg ’03, MEd’04, continues as dean of faculty at the Williston Northampton School. She and her daughter, Marigold, regularly visit “Uncle Pope” Carlos in Boston. On the occasion of the passing of Corie’s father, Stephen K. Fogg ’72, JD’75, she was deeply grateful for BC’s support; Fr. Tony Penna presided, and Meg Felice ’02, MA’12, PhD’28, graciously sang. Richard E. Lynch ’73; Richard P. Healey ’73, JD’76; and Joseph F. Abely ’74 took part in the service, a true expression of men and women for others.

2004

Kate Costello-Sullivan, MA’96, PhD’04, published her fifth book in July, a collection coedited with Dr. Cian

McMahon (University of Nevada, Las Vegas). Intended for academics and the lay reader alike, the Routledge History of Irish America seeks to offer a comprehensive survey of Irish-American history from the colonial era to the present, addressing issues of gender, race, politics, work, and much more. Class correspondents: Allie Weiskopf // allieweiskopf@gmail.com and Elizabeth Wenger // lizabbott@gmail.com

2005

20th Reunion, May 30–June 1, 2025

Stephanie Cizek writes that Tony Hale should be added to the BC notable alumni web page. Tony is an Emmy-winning documentary editor and writer. He won the Emmy for Outstanding Documentary Writing for the movie The Story of Plastic in 2021, which he also edited. Other films he edited, including A Will for the Woods, Charged, Youth v Gov, and Afghan Cycles, have won over 50 awards, and in 2022 he was listed in DOC NYC’s “40 Under 40” list. He has also worked on short films for The New Yorker and the New York Times op-docs. // Clelia Castro-Malaspina Gore has coauthored a nonfiction book for children called Your Freedom, Your Power: A Kid’s Guide to the First Amendment, published by Running Press Kids, an imprint of Hachette. It has received high praise, including a starred review from Booklist, a leading industry book reviewer of children’s books. // Leslie Neilsen ’05, MEd’08, is in her 15th year of her teaching career in North Carolina. Currently, she works at Marvin Ridge High School in Waxhaw, teaching world history. A BC pennant hangs proudly in her classroom! She just returned from a

week at the North Carolina Center for the Advancement of Teaching on Ocracoke Island. Continued education is an important part of her career. While she misses Boston and tries to make it home every year, she is enjoying her life in the Carolinas. Class correspondents: Justin Barrasso // jbarrasso@gmail.com and Joe Bowden // joe.bowden@gmail.com

2006

Stacey Greci Gibson opened Parallel, a wine-focused restaurant in Northeast Portland, Oregon. Stacey serves as sommelier and beverage director, with her husband and business partner, Joey Gibson, as the chef. Parallel focuses on a wine-first approach of planning the food menu around the wines being poured. // Jong Chul Lee shared that the BC community set up a foundation in honor of Edward “Teddy” Kim, who passed away from acute myeloid leukemia (AML) on April 6, 2012. The organization has raised and granted over $100,000 to the Leukemia Research Foundation for AML research. The fundraising has been from board member donations (by BC graduates) and from the organization’s annual golf outing, which it hosts in the greater New York City area around Labor Day every year. // In celebration of their 40th birthdays, Class of 2006 roommates Ashley Massaro, Mairead Ridge, Kate Reilly, Elizabeth Zephir, Jenna Keegan, Feng Chang, Mary Wertz, Jean Blosser Brown, Gabrielle Pitman Gary, Melissa Shakro Stopa, Leah Contrino Slattery, and Courtney Smith reenacted life at Newton Campus, Upper Campus, and Lower Campus by going away together to North Carolina. Fun times were had by all, and planning for their 45th birthdays has already begun!

Class correspondent: Cristina Conciatori // cristina.conciatori@gmail.com

2007

Dave Chepauskas earned his private pilot license in August and is currently working toward his commercial pilot license and instrument rating at Morristown Airport in New Jersey. // Mike Cintolo started a new position as global regulatory compliance director at BlueSnap in July. Based in Waltham, BlueSnap helps businesses improve the way they accept

COURTESY OF SEAN HANEL ’07

COURTESY OF DIANNA G. EL HIOUM, JD’02

payments globally. // Sean Hanel ’07, MAT’09, has launched Building Futures Project, a nonprofit providing transformational service opportunities in San Salvador, El Salvador. The organization leads students and adults on service trips to build classrooms and homes while working alongside the local community. // Can you hear me now?

Former class president Brian Roche found out the hard way it isn’t easy being green after switching carriers to Mint Mobile. With more bars in more places, welcome back to AT&T, Brian! Class correspondent: Lauren Bagnell // lauren.faherty@gmail.com

2008

Fr. Isaiah Marie Hofmann, of the Franciscan Friars of the Renewal, performed at Abbeyfest, a Catholic music festival outside Philadelphia, in September. Classmates Margy Burke, Brett Bertucio, Pete Land, and Veronica Roberts ’08, MA’09, enjoyed seeing him on the big stage for the first time. Everyone had a good time reminiscing about Fr. Isaiah’s spontaneous performances in the Mods. His music can be found at major streaming platforms under “Fr. Isaiah.” // Rev. Jon Paul Sydnor, PhD’08, has published The Great Open Dance: A Progressive Christian Theology. The book is published by Pickwick Publications, the academic imprint of Wipf and Stock. Dr. Sydnor currently teaches at Emmanuel College in Boston. Class correspondent: Maura Tierney Murphy // mauraktierney@gmail.com

2009

Sandra Dorsainvil, MA’09, is happy to report that she graduated from the Mindfulness Coaching School and has received her certification as a coach from the International Coaching Federation. Class correspondent: Timothy Bates // tbates86@gmail.com

2010

15th Reunion, May 30–June 1, 2025 Clare Sweeney Short is releasing her first children’s book, Bo the Boat. A speechlanguage pathologist living in Atlanta with her husband and three children, Clare wrote this book as a story that supports early speech and language development. It will be published in English and Spanish. Class correspondents: John Clifford // clifford.jr@gmail.com and Kathryn Phillips // Katyelphillips@gmail.com

2011

After four years serving as the director of Catholic campus ministry at Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Fr. Wade Bass recently was named the pastoral administrator of Our Lady of Angels Catholic Church in Allen, Texas.

2012

Maureen Cary, MA’12, became a solo mental health practitioner during the Covid-19 pandemic after spending six years at Boston Neuropsychological Services in Needham, Massachusetts. She offers in-person sessions as well as virtual. Her focus is adolescents, adults, and couples. She has also taken up acrylic painting as a hobby—a perfect respite from the challenges of psychotherapy! // In this year’s annual Jackson Hole Marathon Races, Adam Drufke placed third in the quarter marathon with a time of 49:26. // Catherine Kirwan-Avila professed her final vows as a Handmaid of the Sacred Heart of Jesus on July 31, 2024, at St. Joseph’s University in Philadelphia. Catherine’s formation has taken her to Philadelphia, Spain, Georgia, Peru, and, most recently, Rome, where she and her sisters from eight countries prepared for their final vows. The Handmaids are a congregation of Ignatian and eucharistic women who seek to partner with Christ in the mission of reconciliation through accompaniment and education. // Ashley Thibodeau is now a clinical assistant professor in the School of Nursing at the University of Michigan. She is teaching undergraduate students in her specialty

COURTESY OF STACY CAPRIO ’14

COURTESY OF CLARE SWEENEY SHORT ’10

COURTESY OF REV. JON PAUL SYDNOR, PHD’08

COURTESY OF BRETT BERTUCIO ’08

area of pediatric nursing and participating in interprofessional education curriculum development. Class correspondent: Riley Sullivan // sullivan.riley.o@gmail.com

2014

Stacy Caprio is glad BC helped sharpen her analytical, finance, and numbers skills, and that it exposed her to others trying new things and going out of their comfort zones. She completed her first house flip in the Austin, Texas, area last month and can’t imagine having the thought process or openness to do so without her BC background. It was very fun and she is currently working on another. She hopes everyone else is doing well! // Jessica Carbone is excited to share that she wrote a children’s book! The book, called Philanthropy Means Love, is a charming story about the power of collective impact and the importance of making donations even when you don’t think you’re giving a lot. This lyrical book teaches kids to support the causes they care about and introduces them to a fun new word, philanthropy. Get your copy on Amazon today! // Katie Cutting graduated as a doctor of nursing practice and is now a psychiatric–mental health nurse practitioner working in Vermont. // The year 2024 was a big one for Ben Daniels, MS’14. He completed and defended his doctoral dissertation in the field of geography and environmental systems, started a new job as a geologist for the Maryland Department of the

Environment, and on July 31, welcomed his son, Max, to the world! Max joins Ben’s wife, Olga, and daughter, Sara (four). // Christine Zhao shared the following updates from her classmates: Bill Kloza is making the Carroll School proud and is an entrepreneur and walking advertisement for the thrills of Arkansas. Lani Frankville’s fur baby, Finn, got a stepcat sister. Charlotte Parish started a new, better job and is continuing the good mission of the diversity and inclusion group for the New England Region Volleyball Association. Willis Wang finally got some personal space. Wonchan Yi is somewhere with lower taxes. Christine Zhao also became a cat stepmom and skis now (kind of), but most importantly, got her closets organized. // Marissa Manhart Loeffler received the St. Joseph’s Health Nurse Excellence Award for New Knowledge, Innovations

and Improvements. This peer-nominated honor recognizes a nurse who uses evidence to innovate nursing practice. She also received a Jan Moran Nursing Excellence Scholarship from the New Jersey Council of Magnet Organizations. Marissa is celebrating 10 years as a nurse at St. Joseph’s University Medical Center, where she is a performance, safety, and improvement coordinator. // After eight years working in student affairs at Ithaca College, Jess Shapiro began a new role at Cornell University’s College of Arts & Sciences career development as the Nexus Scholars and summer experience grant program manager.

2015

10th Reunion, May 30–June 1, 2025

Michael Savard earned a master of science in finance from the University of Massachusetts in May 2024. He began a Juris Doctor in August 2024 at New England Law | Boston, accepting the school’s Justice Sandra Day O’Connor Scholarship. Class correspondent: Victoria Mariconti // victoria.mariconti@gmail.com

2018

Chelsea Binnig deployed to Iraq in support of Operation Inherent Resolve as a critical care flight nurse in the Army and saw a few members of Army ROTC who she knew while she was at BC in the program.

2019

Alex Chansky recently launched a podcast about science, research, and careers. Rocks for Jocks is now available on all podcast platforms. Each episode

COURTESY OF ALEX CHANSKY ’19

COURTESY OF CATHERINE KIRWAN-AVILA ’12

COURTESY OF DAVE COTE, MBA’19

covers a new topic or guest, including BC alumni who are now scientists and industry professionals, with a focus on earth and environmental sciences. Whether you’re a student, a working professional, or just curious about the world, Rocks for Jocks has something for you! // Dave Cote, MBA’19, a program manager in Draper’s Navy strategic systems, volunteers as a board trustee at the Discovery Museum in Acton, Massachusetts, a nonprofit supporting children and families in Greater Boston. This year, the museum received the prestigious 2024 National Medal for Museum and Library Service from the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) for impactful community contributions. Draper’s support to the museum highlights their shared mission of creativity and exploration.

2020

5th Reunion, May 30–June 1, 2025

Alex Benoit, MA’20, and Ellie Rambo, MA’20, who met at BC in the master of

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arts in English program, plan to marry on May 30, 2025, in North Carolina.

2021

Riley Odams ’21, JD’24, passed the Massachusetts bar exam and began working as an associate at Mintz’s Boston office.

2022

Urwa Hameed ’22, JD’26, shared that she has published two books: Steering Towards Change: Women Politicians Challenging Patriarchy, Class and Power in Pakistan; and Hosting Earth: Facing the Climate Emergency // Rusty Handler, MBA ’22, has been promoted to vice president, finance, at LPL Financial. // Kendrick Kemp, ThM’22, writes that his life and ministry developing a Black liberation theology of disability has continued to build and grow as he has begun the pursuit of a doctorate of ministry at Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary. Most recently, he has taken a committee position with the American

May 30–June 1

1960 (65th)

1965 (60th)

1970 (55th)

1975 (50th)

1980 (45th)

1985 (40th)

1990 (35th)

1995 (30th)

2000 (25th)

2005 (20th)

2010 (15th)

2015 (10th)

2020 (5th)

Academy of Religion’s status of people with disabilities in the professions committee. He is excited to take on this leadership position with the academy, and he hopes to connect with many of you at future meetings!

2023

Francesca Giangiulio graduated from New York University with a master of arts in journalism. // After graduating with her bachelor of arts, Ciara Rushe ’23, MEd’24, stayed at BC to complete a fifth-year master’s in moderate support needs and is now teaching second grade in South Boston. Her lifelong dream of becoming an educator and making a difference in the lives of children is coming true! She couldn’t be more grateful for her experience at Boston College, which made her dreams reality!

1940s

Mary Ann Strahan PMC’46

Jane Tritt PMC =’46

Caroline Hall-Noel PMC’47

Barbara Arneson PMC’48

Nancy Fletcher PMC’49

Alice Karnavas PMC’49

Leo Landers ’49

Sara Lofving PMC’49

Emily Palmer PMC’49

Claire Reiss MSW’49

Jean Tate PMC’49

1950s

Renee Brown PMC’50

Joseph Casey ’50 MBA’72

Suzanne McCready PMC’50

Robert Santry ’50

Cynthia Shively PMC’50

John Courtney ’51

Marge Hale PMC’52

Francis Alfe ’53

Peter Gianino ’53

Richard McQuade ’53

George Murphy ’53

Paul Murray ’53

Mary Curphey-Heald PMC’54

David Barry ’55 MBA’69

Patricia Childers ’55

Mary McCarty Griffin ’55

Hugh Mulligan ’55 JD’58

Gy Shires PMC ’55

Robert Austin ’56

Joe Danieli ’56

Miriam O’Toole Dessureau ’56

James Hart ’56

Robert Healy ’56

James Kaiser ’56

Mary Prendergast Kalagher NC’56

Bob McInerney ’56

Arthur Smith ’56

Stephen Brady ’57 MBA’63

Stanley Carey ’57

David Catalano ’57

Frank Higgins ’57

Richard Murphy ’57

Richard Reagan ’57

Margy Craig Sheehy NC’57

Jim Turley ’57

Joe Vaccaro ’57

Robert Cassidy ’58 MEd’60

Michael Davis ’58

Arthur Mitchell ’58

Gerald Mitchell ’58

Jane Dick O’Kieffe NC’58

William Rochford ’58

Tom Rockett MS’58

Steve Bennett ’59

William Clifford ’59

Anthony DiMatteo ’59

Richard Healey ’59

Tom Kenney ’59

James Lacey MA’59

Alan Miller ’59

Andrew Murray ’59 MSW’61

Samuel Scott ’59

1960s

Robert Blodgett ’60

Robert Collins ’60

Mary Dargan MA’60

Jean Belval DeCastro ’60

Dick DeLello ’60

Peter Desio ’60

John Finnerty ’60

James Franey ’60

Robert Jakubowicz JD’60

Marie Kelly NC’60

John Marcaccio ’60

Judith Romano McNamara NC’60

Jerome Melvin MAT ’60

Rita O’Neill ’60

Marylouise Fortin Derose-Girotti NC’61

Owen Devlin ’61

John O’Keefe ’61 MA’64

John Waldron ’61

Ralph Bishop ’62

Mary Grenon Dalton ’62

William Gallagher ’62

Clement Kacergis ’62

Martin McDermott ’62

Mary Murphy ’62

James O’Connell ’62

Preston Royster MA’62

Anita Sanders PMC’62

William Byrne MA’63

Judith Brill Callahan NC’63

Bob De Felice ’63

Mary Jane Becherer Ferson NC’63

Laurence Fritz ’63

Walter Gleason MA’63

Thomas Goode ’63

Conny Stachelek Havican ’63

Paul Hebert ’63

Leo L’homme ’63

Paul Maloy ’63

Robert Montana ’63

Karen Mulvey NC’63

Joseph Murphy ’63

Kathleen Piper NC’63

Robert Schilling ’63

Gloria Sexton ’63 MA’96

Joseph Breton ’64

Tom Coughlin ’64

Carol Walton Frohboese NC’64

Rose Holman ’64

Barry Logue ’64

Tom McGovern ’64

John McInerney ’64

Murray Regan ’64

Jim Sartori ’64

Jan Sokolowski ’64

Marguerite Grueter Bourdon ’65

Edward Casey JD’65

Robert Cole ’65

Maureen Connelly MA’65

Anne Mangan Fischer NC’65

Sheldon Ganz JD’65

Kerry Holland ’65 PHL’66 MA’68

Marie Laliberte MEd’65

Gregory Lewis ’65

John McMahon JD’65

Susan Bearden McNamara NC’65

Dan O’Connell ’65

John Shields ’65

Jerry Viscione ’65

James Wansiewicz ’65

Carole Welch ’65

Dennis Williams ’65

Crystal Lloyd Campbell JD’66

William Connery ’66 MA’68

James Ferney ’66

Jeanne Holland ’66 MS’73

Lynn Meegan Huard ’66

John Lamont ’66

Carole Langan ’66

Joseph Mahoney ’66

Mary Walsh Monagle MA’66

Lois Myers MEd’66

James Schmit ’66

Loyola Welsh NC’66

Michael Balanoff JD’67

John Bartlett ’67

Mary Butler Fitzgerald MEd’67

Marilyn Hartigan MA’67

Hank Kennedy ’67

Richard Landry MEd’67, PhD’70

Patricia Martin ’67

Richard McManus ’67

Lucille Medeiros MA’67, MA’74

Joseph Popolo MBA’67

Lawrence Crowley ’68 JD’74

Jeremiah Dolan ’68

Jim Galiano ’68

Robert Halli ’68

Bob Ketels ’68

Ed Lackaye ’68

Mark Silbersack ’68

Gail Bachini ’69

Edwin Bell MA’69

Pete Canty ’69

Bud Flaherty ’69

Jeff Fleming ’69 MBA’71

Robert Manning ’69

Barbara McLetchie MEd’69 PhD’87

Tom Murtagh JD’69

Jean Meranda Saxe NC’69

1970s

Robert Bassett ’70

Judith Walton Belsley MEd’70

Tom Callahan ’70

William Dullea ’70

Antonio Garza MST’70

John Hayden ’70

Gary Hylander MA’70 PhD’85

Will Krasnow JD’70

Juan Marchand ’70

Timothy Mattimore JD’70

Maureen Phipps MEd’70, MEd’88

Joan Rokicki MEd’70

David Spang MS’70

Jack Sullivan ’70

Charles Bercury ’71

Robert Butler MSW’71

Carmen Corsaro ’71 JD’75

William Foley MEd ’71

Edwin Franasiak MEd’71

Daniel Leary ’71

John Linehan ’71

Frank Maiellano ’71

Michael Passanisi ’71 MA’73

Victor Piekarski ’71

Richard Antonellis ’72

David Auth ’72

Mary Gardner PMC’72

Mary Glidden ’72

Nita Hasty PMC’72

Brian Houston ’72

John Joyce MA’72

Alexander Maclean ’72

Philip Pantano MBA’72

Ann Roach MEd’72 CAES’76

Jon Bonsall JD’73

Ellen Bogen Cook MA’73

Peter Gyves ’73 MA’94 STL’08

Paula Presson Hurwitz MSW’73

Larry Kistler ’73

Thomas Mooney ’73

Bruce Muldoon MST’73

MaryGail Bryan NC’74

John Ducsay ’74

Jeffrey Gunin JD’74

Teresa Heavey MA’74

Alfred Weber ’74

Robert Carpenter JD’75

Ed Cronin ’75

Geraldine Hughes ’75

Normand Magnan ’75

Mary Martin MEd’75

Sarah Rzewnicki MSW’75

Mary Serwecinski ’75

Eileen Walsh Wagner MEd’75

Audley Bell ’76

Richard Buhr ’76

Joyceann Guill MA’76

Anne Hathaway ’76

Charles Hill ’76

Thomas Hosker MA’76

Robert Larochelle MEd’76

Janet Leaver MAT’76

Margaret Phiambolis ’76

Catherine Perham Reinhardt MEd’76, PhD’84

Debbie Dischino Ryan ’76

Roberta Winitzer MEd’76

Kitty Callaghan ’77

Edward Caputo’77

Kathleen Bowen Conlan ’77

Jack Donovan ’77

Gail Mauch PMC’77

Marcia Seeler JD’77

Donna McKeown Clarke ’78

James Dittami MS’78

William Dundulis MS’78

LeRoy McGinn MEd’78

Patrick Shea ’78

Mary Stoltz MEd’78

Janet Goguen ’79

Gerald Harvey ’79 MA’82

Stephanie Moy ’79

Moira Linehan Ounjian CAES’79

Stephen Smith ’79

Kathleen Muldoon White ’79

1980s

Greta Crossley ’80

Mary Susan DeLaura MA’80

Margaret McMullin ’80

Dolores Morse PhD’81

James Parker ’81, MSW’84

Jeanne Hayes MS’82

Thomas Smith MEd’82

John Emond ’83

Christine Karaska MSW’83

Jonathan Norton ’83

Moira Scanlan O’Hara ’83

Kathleen Comeau Cronin

PhD’84

Richard Salmonsen MS’84

Honore Fallon JD’85

Michael Foley MBA’85

Tom Curran ’86

Timothy Courville JD’87

Christine Eisenhauer JD’87

Jennifer Johnson ’88

Robert Zangla ’88

Lisa DiLorenzo PMC’89

Andrea McGrath ’89

Lynn Reilly MS’89

1990s

Maris Bonnett MA’90

Denise Callahan MEd’90

Loretta Barnes Critchley ’90

Kieran Doran ’91

Jacqueline Galvin ’91 MEd’95

Roseann Sheehan ’92

Alissa Spielberg JD’92

Matt Fitzpatrick ’93

Daniel Morin MS’93

Robert Engel ’94

Douglas Jones MS’94

Judith Leavis MA’94

Irene Prosser ’94

Louis Bouzianis ’95

Kimberly Berghaus Dullea ’95

Michael Colucci ’96

Charles Hatten ’97

Eric Reed ’98

2000s

Susan Pratt PhD’01

Daniel O’Connor ’04

Tony Voce ’04

Linda Rich DED’08

2010s

Jose Maria Serrano Marques

Mesqita Brito STL’13

COMMUNITY DEATHS

Johnny Gaudreau ’17

Matthew Gaudreau ’17

Pamela Berger, of Cambridge, MA, on August 30, 2024. She was Professor Emerita, Art, Art History, and Film from 2022 to 2024, and Professor, Art, Art History, and Film from 1974 to 2022

Paul Bradley, of Winchester, MA, on October 21, 2024. He was an Instrumentation Mechanic, Facilities Services from 2016 to 2024

Christopher Bruell, of Los Alamos, NM, on November 6, 2024. He was Professor Emeritus, Political Science Department from 2014 to 2024, and Professor, Political Science from 1969 to 2010

John Flackett, of Cambridge, MA, on November 9, 2024. He was Professor Emeritus, Boston College Law School from 2001 to 2024 and Professor, Boston College Law School from 1968 to 2001

Kenneth Kersch, of Brighton, MA, on November 27, 2024. He was Professor, Political Science Department from 2007 to 2024

Cynthia Lichtenstein, of Sarasota, FL, and Stonington, CT, in November 2024. She was Professor Emerita, Boston College Law School from 2001 to 2024 and Professor, Boston College Law School from 1971 to 2001

John Morawiec, of South Windsor, CT, on November 22, 2024. He was Director, Office of University Communications from 2017 to 2024

Russell Swift, of Holliston, MA, on November 6, 2024. He was Production Manager, Robsham Theater Arts from 2013 to 2024

Judith Wilt, of Chestnut Hill, MA, on November 1, 2024. She was Professor Emerita, English Department from 2011 to 2024 and Professor, English Department from 1978 to 2011

The “Fond Farewells” section is compiled from national obituary listings as well as from notifications submitted by friends and family of alumni. It consists of names of those whose deaths have been reported to us since the previous issue of Boston College Magazine. Please send information on deceased alumni to Advancement Information Systems, Cadigan Alumni Center, 140 Commonwealth Avenue, Chestnut Hill, MA 02467 or to infoserv@bc.edu.

Eagles for Life

We asked students and alums: What does it mean to be an Eagle?

Meghan Heckelman ’25 describes Boston College as a “safe place to fail,” when thinking about her experience leading skits during freshman orientation. “I was nervous about performing under the hot lights and remembering my lines,” she says. “But I realized if I messed up, it would be okay because I had 39 people cheering me on. That’s what BC is: a place where people root for you.”

Being a Boston College student—an Eagle—has always been about more than academics. It’s about discovery, reflection, purpose in the world, and meeting people who will change your life.

Room to Grow—and Stumble

From day one, students are welcomed into an environment that encourages them to take risks—whether in the classroom, on the field, or in extracurricular activities.

Mallory Hasselbeck ’25 says the core curriculum introduced her to subjects she never would have explored otherwise. “You might take a class just because it’s mandatory, but then you end up falling in love with it,” she reflects. “That’s the magic of BC—it pushes you to discover passions you didn’t know you had.”

Michael Lustri ’25 values the time he’s had to reflect on what matters to him most. “Thanks to my four years at BC, I know what I’m passionate about and I have an idea of how I want to go about that,” he says. “I don’t know exactly what I want to do, but I have a better sense of the character I want to take with me when I do it.”

Building Resilience

Through wins and setbacks, BC students learn how to navigate life with resilience. “To me, being an Eagle means making the most of everything that comes your way—the good and the bad,” says James Laboissonniere ’25. “Even on the tough days, you learn to be resilient and to find meaning in the challenges.”

Hasselbeck echoes this sentiment, describing the two paths students face when they start college. “You can either take the easier way and be on cruise control, or you

can do what BC encourages us to do and take the other path,” she says. “The other path isn’t necessarily linear—it’s up and down. You do well on a test, you do bad on a test. You might apply to a club and not get in. You might be the leader of the club. The point is the journey.”

To me, being an Eagle means making the most of everything that comes your way—the good and the bad.”

James Laboissonniere ’25

Pops on the Heights Mancini Family Rhode Island Scholar

As Men and Women for Others

The Jesuit ideal of being “men and women for others” is a cornerstone of the BC experience, shaping how students interact with one another and engage with the wider world.

“I want to be the type of leader who’s picking up the equipment after practice, cleaning up trash, and also giving the

pregame speech before a national championship game,” says Hasselbeck, who is a member of the women’s lacrosse team. There’s value in being believable and authentic. When those big moments come, people believe you because they’ve seen you lead by example.”

Julie Canuto-Depina ’25 agrees. “To be an Eagle means being an advocate—bringing people together and thinking of others. It’s about being a man or woman for others in everything you do.”

For Canuto-Depina, a service immersion trip to Jamaica was particularly meaningful. “I had the privilege of leading the trip and touching communities in ways I never imagined,” she says. “It deepened my understanding of what it means to serve others and to be in love with the community.”

The ethos of service is also evident in everyday moments. Heckelman highlights the small, meaningful acts of kindness that define BC. “Even if I’m 100 feet away, someone will hold the door open for me,” she says. “That’s the culture at BC—people want to support each other and be there for one another.”

This commitment to others is a lifelong hallmark of being an Eagle. Madisyn Wilkins ’25 captures this enduring spirit: “If I’ve learned one thing since being a Boston College student, it’s that people who are part of the BC community are Eagles for life. The support members of our community show to each other is unparalleled and truly special. Boston College Eagles will always show up to support one another, and that is something I am proud to say I am a part of.”

Beyond Linden Lane

To be a Boston College student is to belong to a community that extends far beyond campus. Alumni often speak of how their years at BC have impacted their lives and careers long after graduation.

It was by chance that Duane Brown ’76 found friends right from the start: at orientation. “I met some wonderful folks who I’m still close with today,” he says. That includes his freshman year roommate. “We stayed roommates all four years, and

after graduation we ended up standing in each other’s weddings and made each other godfather of our children.” That’s the kind of connection that lasts a lifetime.

As a student, “there was a lot of alignment with the Jesuit ideal of service,” says Wynndell Bishop ’00, MBA’07, president of the Boston College Alumni Association (BCAA) Board of Directors.

To be an Eagle means being an advocate— bringing people together and thinking of others. It’s about being a man or woman for others in everything you do.”

Julie Canuto-Depina ’25 Birmingham Family Scholar

“It resonated with me then and formed my desire to give back, more so than I initially realized.”

Bishop’s fellow BCAA Board member James Lizzul ’09 recalls a memorable toast from Rev. Michael J. Himes during senior week. “He told us, ‘You’re not leaving BC. You’re taking BC with you,’” Lizzul says. “It’s echoed in my mind ever since, and it’s proven true.”

Gratitude for the Journey

“Since coming to Boston College, I have transformed as a learner, friend, and person,” reflects Mackenzie Caruso ’26. “The holistic approach to education has not only heightened my intellectual curiosity, but has connected me with professors that have changed my outlook on life. The friends I have made will be in my life forever, and there is truly nothing better than being an Eagle. I could not be more thankful for this experience.”

Grounded in Jesuit, Catholic ideals, a Boston College education inspires students to discover and develop their talents and use them in service to others. As we approach the annual BC Giving Day on March 12–13, we are asking students and alums to consider: What does it mean to be an Eagle?

Your generosity to Boston College on Giving Day will support the wide range of opportunities the University has to offer today’s students to help them reach their fullest potential. Once again, this year’s gifts will count toward Soaring Higher: the Campaign for Boston College.

Thank you for your commitment to Boston College!

WHAT I’VE LEARNED

Alicia H. Munnell

She’s an economist who worked at the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston, served in the Clinton administration, was the founding director of Boston College’s renowned Center for Retirement Research, and—along the way—became one of the nation’s most influential voices on retirement policy. Now, at age eighty-two, Carroll School Peter F. Drucker Professor of Management Sciences Alicia Munnell has retired after nearly three decades at BC. R avi Jain

So far, so good. I just retired and the first day has been quite good. It makes me laugh when people earnestly ask me, “Now what are you going to do?” If you’re sixty-five and retiring, you can say that. At eighty-two, my view is like, isn’t there a time when you just can play and do nothing but be frivolous and have fun?

Try everything. For fun, I play bridge (but seriously play, because I like it). I have friends and family to see. I buy books and put them by my bedside. I think I might try reading some of those books. That sounds like fun. I’m trying Pilates. I’m going to see plays and concerts. I’m going to try everything. And then I’m going to have a happy life.

Sometimes it’s better to ignore your friends’ advice. When I was at the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston, there was a retirement plan. Basically the smart thing to do would have been to keep my money in it and then, when

I turned sixty-five, take the benefit. But I was going to work in the Clinton administration and economist friends told me I should take the benefit then, because I could invest the money so much better than the people running the plan. So I took the money out of the benefit plan. And I spent the money. Now I have a benefit from the Federal Reserve Bank that is very small. That was not a smart move.

Social Security equals peace of mind…. My view is that life is fun and interesting and complicated and people shouldn’t have to spend a lot of time worrying about their retirement. They’ve got kids to help with homework, soccer games to go to, friends to see, books to read. That’s why Social Security is pretty easy, as you are in the program already and you just contribute throughout your lifetime. It forces us to do in a collective way what we would fail to do if left on our own.

…and it’s not going anywhere. If you look at both the Republican and Democratic platforms, they were very clear that they’re not going to cut Social Security or Medicare. There’s a lot of scary language going about, but I think both sides recognize that American people—old, young, Republicans, Democrats—value this program. It’s not in anyone’s interest to go take a chainsaw to it. It does have a shortfall that needs to be fixed, but that can be done in a constructive fashion and I’m confident that more level thinking will hold.

You’ll be happy in retirement, but you’ll probably wish you’d saved more. Studies show that 40 to 50 percent of Americans will not be able to maintain their preretirement standard of living. But if you survey people directly and ask, “How happy are you in retirement?,” everybody says, “I’m great. It’s fine.” So perhaps older people are just generally happier, less likely to sweat the small stuff. On the other hand, if you phrase the question in terms of, “Is there anything you regret about the decisions you made?,” a lot of people will say, “I wish I had saved more or I wish I had joined my employer’s retirement plan when I was younger.”

Absolutely, positively contribute to an employer retirement plan. The problem with our retirement system is that if you take a snapshot of the private sector workforce at any moment in time, only half the people who are working are covered by an employer plan. There’s a huge group who never pick up any savings plan along their way, and others who move in and out of plans. So they have very modest balances in their 401(k) accounts. If you do have access to an employer plan, don’t opt out! Most of these plans have an employer match and so you want to put in enough money to get the full match. And then you’ll be doing pretty well.

While you’re still working, keep track of your spending. Having a budget is one of the best things that you can do—for young people, for people mid-career, for everybody. I was just on a call with someone who counsels young people and she asked them, “How much do you spend?” They have no idea how much they spend on Ubers, on beer for the weekend, on going out.

Read during the day. The reading thing is hard because when I read a page or two, it’s usually in bed and then I fall asleep. So I think I have to sort of engage in daytime reading. n

photos: Caitlin Cunningham (Munnell); Associated

(Parting

Game Changer

Lou Montgomery ’41, the first Black student-athlete in Boston College history, was an outstanding running back on the BC football team. But because of the era’s Jim Crow laws, Montgomery was barred from playing games in the South, including the 1941 Sugar Bowl, in which BC played the University of Tennessee in New Orleans. At the urging of his teammates, however, Montgomery traveled by train with the team to New Orleans anyway, pictured here. Montgomery was posthumously inducted into the Boston College Varsity Club Hall of Fame in 1997, and his jersey was retired at Alumni Stadium in 2012. To learn about other significant Black figures from BC history, turn to page 14. Elizabeth Clemente

Tailgating. The Beanpot. Mudstock/Modstock. Marathon Monday. The Newton shuttle. Vandy vs Walsh. The Res. The Rat. 4Boston and Appa. Friends you can’t imagine living without.

Your Giving Day support helps make all this (and more!) possible.

march 12–13 bc.edu/givingday