In the entrance of the Jesuit headquarters in Rome is a striking statue of Society of Jesus founder Ignatius Loyola that bears the motto 'Ite, inflammate omnia' ('Go set the world aflame'). These were Ignatius' parting words to Francis Xavier, who was carrying the Gospel to the East.
Each year, Boston College challenges its new students with a similar exhortation, in an opening tradition that formally begins their journey at the Heights.
Photos by Lee Pellegrini.
Members of the Class of 2021 precede the event with a few photographs. The banners represent first-year residence halls.
The Screaming Eagles Marching Band prepares to accompany the Class of 2021 on their 'First Flight' procession.
Assembled on Linden Lane, students hear faculty, staff, and administrators challenge the class to 'Go set the world aflame.'
Students then make their “First Flight” procession to Conte Forum, accompanied by lanterns bearing flame blessed at the University's annual Mass of the Holy Spirit, held earlier that day.
Their procession mirrors the route they will take four years hence as graduating seniors, in their 'Final Flight' procession to Commencement.
The Class of 2021 assembled in Conte Forum for First Year Academic Convocation.
Michael Sacco, executive director of BC's First Year Experience program, and director of the University's Center for Student Formation, welcomed the students.
Remarks by University President William P. Leahy, S.J.
All incoming BC students receive a common text during their summer orientation. At convocation, they hear from the author of their shared reading.
This year, the Class of 2021 read the memoir 'A Backpack, a Bear, and Eight Crates of Vodka,' by Lev Golinkin '03, who addressed the students in Conte Forum. In his book, which is laced with both heartbreak and humor, Golinkin chronicles his Jewish family's arduous journey to escape Soviet oppression, which took them from the Ukraine to Vienna, Austria, and ultimately, the United States.
Golinkin, here with FYE Director Michael Sacco and BC President William P. Leahy, S.J., is the second alumnus to speak at First Year Academic Convocation. He joins a notable roster of previous speakers that includes Barack Obama, John McCain, humanitarian Dr. Paul Farmer, and novelists Colum McCann, Ann Patchett, and Dave Eggers.
—University Communications