Marking a milestone

The University Chorale of Boston College. (Gretchen Ertl)

More than 350 of Boston College’s most generous benefactors gathered in celebration September 29 at the Light the World Campaign Gala Finale to mark the close of BC’s record-breaking $1.605 billion capital campaign.

The gala was held in a cathedral tent on the lawn behind the McMullen Museum and University Conference Center, and featured musical performances by students at St. Columbkille Partnership School in Brighton, the Boston College Chorale, and actor and singer Michelle Miller '98, who served as Monan Professor in Theatre Arts last year.

University President William P. Leahy, S.J., and campaign co-chairs William J. Geary CSOM ’80, Kathleen McGillycuddy NC ’71, and Charles Clough MCAS ’64, praised the benefactors for their generosity and commitment, particularly in light of obstacles posed by a campaign launch that took place amidst the worst economic downturn in more than 50 years.

“I recall vividly the evening in October, 2008 when we launched the public phase of our Light the World campaign and announced that we would seek to raise $1.5 billion, the largest amount in our history and more than three times the combined total of previous campaigns,” said Father Leahy. “As you will recall, that month was the beginning of a difficult time for the national and international economy.  But we proceeded with confidence and hope, knowing that we would face challenges but also convinced that the campaign was critical for the development of Boston College and confident that our alumni, parents, and friends would respond generously.

"We chose the name Light the World for our campaign to remind us about the mission of Boston College and that our University has been a powerful beacon since its founding in 1863, dispelling the darkness of ignorance and fear, and illuminating the way to knowledge, wisdom, faith, and hope for so many in Boston, our nation, and throughout the world," Fr. Leahy said.  "Since the start of our campaign, we have lived up to our motto of “Ever to Excel” and the call to light the world, despite daunting financial circumstances. That is certainly cause for celebration.”

“Tonight is a time for celebration, gratitude and rededication, for moving forward with great hope and confidence,” said Fr. Leahy. “And to remember that as alumni, parents, and friends of Boston College, we are called to light the world now and forever.”