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The exciting sights and sounds of Parents’ Weekend (Sept. 26-28) will once again include the symphonic stylings of America’s orchestra, the world-renowned Boston Pops, led by conductor Keith Lockhart.
The 22nd annual Pops on the Heights Barbara and Jim Cleary Scholarship Gala — a beloved BC tradition and once again a sold-out event — also will feature a guest appearance by musician and actor Chris Isaak.
Proceeds from the Sept. 26 event benefit the Pops Scholarship Fund, a BC student-aid initiative that since its inception has raised more than $23 million for financial aid and has provided scholarships for more than a thousand BC students.
Over the course of his career, Isaak has released 13 albums, 12 singles, been nominated for two Grammy awards, acted in several movies and starred in his own critically acclaimed TV series. With his longtime band Silvertone, he has entertained tens of thousands of people for more than two decades — and his hair has its own fan club. Isaak has won three MTV Video Music Awards, one ASCAP Film and Television Music Award, and most recently received the Stockton Arts Commission STAR Award.
Following performances by BC student groups in and around Conte Forum, which begin at 6 p.m., the Pops will take the stage at 8 p.m. The concert also will feature the University Chorale.
This year’s gala is chaired by two University trustees and their wives: Chuck ’64 and Gloria Clough, MDiv’90, MS’96, P’87, ’93, ’98 and Stephen ’84 and Tami Murray ’83, P’09, ’15. Organizers anticipate a record-breaking event, with the total to be announced that evening.
Information about Pops on the Heights is available at www.bc.edu/pops.
While the Pops gala is regarded as the unofficial kickoff to Parents’ Weekend, activities for the hundreds of parents and family members who visit the Heights will begin that morning. In the afternoon, President William P. Leahy, SJ, will offer perspectives on the University’s past, present and future, and reflections on its distinctive mission.
As part of the annual fall tradition, parents are invited to attend Friday classes and visit with faculty and administrators at the Deans’ Open Houses, as well as at Student Affairs and Academic Advising Center open houses.
Afternoon discussions on teaching and student life will be held in Robsham Theater. Center for Student Formation Director Michael Sacco’s talk “What Does the World Need You to Be?” will discuss how formative programming is an important complement to the BC academic experience; he will moderate a panel of students who will share their transformative moments as undergraduates. Director of Athletics Brad Bates will present “Being a Super Fan: The Impact of a Division 1 Athletics Program on the Student Experience.” He and a panel of student-athletes will discuss what it means to support BC’s sports teams as part of the Atlantic Coast Conference.
A day-long welcome center on Friday, in the Robsham Theater foyer, will provide an opportunity for families to meet, have refreshments and pick up campus maps and other information.
Saturday events include a barbeque at the Flynn Recreation Complex before the BC-Colorado State football game in Alumni Stadium at 12:30 p.m. The weekend will conclude with a Family Liturgy in Conte Forum that is open to all faiths, followed by a continental breakfast.
For more on Parents Weekend, see www.bc.edu/parents.