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Christopher Darcy, an associate director in the Office of Residential Life and a tireless volunteer both in his community and on campus, is the recipient of the University’s 2013 Community Service Award.
Sponsored by the Office of Governmental and Community Affairs, the award highlights the outstanding contributions of a Boston College employee whose actions exemplify the Jesuit spirit of service to others. It was presented to Darcy by University President William P. Leahy, SJ, at a recognition dinner in late May.
“This award truly means so very much to me personally and professionally. I am honored, but extremely humbled and moved. I was absolutely overwhelmed by being recognized as the recipient for this year,” Darcy said. “There are so many incredibly giving and caring faculty and staff in our BC community who serve and give of themselves on a daily basis, it is a blessing and honor to be chosen amongst all of them, and as a representative of the work we engage in each and every day.”
A 17-year member of the University community, Darcy is responsible for the ministerial components and programs of the Office of Residential Life, and serves as a part-time campus minister for the division of University Mission and Ministry.
He received award nominations from three members of the BC community, and heartfelt letters of support from several students.
“If I am half the man that Chris Darcy is someday, I will have lived a very successful, loving and compassionate life full of joy. [He] is one of the finest men I have had the privilege of knowing,” wrote Kenny Ierardi ’13.
Among his many volunteer activities, Darcy has served for nearly three decades as a baseball coach in his hometown of Natick. He also has volunteered for more than 15 years at St. Ignatius Church as a liturgical coordinator, Eucharistic minister and lector; for Little Brothers/Friends of the Elderly, and has participated in five Dana-Farber/Jimmy Fund Half Marathon Walks.
Among his activities at Boston College, he has been an Arrupe mentor and staff person for numerous international immersion programs; serves as a Mays mentor for two students; as a retreat director for the Kairos program and assists in co-directing an annual 48 Hours retreat for first-year students.
“I have always been inspired by St. Ignatius of Loyola, who gave unconditionally of himself by ministering and teaching others so genuinely, caringly and lovingly,” according to Darcy. “Boston College has afforded me some incredible opportunities to serve and give, here and outside of BC. I feel strongly, if I can make a difference in some small way, that fuels my passion to be a person with and for others, especially because of how I have been formed through my Jesuit education, and by the wonderful experiences and people of the BC community.”
On campus, he has enriched the academic and personal lives of many students, including those who wrote on his behalf as part of the nomination process for the Community Service Award.
“Christopher Darcy has been one of the most amazing people that I’m grateful to have crossed paths with during my time at BC. He’s been a wonderful mentor, adviser and a friend,” wrote Lyz Alexandre ’13. “When I need advice, Darcy never tells me what to do, he asks me questions so I can come to my own conclusions.”
“I am honored to represent all of the amazing and inspiring people at BC who volunteer, care, serve and give of themselves each and every day. I am grateful for the support of my supervisors, colleagues and students. I cannot thank enough Peter Folan [First Year Experience assistant director], Ellen Modica [campus minister], Rev. Donald MacMillan, SJ [campus minister, who wrote on his nomination: “If I can simply define generosity, it is Chris Darcy.”] and the students who nominated me in support of this award. I am also grateful to my wife, Ann Marie, who encourages and supports my efforts to volunteer and give back, in some way!”
According to Community Affairs Director Bill Mills, who chairs the Community Service Award Committee, this year’s group of candidates was among the most qualified, which made it difficult to select the winner.