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The Boston College Association for Retired Faculty recently launched an updated website and a grant program, as part of the nearly decade-old organization’s mission to promote collegiality among retired faculty for personal enrichment and active service.
The BCARF website now includes information and links to resources on retirement planning, benefits, volunteer opportunities, events and activities as well as a remembrance page honoring deceased members of the University community “who have paved the way for all that Boston College has become.” In addition to the website, BCARF publishes an annual newsletter and maintains a listserv to communicate with members.
Last month, the BCARF announced the first recipients of Retired Faculty Grants, which support travel and expenses for research, lectures, conferences, education, publishing, volunteer work and/or other significant activities. Those receiving grants were John Dacey (“Emotional Health and the Standards: Recommendations for Elementary School Classroom Strategies”), Ramsay Liem (“Memories of Forgotten Wars”), Vera Lee (“The Story Behind the Story of Misha”), Judith Wilt (“Fictions about Catholics”) and Joseph Casey, SJ (“Current Divisive Moral Issues”).
Said BCARF President Jean O’Neil, “These individuals represent what has been described by the Boston College Center for Retirement Research as the ‘new active retirement’ and exemplify the growth of the association in fulfilling its mission.”
The BCARF formed in 2004 through the efforts of a small group of retired faculty working with then-Academic Vice President and Dean of Faculties Jack Neuhauser. Supported by University Provost and Dean of Faculties Bert Garza, the association provides meeting and computer-equipped workspace, monthly program presentations, book club and research seminar meetings, and guided tours of McMullen Museum of Art exhibits.
BCARF members volunteer in international graduate student partnerships, in mentor or advisory roles with students or student groups, as Commencement marshals or hosts, and as visitors to retired Jesuits at the Campion Center in Weston.