BC News Archive: 2021

January 

The human toll of air pollution in India: new report led by Boston College researchers

BC MHA director joins Fellowship in Bioethics at Harvard Medical School

In Memoriam: Associate Professor of Chemistry Chia-Kuang (Frank) Tsung

In Memoriam: Anthony Simboli '50, M.A. '50,  benefactor and namesake of University's Simboli Hall

Early Career Award: Assistant Professor Katherine McAuliffe recognized by the Human Behavior & Evolution Society 

Boston College Magazine earns multiple CASE awards

In Memoriam: Jean Mooney: Longtime BC Lynch School faculty member dedicated to helping those with disabilities

'The babysitter of last resort': psychologist Joshua Hartshorne studies the impact of increased screen time for kids during COVID

Boston College senior named to Forbes "30 under 30": History major Phillip Hui-Bon-Hoa

Back in session: University begins spring semester determined to once again keep the COVID-19 pandemic at bay through collaborative efforts

'Taking Shape' at the McMullen Museum: Groundbreaking exhibition of abstract art from the Arab world

A popular, virtual Endeavor: This year's BC Career Center program featured a keynote by Pfizer VP Yolanda Lyle '94, J.D.'01 and a record number of participants

The influence of Irish literary laureates: A Boston College webinar series explores the lives and works of Irish Nobel winners Shaw, Yeats, Beckett, and Heaney

Invaluable ally: Connell School of Nursing faculty, grad students use their skill and knowledge to help the BC community during the pandemic

Lowell Humanities Series begins: The new season of distinguished speakers kicks off February 3

February 

BC professor Solomon Friedberg to lead National Commission on Math Instruction

Live performances, virtual audiences: Boston College launches new and different season of student theater productions

Thomas Miller named interim director of the Campus School

Boston College partnership with Stamps Scholars Program will enable Gabelli Presidential Scholars Program to recruit additional students

BC Law Dean Vincent Rougeau named president of Holy Cross

A second life: Local sculptor transforms ailing oak tree into lasting campus artwork

Families gather for "Breakfast with God": Program from the Roche Center for Catholic Education and Church in the 21st Century Center provides family faith formation

A record year for applications to BC's Class of 2025, but administrators emphasize more than numbers

Challenging environmental racism: BC's Schiller Institute and  Forum on Racial Justice in America partner on major event 

Award-winning theologian M. Shawn Copeland will keynote Martin Luther King Jr. Scholarship Banquet

Women's Summit 2021 featured national advocate for awareness of sexual violence

Despite pandemic, Vice Provost James Keenan, S.J., reports new advancements in global engagement for Boston College

School of Theology and Ministry student Sister Nathalie Becquart, XMCJ is first woman to serve as an undersecretary of the Synod of Bishops

BC pre-health students turn crisis into opportunity with EagleShadow, a program that replaces the vital medical mentoring curtailed by COVID-19

BC Institute for Scientific Research awarded $5.3M contract from U.S. Air Force to study chemistry and physics of space environment

An eagle in every sense: Pamela Fraser '82 retires after more than 40 years as a Boston College student, employee, and mom

New financial aid funds for Woods College undergraduates: Gift from Boston College alumni and parents James P. ’88 and Monica Shay ’08, P’24 

Nurse practitioner care during COVID-19: Connell School of Nursing's Monica O'Reilly-Jacob surveyed nurse practitioners delivering care in Massachusetts under supervision waivers

Vice President Joy Moore to step down from role in Student Affairs; will continue as a VP and executive director of BC's Pine Manor Institute for Student Success

Boston College professor contributes to milestone in avian research: Bird biologist Jeff DaCosta

Lawyer of the Year: BC Law’s Sharon Beckman recognized by Mass. Lawyers Weekly for her work with the Boston College Innocence Program

Martin Luther King Jr. Scholarship winner Latifat Odetunde '22 creates a digital platform for Black, Muslim perspectives

March 

The case for masks: BC Law professor's new book presents science-based advice for life during the pandemic

Boston College is 7th worldwide in theology, divinity, and religious studies in 2021 QS World Rankings

$1.45M NSF grant will support a Lynch School initiative to engage low-income youth in building automated hydroponics

FBI Deputy Director Paul M. Abbate keynotes fifth annual Boston Cyber Security Conference

Two BC seniors named 2021-22 O’Hare Media Fellows

BC mathematician Solomon Friedberg named a Simons Fellow

In Memoriam: John F. Wissler, who led Alumni Association for more than three decades

With pandemic travel restrictions, Boston College reexamines its service learning trips

BC Center for Retirement Research receives $2.9M grant from Social Security Administration

Boisi Center graduate student conference “Pandemic and Religion" focuses on the impact of COVID-19 on U.S. religious life

Laetare Sunday will feature remarks by University Trustee Matt Malone, S.J., president and editor in chief of America Media

BC physicist Brian Zhou receives NSF CAREER Award

Understanding racial trauma: Boston College Forum on Racial Justice in America, BC School of Social Work host a virtual event

STM prof Hosffman Ospino to speak at Romero Scholarship event

Lynch School offers state-approved Bilingual Education Certificate 

Lynch School dean launches discernment podcast 'Pulled Up Short' 

Connell Recreation Center recognized with design award

Filmmaker Lulu Wang '05 will discuss "The Farewell" at virtual event 

Woods College alumnus, former Boston mayor Marty Walsh is new U.S. Secretary of Labor

Seeds of gender salary gap sown early: BC psychologist's study is first to identify negotiation disparity among children

Choosing the next Nobel Laureate: Four Boston College professors offer their picks, and commentary, on the legendary literature prize

Boston College School of Social Work Trauma Integration Initiative incorporates teaching, fieldwork, and research into a holistic program

Teacher of the Year: Communication's Michael Serazio is recognized by students in BC's chapter of the Jesuit honor society Alpha Sigma Nu

Schiller Institute launches Faculty Convenings: Interactive conversations about the future

In Memoriam: William Gamson, prominent figure in sociology

Research project to focus on urban Catholic schools: NCEA, BC collaborative national study will provide a comprehensive vision for Catholic education's next 20 years

U.S. News grad rankings highlight strong performances among Boston College graduate programs

Ireland and the struggle against modernity: A conversation with Burns Library Visiting Scholar in Irish Studies Fearghal McGarry

The great outdoors: As pandemic protocols remain in place, Boston College departments and offices collaborate on programming for students to safely spend time together 

The Boston College Flute Ensemble performs at world's largest flute choir showcase

April 

Class of 2025 admitted students are most talented, diverse in BC history

New books by BC Philosopher Richard Kearney focus on the importance of the sense of touch and the need to engage in narrative exchanges with others

New commemorative volume traces Campus School's 50-year history

In Memoriam: Lynda Lytle Holmstrom, retired professor of sociology

Diversity and Inclusion Summit: BC Law Dean Vincent Rougeau and VP for Institutional Research and Planning Mara Hermano will keynote

Starting a career during COVID: Boston College’s youngest alumni reflect

A long look at logos: New research from the Carroll School of Management shows they are an indispensible tool for influencing consumers

BC hosts virtual Greater Boston Intercollegiate Undergraduate Poetry Festival

Katherine Gregory named dean of Connell School of Nursing

At 2021 Pinnacle Lecture, outgoing Connell School of Nursing Dean Susan Gennaro offers thoughts on leadership, service, and the spirit of nursing

School of Theology and Ministry honors Gregory Boyle, S.J.: The founder of Homeboy Industries receives Alumni Distinguished Service Award

New offerings from BC Dining: Pop-up events, virtual cooking lessons, and bistro dining at Hillside

Boston College Athletics announces 10-year agreement with New Balance

Romero Scholarship winner Daniela Vazquez Loriga is a first-gen college student who aspires to a career in international law

Stories from the field: A podcast highlights tales from scholars and students in political science

Juniors Max German and Jenna Mu named Truman Scholars

Stopping the presses: After more than a century in print, The Heights goes all-digital

New leadership for M.S. in Sports Administration program: Patty Raube Keller joins BC's Woods College

BC Strong Scholarship recipients, supporters come together to reflect on the past year; note strides made in awareness and accessibility

In Memoriam: Peter Gottschalk, an eminent labor economist among first to study wage and income equality in U.S.

Boston College Commencement 2021: Nationally noted columnist and best-selling author David Brooks will address the graduates

BC School of Social Work presents Pinderhuges Diversity Lecture:  Developmental psychologist Sheretta Butler-Barnes

M&T Bank chairman, CEO René Jones '86 to address Wall Street Council Business Leadership Forum

"BC After Dark": Hillside Cafe is transformed into a new late-night dining option

New UGBC leaders: Juniors Jack Bracher and Gianna Russi

At 10-year milestone, more than 250 leaders from some 120 schools have participated in Boston College's Lynch Leadership Academy

COVID-19's toll on mental health: During the first 9 months of the pandemic, Americans reported rates of depression and anxiety six times higher than in 2019, Boston College researchers find

A new wave of creativity: 2021 Boston College Arts Festival 

In Memoriam: Donnah Canavan, associate professor of psychology 

A new leaf for cellular agriculture: A spinach leaf proves to be an edible scaffold for lab-grown meat, new research by Professor of Engineering Glenn Gaudette shows

BC undergraduates advanced to the finals at the 25th annual Intercollegiate Ethics Bowl

Jesuit Jubilarians: Four Boston College priests celebrate the anniversaries of their entrance into the Society of Jesus

May

Secondhand smoke heightens oral cancer risks, report international researchers including BC Global Observatory on Pollution and Health Co-Director Kurt Straif, M.D.

Commencement 2021 plans; celebration for Class of 2020

Courageous Conversations: A Boston College program promotes civil dialogues on racial justice

'Seniors to Remember': Six members of the Class of 2021 reflect on their Boston College experience

Boston College will expand aid for qualifying veterans enrolled at BC Law and in the Carroll School's full-time M.B.A. program

Global Conversations: Student-led Boston College program connects undergraduates with peers abroad

BC’s ‘Spoon River Revival’ wins Kennedy Center award

New survey results show 93 percent of graduates of the Boston College Class of 2020 are employed, enrolled in graduate school, or engaged in a fellowship or volunteer experience

Eagle's Flight: Boston College Career Center, Alumni Association join forces to bring more career opportunities to students and recent graduate

Excellence in Teaching Day will be held virtually on May 21

Nationally noted columnist, best-selling author David Brooks urges Class of 2021 to practice 'social closeness and social courage'

Commencement 2021: Honorary degree recipients

Commencement 2021: Hariharan Shanmugam '21 of the Carroll School of Management wins Finnegan Award

James Joseph named Ignatian Global Carroll School Fellow

Selected for the Science for Seminaries project, the BC School of Theology and Ministry will integrate neuroscience into its curriculum

Parting thoughts: Retiring faculty and staff reflect on their time at BC

June 

 BC Lynch School team examines how teachers are prepared at "new graduate schools of education"

Journey with Ignatius: Institute for Advanced Jesuit Studies app offers virtual pilgrimage

Ferris Professor of Physics Michael J. Naughton wins Fulbright U.S. Scholar award

Graduating seniors, current students, and recent alumni earn Fulbrights and other prestigious scholarships and awards

Lynch School's Andrés Castro Samayoa is named Mellon Emerging Faculty Leader

Discovery of a billion-year-old fossil in Scotland offers exciting new insight into animal evolution, BC researcher says

BC School of Theology and Ministry awarded grant to promote Catholic biblical literacy and interpretation

University preparing interim accreditation report

Cave deposits reveal Pleistocene permafrost thaw, absent predicted levels of CO2 release, BC scientists report 

Joe Herlihy to retire as BC's General Counsel; Deputy Counsel Nora Field named successor

Pops Off the Heights wins CASE gold award: Reimagined, virtual presentation honored for execution and engagement

A story to tell: Rising Boston College junior Kudzai Kapurura celebrates her bicultural identity through award-winning poetry and public speaking

Boston College names Seton Hall's Shawna Cooper-Gibson as Vice President for Student Affairs

Boston College faculty honored for Catholic books, writing:  James Bernauer, S.J., Marina McCoy, and Andrea Vicini, S.J.

Connell School of Nursing honors Terry FulmerAn international leader in geriatrics, Fulmer receives the 2021 Dean Rita P. Kelleher Award

Boston College wins Best Loyalty Programming in the Alpha Sigma Nu Chapter of the Year awards

July 

August 

New director of financial aid: Ebony Marsala⁠

In Memoriam: Library benefactor Brian P. Burns

A second life: A local sculptor transforms an ailing oak tree into lasting campus artwork

An inclusive vision: Alex Gray ’06 hopes to become Boston’s first blind city councilor

BC physicists' discovery of the 'layer Hall effect' in a unique material could lead to ultra-efficient electronic advances

A bridge between passions: Julia Spiegel '22 blends her interests in medicine and Hispanic Studies as a research intern at Boston's Brigham and Women's Hospital

McNair Scholars shine: BC faculty mentors praise this year's cohort of students following research showcase

High-temperature superconductor reveals new insights into how it enters the nematic state, BC-led research team reports

Schiller Institute awards inaugural grants for exploratory collaborative scholarship

Honored for mentorship: Connell School of Nursing Professor and Associate Dean Christopher Lee to receive award from the American Heart Association

Award-winning historian Guy Beiner named Sullivan Chair in Irish Studies

New research from BC paleobotanist Paul Strother helps explain the evolution of land plants from freshwater algae

At the top of his field: Juan Lopera ’99 was a pioneer in diversity, equity, and inclusion. Now he’s leading diversity efforts across one of the state’s largest health systems.

Alumnus, Associate Vice Provost Joe Burns retires after nearly four decades of service

First major U.S. exhibition on Cuban artist Mariano Rodríguez at BC's McMullen Museum of Art

September 

University Convocation: Despite pandemic challenges, Boston College remains academically robust and financially healthy, senior administrators say

Robshams’ $75M estate gift largest in University history

Vice President Joy Moore, Morrissey College Dean Greg Kalscheur, S.J., named co-directors of BC's Forum on Racial Justice in America

Boston College Law School dean search committee announced

Mass of the Holy Spirit: The traditional open to the academic year will be held on September 9

BC's Lowell Humanities Series begins fall season

Conference will examine how the scholarship and teaching of Monan Professor of Theology Lisa Sowle Cahill has shaped the field of Christian ethics

BC expands international education opportunities: New Office of Global Education reflects an agenda for a new era

New point person for BC veterans: Air National Guard veteran Michael Lorenz named assistant director for veteran programs and services

Boston College ranked 36th in 2022 U.S. News survey of national universities

Lynch School Professor Henry Braun to receive AERA Lindquist Award

Discussion on the rise and dangers of white nationalism will feature the director of groundbreaking documentary “White Noise”

Six new statues of Jesuit saints bring beauty and meaning to Boston College’s second-oldest building

Graduate program enrollment strong, up 11 percent over the previous year

New Institute for Early Childhood Policy will expand collaboration between the Lynch School and BC School of Social Work

Korean War hero laid to rest: A funeral Mass will be celebrated for former BC student 1st Lt. Thomas Redgate, MIA for 71 years

Boston College placed fourth in the Chronicle of Higher Education’s list of private colleges and universities with the best six-year graduation rates for Pell Grant students

BC physicist Ziqiang Wang receives a competitive Cottrell Plus SEED Award

Interim director Brian Salerno named executive director of the Center for Digital Innovation in Learning

$25M NSF grant will support deeper understanding of ocean ecosystems and establish new interdisciplinary center

In Memoriam: Marvin C. Rintal, retired political science professor

Conference to address rise in global cancer

Mission driven: Senior Bailey Renger spent the summer helping NASA build the quantum network of the future

Six things on the menu from BC Dining

Boston College researchers reveal a novel metal where electrons flow with fluid-like dynamics

Running for good: Meet 12 Eagles taking on this year’s Boston Marathon on October 11

Ricci Institute for Chinese-Western Cultural History coming to Boston College

A unique class for a unique time: For Class of 2025, exploration of Boston College as potential higher ed destination was entirely remote

Patrick Conway named director BC Prison Education Program

October

Connell School of Nursing’s Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist Program has three new manikins, thanks to donations made in memory of Clinical Assistant Professor Denise Testa

Ignatian Colleagues Program participants create videos on how the Ignatian charism influences their work at BC

'Portraits of Dementia': Exhibit juxtaposes images of individuals living with dementia with photos of their younger selves

Andrew Jorgenson tapped for National Climate Assessment report

GetRScore helps organizations assess ability to recover from ransomware attack; collaboration between Boston College and private security, infotech, and data protection companies 

Internship program at BC's Institute for the Liberal Arts supports career exploration for Ph.D. students

Air pollution’s deadly toll in Africa: BC Global Observatory uncovers striking economic and human cost in first continent-wide study

Commencement Weekend for BC Class of 2020, graduates whose senior year was interrupted by pandemic

A special class returns: Separated during their senior year by the pandemic, BC's 2020 graduates gathered at the Heights

Mystērion: A new Boston College journal features essays from undergraduates on theological questions

Endowed chair for School of Theology and Ministry: A gift intention will establish the Clifford and Kitz Chair in the Hebrew Bible/Old Testament

Summer L. Williams is new Monan Professor in Theatre Arts

Live Theatre Department performances return to campus

Woods College applied economics hybrid career expo turns tables on traditional recruitment events

Boston College to send delegation to COP26

"True North" discernment app a hit: Digital curriculum developed by Lynch School team helps students explore pathways to purpose

More than a marathon: Senior Olivia Colombo used self-advocacy, bravery, and sheer force of will to turn a dire medical prognosis into her proudest athletic achievement

Connell School of Nursing student steps in to help save a Marathon runner

$10M gift from BC Law's largest benefactor will establish Marianne D. Short, Esq., Law School Deanship

BC celebrates first-generation students with First-Gen Week

November

BC School of Social Work partners with Mass General Brigham to improve healthcare for state's Latinx communities

Jubilate Deo Award: School of Theology and Ministry Professor John F. Baldovin, S.J., honored for contribution to development of U.S. pastoral liturgy

Demystifying cryptocurrency: Leonard Kostovetsky of BC's Carroll School of Management on the "Wild West" of digital assets

In Memoriam: James F. Halpin,  former associate dean and professor in the Carroll School of Management and rector of the Boston College Jesuit community

Discerning a meaningful retirement: Participants in the Ignatian Legacy Fellows Program engaged with Jesuits, faculty, administrators, and students during campus visit

Boston College Veterans Remembrance will feature keynote by retired U.S. Navy Rear Admiral Raymond Berube '78

"For God and Country": The war diary of former Boston College dean Lt. Commander John P. Foley, S.J., U.S. Navy chaplain, depicts the "horrors and heroism" of those who served in World War II

A platform to empower: As Miss Massachusetts, BC master's student and future social worker Elizabeth Pierre uses her crown to help young people find their voice

Remembering the victims of COVID-19: From 200 miles away, Boston College students are contributing to a new kind of journalism in New York City

Korean war hero's name added to BC Veterans Memorial: Former student, First Lt. Thomas Redgate, killed in combat and MIA for seven decades, becomes 211th inscription

In tribute to former Center for Christian-Jewish Learning director James Bernauer, S.J.: Former students, colleagues contribute essays for a special journal issue

Pollution and the heart: Boston College professor and public health expert Philip Landrigan, M.D., calls on doctors to screen and treat patients for exposure to air pollution

At Pinnacle Lecture, Connell School of Nursing Dean Katherine Gregory shared key lessons she has learned

Unstoppable: Graduating senior Urwa Hameed wants to improve the lives of women in her native Pakistan and beyond. Her new book is just the beginning

Good vibrations: Boston College scientist Alan Kafka uses seismic activity to estimate level of excitement at Alumni Stadium during recent Eagles–Hokies game

Former Eagles and Carolina Panthers LB Luke Kuechly, an ambassador for the Project Life Movement, recruits BC students to global registry of bone marrow and stem cell donors

BC's Gaelic Roots series hosts performer, teacher, and choreographer Kieran Jordan ’96, screens her documentary "The Dan Furey Dance Group and a Circle of Squares"

In Memoriam: James A. Woods, S.J., Boston College's longest-serving dean and namesake of the Woods College of Advancing Studies

Outreach by Connell School of Nursing faculty and students helps Cristo Rey Boston High School significantly increase COVID-19 vaccination rate 

"Pulled Up Short": Lynch School Dean Stanton Wortham launches season two of his podcast 

'Toward the Morning Sun': Collection of Navajo textiles donated by Boston College Professor Rebecca Valette and her husband, Jean-Paul, now on view at The Heard Museum

In a new memoir, Boston College grad Liz Hauck writes about how she served and accompanied others to honor the memory of her father Charlie Hauck '69

'The great resignation': A record 4.4 million Americans quit their jobs in September. Lynch School workforce expert David Blustein weighs in on the story behind the numbers

December 

John Barros to be inaugural visiting professional at BC's Corcoran Center for Real Estate and Urban Action

BC Art Club exhibition showcases faculty and staff creativity

Ready to rock: The Boston College band Photo Negative prepares for their biggest stage yet

Peter Lynch donates more than $20 million in art from his private collection to McMullen Museum at Boston College

Exotic metals: BC research reveals new insights on the unique properties and phenomena of 'kagome lattice' superconductors

EagleApps, one year later

Lessons learned at COP26: Boston College attendees at the U.N. Climate Change Conference reflect 

The business of art: Kate Herlihy had a background in art history before getting an M.B.A. at BC. Now she has a major role in an international art event.

A $300,000 NSF grant will support Boston College physicist Andrzej Herczynski's study of how art and science connect

BC Dining employment offers students opportunity, flexibility

Al Travaglini ’73 returned to BC as a custodian. He’s retiring more than 36 years later as a director.

BC hosts ImpACCt Design Summit on design thinking

Lifetime achievement award: Distinguished artist-in-residence, conductor, and organist John Finney is honored by Choral Arts New England

School of Theology and Ministry theologian Hosffman Ospino receives Richard Cardinal Cushing Medal for the Advancement of Church Research

$1.5M in NIH, NSF grants will boost BC's Magnetic Resonance Center

Meet Lacee Satcher: The urban sociologist studies the intersection of inequality, environment, and health

Continuing stories: It was 'back to school' for popular local outreach program BC Read Aloud this fall

14 uplifting moments from 2021