Blenda Wilson, University Trustee and a leading national figure in education reform, first came to Boston College in 1972 to pursue her doctorate in education. Then a senior academic administrator at Harvard, Dr. Wilson had looked at a number of leading graduate schools, but was not finding a program that was both flexible enough to meet her demanding schedule as a university dean, and challenging enough to enhance what she'd learned in the workplace.
At Boston College, she found just what she was looking for. The Lynch School of Education took a unique approach, and worked with Dr. Wilson on crafting an individualized program that included coursework from both the schools of education and management, and fit her lifestyle and professional goals.
"Boston College offered me something no other school provided," said Dr. Wilson. "They could accommodate the breadth of courses I needed, and showed a real commitment to me and my educational pursuits."
She received her doctorate in 1979, and since then the BC Fund has remained one of her top philanthropic priorities.
"In 1972, Boston College put its trust in me, and with my gift each year, I return that trust."
As former president of California State University, Northridge, Dr. Wilson appreciates the many ways that alumni can support their institutions. She supports the annual fund because she believes in supporting the University's work today.
"I want to invest in Boston College -- its mission, its vision, and its future," she said. "By giving to the BC Fund, I am demonstrating my trust in the University and its leadership, and giving them the flexibility to use the money to address its most important needs and priorities."
Dr. Wilson also gives to the BC Fund because of her strong belief that a quality education should be accessible for everyone. While president of the Nellie Mae Education Foundation, the region's largest public charity dedicated to improving academic achievement for underserved communities, she put this belief into practice each day.
"It is a privilege to have an education," said Dr. Wilson, "and all of us with this privilege should be lifelong advocates of offering this same opportunity to others."
"Through the BC Fund, I can say thank you to Boston College for what it gave to me, and help make it possible for others to have this same opportunity," she added.
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Contact the BC Fund: 888-752-6438 or bcfund@bc.edu