Russert Made Impression on BC, as Parent and Participant
NBC newsman served as moderator at several major campus events
(6-16-2008) — As media colleagues, political figures and the viewing public mourned the death of NBC newsman Tim Russert, the Boston College community recalled one of its most avid, high-profile supporters -- a proud BC parent who regularly lent his presence and insight to major University events.
Mr. Russert, who died June 13 of an apparent heart attack, was host of NBC's "Meet the Press" and its Washington bureau chief, renowned as a respected political professional -- he was a former aide to Senator Daniel Patrick Moynihan and New York Governor Mario Cuomo -- who became a towering figure in news media.
But Mr. Russert had another role, as father to a son, Luke, who last month graduated from BC. Mr. Russert -- himself a product of Jesuit schooling at Canisius High School in Buffalo and John Carroll University in Cleveland -- clearly enjoyed championing Luke's alma mater, often slipping in references to BC sports teams during his TV appearances, occasionally donning a BC cap while on air. He also regularly attended BC games, whether at Chestnut Hill or on the road. His interest and involvement in BC, however, went well beyond the athletic arena — and predated Luke's undergraduate years. In September 2003, Mr. Russert moderated a panel discussion "Toward renewal: What have we learned? Where are we going?," that opened the second year of BC's widely praised Church in the 21st Century initiative, which the University launched as a response to the clerical sexual abuse crisis in the Catholic Church. The following spring, Mr. Russert was awarded an honorary Doctorate of Laws degree from BC and addressed graduates at the 2004 Commencement Exercises.
"Please do this world one small favor -- remember the people struggling alongside you and below you," Mr. Russert urged the Class of 2004 at ceremonies forced indoors by rain to Conte Forum -- which was to become a familiar venue for him. "No matter what profession you choose, you must try, even in the smallest ways, to improve the quality of life of children in this country.
"The best commencement speech I ever heard was all of 16 words: 'No exercise is better for the human heart than reaching down to lift up another person.'" Mr. Russert returned to campus to moderate other events examining political, social, cultural and faith issues. In October of 2005, he led a discussion on journalism and politics, and in February of 2006, presided over the forum "Catholic Politicians in the US: Their Faith and Public Policy," with a panel of former Bill Clinton campaign manager James Carville, Washington Post columnist E.J. Dionne, ex-presidential speechwriter Peggy Noonan and Edward W. Gillespie, former chairman of the Republican National Committee. The event was filmed and subsequently broadcast by CNN. After making a surprise appearance on a segment of the CNBC show "Mad Money" filmed at BC in September of 2006, the following April Mr. Russert moderated a Church in the 21st Century-sponsored discussion in spring 2007 on faith and politics between US senators Sam Brownback and Chris Dodd. "Tim Russert represented the finest values and beliefs of a Jesuit, Catholic education and he did it with such enthusiasm and generosity," said University President William P. Leahy, SJ. "He was involved at BC in so many ways, including Church in the 21st Century, parents' gatherings and informal sessions with students. We mourn his death and extend our sympathies to his wife Maureen and son Luke."
University President William P. Leahy, SJ, stands with Tim Russert, his wife Maureen, and their newly graduated son Luke on Commencement Day last month.