Mass at Fenway Park
September 15, 2012, 4:00 p.m.
The Sesquicentennial Celebration will officially begin with a Mass at Fenway Park in Boston. The Mass is open to all members of the Boston College community—students, faculty, staff, alumni, parents, and their families—and will be concelebrated by members of the Jesuit community and alumni priests. It will be followed by a reception and activities in the ballpark. This event is cosponsored by Boston College High School. Rain date: September 16.
Academic Symposium
Education and Its Role in Democratic Societies
October 5, 2012
Led by Lynch School of Education professors Marilyn Cochran-Smith and Dennis Shirley, this symposium will address issues related to education and its role in democratic societies. Learn more
Sesquicentennial Speakers Series
Drew Gilpin Faust
October 10, 2012
Harvard University President Drew Faust will address the Boston College community on the topic of scholarship. A noted Civil War historian, President Faust will be awarded a Sesquicentennial Medal in recognition of her commitment to teaching and scholarship. Learn more
Academic Symposium
Religion and the Liberal Aims of Higher Education
November 8–9, 2012
This conference will examine the unique contributions that religiously affiliated colleges and universities can offer to the educational enterprise. Learn more
Academic Symposium
Migration: Past, Present, and Future
March 21–22, 2013
Sponsored by the Center for Human Rights and International Justice, this symposium will explore the changing patterns of migration and what needs to be done to address the plight of international refugees. Learn more
Naturalization Ceremony
March 21, 2013, 3:00 p.m., Robsham Theater
One hundred immigrants will take the Oath of Allegiance to become citizens of the United States in a naturalization ceremony hosted by Boston College’s Graduate School of Social Work. U.S. District Court Judge George A. O’Toole Jr. ’69, P ’09 P ’11 will preside at the ceremony. Boston College’s ROTC and BC bOp! Jazz Ensemble will participate. Learn more
Boston College Sesquicentennial Concert at Symphony Hall
March 23, 2013, 2:00 p.m.
The University Chorale, the Boston College Symphony Orchestra, BC bOp!, and the University Wind Ensemble will take the stage in Boston’s Symphony Hall for a concert open to Boston College students, parents, alumni, friends, faculty, and staff. Actor and special guest Chris O’Donnell ’92 will narrate Aaron Copland’s “A Lincoln Portrait.” Tickets are limited. Purchase tickets
Law Schools and the Education of Democratic Citizens
April 2, 2013, 10 a.m.
Retired Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O’Connor will join deans of distinguished law schools at an academic symposium sponsored by Boston College Law School. REGISTRATION IS NOW CLOSED. THIS EVENT IS AT CAPACITY.
Founders Day Student Celebration
April 30, 2013, 5:30 p.m.
Students will celebrate Boston College’s birthday with cake and song. Birthday cake will be available in all three dining commons and student a cappella groups will perform in Corcoran Commons.
Academic Symposium
The Legacy of Vatican II
September 26, 2013
Sponsored by the School of Theology and Ministry, this symposium will consider the lasting effects of Vatican II.
Academic Symposium
Energy: From the Last to the Next 150 Years
Fall 2013
Led by Michael Naughton, chairman of the Department of Physics, and Willie Padilla, associate professor of physics, this symposium will consider the future state of energy from the vantage points of physics, chemistry, biology, political science, and economics.
Catholic Higher Education Symposium
October 2013
This gathering of Catholic educational leaders will address issues facing American Catholic higher education.
Academic Symposium
Religious Diversity and the Common Good, 1863–2013
November 13, 2013
Led by Boisi Center for Religion and American Public Life Director Alan Wolfe, this symposium will reflect on the challenge of fostering the common good amidst religious diversity.
Commemorations
Sesquicentennial Tributes
In addition to these events, the University will unveil several features to celebrate its history, including two books: An Illustrated History of Boston College and a new History of Boston College by Professor James O'Toole; historical markers throughout campus; a virtual Tour of the Heights website and GPS-guided app available from the iTunes store; a documentary film on the history of Boston College; and a portrait gallery of the 25 University presidents. Additionally, the Church in the 21st Century Center will publish special sesquicentennial issues of C21 Resources that will mark a decade since the founding of C21.
Sesquicentennial Logos
Boston College men’s and women’s basketball and hockey teams and the football team will wear Sesquicentennial logos on their uniforms during the 2012–2013 seasons.
Volunteer Community Service
All Boston College students will be asked to perform 150 minutes of community service in either Boston or Newton during the Sesquicentennial, joining thousands of students and graduates who currently volunteer in the cities’ schools, hospitals, food pantries and social service agencies. To assist more students seeking a chance to serve, BC will sponsor a program called Eagle Volunteers, which will provide placements with local community partners such as the Epiphany School, St. Peter’s Teen Center, and the Catholic Charities Yawkey Center Food Pantry. With a quick registration at www.bc.edu/eaglevolunteers, students can reserve a ride to these locations for any week during the year. Alumni will also be asked to perform 150 minutes of service through the National Day of Service on April 13, 2013, or the more than 25 alumni service programs offered through alumni chapters.
University Library
The University Library will complete its digitization of the 41,000 pages of the Heights, published by students since 1919, and will mount an online exhibit of art and artifacts from its special collections.
The Library will also sponsor the following exhibits:
- 150 Years of Student Life at Boston College
May 1 to June 30, 2012
O'Neill Lobby
- St. Ignatius in Boston
November 1, 2012, to January 15, 2013
Burns Library Hall
- Interconnected Dimensions: Student Formation at Boston College
January 24 to February 28, 2013
O'Neill Lobby
- Going Pro: Introduction of Professional Schools at Boston College
May 17 to June 17, 2013
O'Neill Lobby
- Prepared to Serve: Boston College Alumni
October 1 to December 31, 2013
O'Neill Lobby
Alumni, Parents, and Friends
The Sesquicentennial will be featured as part of these events:
- 20th Anniversary of POPS on the Heights
- 25th Anniversary of the Wall Street Council Tribute Dinner
- The Senior Class Toast in May 2013, when the Golden Eagle Class of 1963 welcomes the Class of 2013 to the alumni ranks
- Reunion Weekend, June 2013, which will feature special events for the Golden Eagle Sesquicentennial Class of 1963
