University Trustee, BC parent, and benefactor Mario J. Gabelli, chairman and CEO of GAMCO Investors, Inc., will receive the President's Medal for Excellence at the 24th Annual Wall Street Council Tribute Dinner April 26. The award honors Gabelli's exceptional career as a business leader as well as his personal and professional contributions to society, exemplifying the University's motto, "Ever to Excel."

What are your thoughts on receiving the President's Medal for Excellence?
As a founding member of the Wall Street Council, I'm incredibly honored to be recognized in this way. It's also gratifying to see how much the council has grown and continues to support outstanding initiatives like BC's Presidential Schol­ars Program. An education is the means through which individuals succeed in a meritocracy, and this program gives the very best students an excellent founda­tion—in academics, leadership skills, and Jesuit values—on which to build their lives.

What has led you to build such a deep relationship with Boston College?
The Ignatian spirit that drives BC is fundamental to me. I have seen first­hand the tremendous impact it can have on a young person. Boston College has enjoyed brilliant leadership over the last 30 years, becoming one of the leading universities in the U.S.; it has been a great pleasure to be a part of that vision and growth.

How do you see the impact of the Light the World campaign on the University?
This campaign gives us the ability to at­tract, retain, and energize the best faculty; create world-class facilities; and provide students with extraordinary educational opportunities. Just as inspiring, it has brought BC's dynamic alumni com­munity together in a shared vision of an exemplary educational institution.