"I came to Newton College in the late 1960s, a time of dramatic upheaval and great social change," says Kathleen McGillycuddy, NC '71. "The world was moving fast, and for me, at the age of 17, it was alternately exhilarating and intimidating. One of my fondest memories of those early days is of feeling completely at home. Newton College provided a safe and nurturing environment, yet challenged us to explore, to look at life in different ways, to engage in conversations about important social issues, and to believe in the limitless possibilities ahead of us. The women of Newton College were encouraged, in fact, expected, to make significant contributions to the world. In that social and political context, that outlook was profound."

To say that McGillycuddy fulfilled that expectation would be an understatement. After graduating from Newton College, she went on to earn an MBA from Babson College. Soon, she was on her way to a career in banking that spanned more than three decades and reached the highest levels of the region's financial institutions. After 18 years at Bank of New England, she joined BankBoston in 1992, leading its global markets division and chairing its Asset/Liability and Capital Committee and its Global Markets Strategy Council. Until her retirement in 2002, McGillycuddy served as executive vice president at FleetBoston Financial and head of its Private Clients Group, overseeing more than $50 billion in assets.

Her contributions to Boston College have been equally significant. McGillycuddy became a University trustee in 2002, and is a member of the Trustee Committee on University Advancement and the board of governors of the Boston College Club. She is a founding co-chair of the Council for Women of Boston College, whose mission is to further the role of women as leaders and influential participants at BC. And McGillycuddy has been generous with her financial support as well as her time. In addition to making other significant gifts to the University, she was one of four lead donors in the successful effort to establish an endowed professorship, the Newton College Alumnae Chair in Western Culture. "The study of Western culture was a very big part of Newton College when I was there," recalls McGillycuddy. "When I learned about the challenge to endow this chair, I became very motivated. I really wanted to honor that important tradition."

"Newton College was my first home away from home, and I have built, literally and figuratively, my entire life in Newton and Boston. I met most of my lifelong friends at Newton College and BC. But, I am most grateful to BC for its constancy. Boston College is unwavering in its commitment to its Catholic and Jesuit roots, and yet is willing to assume leadership on important issues facing our complex society. I am very grateful to be a part of BC's initiatives."