An Enduring Connection

Joan and James Peck’s son, Andrew ’01, embraced the Jesuit ideal of cura personalis, or “care for the person,” during his years at the Heights. Andrew was an avid golfer, played basketball in his spare time, and loved cheering for the Red Sox. He was also a Dean’s List student and aspired to attend medical school after graduation. During winter break of his senior year, however, Andrew was killed in a car accident on icy roads while returning from a ski trip near his home in Portland, Oregon.

To honor their son’s life, the couple established the Andrew R. Peck Memorial Scholarship Fund at Boston College last year. The endowed fund will provide a four-year scholarship to a pre-med student who’s demonstrated academic excellence and is in need of financial assistance. Such scholarships also help BC meet its goal to increase endowed financial aid, which is especially important given that the University accepts students based on their potential to succeed and not on their ability to afford tuition.

“Andrew loved the academic challenge of BC and the friends that he made there,” says Joan. “Our daughter, Jennifer, had a similarly positive experience. Therefore, we wanted to give other students the opportunity to receive a BC education.”

Immediately after Andrew’s death, the Pecks were struck by the support the BC community provided. More than 500 students and faculty gathered to celebrate his life at a service in St. Ignatius Church, while Campus Ministry’s Fr. Donald MacMillan flew to Portland to uphold BC tradition by representing the University at Andrew’s memorial there. 

“Fr. MacMillan’s visit meant a lot to us,” says Jim. “He gave a wonderful talk at the service and his presence was very comforting. We also appreciate the way BC remembered Andrew on campus.” 

To this day, the Pecks keep in regular touch with Andrew’s three closest friends from BC. “They are all great people and they have become part of our family,” says Joan. “Our continued connection with them is a testament to the power of the BC community.”