Hats off to The Heights:
BC’s independent student newspaper has been named a finalist by the Associated Collegiate Press for its 2006 Overall Newspaper Pacemaker award, the most prestigious award given to college newspapers. more
Competing for national championship:
BC's Federal Reserve Challenge team wins first place in the Boston region and will head to the national championship in Washington later this month.
Politics and humor:
Professor of English Paul Lewis discussed his book and the current state of political humor in the U.S. on WBUR's "On Point".
BC among America's ‘New Ivies’:
Boston College has been named to the elite 'New Ivies’ list, introduced for the first time this year by Kaplan/Newsweek, which includes ‘colleges whose first-rate academic programs, combined with a population boom in top students, have fueled their rise in stature and favor among the nation’s top students, administrators and faculty—edging them to a competitive status rivaling the Ivy League. Newsweek | Boston Business Journal | NBC Today Show
CRR receives record amount of federal support:
Center for Retirement Research at Boston College has received $2.7 million in new funding, a record amount, from the U.S. Social Security Administration. more
Hawaiian earthquake:
A magnitude 6.6 earthquake was recorded by Weston Observatory seismologists on 10/15/06. View seismogram. This earthquake was also recorded in classrooms of K-12 schools that are part of the Boston College Educational Seismology Project.
BC ranks 34th in new US News survey:
On the heels of the University’s inclusion in Kaplan/Newsweek’s first “New Ivies” list, BC has climbed to 34 in the U.S. News & World Report rankings of the best national universities for 2007. In addition, CSOM is at 29 among undergraduate business schools, and BC was cited in both the “Great Schools, Great Prices” list and under Special Programs, for First Year Experience. More at US News.
Globe editorial lauds BC efforts in urban education:
"Urban educators often complain that their job is made more difficult by the social and behavioral problems that many children bring to school. Boston College, at least, seems to be listening." Boston Globe
Magnitude 6.0 earthquake in the Gulf of Mexico:
An unusual earthquake, far from any plate boundary and well within the interior of the North American plate, was recorded by BC seismologists on 9/10/06. Associate Professor of Geology and Geophysics Alan Kafka commented, "It is the occurrence of these large and unusual 'intraplate' earthquakes that motivates our research at Weston Observatory on earthquake hazards in the eastern United States." Weston Observatory seismogram | News Report
Cause for celebration:
Boston’s North End, after Italy’s World Cup win over France. Graduate students Fabio Moneta (CSOM, L) and Luigi Pascali (Econ, far R) and Economics Professors Fabio Ghironi and Matteo Iacoviello (center L and R).
Brand new territory for Fulbright success this year:
This is the year that BC’s Fulbright fellowship program quite literally goes places it’s never been before. BC Chronicle
BC Commencement 2006:
View a streaming video of BC’s 130th Commencement. [Requires RealPlayer; download free program Real.com.]
Parents dream of BC:
A Princeton Review survey of parents that asked “What ‘dream college’ would you most like to see your child attend were prospects of acceptance or cost not issues?” indicates that BC is the seventh most desirable university in the U.S.
Weston Observatory records Java earthquake:
A magnitude 7.1 earthquake in Java was recorded by Weston Observatory seismologists on July 17, 2006. BC seismograms | Boston College Educational Seismology Project
Weston Observatory records Indonesian earthquake:
A magnitude 6.3 earthquake that struck central Java in Indonesia, killing more than 3,000 people, was recorded by Weston Observatory seismologists on May 26, 2006. View Weston Observatory seismogram | news report
Boston College lauded for outreach to Boston public schools:
In 2003 BC received a $5 million grant from the Carnegie Corporation, with a $5 million match from BC to launch Teachers for a New Era. This is a landmark initiative to improve pupil learning by strengthening teacher preparation and P-12 teaching, and also to influence directly public policy leaders concerned with the quality of the nation’s teachers. This major undertaking involves a partnership among A&S faculty, LSOE faculty, and school-based professionals in Boston Public Schools and other schools in Waltham, Newton, and Brookline. Chronicle of Higher Education
‘No better time to be at BC’:
It’s a great time to be a student at Boston College, notes a recent editorial in The Heights.
Weston Observatory records earthquake:
A magnitude 8.0 earthquake near the South Pacific nation of Tonga was recorded by Weston Observatory seismologists on May 3, 2006. View Weston Observatory seismogram
Elements, Boston College Undergraduate Research Journal:
The Journal, founded in September 2004 by a group of twenty undergraduate students, is a forum for the exchange of original ideas within and across disciplines at the University. Spring 2006 issue
Weston Observatory records Russian quake:
A magnitude 7.7 earthquake in Russia was recorded by Weston Observatory seismologists on Thursday, April 20. View Devlin Hall seismogram.
FULTON Debate wins George Mason Tournament:
Allen Best ´07 and Mandy Castle ´07 won the varsity division of the 2006 George Mason Patriot Debate Tournament at George Mason University. Fulton Debating Society
African and African Diaspora Studies:
BC’s Black Studies Program has been renamed African and African Diaspora Studies to reflect an expanded focus on African descendants. This interdisciplinary program explores how the slave trade, patterns of labor exploitation, and immigration and migration routes have shaped the experiences of African descendants from Africa, the Caribbean, the U.S., Europe, and the Middle East. In the future, three key themes will motivate the program, globalization, intersectionality, and social justice.
John Randall, Professor Emeritus:
Professor Randall died on February 7, after a long illness. Randall joined the Boston College faculty in 1962. After retiring from full-time teaching in 1998, Randall continued to teach part-time. He published steadily throughout his career and, at the time of his retirement, he was writing an account of the Voodoo Macbeth, Orson Welle’s all black version of Shakespeare’s play, set in Haiti. He had seen the play in Harlem in 1936 as a young boy, and it made a lasting impression. A memorial service was held March 25 in Connolly House.
Noted Scholar of English, American Poetry:
Professor Emeritus Anne Ferry, author of seven books of literary criticism, died Thursday after a long illness. Ferry taught English at Boston College from 1966 until her retirement in 1991. She was also involved in the development of BC’s creative doctoral program in English. Ferry was a Guggenheim fellow and a fellow of the National Endowment for the Humanities, in addition to serving as trustee of Boston’s Commonwealth School and of Vassar College. In 2003 she was inducted into the American Academy of Arts and Sciences.
Catholic colleges give Jewish programs a lift:
From Boston College to Georgetown University, minors in Jewish Studies are taking root on campus. Maxim D. Shrayer (Professor/Chairperson, Slavic and Eastern Languages) and Dwayne E. Carpenter (Professor, Romance Languages and Literatures) are the founders and co-directors of BC’s newly created Jewish Studies Program. The Jewish Daily Forward
Hope amid destruction:
During BC’s winter break, volunteer students, faculty, and staff worked tirelessly to help the rebuilding efforts in Mississippi. The Heights
NSF Grant awarded to Interdisciplinary team:
The National Science Foundation has awarded a three-year grant to an interdisciplinary team composed of educators, scientists, and psychologists from Arts & Sciences and the Lynch School, to enhance the quality of urban science education and vocational preparation. The grant will allow the team to increase the breadth and depth of their work by combining two successful programs: 1) the Urban Ecology Institute’s Field Studies Program, led by Research Associate Professor of Biology Eric Strauss (Director, Environmental Studies) and Charlie Lord (co-founder and Executive Director of the Urban Ecology Institute), and 2) the Lynch School’s Tools for Tomorrow Program. more
New Interdisciplinary minor in A&S:
The newly created Jewish Studies Program responds to the post-Vatican II efforts on the part of the Catholic Church to integrate Jewish studies into Catholic university curricula,” stated Dwayne E. Carpenter (Professor, Romance Languages & Literatures). Carpenter and Maxim D. Shrayer (Professor, Slavic & Eastern Languages) are co-directors of the program. Boston Globe | BC Chronicle | AP
BC wins outstanding Delegation Award:
Dr. Shelton Williams presented BC seniors Evan Joye, John Powell, Mark Irvine, and Lauren Johns, members of BC’s Model United Nations, the Outstanding Delegation Award for their superb representation at the Invitational Model United Nations Conference. Political Science Professor David Deese is the students’ advisor.
Honors program and eTeaching services receive grant:
The grant, established by Stanton and Elisabeth Davis after his retirement as chairman of Shaw’s Supermarkets, Inc., will be used to integrate technology into classroom teaching and student research, thus providing faculty with new tools and technological approaches for their seminars, as well as advanced methods of interacting with other faculty in professional learning communities. A new technology-based supplemental curriculum (one credit humanities research lab courses) jointly led by Rita Owens, Associate Academic Vice President, and Mark O’Connor, Adjunct Professor/Director of the Honors Program, will allow students to incorporate the latest applications into their research.
A professor who taught that nothing is impossible:
In honor of the late Grant Balkema, Associate Professor of Biology, the Biology Department recently inaugurated the Grant W. Balkema Memorial Scholarship, an award to be presented annually to an undergraduate student conducting outstanding original research within the department. This year’s recipient is Melanie McNally ’06, who has been researching Sandhoff’s disease under the instruction of Biology Professors Daniel Kirschner and Thomas Seyfried.
Enrollment trends at Boston College:
Student Services’ annual statistical snap shot of BC’s enrollment trends reported that “while communication and English majors continue to be the most plentiful at BC, more undergraduates than ever are majoring in history, human development, and philosophy.” BC Chronicle
Earthquake recorded by seismograms:
The December 5, 2005 earthquake in East Africa (magnitude 6.8) was recorded at BC’s Weston Observatory. The earthquake was also recorded at the Greenlodge Elementary School in Dedham, MA, a participant in BC’s Educational Seismology Project. Greenlodge and Weston Observatory seismograms | News Report
Freshmen flocking to Cornerstone electives:
This year 800 freshmen, nearly "40%" of the Class of 2009, are enrolled in the Cornerstone Program. BC Chronicle
Celebrating 75th year:
As Weston Observatory marks its 75th year of seismic recording at its current location, its BC scientists are offering a range of ways for the public to learn about their work. The Weston TOWN CRIER BC’s Weston Observatory marks 75th anniversary of seismic recordings: Weston Observatory is a geophysical research laboratory of the Department of Geology and Geophysics, located in Weston, MA, approximately 13 miles west of downtown Boston. BC Chronicle and NECN
Alan Kafka comments:
“Since we have seen so many tragic natural disasters this year, I am once again reminded of the importance of being sensitive in our roles as seismologists regarding the human tragedy caused by powerful earthquakes. It is always a challenge for seismologists to find the correct balance among conveying scientific information about “interesting” earthquakes, communicating our amazement at the incredible power of natural forces in the Earth, and not forgetting about the human tragedy caused by large earthquakes. It is important in our roles as seismologists and educators not to forget that the phenomenon we study, and find to be so fascinating, has tragic consequences for people.”
BC’s Newton campus once housed former “Survivor”:
Elisabeth Filarski Hasselbeck ´99, now co-host of ABC’s ‘The View.’ Hasselbeck recently returned to campus to participate in a dorm room makeover, to be aired on September 1. Boston Herald
Commencement:
Boston College’s Commencement speaker, Humanitarian Dr. Paul Farmer, urged the graduates to take action against the world’s suffering and injustice. BC Chronicle | NECN | Boston Globe | View online video of Boston College’s 129th Commencement.
Feeling rattled by small quake?
Geologists at BC’s Weston Observatory said yesterday they are surprised people felt the magnitude-1.5 quake that stuck Lowell, Dracut, and Tewksbury on Monday evening, but said such quakes are actually common in New England. Lowell Sun | Pakistan Earthquake (magnitude 7.6) was recorded by BC seismologists. view seismogram India’s Nicobar Islands (magnitude 7.0) recorded by BC seismologists. view seismogram
Elements journal publishes first issue:
The ournal was founded in September ´04 by a group of 20 undergraduate students, with a goal that the publication would become a forum for the exchange of original ideas within and across the University’s disciplines.
BC’s Theatre program at its highest enrollment level in 25 years:
Associate Professor Stuart Hecht (Theater) stated, “We’re a program that balances the professional-conservatory approach with the purely theoretical liberal arts approach.” BC Chronicle
One of BC’s “Most Wanted” instructors:
Based on the Undergraduate Student Government’s Professor Evaluation Profiles (PEPs), Denise Leckenby’s core course Love, Intimacy and Human Sexuality was rated 10 out of a maximum score of 10. The Heights
Fulbright awards:
Boston College ranked among the top 20 research universities in the nation in student Fulbright awards won this year.
BC Vigil:
Members of the BC Community participated in San Salvador Vigil.
BC students recall Pope John Paul II’s influence in their lives
Heights | Ryan Connors | Boston Herald | Editorial
BC professors discuss Pope’s papacy and legacy:
Harvey Egan, S.J. | Thomas Groome | Boston Globe | News Hour | NECN (video) | James Keenan, S.J. | Lisa Sowle Cahill | Chicago Tribune | Stephen Pope | AP | WBUR | Christian Science Monitor | Orlando Sentinel | Paul McNellis, S.J. | North Adams Transcript | Raymond Helmick, S.J. | Patriot Ledger | David Hollenbach, S.J. | Voice of America
Getting Philosophical:
Befitting a Jesuit school named for the Athens of America, Boston College has droves of philosophy majors–quite possibly more than any other university in the country. BC Chronicle
2004 Fulbright Grant Recipients
Richard Sweeney ´04 (CSOM Honors Program) was awarded a Fulbright Grant to study in Prague, Czech Republic, where he will conduct an analysis of the post-communist transition of the Czech beer industry, focussing on the economic complications and social implications of the shift to the market and of European Union enlargement. For his senior thesis Richard researched a related topic, “Analyzing Cultural Barriers to Trade in the European Beer Market.” Sweeney's thesis and Fulbright advisor was Associate Professor Richard McGowan, S.J. (Operations, Information and Strategic Management).
Sarah Berger '04 has received a Fulbright Grant to study the enculturation of Catholicism with the Mapuche religion in Temuco, Chile, where she will also be teaching English at a university. Sarah's senior honors thesis, “Mexican American Women and Their Devotion to Our Lady of Guadalupe,” has enhanced her fieldwork and research skills, which will prove beneficial to her Fulbright project. Her thesis advisor was Associate Professor Cynthia Lylerly (History).
Melanie Getreuer ´04 (A&S Honors Program) has received a Fulbright Grant to study in Novosibirsk, Russia, where she will be researching the impact of American assistance on the development of local labor organizations in Siberia. For her senior Honors thesis Melanie analyzed a related topic, “Globalization and Its Effects on Blue-Collar Workers in Poland and Russia.” Adjunct Associate Professor Paul Christensen (Political Science) has been Melanie's mentor/thesis advisor since her Sophomore year.
Sarah Fox ´04 has been awarded a Fulbright Grant to study second-generation Turkish women in Germany next year. She will be living in Berlin and attending the Free University. Sarah is double majoring in Political Science and German Studies. Her yearlong research project will be a continuation of her senior thesis, which she wrote with Associate Professor Rachel Freudenberg (German Studies).
Taylor Healy ´04, a German and English double major, was granted a Fulbright Grant to study next year in Osnabrück, Germany. She will be working with Professor Jochen Oltmer at the University of Osnabrück Institute for Migration and Intercultural Studies, researching the effects of the 2004 eastern expansion of the European Union on Germany's immigrant and migrant demographics. Her study will also include research on how Germany's new immigration and migration policies affect refugees, asylum seekers, and the German workforce.
Caroline Kita ´04 has received a Fulbright Grant combined with a Teaching Assistantship to study at the University of Vienna in Austria next year. She will be continuing a research project on the philosophical and religious influences behind the music of composer Gustav Mahler, a task she began this year as an Honors Program senior thesis under the guidance of Adjunct Assistant Professor Jeremiah McGrann (Music). In addition to her studies, Caroline will be teaching English part-time in an Austrian secondary school.
Elizabeth Paulhus ´04 has been awarded a Fulbright Grant to study at the Centre for International and European Law on Immigration and Asylum, run in conjunction with the University of Konstanz. She will be studying German immigration law under the direction of Professor Dr. Kay Hailbronner, L.L.M. Her Fulbright project builds on the work she began in her senior Theology Honors thesis which explores the contributions of Liberalism and Catholic Social Teaching to the creation of a more just and practical immigration policy.
Rebecca Simmons ´04 (Boston College Presidential Scholars Program) has been awarded a Fulbright Scholarship at the University of Paris, where she plans to study Organic Chemistry next year. While at BC, she has been working in Professor Amir Hoveyda's (Chemistry) laboratory. After completing her Fulbright, Becky will begin Harvard University's Ph.D. Program in Chemistry. Becky's Fulbright Scholarship marks the 11th Fulbright won by BC Presidential Scholars since the first graduating class in 1995.
Heather Stepanek ´04 was awarded a Fulbright Grant and will be studying in Bulgaria next year researching “Bulgarians' opinions about the proposed relocation of American military bases onto Bulgarian soil.”
Hyungsik “Abraham” Choi, December CSOM ´03, has accepted a Fulbright Teaching Grant to Korea.
Katherine Stainken ´04 has received a Fulbright Scholarship to study Atmospheric Science at the University of Karlsruhe in Germany next year, where she will be taking courses in isotope hydrology and trace elements in the atmosphere, as well as working in the research laboratory of Professor Ulrich Schurath. Since her sophomore year, Katherine has been working in Professor Paul Davidovits’ (Chemistry) laboratory.
2004 Goldwater Scholar:
Pasha Mirazimi has been named a Goldwater Scholar by The Goldwater Scholarship and Excellence in Education Foundation, one of 310 scholarships for the 2004/05 academic year awarded to undergraduate sophomores and juniors from across the United States. Next year Mirazimi will complete his fifth year, while double majoring in chemistry and physics. While under the direction of Associate Professor Udayan Mohanty, Pasha's research has also won him an American Chemical Society (NEACS) Norris-Richards Summer Research Fellowship and the opportunity to participate in a recent poster presentation at the National ACS Meeting in San Diego.
BC Federal Challenge:
The College Fed Challenge is intended to help students become more knowledgeable about the decision-making process of the Federal Open Market Committee, the Federal Reserve’s monetary policy-setting group. Teams consist of three to five undergraduates from the same college or university. A team’s participation involves two parts: a 20-minute presentation on the U.S. economic outlook and its implications for monetary policy, and a 15-minute Q&A session led by a panel of judges (usually economics professionals, college faculty and/or Fed officials). Assistant Professor Fabio Ghironi (Economics) commented, “I am immensely proud of the students on the team. The joy I felt seeing them do so well in the competition, after all the effort they put in preparing, ranks right at the top of the list of favorite moments in my teaching career. I am grateful to the students for all the work they did and to Robert Murphy for helping me advise them. This was a wonderful experience for all of us.” Associate Professor Robert Murphy (Economics) stated, “Both Fabio Ghironi and I were very impressed by the hard work of the Boston College team in preparing their presentation for the Fed Challenge. We are delighted that the team took 3rd place in the competition—the first year that BC has fielded a team.”
Elayne McCabe awarded National Security Education scholarship:
In addition to the NSEP scholarship, Elayne also received a “Bridging Scholarship for Study Abroad in Japan.” She will be studying at Waseda University in Tokyo next year.
Truman Scholar:
Joseph Halli ´05, one of 77 students nationwide to receive a Truman Scholarship this year, was interviewed by The Tuscaloosa News.
Two new appointments in A&S:
The College of Arts and Sciences is pleased to announce the appointment of two new Associate Deans, Dr. William Petri and Dr. Robert Scott, one a long-time BC faculty member and the other a newcomer to the University. Bill Petri joined the Biology department at BC in 1976, after earning an A.B. in Biological Sciences (1966) and Ph.D. in Genetics (1972) at the University of California at Berkeley and serving as Research Fellow at Harvard for four years. His research has focused on the developmental biology and molecular genetics of the eggshell layers of the fruitfly, Drosophila melanogaster. Bill served as Chair of the BC Biology department from 1989 through 2000, and oversaw the significant expansion and complete renovation of Higgins Hall during his tenure as Chair. Since 2000 he has served as the Assistant Chair of the department, and during the past year, has been an acting Associate Dean in the College of Arts and Sciences. Joe Quinn, Dean of Arts and Sciences stated, “Bill brought a wealth of experience as a scientist, teacher, mentor, and administrator to our office. We have been fortunate to have him as a member of the team during this past year, and we are delighted that he was willing to consider staying with us. Given the complexity of the sciences at a major University like BC, it is important to have an experienced scientist in the office.” Robert Scott comes to BC with a B.S. in Biology (1991) from Norfolk State University and a Ph.D. in Biology (1996) from the Georgia Institute of Technology. He taught as an Assistant Professor of Biology at Norfolk State from 1996 to 1999, and then accepted a position as a Visiting Scientist at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. In 2001 he joined the Health Science Institute at Procter and Gamble in Cincinnati, where he currently serves as a Senior Scientist in the Respiratory Technology Department. His research, which has focused on understanding the cellular and molecular physiology of the airway and gastrointestinal tract, has clinical relevance to respiratory viral infections and diarrheal disease. He is an accomplished researcher, teacher, mentor, and advisor, with experience in both academe and the business world. Dean Quinn commented, “As a young scholar, Robert has won awards for both his teaching and his research. He has excellent management skills and is eager to return to the academic environment. Robert will be a superb mentor for our undergraduates, especially those science majors contemplating their career options after their undergraduate years. We are eager to welcome Robert and his family to the BC community.” Bill will continue his duties as Associate Dean, and Robert will join the University later this summer.
Community service in Ghana:
Ghana was the site of a two week Computer Camp for local school children set up and taught by a team from Boston College lead by Kwasi Sarkodie-Mensah (Manager, Instructional Services, O'Neill Library). The group included nine A&S students, William Petri (Associate Dean, Arts and Sciences), and Arlene Wyman (Faculty, Biology Department). Over 175 eight to fourteen year old Ghanian children were given the opportunity to learn the basics of computer usage, word processing, and digital slide preparation using retired MacIntosh laptops contributed by the Biology Department and Pat Keating (Executive Vice President). The children, drawn from over five different public schools in the region, were chosen from over 300 who applied for the program. Critically important to the tremendous success of the program was the extremely generous on-site help provided by many Ejisu community leaders, including Kwame Kyeremateng, Raymond Osei-Boadu, and Rev. Francis Joojo Obu Mends. In addition to donating twelve laptops for continued computer training and packets of school supplies for each child, the BC group used donated funds to pay for the preparation of nutritious meals each day for the children, who generally had to walk many miles to reach the camp. BC students and faculty also held extra and advanced sessions for the Ghanaian teachers. The camp was held in classrooms donated by the Spiritan Institute of Philosophy, which is run by the Congregation of the Holy Spirit, while the BC team was housed nearby at a Josephite Seminary. Sarkodie-Mensah hopes to be able to continue Ghana service trips each summer to Ejisu in order to continue the work for which a strong foundation has now been set by the 2004 team.
Fostering world peace:
The TransCultural Exchange is a world-wide organization created to foster world peace and unity through art and other cultural programs organized by Mary Sherman (Fine Arts faculty).
Grant renewal for biology and chemistry:
The Biology and Chemistry Departments have been granted a renewal of the Beckman Scholars Program, sponsored by the Arnold and Mabel Beckman Foundation. more
A very popular major:
History ranked fourth in popularity in the College of Arts and Sciences. BC Chronicle.
William Lowell Putnam Mathematical Competition:
Boston College placed forty-first in the 2003 competition, the team's best finish in University history. The Putnam is the most prestigious undergraduate mathematics competition in the world, and colleges and universities throughout the United States and Canada participate. This year, 401 institutions fielded teams and 3615 students competed. Success requires not only knowledge of the standard curriculum, but ingenuity, insight, and the ability to make connections between diverse mathematical areas. The BC team consisted of Erik Jensen ´04, Matthew Sequin ´04, and Paul Wenger ´04. In addition, Scott Gentile ´06, Laura Henry ´07, Davis Mosca ´05, and Tyler Stewart ´04 competed as individuals.
Fulton Debate Society qualifies for tournament:
Two BC teams are qualified to compete at the 58th annual National Debate Tournament (NDT), to be held at Catholic University in Washington, DC. This marks the 27th year the Fulton Debate has qualified teams to the prestigious NDT, which is limited to the top 78 debate teams in the U.S. Forty-nine schools will be competing this year, and BC is one of only 20 who qualified with more than one team. More
Fulton Debate Society reaches final round:
The BC team of Mark Irvine ´06 and John Powell ´06 reached the final round of the junior varsity division of the 46th annual United States Naval Academy tournament held in Annapolis, Maryland. More
Research Incentive Grant recipients:
Each year 15 Research Incentive Grants, each worth up to a total of $15,000, including one month's summer salary, are awarded to BC faculty on a competitive basis. 2004 Research Incentive Grants Recipients
Top speaker:
Allen Best ´07 was named top speaker in the varsity division of the George Mason Patriot Debate Tournament held in Fairfax, VA.
Marshall Scholarship recipient credits science departments:
During a recent interview with the Boston Globe (third item), Marshall Scholarship winner Thomas Kempa ´04 stated, “In some of the other universities that compete with us across the river, there are so many good students it's hard for everyone to be noticed. Here there's tremendous support for undergraduates who want careers in science.” BC Chronicle
Rhodes Scholarship recipients:
Group photograph (by Gary Gilbert) to honor Paul Taylor ´04 (4th from left), one of two to receive a Rhodes Scholarship. Brett T. Huneycutt ´03 (not in photo) was the other recipient. Taylor and Huneycutt are the first BC students to be awarded a Rhodes Scholarship. Photo also includes: William P. Leahy, S.J. (President), Joseph F. Quinn (Dean, College of Arts and Sciences), Donald L. Hafner (Professor, Political Science), Kevin Bedell (Professor, Physics), and John J. Neuhauser (Academic Vice President and Dean of Faculty).
Economics faculty ranked among top:
The December issue of the Journal of the European Economic Association published findings of a recent survey of the leading faculties in the Economics field, ranking BC's Economics faculty 24th among American universities. BC Chronicle
Tufts Medical Early Acceptance program:
An opportunity for qualified BC sophomores to apply for early acceptance at Tufts University School of Medicine (Boston). more
Fulton Debate Society ranked 9th in top 25 U.S. schools:
The Fall National Debate Tournament Rankings has ranked Boston College as the 9th best overall debate program in the U.S. These rankings are determined by counting the points earned by each school's top two debate teams at eight tournaments. Approximately 200 schools compete in policy debate. More
BC in top fifty:
Boston College Ranked in Top 50 in the first annual Atlantic Monthly's college admissions survey.
Baccalaureate 2003:
William B. Neenan, S.J., Vice President amd Special Assistant to the President, was the Celebrant at the 2003 Baccalaureate Mass. BC Chronicle
Debate considered the best freshmen team in modern history of Debating Society:
The Boston College team of Allen Best '07 and Mandy Castle '07 reached the final round of the freshmen breakout round at the 47th annual Wake Forest Dixie Classic, held in Winston-Salem, NC.
New position in Arts and Sciences:
Dr. Devonya Havis has a range of responsibilities in the Dean's office including advising students, preparing law school recommendations, and evaluating nominations for Honor Societies like the Order of the Cross and Crown, the Dean's Scholars, and Sophomore Scholars. She also contributes to the assessment and development of academic policies and procedures through the Educational Policy Committee and University Core Development Committee, and pursues specific policy related research requested by the Dean. biography
Distinguished service:
Professor Peter Gray's three decades of distinguished service to scholarship, teaching, and student mentorship at Boston College hasn't gone unrecognized. Upon his retirement from regular teaching in 2002, the Psychology Department established the “Peter Gray Creative Achievement Award in Psychology,” to be awarded each year to a sophomore or junior Psychology Major who has demonstrated unusual intellectual curiosity, independence, and creativity in his/her studies. more
Another win for Fulton Debating Society:
For the second consecutive year, the Fulton Debating Society won the varsity division of the 36th annual West Point invitational debate tournament held during October 31 and November 2 at the U.S. Military Academy. By winning the tournament, BC retained possession of the first place traveling trophy, a West Point saber. The saber, along with numerous trophies won from previous years, can be viewed in a display case located on the third floor of 21 Campanella Drive.
Geomagnetic Storms and the stock markets:
“Playing the Field: Geomagnetic Storms and International Stock Markets,” a provocative paper authored by Boston College Ph.D. Cesare Robotti and Ph.D. candidate Anna Krivelyova, was recently published in the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta's working paper series. more
Strength of science programs seen as factor in application hike:
Director John Mahoney (Undergraduate Admission) says “BC's traditional humanities offerings are a major attraction for most incoming students, but the University's strengthening of its science programs - embodied in the Merkert Chemistry Center and the recently renovated Higgins Hall - has drawn attention as well. A closely related factor, he says, is the BC pre-med program, which boasts a 90 percent acceptance rate to medical schools and graduate programs.” BC Chronicle
Irish Studies Program has new leadership:
Adjunct Associate Professor Robert Savage (History) and Associate Professor Marjorie Howes (English) have been appointed Co-Directors of the Irish Studies Program. Mary O'Herlihy has been appointed Director of the Irish Institute. BC Chronicle
Japanese earthquake recorded:
Japan's September 25, 2003 earthquake (magnitude 8.0) was recorded by the Department of Geology and Geophysics' seismograph, located in Devlin Hall. View seismograph
Dedication noted:
Psychology Professor Lisa Feldman Barrett was featured in the December 2002 issue of Monitor on Psychology for her dedicated support to undergraduate team research in labs. Feldman Barrett stated, “Thomas Jefferson said that a liberal education makes for a better citizen, and I think educating students in the scientific method achieves the end. The basis of the scientific method is the ability to take a deeply held belief and treat it as a hypothesis to be tested. To the extent that you force students to do this in the lab, they can't help but do it in other parts of their lives.”