Viewpoints

Hear some of the views from professors and alumni about the Carroll School of Management:

Theresa Hammond
Associate Professor, Accounting

When I teach an honors section of a class, I know that the students will quickly grasp the material allowing me to spend more time on current events, developing critical thinking and writing skills, and on projects that tie the textbook to the real world. Because they already know each other, they are much more relaxed the very first day of class. It is the camaraderie they share that provides a real sense of humor among them. It really makes teaching more enjoyable for me.

A few years ago, I asked an honors class to compare the BC Bookstore to other university stores and make recommendations on whether it should be outsourced. The students visited stores around the Boston area and made suggestions that we shared with the bookstore director. I was struck by the students’ understanding of the mission of the bookstore and their ability to keep their recommendations consistent with that. Through this project, I saw firsthand that students in the Honors Program really feel that they are part of a community here at BC.

Father Richard McGowan, S.J.
Adjunct Associate Professor, Operations & Strategic Management

Honors students enjoy learning and because they all know each other, they are comfortable together, and are confident and outspoken in class.

Recently, in my ethics class, we read an essay on justice, and afterwards a self-motivated Honors Program student decided to write a reflection and submit it to me. In turn, I copied it and used it to start a discussion in the next class.

Another honors student wrote their senior thesis on the economics of the microbrewery industry in the United States. This exemplary thesis claimed the student a Fulbright Scholarship in Munich. The information from the microbrewery thesis has been instrumental for a book I am writing about the public policy makers’ outlook on alcohol, tobacco, and gambling.

There is no doubt about it that honors students keep you on your toes. They demand more of you and expect you to demand more of them.

Kelley Alexander
Class of 2004, Economics

The Honors Program offers so many activities besides academic classes. This year, I’m working on a committee that analyzes the current curriculum and how to improve upon it.

My favorite class has been Western Cultural Tradition, a course taken by all honors students at Boston College. I am an economics major and enjoyed studying the theory of theology, philosophy, literature, and writing. It was a great addition to my other core courses through the Carroll School. I am also interested in a film production and believe that my background in business, specifically economics, will be a solid foundation for this career. I hope to go to Australia and work on the Star Wars production at Fox Studios. I’m also hoping to write a creative writing piece for my senior thesis.

The best part of the program has definitely been the people. The access to the professors and the small size of the group is ideal. Because of the time we spend together, the opportunity is there to make great friends and to sustain the intellectual conversation beyond the classroom.

Martine Remy
Class of 2003, Finance

The Honors Program offers structure, particularly freshman year when it is most needed. Right away, you have a group of friends and there are always fun things to do. We take classes and work on projects together and give each other support. The professors are very approachable. I feel that if I wasn’t in the Honors Program, I wouldn’t have gotten to know them as well.

This year, I am a Senior Class Honors Program Representative. The representatives decide what we are going to do each month and report back to the members of the senior class. Opportunities for involvement and friendships also extend outside the Honors Program. For instance, I am a member of the karate Club and have attained a blue belt.

The Honors Program gives you a good balance of leadership, volunteerism, and friendship.

Justin Westcott
Class of 2003, Finance

The Honors Program drew me to Boston College. I found out that the program guaranteed the best senior faculty members that the Carroll School of Management had to offer and provided a comfortable yet challenging environment in which to learn.

Professor Elliot Smith is one of the honors professors I admire for the passion he has for his profession. He realizes that our potential needs to be discovered and unlocks it for us as students and human beings. The program helped me to hone my strengths and reaffirm my goals in and outside the classroom.

In addition to the Honors Program activities, I am managing over 700 student volunteers who give tours, write letters to accepted students, and bring prospective students to classes for the Student Admission Program. It has been a tremendous management experience and has helped prepare me to start my job after graduation at General Electric in their Financial Management Program.

Boston College is a place where an in-depth and challenging education is available to those who seek it.