U.S. Navy Lt. Dave Dauphinais '05, center, joined Professor of Theology Rev. Michael Himes and Lonergan Institute Associate Director Kerry Cronin at the Freshman League panel discussion “How to Be a Man of Intellect, Character and Faith.”
The Freshmen League of Boston College, an all-male, peer-led mentoring program, has experienced tremendous popularity in its first five years, according to administrators, drawing some 1,230 participants since it was established in 2011.
Administered through the Center for Student Formation, the Freshmen League is intended to help male undergraduates “grow into their authentic selves” and avoid restrictive stereotypes associated with the “college man,” according to program leaders. The program provides first-year men with positive role models and offers service trips, retreats, special events and other formational opportunities for male students.
The Freshmen League consists of 36 “teams” of 10 students each, with each team composed of two upperclassmen, male mentors and eight first-year men. Each team of 10 attends an overnight retreat at the beginning of the second semester, meets weekly as a group to do a reflection in the spirit of the Ignatian Examen, and is provided a modest programming budget to do activities in the city of Boston to facilitate bonding.
One recent Freshmen League event was a panel discussion, “How to Be a Man of Intellect, Character and Faith,” with Theology Professor Fr. Michael Himes, Lonergan Institute Associate Director Kerry Cronin – a fellow at the Center for Student Formation– and U.S. Navy Lt. Dave Dauphinais ’05.
“The Freshmen League has become a popular program largely because of the exceptional junior and senior men who have chosen to serve as captains,” says Center for Student Formation Director Michael Sacco, who notes that about 35 percent of all first-year males apply for the program.
“As student leaders, the captains have built a culture of authenticity, mentorship, and reflection. The captains’ desire to share their wisdom with first-year men, and the hunger among the freshmen to make meaningful connections, has helped the Freshmen League grow over the last five years into a robust and meaningful community.”
For more information, visit the Freshman League website.
By Sean Smith | News & Public Affairs