Flourishing Together in BC's Spaces
The Jesuit Institute Staff Seminar has been meeting regularly since 2018, under the leadership of the Jesuit Institute’s Jim Keenan, SJ, and Toni Ross. Comprised of staff from various areas of BC, the group does its best to discuss and live Ignatian values and ideals, especially accompaniment, seeing God in all things, and Cura Personalis.
We hope you can join us for a series of campus journeys designed to foster connections and strengthen both new and existing relationships among staff and faculty. These events are tied into BC Libraries' upcoming "Flourishing Together: Addressing Our Epidemic of Loneliness and Isolation" initiative, which aims to nurture community and combat loneliness through meaningful engagement and collaboration.
The first journey will take place on Wednesday, April 30, 2025, from 3:00 PM to 4:30 PM, and will feature guided tours of the McMullen Museum of Art, the Ricci Institute for Chinese-Western Cultural History, and the Cadigan Alumni Center. Participants will have the opportunity to explore these spaces, learn about their unique offerings, and connect with others in a shared experience.By participating in these campus journeys, you will contribute to the overarching goal of the initiative: fostering a sense of belonging and community at Boston College. Together, we can flourish and address the challenges of loneliness and isolation.
Please contact Toni Ross at the Jesuit Institute with any questions.
The Journeys
Wednesday, April 30, 2025, 3:00 - 4:30
Learn about the McMullen Museum of Art from Nancy Netzer, Professor, Art History and Director of the museum.
Did you know the Museum has a rooftop that’s ideal for hosting events? Its current exhibition is "Wonders of Creation: Art, Science, and Innovation in the Islamic World."
The Ricci Institute for Chinese-Western Cultural History opened its doors at BC Brighton Campus in early spring 2022, though its roots go back much further. Ever wondered how many artifacts the Ricci Institute houses? Wonder no more as Xiaoxin Wu, Ed.D., Director of Research, and other Ricci Institute staff will introduce participants to the riches of the Ricci Institute.
The Eagle's Eye View will be presented by Brenda Ricard, Associate Vice President, Advancement Operations & Planning.
Did you know that the Advancement Office staff was once spread across different locations before coming together at the BC Brighton Campus? Curious about what they do? Learn more.
Reception in Cadigan Alumni Center to follow, where Steve Dalton, Head Librarian for the Theology and Ministry Library, will briefly discuss "Flourishing Together: Addressing Our Epidemic of Loneliness and Isolation," a program scheduled for October.
Tuesday, May 27, 2025, 3:00 - 4:30
Learn about the Robsham Theater Arts Center (RTAC) from Kier Byrnes, the Director of the space.
Did you know that Bob Hope, Madeleine Albright, George Takei, and Coretta Scott King have all performed on the RTAC mainstage? What other historical gems will Kier share? Don't miss your chance to find out!
The Hoag Basketball Pavillion was made possible by a $15 million gift - the largest in BC athletics history - from University Trustee Michaela "Mikey" Hoag '86. The comprehensive, self-contained basketball practice facility is nearly 40,000-square feet and features new player locker rooms and lounge areas, a sports medicine center, and a nutrition center exclusively for basketball student-athletes on the first floor.
Take advantage of this opportunity to get an 'insider's look' at the space.
Reception in the Shea Room (second floor of Conte Forum, staircase near the ticket booth) to follow. Attendees will be encouraged to engage with colleagues from across the institution and begin to form connections with folks who they might not encounter in their daily routine
Thursday, September 11, 2025, 3:00 - 4:40
The third journey will help you discover the magic of the Boston College Memorial Labyrinth, Burns Library, Bapst Library, and Saint Mary’s Hall from a new perspective.
We will gather here to accompany you on your journey.
On September 11, 2003, a memorial labyrinth on the lawn of Burns Library was dedicated as a space for prayer, peace, and consolation, in memory of Boston College alumni killed in the 9/11 tragedy.
Overview by Christian DuPont, Associate University Librarian
The Burns Library is located at the north end of Bapst Library, overlooking Commonwealth Ave.It is home to BC’s Jesuit Catholic heritage and holds the Institutional archives of the University.
Did you know this is the second largest Irish materials collection — second only to the National Library of Ireland, Dublin?
Overview by Christian DuPont, Associate University Librarian
Bapst Library was named for the first president of Boston College, John J. Bapst, S.J. Bapst served as the original Library from 1925 until the opening of the Thomas P. O'Neill Library in 1983.
Did you know Bapst Library is regularly cited as one of the most beautiful college libraries in the world?
Overview by Claudio Burgaleta, SJ, Superior, Jesuit Community
Shortly after New Year's 1917, the Jesuits took formal possession of St. Mary's Hall.The University's second-oldest building serves as the main community residence. The Jesuit Community at Boston College is one of the largest apostolic communities in the Society of Jesus.
Reception to follow in the Rose Garden outside St. Mary's.
Mark Benjamin, Information Technology Services
Cara Burke, Clough School of Theology and Ministry
Maura Colleary, Clough School of Theology and Ministry
Katie Dalton, BC Women's Center
Bryan Fleming, Global Engagement
Jeff Gallant, Undergraduate Admissions
Victoria Garcia, Intersections
Jim Keenan, SJ, Vice Provost for Global Engagement, Canisius Professor, Director of Jesuit Institute, Theology
Jon McGrath, Controller's Office
Oscar Peña, University Advancement
Maureen Preskenis, Office of the President
Toni Ross, Jesuit Institute
Nancy Samya, University Advancement (retired)
Kwasi Sarkodie-Mensah, BC Libraries
Elaine Testa
You can register for however many Journeys you prefer. If demand is high, we may limit people who register for more than one program to give more people the opportunity to participate in at least one.
That's fine, but we'll miss you.
All registrants will either receive a Google Calendar invitation confirming participation or a notification that they have been placed on the wait list.