The Church and Latinos
The influential BC theologian Hosffman Ospino on how Latinos, who now account for nearly half of US Catholics, are transforming the Church.
Photo (at right): Thomas J. O’Halloran, Library of Congress, U.S. News & World Report Magazine Collection
Timeline of a Trailblazer
Margaret Heckler JD '56 was a daughter of immigrants who became a legendary congresswoman, presidential cabinet secretary, and ambassador.
Fall 2025
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In her new book, A Woman of Firsts: Margaret Heckler, Political Trailblazer, Kimberly Heckler tells the life story of her mother-in-law, Margaret Heckler JD’56, a daughter of Irish immigrants who broke gender barriers to become a legendary congresswoman, presidential cabinet secretary, and ambassador. Here are just a few of the many milestones of Heckler’s career.
May 1956
Heckler is the only woman to graduate in her BC Law class after winning the University’s simulated court competition three years in a row.
November 1966
She wins her first campaign for Congress in the Massachusetts Tenth Congressional District, after beating a forty-two-year incumbent in the Republican primary.
October 1974
President Gerald Ford signs into law Heckler’s groundbreaking legislation, the Equal Credit Opportunity Act, which gives women the right to credit in their own names.
January 1983
Heckler is appointed Secretary of Health and Human Services by President Ronald Reagan. Her landmark 1985 “Heckler Report” would become the first federal study of racial and ethnic inequalities in US health.
December 1985
She becomes the first woman named US Ambassador to Ireland, eventually securing a $120 million grant for the new International Fund for Ireland to promote economic and social advancement.
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