Testimonials

It was my great fortune that my 11 years as president of Harvard overlapped with a portion of Father Leahy’s remarkable 30-year term as president of Boston College. I first got to know him through an annual dinner of Boston-area college and university leaders, where his wisdom and experience benefited us all. I am particularly grateful to Fr. Leahy for his generous support and advice on one particular occasion when I called him during a difficult Harvard moment. He did not hesitate for a second in turning his attention to my problems and doing a great deal to help me solve them. Fr. Leahy made Boston College academically stronger, more accessible to students of all financial backgrounds, and more influential at home and around the globe. All of higher education is the better for it.

—Drew Faust
President emerita, Harvard University

Fr. Leahy has been an ardent and steadfast advocate and supporter of Catholic higher education in the United States and globally, and, in particular, of Jesuit higher education. He has been an active participant in ACCU and AJCU and held all the leadership roles possible. He has made himself available to fellow college presidents and is always willing to listen, offer advice, or help anyone who seeks it. We will miss him as a colleague, friend, mentor, and priest—along with his wisdom, example, candor, and pastoral heart. Congratulations to Boston College and Fr. Leahy for 30 remarkable years!

—Mark Reed, MEd’99
President, Loyola University Chicago

In 2017 I led the accreditation review of Boston College. Our team looked carefully at BC’s academic standards, as well as its administrative leadership. It was clear to us that Fr. Leahy’s presidency transformed BC into the top ranks of American higher education. Most impressive was the infusion of values throughout the curriculum that we witnessed in every school and college within the University. St. Ignatius himself would have approved of this remarkable leader. Congratulations on 30 impressive years!

—Donna E. Shalala
President emerita, University of Miami

It is often noted that the best means of understanding a person’s character and commitment to helping others is to observe what they do rather than what they say. For the past 30 years, Fr. William Leahy has consistently focused on the needs of Boston College and its students, faculty, and personnel. He has done much and rarely cited any of the achievements, other than to give credit and recognition to others. From a modest office at Botolph House, he lifted the University to new heights, to the good of local communities and many others throughout the country and the world. Throughout my time as Archbishop, Fr. Leahy was always there, ready to help with the work of the Church. We are all beneficiaries of his quiet, unassuming service and selfless concern for others. Ad Multos Annos, Fr. Leahy, and thank you. 

—Cardinal Sean O’Malley, OFM Cap
Archbishop Emeritus of Boston

As a Boston College graduate, I am grateful to Fr. Leahy for all he has done to grow the University during his remarkable presidency. BC is a much better school because of him and his leadership. When I was mayor of Boston, I always appreciated how many things he did behind the scenes to help people, without ever seeking credit. He was a trusted advisor on higher education matters and a wise person to talk to on any subject. Congratulations, Fr. Leahy, on 30 exceptional years.

—Marty Walsh ’10
Executive Director, National Hockey League Players’ Association

My Boston College journey as a student and alumnus has coincided with Fr. Leahy’s presidency. During that time I have seen our academic profile evolve into one of the world’s best, our prospective student applications more than double, and our physical campus grow exponentially. What was once a contained community has blossomed, a direct result of his strategic vision and tireless dedication. I am incredibly proud to call Fr. Leahy “my president.” Boston College’s continued growth and expansion have been nothing short of amazing. Thank you, Fr. Leahy, for your historic leadership; job well done, humble servant.

—Wynndell Bishop ’00, MBA’07
President, Boston College Alumni Association Board of Directors 2023–2026

Early on, Fr. Leahy’s commitment to graduate education at Boston College helped attract high quality scholars who mentored students at all levels and assured that BC would be a university that produces, rather than simply transmits, new knowledge. It dramatically improved BC’s standing among peer institutions and provided the base for today’s strong endowment. Similarly, his decision to establish the Church in the 21st Century Center and to reaffiliate with the Weston Jesuit School of Theology to create what is today the Clough School of Theology and Ministry has enabled the University to meet its strategic goal of becoming one of the world’s best Catholic universities. His visionary leadership has helped to transform Boston College.

—Charles “Chuck” Clough Jr. ’64
Former BC Board Chair, Chair and CEO, Clough Capital