Sub Turri (Latin for “Under the Tower”) Editor-in-Chief Rachel Gregorio ’12 explained that the publication aims to put this year’s class in a much larger context of BC history.
“There is definitely pressure in producing the 100th anniversary edition of Sub Turri, but I’m thrilled that it has landed on us,” said Gregorio. “This edition will be a look back and incorporate the full history of BC and our place in it.”
The Sub Turri editorial team has taken advantage of the complete collection maintained by University Libraries to incorporate as many images as possible throughout the last century.
A digital format available online enables viewers to browse generations of BC students within their respective yearbooks.
“We’ve been having a lot of fun going through the editions and picking out fun facts while looking back,” said Gregorio.
Something that came as a surprise to the (majority female) Sub Turri staff? Seeing all-male classes smiling back for several decades.
“Of course we knew that BC was all-male for a long time, but to see every member of the class was male and that each one of them had their own page in the yearbook – it was just really surprising how much BC has grown and changed,” said Gregorio.
The students also found images of when the Mods were brought to the Chestnut Hill Campus in 1970.
“I never knew that Mod #1 was broken en route to the campus, so it was a lot of fun to see those pictures — and it finally explains why there isn’t a Mod #1.”
Given the historical theme, alumni as well as current students may enjoy the look back over the century, Gregorio said. In addition to the sections covering athletics, student life, seniors, clubs/organizations and academics, “Vintage” will introduce “Iconic Alumni,” featuring notable BC seniors’ yearbook photos. Some include Doug Flutie ’84, Amy Poheler ’93 and Campbell’s Soup CEO Denise Morrison ’75.
While focused on University history, this year also allows the editorial team to reflect on the publications’ collective accomplishments, including the Printing Industry of America (PIA) 2008 Award of Merit winner. In 2004 and 2005, Sub Turri earned high honors as the PIA’s Best Book in America.
The 100th anniversary celebration will continue throughout the year, with an editors’ banquet in April. Forty-five former Sub Turri editors have been invited to attend.
“We really wanted this book to be a chance for the students and alumni to look back and reflect on the history of BC,” said Gregorio.
Gregorio added, however, that only 35 percent of this year’s senior class has taken a senior portrait. She encouraged those yet to be photographed to visit the Sub Turri’s website, to schedule a free appointment. Sessions take less than 10 minutes.