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Terrence P. Devino, SJ, special assistant to the president and director of Manresa House, the University’s center for vocational discernment, has been appointed vice president and University secretary by the Boston College Board of Trustees, effective Dec. 31, 2012.
Fr. Devino will succeed Mary Lou DeLong following her retirement at the end of the year after 33 years of service to the University. The Office of the University Secretary oversees special projects such as the annual Commencement Exercises and BC’s Sesquicentennial Celebration, which will take place during the next three semesters.
Fr. Devino, who this year marked his 25th year as a priest, brings experience as a veteran administrator who has developed programs in the areas of campus ministry, student formation and vocational discernment.
“Fr. Devino knows Boston College well and brings substantial experience from his work here and from his previous assignments at Fairfield University and the University of Scranton,” said University President William P. Leahy, SJ. “He will be an engaging presence among our students, faculty and alumni.”
Fr. Devino spent the past two years directing Manresa House and providing students seeking to explore a religious calling with thoughtful counsel and spiritual guidance. Previously, he served as vice president for university ministries at the University of Scranton. He also worked in Campus Ministry at Fairfield University and was at BC from 1998-2001.
“I consider myself fortunate to be asked to take on additional responsibilities for Boston College,” said Fr. Devino. “To work as University secretary and continue the great work of Mary Lou DeLong and Fr. Joe Duffy, SJ, is a privilege. I look forward to the challenges and opportunities of this new post.”
A former diocesan priest in Springfield, Mass., Fr. Devino joined the Society of Jesus in 1994. He earned a bachelor’s degree in Urban Studies from Worcester State University, a Master of Divinity Degree from the School of Theology and Pastoral Ministry at Seton Hall University, and a Certificate in Spiritual Direction from the Center for Religious Development at the Weston Jesuit School of Theology.
Fr. Leahy praised DeLong’s distinguished 33-year career at Boston College, including five as a trustee, where she provided leadership in areas ranging from development and alumni relations to university relations.
“Boston College has been blessed to have Mary Lou DeLong serve for 33 years as a trustee, development officer, vice president and senior vice president for university relations and, for the past eight years, as University secretary and vice president,” Fr. Leahy said. “Mary Lou has made many significant contributions to Boston College, and I, along with so many others, appreciate her faithful and dedicated service.”
DeLong, a 1971 graduate of Newton College of the Sacred Heart, said she was thankful for the opportunity to play a leadership role during a period of dramatic transformation at BC and looks forward to assisting Devino in the transition into his new position.
“My long association with Boston College has been a remarkable and enriching experience,” DeLong said. “From my first position as assistant director of the Alumni Association, my years as a member of the Board of Trustees, my tenure as senior vice president of University Relations and finally my years as vice president and University secretary, I have had the opportunity to work with outstanding colleagues and to meet many wonderful alumni, parents, friends and students.
“I have watched this University grow so much over these years to become one of the nation’s preeminent universities firmly rooted in its Jesuit, Catholic heritage.”