winter-2026-issue

Clothes spilling out of a tipped over paper bag

Welcome to the Age of Fast Fashion

How incredibly cheap clothing at the tap of a screen came to dominate the apparel industry…and leave behind a trail of harm for the planet.

Photograph of movie stills and pages of the script from 13 Rue Madeleine

When Hollywood Came to the Heights

In the summer of 1946, a cast of movie stars headlined by James Cagney traveled to Boston College to begin shooting the spy thriller 13 Rue Madeleine. Here’s the forgotten story of how the project landed at BC…and how O’Connell House became the star of the show.

Peter Reynolds and Paul Reynolds seated at a table in their studio

We Wrote a Book with Pope Francis

Paul A. Reynolds ’82 and his twin brother, the acclaimed illustrator Peter H. Reynolds, have just released a new children’s book cowritten with the late Pope Francis.

Illustration of a graduate standing on a compass with an open field around her

Why the Humanities Are More Valuable Than Ever

In a new book, BC professor Carlo Rotella takes readers inside the classroom to show how timeless skills—including problem-solving, critical thinking, and strong communication—pay off for students in the end.

Campus Digest: Winter 2026

News and happenings from around Boston College.

The academic wall of honor in Gasson Hall with the statue of St. Michael in the background

BC Debuts New Academic Wall of Honor

Shan seated on a park bench holding a mic to the camera

Meet Shan on the Street

How one simple question made this alum a social media star.

Ten people photographed as a group in a hallway at Barat House

Back to Campus

A new program allows seasoned professionals to spend a year learning, growing, and reflecting at Boston College.

Sonia Raman holding a Seattle Storm team jersey with her name and the number 25 in the back

A League of Her Own

Sonia Raman JD’01 left a promising legal career behind and became the WNBA’s first Indian American head coach.

Cindi Bigelow photographed in the Fulton Hall atrium

Tea Master

Meet Cindi Bigelow ’82, president and CEO of America’s biggest tea company.

Ray Madoff photographed outdoors with a red door in the background

Four Things Smart People Don’t Know about America’s Tax Code (and How It’s Driving Inequality)

BC Law professor Ray Madoff on how the ultrarich are gaming the system—and what should be done about it.

Emmett Sheehan photographed in the middle of delivering a pitch

Emmett Sheehan '21 Helps Dodgers Win the World Series

The pitcher became the first Eagle to win an MLB championship in November.

Climate Reveal

A new podcast is bringing some of Boston's top science minds to campus with a mission to demystify climate change.

When Authenticity Isn't Enough

Jodi-Ann Burey ’08 calls out empty efforts to build a better workplace.

Chris Dalla Riva photographed singing and playing bass

Musical Numbers

What statistical analysis reveals about our favorite songs (and us).

Illustration of a ghostly face emanating from a phone

The Strange New World of Chatting with the Dead

“Deadbots” promise to comfort those in mourning by using AI to replicate loved ones who’ve passed away. But what do they tell us about the nature of life, death, and the digital in-between?

Frank Smyth photographed in the training facility

Keeping Journalism, and Journalists, Alive

The investigative journalist Frank Smyth ’82 was held captive while reporting during the aftermath of the Gulf War. Today, when he’s not opening eyes with his exposés, he’s teaching others the skills to survive while working in some of the world’s most dangerous places.