Options through Education renamed McCrory-Francis Scholars Program
Naming honors two prominent alumni who were committed to enhancing access and opportunity for AHANA students
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Returning to the Heights
Philip McHarris ’14, the 2013 Martin Luther King Jr. Scholarship recipient, returned to Boston College on February 19 as the keynote speaker for this year’s MLK Scholarship Banquet. A faculty member in the University of Rochester Department of Black Studies and Frederick Douglass Institute, McHarris pursues research on racial inequality, housing, and policing; he is the author of a forthcoming book, Beyond Policing, which explores community safety and building strong, accountable communities beyond the criminal legal system. Prior to the banquet, he shared some thoughts about his BC experience and what winning the scholarship meant to him.
Julie Canuto-Depina: servant leader, advocate
Connell School of Nursing student Julie Canuto-Depina, who hopes to address the social determinants of health as a nurse after graduation, is this year’s winner of Boston College’s Martin Luther King Jr. Scholarship. She received the award from University President William P. Leahy, S.J., at the 42nd annual Martin Luther King Jr. Scholarship Banquet held on campus February 19.
The scholarship, which provides for up to $35,000 toward senior year tuition, recognizes a Boston College junior who has demonstrated superior academic achievement, extracurricular leadership, community service, and involvement with the African American community and African American issues. The winner also receives a $1,000 gift certificate to the Boston College Bookstore.
Exceptional performance, exemplary service
For exceptional academic performance, outstanding contributions to research in the field of cancer biology, and exemplary service to others both on and off campus, Huel (Trey) Cox III is this year's recipient of Boston College’s Edward H. Finnegan, S.J. Award. Presented at Commencement by BC President William P. Leahy, S.J., the award recognizes the graduating senior who best exemplifies the University’s motto, “Ever to Excel.”
Cox has distinguished himself in the Morrissey College of Arts and Sciences as a biochemistry major in the Chemistry Honors Program, and has conducted research at some of the Boston’s preeminent medical institutions, including Mass General Brigham and the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.
“As a first-generation college student, he serves as an excellent role model for all Boston College students who are striving to live lives of meaning and purpose,” according to Morrissey College Interim Associate Dean Thomas Mogan in Cox’s Finnegan nomination. Mogan also cited “his impressive academic endeavors in the classrooms and scientific laboratories at Boston College,” his undergraduate research off campus, and his plans to pursue a career in medicine.