In a University Convocation marked by major changes at Boston College, University President Rev. William P. Leahy, S.J., told faculty, staff, and administrators that BC will continue to meet challenges from outside and within.
The University entered this academic year with a number of changes in senior administration. David Quigley for the first time addressed the University as provost and dean of faculties, appointed by Leahy in June after serving since 2009 as dean of the College of Arts & Sciences. Rev. Gregory Kalscheur, S.J., filled Quigley’s position as interim dean of A&S.
Related: Dean of A&S Quigley Named Provost, Dean Of Faculties
Patrick Keating addressed his colleagues for the last time as executive vice president—he announced over the summer that he would resign his post in December.
“We rely on the community, commitment, talent, and dedication of all of us,” Leahy said, according to The Boston College Chronicle. “I am confident we will meet [the challenge], renewing ourselves and our mission in the process. So, let us always strive to be beacons of faith and hope, and a light to the world.”
In the coming months, Leahy’s administration will have to fill some key top-level positions, including those of executive vice president, vice president for human resources, and director of the Church in the 21st Century.
Keating and Leahy both touched on the University’s financial situation. As of last month, Leahy said the Light the World campaign had raised $1.28 billion in donations and pledges. Keating said the University received a 13.4 percent return on its endowment for Fiscal Year 2014 and that it has benefited from a record fundraising year.
The Light the World campaign has supported $250 million for student financial aid and 26 endowed professorships.
Keating spoke about the University’s ongoing construction projects, including the renovation of St. Mary’s Hall, expected to be completed by the end of the semester, and construction of a new student residence hall at 2150 Commonwealth Ave., the site of what used to be More Hall. That project is the first major new construction project of the University’s Institutional Master Plan. It will house 484 undergraduate students and will be the new site of Health Services.
Quigley, the University’s most senior academic administrator, discussed plans for the core curriculum renewal process. He said a task force will work with faculty and hold town-hall style events to acquire suggestions. The first event is planned for Oct. 15.
“I’m looking forward to working with our talented deans and faculty, and with colleagues from around this University, to continue our good work in 2014-2015,” Quigley said, according to The Boston College Chronicle. “I feel very lucky to have this opportunity, and I’m eager to get started.”
Featured Image by Graham Beck / Heights Senior Staff
