light worldthe campaign newsletter of boston college spring 2011, vol. 4, no. 2

$10-million lifetime commitment underscores deep bc connectionSome of Patrick carney’S moSt vivid

childhood memories are of watching football

games with his father in Alumni Stadium. Hugh

Carney never had the opportunity to pursue his

degree, but he loved Boston College, and that pas-

sion left an indelible impression on his young son.

Unfortunately, his father died when Patrick Carney

was just 13 years old, so when it came time to

choose a college, he felt inspired to attend BC. He

considers it one of the best decisions he ever made,

and he continues to say thank you by making the

University a philanthropic priority.

His recent gifts to the Light the World cam-

paign—including a $3.5-million legacy provision—

have elevated his family’s lifetime commitment

past the $10-million mark as they advance some of

the campaign’s key initiatives.

“Like so many alumni, I’m proud of the special

relationship I have with the University,” says

Carney ’70, a parent of four BC graduates and a

trustee since 1994. “It’s an emotional attachment,

one that inspires my wife, Lillian, and me to be

part of BC’s continuing success story.”

an enduring commitment

Today, Carney is chairman and CEO of Clare-

mont Companies, a real estate development firm

he started as a BC student in the late 1960s. He

recalls that period as one of uncertainty, when even

the University’s future remained unclear because

of financial concerns. And while BC has since

become one of the nation’s top educational institu-

tions, the need to secure its long-term prosperity

remains crucial. Carney understands this and

views his legacy commitment as a step all BC

community members should consider.

“The campaign’s legacy giving goal deserves

serious attention,” says Carney. “When

speaking with other alumni, I emphasize the re-

markable impact these gifts can have, regardless of

their size.”

The Carney family is determining where to

designate their bequest intention, but they have

already earmarked part of their $3-million outright

gift for undergraduate financial aid by establishing

the Carney Family Athletics Scholarship, which

endows the starting center position on the men’s

basketball team. As longtime season ticket holders,

the Carneys view their gift as a way to ensure the

Eagles continue to compete at the highest level.

Joining other trustees and leadership donors,

the Carney family also contributed $1 million to

the 2004 purchase of the Brighton Campus, which

currently houses the new School of Theology and

Ministry and, in the future, will also include new

residence halls and athletic fields.

Like famiLy

Most poignantly, Carney commemorated his

father’s love by naming the Carney Din-

ing Room in McElroy Commons in

his memory—with the dedication

occurring in 1985. “I think of BC

as a member of the family,” says

Carney. “This perspective has

enabled me to share in the Uni-

versity’s upward trajectory in a very

personal way and reminds me just

how much BC has enriched my life.”

In addition, Carney and his family

are proud to have endowed the Welles

R. Crowther ’99 Directorship of Volunteer

and Service Learning, named for the young

equities trader and volunteer firefighter who

sacrificed his life to save others during the

9/11 attack on the World Trade Center.

With earlier gifts, Carney also endowed chairs

in the philosophy and English departments in

honor of his friendships with the late Fr. Frederick

Adelmann ’37, H’85, and University Senior Vice

President James P. McIntyre ’57, MA’61, PhD’67,

respectively. Furthermore, he has supported en-

deavors such as Pops on the Heights and the Real

Estate Council and has served on several reunion

gift committees and hosted numerous University

events, including a reception during Fr. Leahy’s

February visit to Palm Beach, Fla.

“There are always inspiring options for those

who wish to play a leading role,” says Carney. “I

view our gifts and involvement as investments in

BC’s Jesuit, Catholic mission, and the return on

our investment is evident in the successes of stu-

dents and faculty.”

Carney Family Drives Campaign Forward

Benefactors Patrick and Lillian carney have advanced many areas of the university through their lifetime commitment, recently providing a legacy provision that will help secure Bc’s long-term future.

A Fitting Tributevolunteers honored for their gifts of time and talent

page 2

Integrated Sciences Breakthroughpage 3

Reunion Leader Q&Aback cover

inside

Focus on Financial AidBc community responds to the

campaign’s call for undergraduate

financial aid

pageS 4–5

the Carney Family athletiCs sCholarship endows permanently the starting Center position on the men’s basketball team, Currently held by Josh

southern ’11 (right).

28007.indd 1 4/29/11 4:46 PM

Campaign ChairsCharles I. Clough, Jr. ’64 and Gloria L. Clough, MDiv’90, MS’96

William J. Geary ’80 and Kristi J. Geary

Kathleen M. McGillycuddy NC’71

ConveningCampaign ChairsMargot C. Connell, H’09

John M. Connors, Jr. ’63, H’07, and Eileen M. Ahearn Connors ’66, MSW’95

Peter S. Lynch ’65, H’95, and Carolyn A. Lynch, H’09

Patrick T. Stokes ’64 and Anna-Kristina L. Stokes

Peter W. Bell ’86 and Marilee Denelle Bell ’87Boston College Fund

Matthew J. Botica ’72 and Christine C. BoticaChicago Region

Robert A. Ferris ’63 and Evelyn J. FerrisNorthern California Region

David T. Griffith ’68Legacy Gifts

T.J. Maloney ’75New York Region

Stephen P. Murray ’84New York Region

David P. O’Connor ’86New York Region

Thomas P. O’Neill III ’68Gasson Society

Dineen A. Riviezzo ’89Boston College Alumni Association

UNIvERSITy TRUSTEE

Charles I. Clough, Jr. ’64, P’87,

’93, ’98, led a stellar class of

honorees at this year’s Distin-

guished volunteer Tribute Dinner.

Held March 25 at the Fairmont

Copley Plaza in Boston, the an-

nual awards ceremony recognizes

those BC community members

who best personify the Jesuit

ideal of “men and women for

others” in their contributions to

the University’s advancement

endeavors.

Clough received the evening’s

highest honor, the James F. Cleary

’50, H’93, Masters Award, for his

lifetime of service, which includes

17 years as a trustee and his

continued leadership as Light the

World campaign co-chair. Also

accepting awards were Danielle

v. Auriemma ’10; Kim D. Gassett-

Schiller and Philip W. Schiller ’82;

David T. Griffith ’68, P’00, ’02,

’06; and the Class of 2005

Reunion Committee.

More than 400 alumni, par-

ents, and friends attended the

celebration, which also featured a

performance by the student

a cappella group BC Dynamics.

During the ceremony, Univer-

sity Trustee and Campaign Co-

chair Kathleen M. McGillycuddy

NC’71 praised the awardees,

saying, “These individuals

have each played a very

special and important role

in the success of Boston

College. They have gone

above and beyond the

call, whether it is chair-

ing reunion committees, chairing

campaign committees, endowing

scholarships, establishing cen-

ters, or hosting countless events.

Each honoree exemplifies leader-

ship, inspiration, and strength.”

Editor: Matthew Bellico

Writers: Melissa Baern, Kevin Collins, Laura DeCoste, and Shannon Parks

Photographers: David Barnes, Gary Wayne Gilbert, Sebastien Girard, Eve Greendale, Chan-ning Johnson, Rose Lincoln, and Lee Pellegrini

The Light the World campaign newsletter is published three times a year and distributed to selected Boston College alumni, parents, and friends by the Office of Advancement Communications & Marketing. uacommunications@bc.edu

Campaign CounCil

campaign leadership

credits

This year’s Distinguished volunteer Award recipients were (back row, from left) Philip W. Schiller; Kim D. Gassett-Schiller; Charles I. Clough, Jr.; David T. Griffith; (front row, from left) Timothy Harvey ’05; Danielle v. Auriemma; Stephanie Miles Klock ’05; and Doug Wakefield ’05.

Special guest speaker Kathleen McGillycuddygreeted attendees on behalf of the Board of Trustees.

Corey Williams ’04, MA’06 (left), and Chaz Okagbue ’05

enjoy the awards reception.

A Call to Servebc leaders feted at volunteer tribute dinner

theL I G H T

W O R L D

2

IT HAS BEEN SAID THAT

what’s old becomes new again.

Evelyn J. and Robert A. Ferris Pro-

fessor of Physics and Department

Chair Mike Naughton couldn’t agree

more. That’s because the idea upon

which he and a multidisciplinary

team of University researchers have

based their groundbreaking new

project has roots in a decades-old

technology. Their latest brainchild

is so promising that the W. M. Keck

Foundation has awarded BC a pres-

tigious $1-million grant to develop it.

The project: a nanoscale coaxial

optical microscope (NCOM). When

completed in three years, the NCOM

will join a new class of superlenses,

which uses novel technologies to

manipulate light and make visible

tiny particles at resolutions never

before imaginable. The essential

feature of the nanocoax is similar

in design to coaxial cables—which

have been around for more than 150

years and have transported radio

and television signals for the past

50—except a million times smaller.

“It’s a well-known, old story that’s

never been told at this scale,” says

Naughton. “When we began discuss-

ing our idea with former ham radio

operators, they were at first con-

fused. After thinking about it some

more, they said, ‘Of course it will

work!’”

In addition to Naughton, the

NCOM research team includes Pro-

fessor of Physics Krzysztof Kempa,

Microscopy Imaging Facility Man-

ager Joshua Rosenberg, and Re-

search Associate Greg McMahon in

the University’s Integrated Sciences

Clean Room and Nanofabrication

Facility. The project also provides

funding for a postdoctoral student,

three graduate students, and at least

12 undergraduate students over the

next three years.

“None of our work can happen

without students,” says Naughton,

who is also the proud father of two

Eagles. “The best part is seeing

them get it, take ownership of it, and

live for it.”

FAR-REACHING IMPACT

With the proposed NCOM aiming

to achieve a 10-fold improvement

in resolution, scientists would be

able to see in much finer detail what

is occurring inside living systems

at the cellular, sub-cellular, and

sub-protein level. Therefore, this

technology has broad implications

for biology, medicine, genetics,

therapeutics, and related fields.

The research team has already

envisioned some unique applica-

tions, for which BC holds several

issued and pending patents. One

example is optical nanosurgery,

which would use arrays of coaxes

that convert light into electricity so

that doctors can illuminate their

surgical path while simultaneously

frying diseased cells. This could

hold particular promise for patients

with neurological disorders, such as

epilepsy, because the pinpoint accu-

racy would enable surgeons to avoid

healthy regions of the brain that

affect speech and other functions.

Based in Los Angeles, Calif., the

W. M. Keck Foundation was estab-

lished in 1954 by the late William

Myron Keck, founder of Superior

Oil Company, who envisioned a

philanthropic institution that would

provide far-reaching benefits for

humanity. The foundation supports

pioneering discoveries in science,

engineering, and medical research,

as well as the effective involvement

of students in research.

“This grant from the W. M. Keck

Foundation gives us the ability, and

puts tools at our disposal, to find

and follow through on ideas,” says

Naughton. “Ideas are important, but

it’s more important to execute on

them.”

Evelyn J. and Robert A. Ferris Professor of Physics and Department Chair Mike Naughton provides his per-spective on the importance of integrated sciences, a strategic priority that is taking BC’s academic programming into bold, new directions.

HOW DO yOU DEFINE

INTEGRATED SCIENCES?

“I define it as uncompartmental-

ized, because the best work can no

longer be executed or conceived in

just one scientific discipline. For

example, I can make an array of

coaxes that might work as a retinal

implant, but I cannot get it into

the human eye without the help of

biochemists, electrical engineers,

and others.”

ONCE yOU HAvE AN IDEA,

HOW DO yOU IDENTIFy

WHOM TO WORK WITH TO

DEvELOP IT?

“I Google it. This allows me to

search published literature to

determine whether similar work

has already been published and to

identify whom we might partner

with to make the idea a reality.”

WHAT’S THE BEST PART

ABOUT COLLABORATING

ACROSS DISCIPLINES?

“The fun part is that integrated

sciences encourage dreaming. If

I can imagine it, then I can find

someone who can help me get it

there. A little bit of knowledge is

no longer extremely dangerous.”

Million-Dollar Idea Breathes New Life into Mature Technology

prestigious keck foundation grant places bc squarely in competitive scientific landscape

From left: Joshua Rosenberg, Krzysztof Kempa, Mike Naughton, and Greg McMahon lead the nanoscale research team whose work recently received a $1-million Keck Foundation grant.

The nanocoax (pictured here), patented by Boston College in 2009–2010, is the basis for many promising new applications.

Under the Microscope: Integrated Sciences

Q A&

3

THE LIGHT THE WORLD

campaign’s $300-million commit-

ment to undergraduate financial aid

is much more than a fundraising

goal—it is an affirmation of one of

the University’s most deeply held

Jesuit, Catholic ideals.

As other universities grapple with

budget pressures and market diffi-

culties, they are often forced to turn

away deserving applicants because of

their financial situations. But Boston

College—founded out of a deep sense

of social justice to educate a poor,

largely immigrant population—main-

tains its commitment to providing

financial aid on the broadest scale

possible.

To this day, BC accepts students

based on their qualifications alone,

with no consideration to their abil-

ity to pay tuition—a policy of “need-

blind admission.” Once a student is

accepted, the University will meet

his or her full demonstrated financial

need. BC is one of only 21 private

institutions to do so. The result is an

extraordinary student body, chosen

for its excellence and richly diverse in

its socioeconomic background.

Since the campaign’s inception,

more than 16,580 alumni, parents,

and friends have given to financial

aid in some way, including these

BC community members who have

demonstrated extraordinary support

of this vital priority.

Meghan and Michael Caponiti ’90, MA’90Rye, N.Y.

John FishMilton, Mass.

Claudia ’85 and Carlos de la Cruz, Jr. ’85Key Biscayne, Fla.

Judith and Edward Crane, P’09, ’11, ’12Hinsdale, Ill.

Before Judith and Edward Crane’s oldest

son, Michael, began looking at colleges,

the Cranes had no connection with BC.

But their initial visit to the Heights made a lasting

impact.

“We were extraordinarily impressed,” recalls

Edward Crane, who leads the litigation practice in

the Chicago office of Skadden, Arps, Slate, Mea-

gher & Flom, LLP. “We could see that Boston Col-

lege was a place of academic excellence, but was

also committed to Catholicism; truly, a living-faith

community. That was evident in so many aspects

of the University.”

Michael Crane went on to earn a degree in

psychology from the College of Arts and Sciences,

and his two siblings followed him to Chestnut

Hill. Mary Crane will graduate from the Lynch

School of Education in May and return for her

master’s degree, while Eddie Crane is a finance

major at the Carroll School of Management.

The University has exceeded the Cranes’

high expectations. The couple have found

that no matter their area of study, BC

students are intellectually curious and

service oriented. “The leadership of the

Jesuit community, and the talent of

the faculty and staff, is incredible,” says Edward

Crane.

The couple established the Matthew E. Crane

Memorial Scholarship to celebrate the experienc-

es of Michael, Mary, and Eddie, while also honor-

ing the memory of their youngest son, who died

shortly after birth. “Endowing this scholarship

was a way for our family to make a contribution to

BC consistent with our values,” explains Edward

Crane. “We’re delighted to empower students to

attend BC who otherwise might be unable

to do so.”

Claudia ’85 and Carlos de la Cruz, Jr. ’85

fell in love at Boston College and, while

they remember BC with great fond-

ness, they appreciate the University for more

than its role in their own romance. “BC has that

Jesuit social conscience, that commitment to

helping out, which is so important,” says Carlos

de la Cruz.

Today, both the de la Cruzes have made

service to children central to their lives and are

particularly concerned with

at-risk youths.

Claudia serves on the board of the Centro

Mater Foundation, which provides day care,

education, nourishment, health services, and

after-school programs to Miami-area children

in need. Carlos, president and CEO of The de la

Cruz Companies, chairs the board of Our Kids,

an agency committed to caring for abused, ne-

glected, and abandoned children. “You dream of

having these kids going to a place like BC,” he

muses as he talks about the difficult issues Our

Kids and Centro Mater confront daily.

By underwriting a BC Fund Scholarship,

the de la Cruz family has made it possible for

a deserving student to benefit from a BC

education. They are also supporting BC’s

commitment to educating leaders with a

social conscience—leaders not unlike

themselves.

The chairman and CEO of Boston-

based Suffolk Construction Company,

John Fish is an expert on a well-

laid foundation—and the Fish Cornerstone

Scholarship that he and his wife, Cynthia, have

endowed with their gift of $1 million will help

talented student-athletes build bright futures

for years to come.

A strong advocate for Catholic education,

John was struck by how many of his colleagues

in the Boston business community were BC

alumni. In Boston College, he saw his own

values made tangible: a University grounded in

principles of faith and service, dedicated to the

highest academic standards, and committed

to providing an education for every deserving

student.

Fish has been a BC trustee and supporter

for several years, but his newest role at BC is

that of parent—his daughter Christina is a first-

year law student. “The quality of her education

and overall experience is simply the finest it

could be,” he says. “She is being exposed to

truly brilliant faculty members who are leaders

in the community, as well as talented students

who contribute a great deal to the shared learn-

ing experience.”

During his own school days, Fish struggled

with undiagnosed dyslexia, which led him to

pour his intense drive into athletics. “I used

sports to bolster my performance and focus,” he

explains. “I continue to have a strong interest

in the value of education and sports. BC has an

impressive reputation in both arenas.” So it was

a natural choice for the Fishes to direct their

scholarship to a member of the varsity football

team. The Fish Cornerstone Scholarship will

further strengthen the University and its Eagles;

but, most importantly, it

will enable generations

of talented young

people to lay the

foundations for

their own success at

Boston College.

The Illuminating Effects of Financial AidBC BENEFACTORS ANSWER CALL TO

STRENGTHEN CORE UNIVERSITY VALUE

Michael Caponiti ’90, MA’90, had a

great experience as a Boston Col-

lege student. Today, he’s the owner

of Archimedes Capital Group and a loyal BC

volunteer who co-chaired his 20th Reunion Gift

Committee. But his greatest motivation to sup-

port financial aid at BC was shaped by someone

who didn’t attend the University at all.

“Fifty years ago, my father received a full-ride

scholarship to Villanova University.

Somebody helped him out when he needed it,”

says Caponiti. “We were always very proud of

that scholarship. It broadened him, and it made

a big difference for our family.”

Compelled to pay that kindness forward,

Caponiti and his wife, Meghan, have endowed

the Caponiti Family Scholarship Fund to provide

financial aid for a deserving BC undergraduate.

The couple believe that Catholic educa-

tion will play an increasing role in 21st century

America and that BC is poised to lead the way.

“Catholic schools offer structure and a moral

framework that is needed,” he says. “BC

emphasizes morality, and that comes across

in the student experience.”

They hope many—or all—of their five

children will someday attend the

University and bring them

to football games each

fall. The Caponitis are

teaching their children

about service through

their BC philanthro-

py—and creating

future Superfans in

the process.

I have been at BC for only a short

time, but I can already tell that there are many driven and enthusiastic young people here with diverse interests. I feel very fortunate to be able to learn from and asso-ciate with them.”

—Narintohn Luangrath ’14 was one of only 20 freshmen se-lected for BC’s Shaw Leadership Program, a student formation initiative focused on community service and peer education. A political science major from Tigard, Ore., Luangrath loves to teach and hopes to become a college professor one day.

“

There are so many doors open to me

right now, and it is largely due to the philanthropy of the de la Cruz family. They are making dreams come true for me.”

—Marlena Papavaritis ’11 of Miami, Fla., is in her third year as the de la Cruz BC Fund Scholar. Currently, she is contemplating a host of ap-pealing opportunities after gradu-ation, applying to a variety of law schools and graduate programs in public administration and Eastern European studies.

“I’m still discovering all

that BC has to offer—and I’m so grateful for the opportunity to be here. I can’t thank the Cranes enough for my scholarship.”

—Kayla Morse ’14 of Dousman, Wis., is the 2010–11 Crane Scholar, majoring in political science. She came to BC a violinist, an athlete (track and soccer), and a lover of the sciences, and she is finding new ways to pursue her many pas-sions here.

“

“ Being a student-athlete

at BC means being a talented athlete and being able to succeed in academics. I’m grateful for the oppor-tunity to do both.”

—Thomas Claiborne ’10 studied communication at BC and was the Fish Cornerstone Scholar for two years. The Wellesley, Mass., native played 10 games at offensive tackle in the 2010 season, helping lead the way for a running attack that averaged 133 yards per game.

4 5

THE LIGHT THE WORLD

campaign’s $300-million commit-

ment to undergraduate financial aid

is much more than a fundraising

goal—it is an affirmation of one of

the University’s most deeply held

Jesuit, Catholic ideals.

As other universities grapple with

budget pressures and market diffi-

culties, they are often forced to turn

away deserving applicants because of

their financial situations. But Boston

College—founded out of a deep sense

of social justice to educate a poor,

largely immigrant population—main-

tains its commitment to providing

financial aid on the broadest scale

possible.

To this day, BC accepts students

based on their qualifications alone,

with no consideration to their abil-

ity to pay tuition—a policy of “need-

blind admission.” Once a student is

accepted, the University will meet

his or her full demonstrated financial

need. BC is one of only 21 private

institutions to do so. The result is an

extraordinary student body, chosen

for its excellence and richly diverse in

its socioeconomic background.

Since the campaign’s inception,

more than 16,580 alumni, parents,

and friends have given to financial

aid in some way, including these

BC community members who have

demonstrated extraordinary support

of this vital priority.

Meghan and Michael Caponiti ’90, MA’90Rye, N.Y.

John FishMilton, Mass.

Claudia ’85 and Carlos de la Cruz, Jr. ’85Key Biscayne, Fla.

Judith and Edward Crane, P’09, ’11, ’12Hinsdale, Ill.

Before Judith and Edward Crane’s oldest

son, Michael, began looking at colleges,

the Cranes had no connection with BC.

But their initial visit to the Heights made a lasting

impact.

“We were extraordinarily impressed,” recalls

Edward Crane, who leads the litigation practice in

the Chicago office of Skadden, Arps, Slate, Mea-

gher & Flom, LLP. “We could see that Boston Col-

lege was a place of academic excellence, but was

also committed to Catholicism; truly, a living-faith

community. That was evident in so many aspects

of the University.”

Michael Crane went on to earn a degree in

psychology from the College of Arts and Sciences,

and his two siblings followed him to Chestnut

Hill. Mary Crane will graduate from the Lynch

School of Education in May and return for her

master’s degree, while Eddie Crane is a finance

major at the Carroll School of Management.

The University has exceeded the Cranes’

high expectations. The couple have found

that no matter their area of study, BC

students are intellectually curious and

service oriented. “The leadership of the

Jesuit community, and the talent of

the faculty and staff, is incredible,” says Edward

Crane.

The couple established the Matthew E. Crane

Memorial Scholarship to celebrate the experienc-

es of Michael, Mary, and Eddie, while also honor-

ing the memory of their youngest son, who died

shortly after birth. “Endowing this scholarship

was a way for our family to make a contribution to

BC consistent with our values,” explains Edward

Crane. “We’re delighted to empower students to

attend BC who otherwise might be unable

to do so.”

Claudia ’85 and Carlos de la Cruz, Jr. ’85

fell in love at Boston College and, while

they remember BC with great fond-

ness, they appreciate the University for more

than its role in their own romance. “BC has that

Jesuit social conscience, that commitment to

helping out, which is so important,” says Carlos

de la Cruz.

Today, both the de la Cruzes have made

service to children central to their lives and are

particularly concerned with

at-risk youths.

Claudia serves on the board of the Centro

Mater Foundation, which provides day care,

education, nourishment, health services, and

after-school programs to Miami-area children

in need. Carlos, president and CEO of The de la

Cruz Companies, chairs the board of Our Kids,

an agency committed to caring for abused, ne-

glected, and abandoned children. “You dream of

having these kids going to a place like BC,” he

muses as he talks about the difficult issues Our

Kids and Centro Mater confront daily.

By underwriting a BC Fund Scholarship,

the de la Cruz family has made it possible for

a deserving student to benefit from a BC

education. They are also supporting BC’s

commitment to educating leaders with a

social conscience—leaders not unlike

themselves.

The chairman and CEO of Boston-

based Suffolk Construction Company,

John Fish is an expert on a well-

laid foundation—and the Fish Cornerstone

Scholarship that he and his wife, Cynthia, have

endowed with their gift of $1 million will help

talented student-athletes build bright futures

for years to come.

A strong advocate for Catholic education,

John was struck by how many of his colleagues

in the Boston business community were BC

alumni. In Boston College, he saw his own

values made tangible: a University grounded in

principles of faith and service, dedicated to the

highest academic standards, and committed

to providing an education for every deserving

student.

Fish has been a BC trustee and supporter

for several years, but his newest role at BC is

that of parent—his daughter Christina is a first-

year law student. “The quality of her education

and overall experience is simply the finest it

could be,” he says. “She is being exposed to

truly brilliant faculty members who are leaders

in the community, as well as talented students

who contribute a great deal to the shared learn-

ing experience.”

During his own school days, Fish struggled

with undiagnosed dyslexia, which led him to

pour his intense drive into athletics. “I used

sports to bolster my performance and focus,” he

explains. “I continue to have a strong interest

in the value of education and sports. BC has an

impressive reputation in both arenas.” So it was

a natural choice for the Fishes to direct their

scholarship to a member of the varsity football

team. The Fish Cornerstone Scholarship will

further strengthen the University and its Eagles;

but, most importantly, it

will enable generations

of talented young

people to lay the

foundations for

their own success at

Boston College.

The Illuminating Effects of Financial AidBC BENEFACTORS ANSWER CALL TO

STRENGTHEN CORE UNIVERSITY VALUE

Michael Caponiti ’90, MA’90, had a

great experience as a Boston Col-

lege student. Today, he’s the owner

of Archimedes Capital Group and a loyal BC

volunteer who co-chaired his 20th Reunion Gift

Committee. But his greatest motivation to sup-

port financial aid at BC was shaped by someone

who didn’t attend the University at all.

“Fifty years ago, my father received a full-ride

scholarship to Villanova University.

Somebody helped him out when he needed it,”

says Caponiti. “We were always very proud of

that scholarship. It broadened him, and it made

a big difference for our family.”

Compelled to pay that kindness forward,

Caponiti and his wife, Meghan, have endowed

the Caponiti Family Scholarship Fund to provide

financial aid for a deserving BC undergraduate.

The couple believe that Catholic educa-

tion will play an increasing role in 21st century

America and that BC is poised to lead the way.

“Catholic schools offer structure and a moral

framework that is needed,” he says. “BC

emphasizes morality, and that comes across

in the student experience.”

They hope many—or all—of their five

children will someday attend the

University and bring them

to football games each

fall. The Caponitis are

teaching their children

about service through

their BC philanthro-

py—and creating

future Superfans in

the process.

I have been at BC for only a short

time, but I can already tell that there are many driven and enthusiastic young people here with diverse interests. I feel very fortunate to be able to learn from and asso-ciate with them.”

—Narintohn Luangrath ’14 was one of only 20 freshmen se-lected for BC’s Shaw Leadership Program, a student formation initiative focused on community service and peer education. A political science major from Tigard, Ore., Luangrath loves to teach and hopes to become a college professor one day.

“

There are so many doors open to me

right now, and it is largely due to the philanthropy of the de la Cruz family. They are making dreams come true for me.”

—Marlena Papavaritis ’11 of Miami, Fla., is in her third year as the de la Cruz BC Fund Scholar. Currently, she is contemplating a host of ap-pealing opportunities after gradu-ation, applying to a variety of law schools and graduate programs in public administration and Eastern European studies.

“I’m still discovering all

that BC has to offer—and I’m so grateful for the opportunity to be here. I can’t thank the Cranes enough for my scholarship.”

—Kayla Morse ’14 of Dousman, Wis., is the 2010–11 Crane Scholar, majoring in political science. She came to BC a violinist, an athlete (track and soccer), and a lover of the sciences, and she is finding new ways to pursue her many pas-sions here.

“

“ Being a student-athlete

at BC means being a talented athlete and being able to succeed in academics. I’m grateful for the oppor-tunity to do both.”

—Thomas Claiborne ’10 studied communication at BC and was the Fish Cornerstone Scholar for two years. The Wellesley, Mass., native played 10 games at offensive tackle in the 2010 season, helping lead the way for a running attack that averaged 133 yards per game.

4 5

Financial aid of all kinds enables BC students to reach new heights—both in the classroom and on the playing field.

68 Percentage of

Boston College undergraduates

who receive some form of financial

assistance*

13Percentage of total

undergraduatefinancial aid

budget funded by endowment*

$30,979Average need-based

financial aid package for BC

undergraduates*

260endowed

scholarships established since

the Light the World campaign launch

$156 million

endowed funds pledged for financial aid

since the start of the campaign

DID YOU KNOW?ENdowEd SchoLarShiPS

*Figures from 2009–10 fiscal year

BOSTOn COLLege dOnOrS

can see the impact of their gifts

across the Heights, and now they

can increase that power through

charitable IRA rollovers.

Extended by federal legisla-

tion for 2011, charitable IRA

rollovers enable benefactors to

make tax-free distributions of up

to $100,000 annually from their

individual retirement accounts to

qualified charities such as BC.

This popular giving option

allows donors to avoid paying

federal and, in many cases, state

income taxes, while satisfying

IRA requirements for annual

minimum withdrawals. Because

of these advantages, donors can

provide critical support to the

University at higher levels than

might otherwise be possible.

“The tax benefit makes this

type of donation very appeal-

ing,” says Mary Trepanier Sylvia,

MSW’56, who has provided

several IRA rollover gifts to

Boston College. “This giving op-

tion enables me to show my ap-

preciation for the quality educa-

tion I received while supporting

today’s students in the Graduate

School of Social Work.”

Like Trepanier Sylvia, donors

can direct their commitments

to the BC department, school,

or initiative of their choice—or

make unrestricted gifts that

enable the University to bol-

ster current priorities, such as

undergraduate financial aid and

student-faculty research.

To qualify, benefactors must

be at least 70½ years old at the

time of distribution. For both

traditional and Roth IRAs,

donors should have their account

administrator transfer the funds

to Boston College directly.

To discuss giving options in

confidence, contact Gift Planning

Director Sue Warren Ramsey ’91

at 617-552-3423 or sue.ramsey@

bc.edu.

Learn more about the benefits of charitable ira rollovers and access sample gift language at www.bc.edu/irarollover.

IRA Option Enables Donors to Maximize Gifts

righT nOw, TALenTed yOung

men and women are deciding where

to attend college. For many, that

decision will rely in large part on the

financial aid they are offered.

When members of the Class of

2015 arrive at the Heights, they will

come from every state and more than

60 countries. They will be excellent

students with broad interests and curi-

ous minds—and more than two-thirds

of them will receive financial aid.

By empowering seven out of 10

students to attend BC, financial aid

donors have a tremendous impact on

the University and its students. Many

find that the impact goes both ways.

As they receive letters from their

scholars or meet them at Fr. Leahy’s

annual scholarship dinner in the

spring, donors often develop relation-

ships with their students that last for

years.

BC community members can make

a difference by creating endowed

funds and by contributing annually

to financial aid—both are vital to

meeting the University’s commit-

ment to open its doors to all deserving

students.

Endowed gifts provide the Univer-

sity with permanent resources devoted

exclusively to financial aid. Endowed

funds generate income in perpetuity

that each year underwrites a specific

student’s financial aid package.

With a contribution of $250,000,

a fully endowed scholarship can be

named and directed to support a stu-

dent from any region of the country

in a particular school, sport, or area of

study. These funds create an endur-

ing tribute to the mission of Boston

College by supporting students now

and for generations to come.

On the other hand, annual gifts fill

an immediate need. The University’s

undergraduate financial aid budget

has increased dramatically—35 per-

cent over the last five years. Endow-

ment alone cannot support that level

of growth. Annual gifts directly aid

today’s students and thus are crucial

to achieving the Boston College

mission.

With an annual contribution of

$25,000, a donor can establish a

named scholarship for one year—with

the entire gift applied to a student’s

financial aid package in the year it is

received. Donors can give to the BC

Fund Scholars Program to provide

aid for a deserving undergraduate

or support the Flynn Fund Scholar-

Athlete Program, funding a single

student-athlete in any school or athlet-

ics program of the donor’s choice.

With either option, benefactors can

be assured that their gifts will have a

lasting effect on a student’s life.

Learn more about supporting financial aid at www.bc.edu/alumni/invest.

Two Paths to ExcellenceENdOWmENT ANd CURRENT-USE FUNdS mAkE SCHOLARSHIpS A REALITY

“The tax benefit makes this type of donation very appealing.” —Mary Trepanier Sylvia, MSw’56

hak Kim ’14, recipient of the harry and Marie Muller Scholarship, speaks with donor couple Bernadette Muller Broccolo ’77 and Timothy e. Broccolo ’77 at the 8th annual Boston College Scholarship dinner, held April 14.

6

AS The univerSiTy PrePAreS TO

welcome thousands of alumni back

to campus during Reunion Weekend

June 3–5, two classes are gearing up to

reach new heights in donor participa-

tion.

Hoping to eclipse the Class of

2005’s stellar reunion fundraising in

2010, the Class of 2006 has set an am-

bitious goal of 1,000 alumni donors—

securing a 48-percent participation

rate. Thanks in part to their winning

efforts in the GOLD Rush Challenge—

for which the class received the nam-

ing rights to a $25,000 scholarship—

this year’s 5th reunion class acquired

more than 500 gifts by the end of the

calendar year, a BC first.

“The strong community tie between

our amazing volunteers and the Uni-

versity is one element that has driven

our success so far,” says Victoria

O’Kane ’06, co-chair of the 5th Re-

union Committee. “Sometimes young

alumni don’t realize the impact they

can have on the University. By getting

involved, either financially or as volun-

teers, we can change BC for the better

and really help future students.”

The Class of 2006 is not the only

reunion class poised to realize record

giving. Committee members from the

Class of 1986 hope to surpass all previ-

ous 25th reunion classes by raising

$12.6 million—$3.1 million more than

the previous mark set by the Class of

1984.

“We want to break all the records,”

says University Trustee and 25th

Reunion Co-chair David O’Connor

’86. “We’ll be successful because our

classmates’ individual efforts are great.

That support adds up.”

The Class of 1986 is no stranger to

achieving milestones, having raised

nearly $3.6 million in its 20th reunion

year, the first class to do so. Five years

later, they are no less focused and

motivated to make an impact through

class-wide contributions.

“Education is so much more

expensive today, and many of our

gifts go to financial aid and scholar-

ships,” explains O’Connor. “That is the

number one reason we ask alumni to

participate, no matter if the amount

is $19.86 or $1 million. Every gift

counts.”

The early efforts of committee

members like O’Kane and O’Connor

may pay off in yet another big way. As

part of the Race to the Finish Chal-

lenge, $100,000 in scholarships will

be named in honor of each of the first

four classes to reach their participation

goals. Both the 5th and 25th reunion

classes are leading the pack and hope

to carry that momentum all the way

through Reunion Weekend.

To register for reunion or to be counted for your class, visit www.bc.edu/reunion.

Reunion Classes Poised to Break Records

reunion offers alumni the chance to reconnect with friends and the life of the University—and to be counted through class-based participation goals.

Fr. LeAhy And MeMBerS OF The Board of Trustees sought to “light the world” in the Sunshine State by spending two weekends in Florida this winter. with visits to naples Feb. 5–6 and Palm Beach Feb. 25–27, more than 600 alumni, parents, and friends enjoyed a series of campaign leadership events, featuring presenta-tions on both the institutional Master Plan and student formation. The BC community in Florida represents an enduring base of involvement and support in the Southeast region. in keeping with tradition, the weekends concluded with Mass presided over by Fr. Leahy, followed by brunch.

James derba ’51, P’78 (left), and James Carr, P’09, ’11, at

the Palm Beach Mass and brunch

From left: President william P. Leahy, S.J.; Convening

Campaign Chair eileen M. Ahearn Connors ’66, MSw’95, P’93, ’94; and university Trustee and Con-vening Campaign Chair John M. Connors, Jr. ’63, h’07, P’93, ’94, at the naples President’s reception hosted by the Connors family

From left: Leo vercollone ’77, P’06, ’08; Joanne vercollone,

P’06, ’08; Legacy gifts Chair david T. griffith ’68, P’00, ’02, ’06; and vice President for university Mis-sion and Ministry John T. Butler, S.J., STL’06, at the naples Spotlight Luncheon

1

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2

3

2

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state sunshine Casting a Light on the

7

Just days remain for alumni and parents to help BC meet its participation goal.

help bc cross the finish line

PLEASE MAKE YOUR

GIFT BY MAY 31 AT

WWW.BC.EDU/GIVE.

light worldthe campaign newsletter of boston college

spring 2011, vol. 4, no. 2

Q&A: 25th Reunion Co-chair

office of university advancementmore hall 220140 commonwealth avenuechestnut hill, ma 02467–3808

www.bc.edu/ltw

presorted

first class

us postage

paid

boston, ma

permit no. 54465

University Trustee Drake G. Behrakis ’86 and his wife, Maria, have shown their support for Boston College in a

number of ways over the years, both fi nancially and as volunteers. In his current role as co-chair of his 25th Reunion

Committee, Behrakis wants his classmates to know that, although more than two decades have passed since gradua-

tion, the University’s traditions and alumni are still what make BC special.

WhY Do You ConTinue To Be CounTeD aT BC, Year aFTer Year?I believe in the mission. The motto “Ever to

Excel”—to continue to strive to be the best and en-

sure that each student becomes a better person—is

a huge part of this mission. Our combined eff orts

can elevate BC to an even higher level. There are ex-

ceptional individuals who are truly committed to this

place, and I enjoy sharing my passion with them.

WhaT are You looKing ForWarD To mosT aBouT Your upComing reunion? Campus always looks so beautiful, especially at that

time of year, but it’s all about the people—class-

mates, alumni, faculty, and administration. BC alum-

ni share a special bond. I always enjoy meeting them

and hearing about how the University has made a

diff erence in people’s lives. Reunion Weekend is the

perfect time for those conversations.

in Your role as a 25Th reunion Co-Chair, hoW have You goTTen Your ClassmaTes eXCiTeD aBouT giving BaCK?The best way to connect with classmates is

to be open and honest with them. BC has a

lot to off er, so I try to help fellow alumni fi nd

a personal way to dedicate their resources. It

could be a specifi c school, program, or activity.

What is important is that they know that their

gift to the University, regardless of size, truly

makes a diff erence. For more than 148 years,

the institution has been built, protected, and

sustained by thousands of people who made a

commitment so that future generations would

have the opportunity to live value-fi lled lives.

Joining drake G. Behrakis as co-chairs of the Class of 1986 reunion Gift Campaign are Peter Bell; Michaela “Mikey” Murphy hoag, P’14; and david o’Connor, all of whom serve on the Board of Trustees.