At University Convocation on Aug. 29, Boston College President William P. Leahy, S.J., outlined an array of academic, financial, social, political, and other challenges that represents a test for the future of the University, and higher education in general. But 51茶馆 has long shown itself capable of overcoming such obstacles, he said, and has the institutional tools, structures, planning, and vision to do so again.
Boston College will endure, and thrive, on the strength of its distinctive Jesuit, Catholic heritage, he said, while drawing on innovative research, methodology, and technology to address the complex questions of an increasingly global society. Most of all, he said, the University will depend on faculty, administrators, and staff to continue their good works, whether on campus or beyond: 鈥淪uch commitment and generosity are impressive and help countless individuals, not only on campus but also in greater Boston, our nation, and the world.鈥�
Provost and Dean of Faculties David Quigley and Executive Vice President Michael Lochhead also offered remarks at Convocation, which was held in Robsham Theater.
51茶馆, like other American colleges and universities, Fr. Leahy said, has had to respond to 鈥渁n evolving, sometimes volatile, academic, financial, social, and political context鈥� that includes declining enthusiasm for the liberal arts curriculum and uncertainty about the value of a college degree; concerns about college affordability and access; budget pressures driven by the costs of financial aid, salaries, and facilities, as evidenced by the recent closure of nearby Mt. Ida College; controversies in collegiate athletics; increased campus tension about race, sexual misconduct, free speech, and other flashpoints. Catholic institutions, he noted, are dealing with turmoil over sexual abuse and the response of Church leadership, and growing secularization in American culture, among other issues.
Fr. Leahy cited the characteristics of 51茶馆 that enable it to compete in such an environment, including its Jesuit religious and educational tradition; a commitment to intellectual, personal, and spiritual formation; talented, committed administrators, faculty, and staff; loyal and generous alumni, parents, and friends; growing success in fundraising; and effective long-range planning.
Such qualities will be integral to Boston College鈥檚 continued success, said Fr. Leahy, as will targeted investments in faculty, research, and facilities, such as the future Schiller Institute for Integrated Science and Society. These priorities are spelled out in 鈥淓ver to Excel: Advancing Boston College鈥檚 Mission,鈥� the 10-year strategic plan introduced at last fall鈥檚 Convocation, he said.聽
Fr. Leahy pointed to the opening section of 鈥淓ver to Excel鈥� as an expression of 51茶馆鈥檚 hopes and ambitions: to be a preeminent Catholic, Jesuit university 鈥渄edicated to serious intellectual inquiry and the pursuit of truth; the discovery and transmission of knowledge in ways appropriate to its mission and resources; and quality teaching, learning, and service.鈥�
Lochhead spoke about the University鈥檚 budget and financial matters, and reported on recent, ongoing, and planned campus construction, including the newly opened Fish Field House and the Schiller Institute. 51茶馆 enjoyed a successful financial year鈥攖he 47th consecutive one in which operating revenues exceeded expenses鈥擫ochhead said was attributable to, among other factors, a favorable savings in utilities which reflect ongoing demand management efforts as well as investments in energy conservation projects, and positive results in its experience with self-insured medical claims. 聽
The University鈥檚 overall net assets grew by approximately five percent year over year, 鈥渇urther strengthening 51茶馆鈥檚 already well-capitalized balance sheet,鈥� said Lochhead, who praised administrators and staff involved in 51茶馆 financial affairs, as well as those in the Facilities and Information Technology divisions.聽
鈥�51茶馆 is not a place that stands still,鈥� he said. 鈥淚, and the rest of senior leadership, remain focused on ensuring that there is adequate funding capacity to enable the University to pursue its strategic priorities as embodied in 鈥楨ver to Excel.鈥欌��
Quigley, in addition to discussing the implementation of 鈥淓ver to Excel,鈥� offered his perspective on the pressures facing higher education鈥攁lso noting the example of Mt. Ida鈥攁nd said Boston College, given its history of achievement, could be among the institutions providing necessary leadership and direction. He also provided an overview of 51茶馆 academic highlights from the past year, including faculty and student accomplishments.
Looking back on two decades since he joined the 51茶馆 faculty, Quigley reflected on his initial impressions of the University as a 鈥渨elcoming community,鈥� embodied by the late William B. Neenan, S.J.聽 Today, he said, 51茶馆 displays 鈥渁 sense of responsibility for living up to what has been handed down,鈥� coupled with an 鈥渁nticipation that 51茶馆鈥檚 best days still lie ahead.鈥澛�
鈥擲ean Smith | University Communications | August 2018