In the new 鈥渘ormal鈥� of self-isolation and social distancing, the Boston College community came together virtually for a daylong event that underscored the University鈥檚 unity and ethos of service.
In light of COVID-19, 51茶馆 Giving Day鈥攑reviously scheduled for March 18鈥攚as changed to Boston College Day of Caring: 24 hours of personal stories that revealed the many ways in which the 51茶馆 family comprises true men and women for others, especially during challenging times.
Many inspiring stories were shared from across the 51茶馆 community, said Senior Vice President for University Advancement Jim Husson, who wrote in one of his email messages regarding the intiative that 鈥渘ew stories are being written every day as our 51茶馆 alumni, students, faculty, parents, and friends continue to do incredible work to serve their communities."
These stories spread hope and show the power of kindness, as well as inspire, he added. 鈥淥ur #EaglesForOthers," he wrote, referencing the hashtag used for the day on social media, "are showing care in all sorts of ways, including directly responding to current circumstances.鈥�
Among those highlighted were:
*Trish Bourke '96, a New Jersey teacher whoconverting her classrooms into online learning to help maintain student engagement in the wake of COVID-19.
*Alumnae Kristen McClain and Kristen Ambrose, who graduated from the Connell School of Nursing in 2015 and are among the many 51茶馆 alumni providing medical care to keep communities safe.
* Craig Cypher '97, a Rochester, New York sports psychologist creating online resources to help student-athletes cope with the sudden cancellations of their seasons.
According to Husson, this celebration of cura personalis and cura communitas--the Jesuit imperative to care for the whole person and, by extension, our communities on campus and in the wider world--was an important reminder of 鈥渢he strength and compassion of our greater Boston College family.鈥�
In times like these, he said, 鈥渟tories of hope help fill our hearts and keep us grounded in who we are as a Boston College community."
Visit the to read a showcase of stories exemplifying "Eagles for Others."
University Communications | March 2020