Flourishing Together in ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½app's Spaces
The Jesuit Institute Staff Seminar has been meeting regularly since 2018, under the leadership of the Jesuit Institute’s Jim Keenan, SJ, and Toni Ross. Comprised of staff from various areas of ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½app, the group does its best to discuss and live Ignatian values and ideals, especially accompaniment, seeing God in all things, and Cura Personalis.Ìý
Beginning in the spring of 2025, we've hosted a series of campus journeys designed to foster connections and strengthen both new and existing relationships among staff and faculty.
These events are tied into and inspired by the "Flourishing Together: Addressing Our Epidemic of Loneliness and Isolation" conference, which aims to nurture community and combat loneliness through meaningful engagement and collaboration.
Participants will have the opportunity to explore ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½app's spaces, learn about their unique offerings from colleagues, and connect with others in a shared experience.
By participating in these campus journeys, you will contribute to the overarching goal of the initiative: fostering a sense of belonging and community at Boston College. Together, we can flourish and address the challenges of loneliness and isolation.
Please contact Laura Graham at the Jesuit Institute with any questions.
Our Next Journeys
Thursday, April 16, 2026, 3:00 - 4:30
Ìý
We hope you can join us as we visit three different houses along Hammond Street.
At Hovey House, the Global Engagement team will welcome us as warmly as they welcome students and faculty from around the world.
We'll visit the John Courtney Murray, S.J. House, home to the Office of Graduate Student Life (OGSL), which sponsors a range of campus-wide initiatives to enhance the graduate student experience. OGSL Director Carole Hughes and Associate Director Hannah Chalufour will introduce faculty and staff to the programs and space available to graduate students.
And the journey would not be complete without a visit to Connolly House, where Irish Studies Program Coordinator Rachel Young will guide us through their work.
Reception to follow in Connolly House.
Thursday, May 14, 3:00 - 4:30
Campus Recreation cultivates lifelong health and active lifestyle experiences for the ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½app community. We honor the Jesuit, Catholic commitment to the formation of the whole person through diverse programming in a safe, inclusive environment.
Join us for a tour of the Margot Connell Recreation Center. Your tour guides (Rebecca Cegledy, Associate Athletic Director, Campus Recreation; Katie Waken, Assistant Director, Member Services and Operations; Keenan Barr, Coordinator, Member Services and Operations; and Jacqueline Carlson, Coordinator, Fitness and Wellness) will guide you through the 244,000 square-foot, four-story facility that includes a fitness center, rock climbing wall, jogging track, aquatics center, wood-floor basketball courts, tennis courts, multi-activity courts, golf simulator, multi-purpose rooms for spin, yoga, and fitness classes, and more. They'll also share information on the many program opportunities offered.
Bill Evans, Executive Director of Public Safety & Chief of Police, will also join us at the Connell Center.Ìý
As campus security and safety for faculty, staff, and students continues to be a concern based on recent incidents on other college and university campuses and in our local and global communities, Chief Evans will discuss Boston College’s safety plans and security measures, sharing information about safety protocols for our international students, overall campus safety and security, and the University’s active shooter guidelines.Ìý
Please note that while this will be an engaging discussion, it is not meant as a forum for seeking legal advice.
Reception to follow in Baldwin's Backyard (grassy area between Connell Center and Pine Tree Preserve).
Mark Benjamin, Information Technology Services
Cara Burke, Clough School of Theology and Ministry
Maura Colleary, Clough School of Theology and Ministry
Katie Dalton, ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½app Women's Center
Bryan Fleming, Global Engagement
Jeff Gallant, Undergraduate Admissions
Laura Graham, Jesuit Institute
Victoria Garcia, Intersections
Jim Keenan, SJ, Vice Provost for Global Engagement, Canisius Professor, Director of Jesuit Institute, Theology
Jon McGrath, Controller's Office
OscarÌýPeña, University Advancement
Maureen Preskenis, Office of the President
Toni Ross, Jesuit Institute (retired)
Nancy Samya, University Advancement (retired)
Kwasi Sarkodie-Mensah, ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½app Libraries (retired)
Elaine Testa
That's fine, but we'll miss you.
All registrants will either receive a Google Calendar invitation confirming participation or a notification that they have been placed on the wait list.
Past Journeys
Wednesday, April 30, 2025, 3:00 - 4:30
We learned about the McMullen Museum of Art from Nancy Netzer, Professor, Art History and Director of the museum.
Did you know the Museum has a rooftop that’s ideal for hosting events? Its exhibitions change regularly.Ìý
The Ricci InstituteÌýforÌýChinese-WesternÌýCultural HistoryÌýopened its doors at ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½app Brighton Campus in early spring 2022, though its roots go back much further. Ever wondered how many artifacts the Ricci Institute houses? We learned more about this and more fromÌý Xiaoxin Wu,ÌýEd.D.,ÌýDirector of Research,Ìýand other Ricci Institute staff.
The Eagle's Eye View was presented by Brenda Ricard, Associate Vice President, Advancement Operations & Planning.Ìý
Did you know that the Advancement Office staff was once spread across different locations before coming together at the ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½app Brighton Campus? Curious about what they do?Ìý
Reception in Cadigan Alumni Center to follow, where Steve Dalton, Head Librarian for the Theology and Ministry Library, will briefly discussÌýÌý"Flourishing Together: Addressing Our Epidemic of Loneliness and Isolation," a program scheduled for October.
Tuesday, May 27, 2025, 3:00 - 4:30
We toured the Robsham Theater Arts Center (RTAC), led by Kier Byrnes, the Director of the space., and Robsham staff.
Did you know thatÌýBob Hope, Madeleine Albright, George Takei, and Coretta Scott King have all performed on theÌýRTAC mainstage? We toured backstage, the costume and props area, and more.
The Hoag Basketball PavillionÌýwas made possible by a $15 million gift - the largest in ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½app athletics history - from University Trustee Michaela "Mikey" Hoag '86.ÌýThe comprehensive, self-contained basketball practice facility is nearly 40,000-square feet andÌýfeatures new player locker rooms and lounge areas, a sports medicine center, and a nutrition center exclusively for basketball student-athletes on the first floor.
Participangs had an 'insider's look' at the space.Ìý
Reception in the Shea Room (second floor of Conte Forum, staircase near the ticket booth) to follow. Attendees will be encouraged to engage with colleagues from across the institution and begin to form connections with folks who they might not encounter in their daily routine
Thursday, September 11, 2025, 3:00 - 4:40
The third journey began with Boston College Memorial Labyrinth on the lawn of Burns Library, dedicated as a space for prayer, peace, and consolation, in memory of Boston College alumni killed in the 9/11 tragedy.Ìý , We heard about "The Man in the Red Bandana," Welles Remy Crowther, on the anniversary of that day.
Overview by Christian DuPont, Associate University Librarian
The Burns Library is located at the north end of Bapst Library, overlooking Commonwealth Ave.It is home to ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½app’s Jesuit Catholic heritage and holds the Institutional archives of the University.
Did you know this is the second largest Irish materials collection — second only to the National Library of Ireland, Dublin?
Overview by Christian DuPont, Associate University Librarian
Bapst Library was named for the first president of Boston College, John J. Bapst, S.J.ÌýBapst served as the original Library from 1925 until the opening of the Thomas P. O'Neill Library in 1983.
Did you know Bapst Library is regularly cited as one of the most beautiful college libraries in the world?
Overview by Claudio Burgaleta, SJ, Superior, Jesuit Community
Shortly after New Year's 1917, the Jesuits took formal possession of St. Mary's Hall.The University's second-oldest building serves as the main community residence. The Jesuit Community at Boston College is one of the largest apostolic communities in the Society of Jesus.Ìý
Reception to follow in the Rose Garden outside St. Mary's.
This Journey was a special guided tour of Gasson Hall led by Boston College University Historian Jim O’Toole. We delved into the founding of Boston College at its original South End location, its move to Chestnut Hill, and the architectural and historical significance of Gasson Hall.
Jim shared fascinating insights and little-known facts about one of ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½app’s most iconic buildings (and more!), offering a deeper understanding of the university’s Jesuit heritage and evolution.
This Campus Journey, included two locations rarely seen by faculty and staff.
Mike Bourque, Vice President, Information Technology Services, and Brian Bernier,ÌýTechnology Director, facilitated a behind-the-scenes tour of the Boston College Data Center, the technological heart of the University’s technical operations (located in a former chapel). The visit showcasee the infrastructure that supports critical academic, administrative, and research systems. Learn about data center architecture, security, and the role the facility plays in ensuring continuity and compliance across campus.ÌýÌý
We then crossed Foster Street (with a helpful assist from the ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½appPD) to visit, the Saint Peter Faber Jesuit Community, an international Community of Jesuits whose primary apostolate is theological reflection, scholarship, and research at Clough School of Theology and Ministry.ÌýÌýÌýFr. George Collins, the Superior at the Faber Community, led a visit to the Chapel and the Community rooms as well as one of the 7 residence halls that house the 72 Jesuits living there.
Campus Journey Photos
