LIGHTING THE WAY
CONTINUED GROWTH OF THE PLC
YOUR LEADERSHIP MAKES A DIFFERENCE
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The Parents Leadership Council (PLC) is an active, diverse group of deeply engaged parents who have distinguished themselves as leaders at Boston College through their annual philanthropic support of the University and volunteer efforts. Members of the PLC connect with one another and with BC’s academic and administrative leaders through special communications and campus and regional events grounded in our Jesuit, Catholic heritage.
403
378
423
On the Rise Over the past five years, the PLC has grown to over 420 domestic and international families.
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DEAR FELLOW PARENTS,
One of the many joys of sending our daughters Kate ’12 and Maddie ’21 to BC has been observing the ways in which they have engaged in the experience, exploring their passions and finding their purpose. Throughout their time at the Heights, we have felt compelled to support the ›› CO-CHAIRS, PARENTS LEADERSHIP COUNCIL University that has played such an integral role in their intellectual, personal, ethical, and spiritual formation. Philanthropic support from BC parents—and specifically members of the Parents Leadership Council (PLC)—makes a major impact on key University priorities spanning academic excellence, financial aid, athletics, and formation. In this year’s Parent Impact Report, we feature families who share how membership in the PLC has enriched their BC experience. These parents exemplify the passion and purpose that undergird a Boston College education—a formative journey for students and parents alike. We thank our current members for being an essential part of this vital BC community. For those who are considering how you can make a greater impact at BC, we hope you will join us on the PLC. Together we are the difference.
Habib and Susan Gorgi, P’12, ’21
Sincerely,
FY15
FY16
FY17
FY18
FY19
Strengthening Our Foundation Parents gave more than $19.8 million to Boston College in fiscal year 2019 (FY19).
$6.4M Undergraduate Financial Aid
$3M Intercollegiate and Intramural Athletics
WHERE
PARENTS
$819K Jesuit, Catholic Heritage and Student Formation
$4.8M
Academic Priorities
BC Fund (supports university areas in greatest need)
All FY19 data represented is sourced from BC Advancement Information Systems.
PARENT IMPACT REPORT
New Campus Buildings
GAVE IN FY19
$1.9M
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$3M
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PARENT IMPACT REPORT
STRENGTH OF THE BC PARENT COMMUNITY
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PARENT SPOTLIGHT
UPON THEIR FIRST VISIT TO BOSTON COLLEGE, Limin Li and Jason Ding were immediately drawn to a community they found at once, both intellectually stimulating and genuinely caring. “We were impressed by the engaging faculty and the way they interacted with students,” recalls Jason. “Everyone was treated as family members. This community is special.” Proponents of Catholic education since their son Sam ’22’s experience at the Portsmouth Abbey School, Limin and Jason deeply appreciate BC’s Jesuit, Catholic commitment to student formation— emphasizing rigorous academics, the development of self-confidence, and a commitment to serving others. It is central to their family ethos and the common theme of their philanthropy. “We want to offer this experience to as many students as possible. Excellence is the spirit of BC, and what BC students take with them when they step into society.” For the Dings, Pops on the Heights: The Barbara and Jim Cleary Scholarship Gala encapsulates the BC spirit each year during Parents Weekend. “It’s a great family event and a way to support financial aid at BC—an emotional night of celebration that demonstrates how much the University cares about its students,” says Jason. “Our contribution will offer BC students the opportunity to learn at a distinguished university and become leaders in their fields—students who may otherwise not have that opportunity.” Limin and Jason strive to be involved in their son’s education, and their PLC membership has provided a powerful way to support and engage with Boston College. “The PLC allows us to develop parent and University relationships alike, especially in China. We’ve enjoyed the events held in Beijing. Bringing this community together through gatherings in China brings the BC community even closer.”
Gang (Jason) and Limin Li Ding, P’22 ›› NEWTON, MASSACHUSETTS AND BEIJING, CHINA ›› HOSTED BC GATHERING IN BEIJING 2019
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Everyone was treated as family members. This community is special.” —JASON DING
79
67
Pops on the Heights scholarships established by PLC members
countries and all 50 states are represented by BC parents
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PARENT IMPACT REPORT
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CARING FOR THE WHOLE PERSON
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Joel and Teresa Lantin, P’22 ›› HARRISON, NEW YORK ›› HOSTED FIRST YEAR SENDOFF IN 2019
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$3M
First Year sendoffs hosted by BC families
to support intercollegiate and intramural athletics
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“YOU REALLY DON’T KNOW THAT YOU MADE THE RIGHT CHOICE UNTIL YOU’RE IN IT,” notes Teresa Lantin. Today, daughter Alexa ’22 is a student-athlete who balances her demanding Carroll School of Management studies with competing on the Division 1 Eagles swim team. “Now that she’s at Boston College, I know that she made the right choice,” says her mother. Teresa explains and appreciates swim coach Mike Stephens’ philosophy about focusing on attainable goals: Success is not about going to the Olympics. It’s about beating your personal best time. This idea of striving for personal excellence is also reinforced by Alexa’s academic advisor. “Alexa’s fortunate enough to have an advisor who sets realistic goals for her, who’s dynamic and enthusiastic, and helps her love both school and her sport,” says Teresa. “The PLC helps us to understand the University’s greatest needs—financial aid, research funds, swimming equipment, or sports technology. When we know the needs, we can determine where our support will be most impactful,” says Teresa. In recognition of Alexa’s positive experience at BC, the Lantins direct their philanthropy to both the Carroll School and the BC Eagles swim team. Teresa appreciates the dedication and sincere care that Carroll School faculty show their students. As for the pool, “Investing in the swim team allows us to see the fruits of our giving firsthand. When they use new equipment and have the ability to travel as needed, seeing that impact is very fulfilling.”
PARENT IMPACT REPORT
“I always believe that the kids are the extension of the parents, and what drives the parents to maximize their generosity or time is when they see their children being involved.” —TERESA LANTIN
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PARENT IMPACT REPORT
PARENT SPOTLIGHT
FUELING BOSTON COLLEGE’S MISSION
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CATHERINE AND LARKIN FLANAGAN, BOTH GRADUATES OF THE CLASS OF 1990, were elated when their daughter, Kelly ’22, decided to attend Boston College. Catherine recalls, “Kelly loved the campus. It felt homey and comfortable—but the promise of studying at the Heights assured a first-rate academic challenge.” “Supporting our alma maters has always been a priority for Catherine and me,” says Larkin. “We each came from families that stressed the importance of giving back to our schools, so this was something we’ve prioritized from a young age, and have stressed to our children. As a graduate of the Lynch School of Education and Human Development, I’ve always had fond memories of my experience.” Although Larkin didn’t pursue a career in education, he says the school’s broad curriculum helped shape both his character and his vocation, and he’s proud to support the Lynch School today. The Flanagans also support the Division of University Mission and Ministry, whose faith-based programming strongly resonates with Catherine. “When the Church in the 21st Century Center (C21) started, I became really interested and engaged. BC’s projection of its Jesuit identity truly excites me. The school does a great job with parent outreach, exploring a wide range of faith-based topics. I also love Campus Ministry’s Weekly Examen program and Kairos retreat for students.” PLC membership has deepened the couple’s relationship with BC. “We are involved as alumni, and we’re involved as parents. The PLC is an avenue to connect in a deeper, more meaningful way; of engaging with the University and a community of similar people excited about the BC experience and eager to support and learn more about it,” explains Catherine. Adds Larkin, “The exposure to senior leadership feels like getting an inside track on what is going on and what is coming next, and has enriched our feeling of community at BC.”
Larkin ’90 and Catherine ’90 Flanagan, P’22 ›› EVANSTON, ILLINOIS
PARENT SPOTLIGHT
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The exposure to senior leadership feels like getting an inside track on what is going on and what is coming next, and has enriched our feeling of community at BC.” —LARKIN FLANAGAN
$2.7M
2,000+
designated to Jesuit, Catholic Heritage, Student Formation, and Academic Excellence
families attended Parents Weekend in 2018
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PARENT IMPACT REPORT
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THE GIFT OF OPPORTUNITY
Brian and Danielle Black, ’93, JD’96, P’19, ’22 ›› WESTON, MASSACHUSETTS
34%
$3M
of parents made a gift last year
designated to new campus buildings
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PARENT IMPACT REPORT
AS A DOUBLE EAGLE, DANIELLE BLACK HARBORS A VERY DEEP LOVE FOR BOSTON COLLEGE. So she and her husband, Brian, were delighted when their daughter, Rebecca ’19, named BC as her top choice when exploring colleges and again three years later when son Andrew ’22 chose BC for his four-year journey. Both children participated in the 4Boston program, which has provided them a community perspective and also allowed them to broaden and strengthen their leadership skills. Further, in her role as a leader for her Senior Class Gift campaign, Rebecca was able to talk with students about why they should give and to meet new students in her class. Danielle and Brian are grateful for these opportunities that not only strengthen their son and daughter as people but also “provide a good moral compass for all students.” Giving back is a family passion. Danielle and Brian, together with Danielle’s sister, Carla Salvucci, JD’03, established an endowed scholarship in honor of Danielle and Carla’s parents. “We focus our philanthropy on education because we would regret it if a student didn’t take advantage of a great opportunity in front of them due to financial limitations,” says Danielle. “We believe, as alumni, it’s our job to provide that opportunity to every great student who wants to attend BC and not lose that student to another university.” Joining the PLC let Danielle and Brian meet senior leaders and hear firsthand what is happening at BC and what the school is doing to position itself for today’s competitive higher education environment. “It’s comforting to know that the University has good leadership in place,” says Danielle. PLC meetings and events also provide “a place for engagement and reflection” with like-minded parents. “We’re all making an investment in our kids and the University. We are grateful for what BC has provided to our children and feel indebted to the PLC for how it has better equipped us to converse with and support our children over their four years.”
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PARENT IMPACT REPORT
PARENT SPOTLIGHT
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We believe, as alumni, it’s our job to provide that opportunity to every great student who wants to attend BC and not lose that student to another university.” —DANIELLE BLACK
PASSION FOR EXCELLENCE
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I like that BC Club leaders are required to take courses to enhance essential skills – learning not only to pursue their passions, but also to hone their skills at communicating and effectively working with the BC community and others. —LINDA SANCHEZ
Linda Sanchez and Greg Ho, P’17 ›› NEW YORK, NEW YORK
W “WE ARE GRATEFUL FOR JULIA’S GREAT EXPERIENCE AT BOSTON COLLEGE,” says Greg Ho. “She left with many skills that will last through her entire life—mainly, a real sense of the world, an ability to work with people, and leadership. We are seeing the application of her growth firsthand as Julia embarks on her career.” Greg and his wife, Linda Sanchez, share a philanthropic passion: providing access to excellent higher education for the next generation. “One of the things we love about BC is that they are need-blind,” says Greg, referring to BC’s commitment to evaluating applicants without regard for their family finances and pledging to meet every accepted applicant’s full financial need. At BC, Greg and Linda have established an endowment to support journalism and have provided annual support allowing a student to attend the Summer Management Catalyst Program at the Carroll School of Management. “Having our daughter participate in Catalyst was really beneficial in her growth,” says Greg, whose daughter Julia ’17 is a strategy supervisor. “She got so much realworld experience out of this program that we funded a scholarship to ensure other kids who may not be able to pay for it can have the same experience.” Greg and Linda remain strongly committed to Boston College. “Serving on the Parents Leadership Council and other committees, such as the Board of Regents, has helped us stay connected to BC even though our daughter has graduated. We always learn something new. The talks, lectures, and discussions are very intellectually stimulating, and they continue to be so on our current committee engagements.”
PARENT SPOTLIGHT
200 attendees at PLC Annual Meeting
$6.4M for undergraduate financial aid
›› PLC MEMBERS SINCE DECEMBER 2013, BOARD OF REGENTS MEMBERS
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PARENT IMPACT REPORT
A SPECIAL COMMUNITY OF LEADERS There’s a reason why “leadership” is the PLC’s middle name: members of the PLC lead in many ways, and all of us at BC are inspired by the difference you are making in our community. In addition to contributing your insights and perspectives on our conference calls and for serving as ambassadors at our University events, PLC parents are recognized as members of the 1863 Society. When a planned gift is made we welcome parents to the Shaw Society.
Honoring the year in which Boston College was founded, the 1863 Society recognizes leadership donors who invest in the University’s commitment to excellence with an annual leadership gift.
Visit bc.edu/1863 to learn more.
Boston College invites all who secure the University’s bright future through planned gifts to join the Shaw Society. Now more than 3,000 members strong, the society honors Joseph Coolidge Shaw, S.J., who helped establish Boston College with his legacy gifts of books and the proceeds of his life insurance policy.
Visit bc.edu/shaw to learn more.
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PARENT IMPACT REPORT
PARENTS LEADERSHIP COUNCIL
For more information on the Parents Leadership Council and how to join, visit bc.edu/plc. Questions? Contact Colleen Murphy, Associate Director, Parent Development, at colleen.murphy.7@bc.edu or 617-552-6216.