"I wanted to make sure I published them before I died, because at this age, you never know. But I also felt like their message was really important at this moment in time. We had a long period of progress ... But it took a long time and a lot of incremental progress. But we haven’t been as polarized as we are right now since the Civil War. There are people today who don’t believe everyone matters. It feels like not only has that progress been arrested, it’s being rolled back. So, 'everyone matters' is an urgent message." - Fred Tirrell ’57, PhD’82, who spent his career in education and published a collection of children’s books at 89 years old | READ MORE in Boston College Magazine: https://on.bc.edu/FredTirrell

"During my time at Boston College I have explored what brings me joy and what I am good at. Opportunities like the Jacques Salmanowitz documentary program and the Advanced Study Grant in the Arts have allowed me to delve into topics I’m passionate about and share my learning experiences with the wider community. These experiences have deepened my understanding of how art can engage diverse audiences and spark meaningful dialogue. In the future, I hope to integrate my artistic practice with education, contributing to conversations that shape a more just and sustainable world. My next step is to determine where the world needs me most and how I can use the knowledge and skills I’ve gained at BC to serve a larger community." - Xinran (Cina) He '25, Arstfest 2024 Award Winner

"The activities and experiences the Boston College Graduate Student Association and the Office of International Students and Scholars organize to bring students together stand out to me. I got to experience the famous Boston duck tour as part of the BC community. There was also an event called 'Study by the Sea' that took a few of us grad students for an overnight stay at a quiet, beautiful house where we could work and enjoy nature with other grad students. These and many more such experiences have been truly invaluable highlights at Boston College. I am grateful to be part of the BC community." - Ira Abraham Ph.D. '25 | MORE graduate student voices: https://on.bc.edu/GMCAS_StudentVoices

“When I was incarcerated at Norfolk County, I had a teacher who did 10 years for bank robbery. He told me how he turned his life around and I learned a lot from him. Instead of chasing nonsense, I ended up chasing education. I wound up at MCI Shirley and they had the BC Prison Education Program there. Boston College is the school I've wanted to go to my entire life, so I took that opportunity, I knew what it was right away and I applied myself.” - Christoper Gannon, a Boston College - Woods College of Advancing Studies sophomore who won a competitive fellowship to Yale University | READ MORE: https://on.bc.edu/ForwardFocused

“[Being a member of Presenting Africa to U (PATU)] was my stress reliever. In the studio, dancing was all I thought about. I wasn’t worried about my other preoccupations. I was having fun doing something I love with my chosen family.” - Irfane Soumaou '25, a Carroll School student who studies finance and computer science | READ MORE about BC's formative education: https://on.bc.edu/AnyWayShapeForm

“There’s a feeling of appreciation on the part of veterans, who look at their education as something they earned from their service. You risk a lot to earn that benefit, and you can see the value that this education is going to provide.” - Carolyn Ballinger MBA ’25, a U.S. veteran enrolled in the MBA program through the Boston College Carroll School of Management Graduate Programs | READ MORE: https://on.bc.edu/CSON_SpecialOperation

“You learn [in the Carroll School] to use your skills for good...The best thing about mutual aid is giving people opportunities to be reciprocal. I hope students who aren’t low-income will also get into the practice of sharing their expertise.” - Rowah Ibnaouf ’25, who is using a new Carroll School grant program to bring the concept of mutual aid to Boston College | READ MORE: https://on.bc.edu/SupportSystem

“I try to teach seniors that you have to find something to that engages you and find a purpose for your life that's outside of yourself. If you're only seeking happiness, you're on a never-ending treadmill for what is a temporary emotion. But when it is coupled with an objective outside of yourself, that will bring meaning and purpose to your life and a certain contentment. It is best to do something that is good for you, but also benefits others.” - Henry Quinlan '61, longtime publisher and founder of Quinlan Press who - since retirement - helps seniors write and publish their memoirs | READ MORE: https://on.bc.edu/HenryQuinlan Photo from omni-pub.com

“I wanted to be on Homecoming Court because Boston College has given me so much, especially with Campus Ministry programs like Appa, Arrupe, and Sons of St. Patrick, which have deepened the way I live and love. Now, I want to give back by spreading the BC spirit and love on campus.” - Peter Swindal '25, a member of the 2024 Homecoming Court

"I applied to be a member of Boston College's Homecoming Court because I wanted a unique way to represent my school and its community. Being a part of BC's long-standing tradition of excellence has shaped me not only as a student-athlete but by engaging in the campus community and beyond. Homecoming is about celebrating BC's school spirit and coming together, and I wanted to be a part of that in a meaningful way." - Carson Zanella '25, a member of the 2024 Homecoming Court and women's hockey team

"Boston College is full of passion. No matter what somebody's interested in - whether it's dance or academics, or athletics - everybody's passionate at BC and has something they're really good at. It's a very special part of this school. Everybody has certain aspects that they're trying to cultivate or have already worked on during their time at BC." - Dylan Carollo '25, a member of the 2024 Homecoming Court

"The Boston College community has been accepting and has felt like home from the moment I stepped on campus. The Jesuit traditions have motivated me to connect with others throughout the greater community and become the best student I can be. The opportunities that BC has provided me academically, socially, and spiritually have made me the person I am today. I can’t wait to share my love for BC with others this Homecoming!" - Isabelle Nikkhoo '25, a member of the 2024 Homecoming Court