“We need to create spaces for ethical discussion. We need to assemble groups in hospitals—not just nurses but physicians as well—to talk about difficult cases. People need to be able to feel safe saying, ‘That was distressing.’ We need to create a community in which disagreement is normalized and everyone feels comfortable speaking up...We’re not there yet, but I’m trying very hard to get us there.” - Aimee Milliken, Boston College Connell School of Nursing Associate Professor and one of the nation’s top experts on moral distress and nursing ethics | READ MORE in Boston College Magazine: https://on.bc.edu/ChangeAgent

“I’m very passionate about highlighting intersectionality. To me, diversity and inclusion mean normalizing the idea that you can be proud of your disability, and still feel upset about the issues you face as a disabled person. To advocate for Boston College students with disabilities gives me the opportunity to take a step in the right direction in the fight for a more diverse and inclusive world.” - Heidi Yun ’24, winner of the 2023 Benigno and Corazon Aquino Scholarship | READ MORE: https://on.bc.edu/HeidiYun

"This is what I’ve learned from trying to build programs over the years: A storm comes before great success. I talked about that when I interviewed for this job, and it’s interesting that we are here now, kind of in the storm. And I knew it was coming. Maybe I didn’t know some of the injuries or setbacks, but when we are trying to build, we always experience some sort of storm before we get to that success. And that gives me peace, in the storm." - Earl Grant, BC Men's Basketball Head Coach who received a two-year contract extension in March | READ MORE in Boston College Magazine: https://on.bc.edu/UnderConstruction

"I come from a family of civil servants and educators. I am a fierce advocate for education because it is an enabler for financial mobility at the individual level, and a precursor to a growing economy. The fellowship and its opportunities bring my background, passion, and expertise together to give me a chance at a lifelong vocation." - Nazifa Subah '17, who is a recipient of the Thomas R. Pickering Foreign Affairs Program Fellowship | READ MORE: https://on.bc.edu/NazifaSubah

"I am most proud of the culture of engagement and responsibility we have fostered in the Boston College Bands. Although our students are committed to achieving artistic excellence, very few of them are majoring in music. The vast majority are pursuing careers in education, social work, business, law, medicine, etc. And yet, despite their grueling academic demands, they each devote approximately 250 hours of service to the band in a single semester. Our students make this extraordinary commitment because of their love for each other and the University. Their enthusiasm makes every rehearsal and performance enjoyable. If you've walked through lower campus on a Tuesday or Thursday evening in the fall, you've inevitably heard them preparing their literature. It's an awe-inspiring experience to be in the same space and feel that energy, and it is the honor of a lifetime to be able to work with such a dedicated and talented group of students." - David Healey, Marching Band Director who was named president of ACC Band Directors Association | READ MORE: https://on.bc.edu/DavidHealey

"Looking back on my own lifetime of discovery, I can affirm that God did not skimp on the good stuff. There has been plenty of butter and heavy cream, truffles and saffron, aceto balsamico, and jamón ibérico de bellota.” - Walter J. Smith, S.J., part-time Boston College School of Theology and Ministry faculty member who wrote a memoir that spans a wide-ranging global career with a culinary twist | READ MORE: https://on.bc.edu/FaithFoodFriendship

"When I won [Miss Massachusetts USA], that changed my whole life. I started a healthy living and body positivity movement virtually during the COVID-19 pandemic called 'The Shape Within,' and through social media live streams and virtual programming, I have sought to be a role model for teens across Massachusetts. My bubble expanded like crazy, even now. I have been to 11 cities this semester as a result of being chosen Miss Massachusetts USA again. This part of my life has taken up a severe amount of my college time, but Boston College has been so supportive about the stuff that I have done. The BC faculty are incredible." - Annika Sharma '23 | READ MORE about Annika as a Senior to Remember: https://on.bc.edu/AnnikaSharma

“I sought to become involved with some of the many campus service programs. Mentoring children from backgrounds similar to mine caught my eye and became dear to me. The resiliency of children amazes and inspires me. The opportunity to support children in attaining their goals and thriving in their life is something that I highly value. The culture of service at Boston College cannot be overstated and is, in my opinion, one of the greatest features of our school. This culture stems from one of the tenets of a Jesuit education that I admire: to develop a whole, well-rounded world citizen.” - Huel (Trey) Cox III '23, the 2023 winner of the Edward H. Finnegan, S.J. Award | READ MORE: https://on.bc.edu/TreyCox

"I've made the most incredible relationships of my life at Boston College — lifelong friendships and relationships. But it's the one-off people that you meet in a club, or in your class. I will miss walking through campus and seeing them and saying hello. That is such a special experience. It’s that whole concept of Aristotle's idea of friends of the good—you learn it in your intro to philosophy classes or your Perspectives class. I found so many people of the good at BC. Obviously, I'm so sad that it's over, but the overwhelming feeling I have is gratitude that I've come here. It's been awesome." - Isabella Secchiaroli '23 | READ MORE about Isabella as a Senior to Remember: https://on.bc.edu/IsabellaSecchiaroli

"I’m very glad to have called Boston College my home for the past four years; it was definitely an exciting time of continuous exploration and discovery. Through classroom discussions, reflection sessions, and guided conversations among students and faculty, BC encouraged me to personally reflect and examine my decisions by connecting course materials to my own experiences, allowing me to work on becoming a better person. I also think BC’s overall culture and emphasis on becoming men and women for others has significantly influenced the way I approach the world and inspired me to live a more meaningful life of compassion and service." - Joann Hong '23 | READ MORE about Joann as a Senior to Remember: https://on.bc.edu/JoannHong

"Boston College has always held a special place in my heart ever since I came for undergrad. When I toured the campus in high school my dad noticed something that would stick with me and unknowingly impact my career decades later. He pointed out that every time we were on campus, all of the employees we interacted with smiled, said hello, and seemed happy to be there. The gentleman at the gate, the cashier in Corcoran, and the employee who gave us directions all were smiling and seemed to genuinely enjoy what they did. This holds true today. The people who keep BC running are what make this place special.” - Caroline Brokamp '09, Assistant Director for Procurement & Vendor Relations | READ MORE about BC's "Hidden Heroes" on campus: https://on.bc.edu/HiddenHeroes

“The first book I wrote, I knew the ending before I started. The inspiration was a twist on an actual crime that happened here in the city, and I said, ‘Ah, that's a story.’ Of course the whole thing is 1% inspiration, 99% perspiration, so you get that one little idea and you still have to build the whole story around it. With the other books, I didn't know what the ending was going to be. Like the one I'm working on right now, I have an idea of what it's going to be, but I don't know for sure just yet.” - Tom MacDonald MBA '02, an award-winning author and former computer programmer who discovered his passion for writing at the age of 40 while enrolled in the Boston College Carroll School of Management Graduate Programs | READ MORE: https://on.bc.edu/TomMacDonald