PUBLISHED BY THE BOSTON COLLEGE OFFICE OF UNIVERSITY COMMUNICATIONS
INSIDE 2 Around Campus
Clough Ctr. goes to Colombia; Grad Research Symposium next week.
3 Laudato Si’ Legacy
Three from BC invited to launch of Vatican initiative.
8 Spiritual Hackathon
Students experience “making with meaning.”
MARCH 12, 2026 VOL. 33 NO. 13
Student Affairs VP Will Depart Cooper Whitehead to become president of Regis University BY JACK DUNN ASSOCIATE VICE PRESIDENT FOR UNIVERSITY COMMUNICATIONS
Vice President for Student Affairs Shawna Cooper Whitehead has been named president of Regis University in Denver, effective July 1. Cooper Whitehead, a respected administrator who won praise from students for her advocacy, support, and open communications, has led Student Affairs at Boston College since 2021. During her tenure, she worked closely with then Haub Vice President for University Mission and
Ministry John T. “Jack” Butler, S.J., and Winston Provost and Dean of Faculties David Quigley to advance formative education at Boston College, which seeks to integrate the intellectual, social, spiritual, and affective dimensions of the student experience. She was also credited with expanding student outreach through the Cura Series, which provides educational opportunities aimed at building a welcoming community; Circle Up, which promotes restorative practice and dialogue around issues of conflict; and Mile 21, a popular Marathon Monday on-campus student event, among other accomplishments. Cooper Whitehead joins the ranks of Boston College senior administrators who have become presidents of Jesuit and Catholic colleges and universities within the past decade, including former Law
photo by lee pellegrini
Q&A
Snow or Sun, BC Dining Services Is the ‘Team That Shows Up’ to Keep BC Fed
Quake Expert Ebel to Retire After More Than 40 Yrs.
BY ELLEN SEAWARD SPECIAL TO THE CHRONICLE
The Boston College spring semester got off to a wintry start, with two snow days— most recently February 23—that shut down many campus operations. But no matter the weather, students know they can depend on a warm meal served up with a side of comfort, thanks to Boston College Dining Services (BCDS). BCDS’ commitment is particularly evident on snow days, when staff sleep over on cots and makeshift beds to ensure that dining halls remain open. But the depth of their dedication is revealed in the day-to-day: through friendly greetings, remembered breakfast orders, and a constant presence that welcomes students even when life gets tough. It’s how BCDS makes campus feel like home, said Director of Dining Services Beth Emery. “We take immense pride in being the team that shows up to keep students and the BC community fed.” Associate Vice President for Auxiliary Services Pat Bando uses “resilience, dedica-
Shawna Cooper Whitehead
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With some 75 years combined experience in Boston College Dining Services, (L-R) Brian Pinarreta, Donna Coleman, and Lois Kass know all about BCDS’ special bond with students. photo by matthew healey
tion, and care” as the top three words to describe BCDS’ work and commitment. “Rain, sleet, snow, wind, or community emergency have never stopped our BCDS kitchens from providing the delicious and nutritious meals that our campus community seeks out. Our kitchens continue to be ‘homes away from home’ for oncampus residents,” said Bando. Many students, particularly those in their first year, are used to eating meals at home and with family members. Eating in
a large dining hall with a lot of new people can feel overwhelming, said Associate Director of Restaurant Operations Rebecca Rogan. “As time goes on, what becomes familiar is your favorite person making your omelet, or the cashier who takes time to say ‘Hi’ as you’re checking out. Our staff enjoy being there for students and recognize that the ritual of having a meal signals a time to connect with family and friends.”
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A geophysicist specializing in seismology, Professor of Earth and Environmental Sciences John Ebel has been part of the Boston College faculty since 1981. He has authored two books and more than 80 peer-reviewed studies, in addition to another two dozen published reports in areas including earthquake hazard, earthquake source mechanisms, and earthquake forecasting. Ebel has been integral to Boston College’s Weston Observatory, which he directed for 20 years, and its New England Seismic Network. His expertise has made him the go-to source for news media reporting on earthquakes in New England and around the world. As he prepares to retire, he spoke to Chronicle about his interests in geophysics and earthquakes and his BC career. What was the first earthquake you experienced? I grew up in St. Louis, the oldest of nine kids. In November 1968, a Saturday morning around 10:30 a.m., I was sitting in the family room reading a book and all of a sudden everything started shaking. My
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