PUBLISHED BY THE BOSTON COLLEGE OFFICE OF UNIVERSITY COMMUNICATIONS
Page 2
Pages 3 and 6
Page 12
Restorative Practices
New faces
The Ignatian Path
New initiative seen as helping to strengthen student relationships.
Adelmann and Joseph chairs announced.
A reflective campus tour for graduating seniors.
PUBLISHED BY THE BOSTON COLLEGE OFFICE OF UNIVERSITY COMMUNICATIONS
APRIL 23, 2026 VOL. 33 NO. 16
COMMENCEMENT 2026
Vatican Archbishop Will Address Class of 2026 BY THE OFFICE OF UNIVERSITY COMMUNICATIONS
Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher, who as the Holy See’s Secretary for Relations with States and International Organizations effectively serves as the Vatican’s foreign minister, will address the Boston College Class of 2026 at the University’s 150th Commencement Exercises on May 18. University President William P. Leahy, S.J., will present Archbishop Gallagher with an honorary Doctor of Laws degree at the ceremony, which will take place at 10 a.m. in Alumni Stadium, rain or shine. In addition, the University will present honorary degrees to: Glori Alvarez ’88, P
’16, an entrepreneur and a member of the BC Alumni Association; Joyce M. and William S. Cummings, co-founders of the Cummings Foundation, one of New England’s largest philanthropic foundations; Sister Jeanette Gaudet, who has served for more than six decades with the Missionary Franciscan Sisters of the Immaculate Conception; and Mathias Kiwanuka ’05, a former standout football player for Boston College and a two-time Super Bowl winner. More on the 2026 honorary degree recipients: Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher A native of Liverpool, England, Archbishop Gallagher was appointed by Pope Francis in 2014 as Secretary for Rela-
tions with States, the first native English speaker to hold the position. In this role, he serves as the voice of the Holy See on foreign affairs, advocating for humanitarian alternatives to war that promote “justice, dialogue, and the uplifting of the poor and of those most in need.” His responsibilities include overseeing the Second Section of the Secretariat, which has the duty of attending to matters involving civil governments and international affairs, such as acting as the pope’s representative at the funeral of Queen Elizabeth in 2022 and helping to lead efforts in the Catholic Church’s rapprochement with Vietnam, which has had no ties with the Vatican since 1975.
Carney Project Will Be Aided by the Largest Commitment in BC History BY JACK DUNN ASSOCIATE VICE PRESIDENT FOR UNIVERSITY COMMUNICATIONS
Boston College has received a $125 million philanthropic commitment, the largest in University history, from the Patrick F. Cadigan Family Foundation, funded by the estate of the late Patrick F. “Pat” Cadigan ’57, P’91. Pending approval by the BC Board of Trustees, the commitment will help support the renovation of Carney Hall, including a 50,000 square-foot addition that will create a central location for the social sciences, featuring the departments of Economics, Political Science, Psychology
Artist’s rendering of the proposed Carney Hall renovation. illustration by sarah fox
and Neuroscience, and Sociology, and the Office of Campus Ministry. It is the latest contribution from the former high-tech leader and real estate investor who died in 2020 at the age of 85, and follows his $15 million gift that established the Cadigan Alumni Center on the Brighton Campus in 2012. Upon the building’s
Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher
Continued on page 7
reopening, Carney Hall will be renamed Cadigan Hall. Cadigan, who served as CEO and president of Electronic Engineering Company of California (EECO) and became one of the largest private real estate holders in Orange County, frequently cited his Jesuit education as a crucial influence in
his personal development and professional success. “My education at Boston College was a great experience that taught me the importance of hard work and instilled in me values and discipline that stayed with me throughout my years,” said Cadigan in a 2012 interview with Boston College Chronicle. “The foundation I received left an indelible impression on me and prepared me for success in business and in life.” University President William P. Leahy, S.J., said he was grateful to Cadigan for his generosity and unwavering commitment to Boston College. “Pat was a person who appreciated his Jesuit education and the role it played in shaping his life,” said Fr. Leahy. “He loved Boston College, and his philanthropy will have a lasting effect on the University.” David Quigley, the Robert L. and Judith T. Winston Provost and Dean of Faculties, said a renovated Carney Hall will address key academic aspirations while providing a major upgrade to BC’s Middle Campus. “Pat Cadigan’s commitment will enable the University to bring together several social science departments that have long modeled rigorous teaching and worldContinued on page 9