PUBLISHED BY THE BOSTON COLLEGE OFFICE OF UNIVERSITY COMMUNICATIONS
SUMMER 2025 EDITION
Fr. Beaumier Named VP for Mission and Ministry
Warm Welcomes
BY JACK DUNN ASSOCIATE VICE PRESIDENT FOR UNIVERSITY COMMUNICATIONS
Vice President and University Secretary Casey C. Beaumier, S.J., has been named Haub Vice President for University Mission and Ministry, succeeding Jack Butler, S.J., who will become the 26th president of Boston College in the summer of 2026. During his 19 years at Boston College, Fr. Beaumier has been an active and popular presence on campus who is well known among BC students. In addition to his role as vice president and University secretary, he has been director of the Institute for Advanced Jesuit Studies (IAJS) and teacher in the Capstone Program since 2014, resident minister in Fenwick Hall since 2008, and a member of the Steering Committee of the Church in the 21st Century Center (C21) since 2013. He has led Kairos, Manresa, and 48 Hour retreats for undergraduates, and provided spiritual direction programming for students, faculty, and staff. He has also directed the Ever to Excel summer immersion program for high school students since 2016. In announcing the appointment, University President William P. Leahy, S.J., said Fr.
On July 6, Messina College welcomed the second class in its history, with greetings from Dean Erick Berrelleza, S.J. (above). Later, as orientation began, student members of the Office of First Year Experience staff offered their own introductions.
photos by frank curran
Burch Is New Rourke Professor of Physics BY ED HAYWARD STAFF WRITER
Professor and Chair of Physics Kenneth Burch, a leading researcher in condensed matter physics, has been named the John H. Rourke Professor of Physics, Morrissey College of Arts and Sciences Dean Gregory Kalscheur, S.J., has announced. Burch, who joined the Boston College faculty from the University of Toronto in 2013, succeeds Professor of Physics Kevin Bedell, the inaugural Rourke Chair holder. “As a researcher, teacher, departmental leader, and stalwart participant in the work of the University, Ken exemplifies the sort of faculty excellence we hope for at Boston College,” said Fr. Kalscheur. “I am grateful for all he has done for his students and the Physics Department, and I look forward to his future accomplishments.” The chair was created by a $3 million bequest from the late siblings John and Mary Rourke, the long-time owners of
Kenneth Burch photo by gary wayne gilbert
Rourke’s Pharmacy in Brighton Center near BC. At the time of the gift, it was the largest bequest in the University’s history. John Rourke ’41 and his sister ran the landmark pharmacy—established by their father in 1897—into their 80s. “I am extremely honored and grateful to join the growing list of endowed chairs at BC that represent such a high level of scholarship and service,” said Burch, who just finished his first year as department chair. “I have very big shoes to fill, given Kevin’s accomplishments as the inaugural holder of the professorship. I am also excited about the opportunity to try high risk/ high reward projects with a source of reliable support not tied to specific projects.” As a researcher, Burch’s work focuses on quantum materials, optical spectroscopy, and biosensing. His research has resulted in more than 100 publications, with many papers in high-impact journals such as Nature. He has given more than 200 invited
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Casey Beaumier, S.J. photo by lee pellegrini
Beaumier’s extensive knowledge of the University and commitment to its mission has prepared him for his new role. “Fr. Beaumier knows Boston College well and has been involved in many aspects of
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INSIDE 2 Dedicated Service
BC honored long-time Board of Trustees member Marianne Short.
4 Accolades for BCDS
Dining Services a big winner at national food services awards.
8 Talking with a Legend
How a BC sociologist wound up sharing a stage with filmmaker Francis Ford Coppola.