Welcome Edition 2026

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The Heights

Class of 2030 Welcome Edition

Welcome

Letter From the Editor: Welcome to the Heights In college, professors, advisers, and parents are always peppering you with queries. What will you major in? What do you want to do with your life? What are Aquinas’ five ways? But amid all that uncertainty, we at The Heights know you have questions of your own, and our aim is to answer them. What’s the student government up to? Where are good places to eat around campus? Who’s running for office in the City of Newton? Will our football team be any good this season? What should I wear to the tailgate? What’s buzzing in the campus arts scene? Whatever you're wondering about, The Heights has you covered. Think of this special edition as a sneak peek into the news you’ll get from us all year, as well as a primer on everything you need to know for the coming semester. Beyond these pages, you'll find our newsletter in your inbox three times a week, and you can follow us on social media for the most up-to-date coverage. As Boston College’s only student newspaper that is completely independent from the University—both editorially and financially—you can trust that we'll tell you what you need to know, without BS or PR. So as you kick off your year, remember that The Heights is for you—and for a greater Boston College. Genevieve Morrison President & Editor-in-Chief For a Greater Boston College

INSIDE

@bcheights @bcheightsmulti

THIS ISSUE

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The Independent Student Newspaper of Boston College Genevieve Morrison, Editor-in-Chief Aidan Gravina, Managing Editor Charlie Phillips, General Manager Laney McAden, Dept. Managing Editor

Ali Zahm, Creative Director Nanati Getachew, Digital Director Annika Engelbrecht, News Editor Maria Stefanoudakis, Sports Editor Elizabeth Maher, Magazine Editor Riley Del Sesto, Newton Editor Milo Priddle, Arts Editor Reetu Agnihotri, Opinion Editor Anna Lauinger, Projects Editor Ellie El-Fishawy, Photo Editor Kaylee Dunleavy, Video Editor Ashi Jindal, Graphics Editor

Rebecca Mackinnon, Podcast Editor James McDowall, Online Manager Olivia Malina, Social Media Editor Toni Idowu, Games Editor Alexa Allers, Newsletter Editor Nikita Osadchiy, Assoc. News Editor Sebby FitzGerald, Assoc. Sports Editor Evie Oosting, Assoc. Magazine Editor Nathan Yarnall, Assoc. Newton Editor Lillian Kelly, Assoc. Arts Editor Lucia Hernandez, Assoc. Opinion Editor Trishna Condoor, Assoc. Photo Editor Peyton Alch, Assoc. Social Media Editor

Saige Joseph, Assoc. Video Editor Connor O'Brien, Assoc. Graphics Editor Peter McDermott, Assoc. Podcast Editor Danica Bergen, Asst. News Editor Willy Connors, Asst. News Editor Mac Cobb, Asst. Sports Editor Laney Halsey, Asst. Sports Editor Celine Bell, Asst. Magazine Editor Grace Duffy, Asst. Newton Editor Caroline Ko, Asst. Arts Editor Jack Pettigrew, Asst. Photo Editor Elena Rodriguez, Asst. Graphics Editor Elaine Kim, Copy Editor

Ollie Lloyd, Copy Editor Charlie Lukens, Copy Editor Caroline Mohler, Copy Editor Geo Elasmar, Editorial Assistant

Business and Operations Asha Woerner, Advertising Director Charlie Macken, Strategy Director Margo Rawlings, Asst. Advertising Director Brian Lippman, Operations Assistant Nicole Murphy, Outreach Coordinator Ava Sjursen, Alumni Director

News Class of 2030 Welcome Edition

The Heights

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Most Popular Majors: Finace Upholds Top Spot This story was originally published on March 10, 2026.

By Annika Engelbrecht News Editor For the fourth consecutive academic year, finance maintained its status as the most popular major at Boston College, while computer science experienced its greatest decline on record, according to BC’s Fact Book—an annual release of the University’s facts and figures compiled by the Office of Institutional Research and Planning. Computer science dropped four spots to No. 10 with 384 students, down 149 students—or 28 percent—from last year. Despite that figure representing the major’s lowest total since 2018, the department maintains a 61 percent increase in enrollment over the last 10 years. Economics remained the second-most popular major after finance overtook it in 2022 for the first time in 15 years. For the 10th consecutive year, biology and political science took the third and fourth spots, with 830 and 768 majors, respectively. Communication returned to No. 6 after a one-spot drop last year, while neuroscience climbed two spots to No. 7. Nursing

held onto No. 8 for the fifth consecutive year, and applied psychology and human development increased one spot to No. 9. For the second year in a row, no students declared an independent major. Every other major offered in the 2025 academic year saw at least one enrolled student. Similarly, each minor offered by the University had at least one student enrolled. After two years, international studies and medical humanities rejoined the list for most popular minors, with 99 and 97 students, respectively. Medical humanities tied with global public health for No. 10.

For the eighth consecutive year since first being introduced in 2018, finance remained the most popular minor, but general business overtook marketing for No. 2. Since its launch in 2023, the general business minor has already gained 269 students. While the pre-medical track remained the University’s most popular program of study with 1,651 students, the pre-dental program saw the largest percent increase, rising 19.5 percent to 104 students. Pre-law enrollment saw a 12 percent increase to 1,398 students, and pre-veterinary numbers rose by four to 38. n

IKRAM ALI / HEIGHTS ARCHIVES

90 St. Thomas More To Become Martignetti Hall After Trustee Gift This story was originally published on June 24, 2026.

By Nikita Osadchiy Assoc. News Editor Boston College will rename 90 St. Thomas More—a sophomore residential hall located on Lower Campus—Martignetti Hall, following a donation from University alumni Beth V. Martignetti, BC ’76, and Trustee Associate Carmine A. Martignetti, BC ’76, the University announced Tuesday.

“The gift, which comes as the couple celebrates 50 years since their BC graduation, will provide unrestricted support to Boston College, allowing the University and its leadership to address its most urgent needs,” a University announcement said. “In grateful recognition of this gift, Boston College will name the residence hall located at 90 Thomas More Drive Martignetti Hall.” The University did not disclose the size of the couple’s contribution or specify how it would be earmarked. In the announcement, the couple

thanked outgoing University President Rev. William P. Leahy, S.J., for his contributions, and expressed their enthusiasm for the continuity that his successor, Rev. Jack Butler, S.J., will bring when he steps into the role next month. “We have so much respect for Fr. Leahy and all that he has done for Boston College, which is now among the best Universities in the country thanks to his leadership,” Beth said in the announcement.

Read the full story online.

Renz and Weiss Elected Next UGBC President, VP This story was originally published on March 20, 2026.

By Nikita Osadchiy Assoc. News Editor

COURTESY OF JONAH RENZ

Renz and Weiss won with 1,550 votes, or 56.36 percent of the vote.

Jonah Renz, CSOM ’27, and Addie Weiss, MCAS ’27, have been elected as the next UGBC president and vice president. “I’m very, very happy—I’m very excited,” Renz said in a call with The Heights following the release of the results. “I want to get working as soon as I possibly can, maybe after today, so I can just let it all sink in a little bit. But that’s really where I’m at. Life is good, man. Life is good.” Renz expressed plans to spend the remainder of the semester learning from current UGBC leadership and getting a firm grasp on the role to hit the ground running.

“I think the next month and a half or I guess two months of this year, I want to try to learn as much as I can from the current president, Cami, and the current leadership team in UGBC, to learn a little bit more about how those leadership roles work and what exactly the day to day operations of the president are,” he said. Weiss is the first Questbridge scholar to be elected UGBC vice president. Renz and Weiss won the race with 56.36 percent of the vote, receiving 1,550 votes out of the 2,750 ballots cast. Mary Oliver, MCAS ’27, and her running mate, Colin Snyder, MCAS ’27, received 1,200 votes or 43.64 percent. This year’s turnout saw a 15 percent decline from last year’s 3,240 votes. In a call with The Heights, Oliver congratulated Renz and Weiss on their victory and said she stands ready to support their efforts from outside UGBC.

“Addie is very intelligent and capable, and Jonah is so impressive and a cool guy—I’m looking forward to working with them from the other side,” she said. In addition to the presidential race, 14 student senator seats were up for re-election. The Class of 2029 elected five senators—James Knight, CSOM ’29, and Bubba Curran, Maggie de la Fuente, Mary Cate King, and Lauren Weideman, all MCAS ’29—to represent their class. The Class of 2028 elected five senators—Jordan Doty, LSHED ’28, and Will Cortes, Graham Kramer, Emily Prucher, and Ashley Varacalli, all MCAS ’28—to represent their class. Renim Risku, Messina ’27, was elected as Messina College Representative.

Read the full story online.

“You’ve Got To Know You’re Welcome To Be Here”: A Q&A With Boston College’s Next President This story was originally published on Feb. 24, 2025.

By Will Martino Editor-in-Chief For all that is said about 15 minutes of fame, people rarely talk about the 15 minutes that precede it. Haub Vice President for Mission and Ministry Rev. Jack Butler, S.J., was sitting in his office at about 12:50 p.m. on Tuesday when he found out the Board of Trustees had elected him as the next University president of Boston College. By 1:05 p.m., the news had been emailed out to the rest of the BC community. Given just 15 minutes to reflect on this new role before being thrust into the spotlight, Butler isn’t ready to talk about comprehensive plans just yet. He won’t officially take over as University president until the summer of 2026, leaving him time to wrap things up in his current role, take a sabbatical, shadow current University President Rev. William P. Leahy, S.J., and, somewhere in the mix, decide the future direction of BC. Still, after 23 years on campus, he’s no stranger to BC and what he lacks in logistical specifics, he more than compensates for with vision. Butler welcomed The Heights into his office for an interview, offering an early glimpse into who he is, how he leads, and where he plans to take BC.

Editor’s note: The following interview has been edited for length and clarity. Q: Fr. Butler, let’s play hardball: Where are you from? A: Atlanta, Georgia. Q: Do you go back often? A: Not as often as I’d like. And you know what? Honestly, I’ve been here for so long—this is my home. That’s my home of origin. Maybe that’s a better way of putting it. Q: Was there a moment in your years as an undergraduate that led you to pursue a career in higher education? A: Absolutely not. In fact, I never thought I’d be in higher ed. When I entered the Jesuits, I thought I was a “Decree 4 baby.” Decree 4 is a particular document for the Jesuits that was about social justice and working with the poor, and that got me interested in prisons and working with people in the street. An opportunity came at Boston College, and I came here, fell in love with Boston College, fell in love with the students, and found that we can really do wonderful things here—that whatever tomorrow is, it already exists

here with the students, and that’s going to change what the world is going to be 25 years down the road. Q: Tell me a little bit about your work as the chaplain for the football team. What does

your relationship with the players and coaches look like? A: When I first started out, I had great relationships with the coaches and players and was around them quite a bit. COVID caused some changes. I couldn’t be as present. I couldn’t be around them as much. I love the sport. I love athletes. I love football players, and they’re incredibly welcoming of me, and my job is to support them. They’ve got great coaches. They don’t need me to coach them. I need to support them as human

COURTESY OF UNIVERSITY COMMUNICATIONS

beings, and that’s been wonderful. Q: A lot of your work at BC has been very hands-on and involved with students. As University president, do you intend to maintain this outward-facing presence on campus? A: Well, I sure hope so. I don’t think Fr. Leahy gets enough credit. He might be one of the most student-engaged presidents I’ve ever known, but he does it under the radar. I want to be known by lots of people, because I like people, and I want to be present in the community so students can see me. But I have a job to do that’s a little different, and I got to be responsible for making sure that BC is whole and that we’re growing. Q: Speaking of Fr. Leahy—your predecessor raised more money than any University president in BC history. You have helped raise nearly $40 million over the past six years. Tell me a little bit about your method and strategy for raising capital at BC. A: My method and strategy is to be a good human being and engage people relationally. BC sells itself, and when you talk about our needs, people want to help us. People are good and generous, so it’s not as hard as you might think. Q: Many higher education administrators have attracted public scrutiny for their responses to campus conflicts over the past few years. Do you have a philosophy for handling any controversies that might come across your desk as University president?

Read the full story online.

Sports

The Heights

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Class of 2030 Welcome Edition

Kate Popovec-Goss Advocates Culture Change for BC Women’s Basketball MARIA STEFANOUDAKIS / HEIGHTS EDITOR

Luke Murray Promises “A New Era” of BC Men’s Basketball This story was originally published on March 31, 2026. By Maria Stefanoudakis Sports Editor Luke Murray signed the contract that made him Boston College men’s basketball’s next head coach on his iPad as he sat in Washington, D.C., last Friday. Hours later, he was on the bench, helping coach UConn to a Sweet 16 win over Michigan State. The program Murray has been hired to lead is quite different from UConn—the Huskies have made the Final Four in three of the last four years, while BC hasn’t made an NCAA Tournament appearance since 2009. But it’s exactly that contrast that drew Murray in. “I understand the challenge at hand—I’m excited about it,” Murray said. “I can’t wait to get going. It’s going

to be a new era of BC basketball. It’s going to start right away.” BC men’s hockey head coach Greg Brown and football head coach Bill O’Brien, plus former men’s basketball player Dana Barros, watched as BC Director of Athletics Blake James introduced Murray as the next head coach to a packed conference room in Yawkey Athletics Center on Tuesday afternoon. “We sought a new head basketball coach who can be successful in today’s constantly changing world of college basketball,” James said. “Someone with experience in assembling a roster and developing players, someone with high integrity who shares the values of Boston College, someone with the ability to ignite passion for our program and create excitement, and someone who wanted to be at Boston College. We found it in Luke Murray.”

Read the full story online.

This story was originally published on April 2, 2026.

Boston College women’s basketball as an

By Maria Stefanoudakis Sports Editor

the Heights.

ACC contender and competing in NCAA

“While ultimately the goal is to win,

tournaments,” Popovec-Gross said. “And

it is the habits and the standard that lead

you will often hear me say this: You win

to victory, and that is where we will begin

with people. And that’s exactly what we

our work and focus our energy,” Pop-

will do here at Boston College.”

ovec-Goss said. “Our culture will also be

Kate Popovec-Goss spoke a few

Popovec-Goss spent the last four

rooted in transparency … Transparency

words, then stopped to fiddle with the

seasons at Bradley. She led her team to

may not always feel great, but it leads to

microphone in front of her right before

a WNIT appearance last month, but the

trust. And without trust, we will not win.”

beginning a 13-minute speech regarding

team she inherited four years ago had

Her immediate goal is simple.

her new role as Boston College’s next

gone 4–24 the prior season.

women’s basketball coach.

“To just flip the mentality of our

Bradley won four games again during

players and flip the culture of the locker

“I always have to elevate the height

Popovec-Goss’ first year there. The next

room,” Popovec-Goss said. “Start recruit-

of the mics across the building, just to

year, they won six and then 14 the follow-

ing the right pieces for my style of play,

put that out there for everyone,” she said,

ing year. This season, they finished 20–13,

but to also lay a founda-

laughing.

third in the Missouri Valley.

tion for what we are going

Popovec-Goss was introduced as the

She more than quintupled her win

next Boston College women’s basketball

total by establishing a specific culture—

head coach on Wednesday afternoon, one

something she plans on reestablishing on

day after new men’s basketball coach Luke

to build.”

Read the full story online.

Murray’s introductory press conference. “Many people often ask why—I typically ask why not,” Popovec-Goss said. “Throughout the past three weeks, I kept returning to ‘Why not Boston College?’” Three players sat in the second row, directly in front of Popovec-Goss as she spoke. She said she spoke with several players from last year’s roster, urging them to reflect on whether BC remained the right fit. Popovec-Goss projected that about half of last year’s roster will return to the Heights. “While success, to me, starts with the experience that we provide our young people, it also means reestablishing

MARIA STEFANOUDAKIS / HEIGHTS EDITOR

BC Back to Basking in Beanpot Glory With 6–2 Win Over BU This story was originally published on Feb. 10, 2026. By Sebby FitzGerald Assoc. Sports Editor BOSTON — Students were still unloading the T when the first roar from Boston University’s student section shook TD Garden.Quickly thereafter, the insulting chants that define the long-standing

rivalry—a rivalry in its 300th game—rained down from behind the 18 Celtics banners that hang in the rafters. That didn’t seem to faze No. 14 Boston College men’s hockey, though, which had its eyes set on a prize it hadn’t hoisted in a decade. A lot more than words would have to keep the Eagles from bringing home that long-awaited hardware. Thirteen minutes after BU’s first score,

the Dog Pound was treated with a taste of its own medicine from BC’s student section, and it was never able to give it back. The Eagles’ (16–9–1, 10–6–0 Hockey East) offense came to play on the big stage as they delivered the Heights’ first Beanpot title since 2016 with a 6–2 win over BU (13–14–2, 9–10–0) on Monday night. BC goaltender Louka Cloutier received the Eberly Award for the Beanpot’s best goalie after posting 27 saves on 29 shots in

the final, and James Hagens earned MVP honors with five points and a plus-minus of four across both games. “You need so many things to go right— you need so many guys to play well, and tonight, we were able to do that,” BC head coach Greg Brown said. “Really just happy for the guys that felt like they didn’t cross that line the last couple of years, and tonight they did.” Cloutier was challenged much sooner than he was in the Eagles’ 4–1 win at Agganis Arena less than two weeks ago. Brandon Svoboda quickly got his team going, cleaning up an errant rebound from Cloutier 2:15 into the first period to put BU ahead 1–0. The Terriers continued to hammer BC’s defense with their zone entry, setting up their offense early and often. Cloutier stood his ground, but a couple more rebounds fed into center ice left plenty of Eagles’ fans holding their breath. BC struggled to sustain offensive possession when getting the puck below the blue line, falling behind in shots 8–2 near the halfway mark of the first period. “We maybe were a little tight the first

10 minutes,” Brown said. “I didn’t love the way we started—our legs were a little slow.” A holding penalty on BU’s Cole Hutson began the momentum shift. Ryan Conmy drove wide on the right side, drawing defenders near the goal line. He found an open Andre Gasseau in front of the net, and the senior shelved it home to tie things up at 1–1 with 4:58 remaining in the first. “To get that huge power-play goal to bounce back from a 1–0 deficit really got our eventual jumpstart, and I think from then on, we played with much more urgency, much more confidence,” Brown said. The Eagles entered the second period with Aram Minnetian serving the second half of his roughing penalty. BC was assessed four penalties, but its aggressive penalty-kill strategy kept the Terriers’ power-play unit quiet for the majority of the night. The second period started as a goalie showcase. Sacha Boisvert angled across the crease to try to sneak a shot past Cloutier, but a last-second leg kick kept the puck out of the back of the net. Read the full story online.

JACK PETTIGREW/ HEIGHTS EDITOR

2026 Football Preview: Eagles Look To Bounce Back By Maria Stefanoudakis Sports Editor Mac Cobb This story was originally published on Aug. 23, 2026. Asst. Sports Editor On Sept. 28, 2024, Boston College football secured a 21–20 win over Western Kentucky, which moved the Eagles to 4–1 through the first five games of head coach Bill O’Brien’s tenure. That fall, campus was alive. The media was excited. Heck, the Eagles were (briefly) ranked for the first time since 2018. But then, everything fell apart. Since that day, the Eagles have gone 5–15. Most of those losses came last season, when the Eagles sandwiched 10 straight losses between two wins—over Fordham at home, and on the road against a struggling Syracuse squad—on the way to BC’s worst season since 2012. But before you succumb to pessimism, or allow your mind to cloud over with memories of last season’s home defeat to Georgia Tech (or, perhaps even worse, the

Michigan State loss), consider this: The only thing that you can really count on in today’s world of college athletics is that everything is always changing. BC’s current roster bears little resemblance to last season’s, and even its coaching staff has undergone a makeover. In other words, you have some catching up to do. Here’s everything to know before the Eagles open their season at Cincinnati on Sept. 5. A New Way Forward After last season’s struggles, O’Brien made several major changes, starting with the coaching staff itself. After parting ways with former defensive coordinator Tim Lewis at the end of last season, O’Brien brought in Ted Roof. The two coached together at Georgia Tech, Duke, and Penn State. Now, Roof will attempt to turn around a program that ranked 126th in the nation in total defense last season (out of 134 total teams). BC also added fresh faces to its offensive coaching staff, with Joe Dailey taking over as wide receivers coach and Kurt Anderson assuming

the role of offensive line coach. Offensive coordinator and tight ends coach Will Lawing left BC for an NFL coaching job. O’Brien has announced that he will be the primary offensive signal-caller for the Eagles this season for the first time since he arrived at BC. The Roster :The Few, The Loyal Roster continuity is certainly not a given in today’s era of college athletics. Most of last year’s team either graduated or entered the portal, but these Eagles decided to stick around for another year of BC football. The biggest name in that group is KP Price, a senior from Baltimore, Md., entering his fourth year with BC. He has 175 tackles over the past two seasons, leading the team both years. In 2025, he was named team captain and earned Second-Team AllACC honors. He is expected to continue that level of play, as he was named to the All-ACC Preseason Team. Read the full story online.

PAUL CRIADO / HEIGHTS ARCHIVES

Magazine The Heights

Class of 2030 Welcome Edition

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Campus Connections: Five Faculty Couples’ Love Stories soon after their first meeting and have been together ever since. This October, they’ll celebrate their 32nd marriage anniversary. Over the years, both have worked as employees of BC Libraries—Lopa as a senior reference & tech support specialist and Roderick as a member of the scholarly platforms & discovery services department—until their respective retirements in July 2025 and January 2026. TRISHNA CONDOOR / HEIGHTS EDITOR

This story was originally published on Feb. 13, 2026.

By Elizabeth Maher Magazine Editor Evie Oosting Assoc. Magazine Editor

The person who stands at the chalkboard proctoring tests with a menacing gaze couldn’t possibly be the same person who returns to their spouse and family at the end of each day—or could they? The Heights spoke to five married couples who work at Boston College. Here’s what they had to say.

Knowing your professors are married feels like a forbidden glimpse into their private lives.

Meet-Cutes in Chestnut Hill... On a summer day in 1990, Roderick Williams entered the BC Bookstore on the

first floor of McElroy Commons, perhaps looking to buy a textbook for his classes as a political science Ph.D. student. But Roderick left the Bookstore that day with something much more valuable than an overpriced textbook: he had met his future wife. “We met in the Bookstore and were introduced by a mutual acquaintance,” said Lopa Williams, Roderick’s now wife. Lopa and Roderick began dating

...And Beyond Although Roderick and Lopa met on campus, other BC faculty couples’ stories began a bit further away from Chestnut Hill. Ashley and Matthew Herkins, both faculty members in the engineering department—Ashley as an assistant professor of the practice and Matthew as a part-time faculty member—met as freshmen at The Ohio State University. “In our Intro to Engineering class, we

were assigned the same project team, and we kind of knew each other all throughout undergrad, and we were partnered up in a lot of different classes,” Ashley said. Matthew said he made a move their sophomore year, when the two were lab partners—but when he asked Ashley if she wanted to grab food, he got no response. “I honestly did not hear him,” Ashley said, laughing. “And I would have absolutely said yes if I did hear him.” Fortunately, Matthew didn’t lose hope. Their senior year, he asked Ashley to go to Chipotle, and Ashley (who heard his question this time around) said yes. The two got married during graduate school in 2022, Ashley said. Stephen Mendelsohn and Christine Rojcewicz, both assistant professors of the practice in the Portico program, also met as undergraduate students. Read the full story online.

A Freshman’s Guide to Activities in Boston This story was originally published on Sept. 7, 2025.

By Veronica Pierce Magazine Editor

So, it’s your freshman year. You might still be using Google Maps to get to class or trying to figure out who to sit with during lunch in Mac. It’s probably feeling overwhelming—you’re in a new college with new people in a new city and maybe even a new country. The city of Boston is at your fingertips, and I’m here to help guide you through some fun events that you can enjoy during your first few months at Boston College. From sports to food to shopping and more, allow me to be your tour guide and hop on the T to head downtown. Red Sox Game No matter where you hail from and who you root for, Fenway Park is a oneof-a-kind place to have a fun-filled night with friends. With the Red Sox season ending at the end of September, you don’t want to miss the chance to see a Major League baseball game, grab a hot dog, and maybe even some Red Sox gear if you’re a committed fan. Thankfully, being a BC student makes it relatively easy and cheap to buy tickets. Just head to the Student9s section of the Red Sox website and use your BC email to sign up to receive emails about $9 student tickets. A perfect deal for a brand new college student! Boston Local Food Festival Feeling peckish and want to eat some-

thing other than BC dining? Boston offers a local food festival on Sept. 14, 2025, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. with almost 100 food vendors participating in the event. Head over to the Rose Kennedy Greenway, grab a bite to eat, and enjoy the festival’s activities, including a Seafood Throwdown, cooking demonstrations, and an educational booth about Boston’s food consumption and waste. It’s a great way to sample food from local restaurants and save up on those dining dollars. The Head of the Charles Regatta Every year, rowing clubs and universities from all over the world come together to row down Boston’s very own Charles River. For the best viewing spot, head to the Eliot Bridge Enclosure to watch as each boat chugs down the river towards the finish line. If you want to grab a spectating snack, the regatta also brings together lots of food vendors. You can also pick up some Head of the Charles merchandise there if you’re a big rowing fan. The best part? BC’s very own Rowing Team will be participating! The perfect way to cheer on your fellow Eagles outside of Chestnut Hill. Freedom Trail If you’re a history major, a history buff, or just want to learn a bit more about Boston’s revolutionary past, you should book tickets for the Freedom Trail ASAP. At 2.5 miles , the Freedom Trail connects 16 different significant historical sights in Boston.

Read the full story online.

TRISHNA CONDOOR / HEIGHTS EDITOR

Fitz Bathroom to Basement Barbershop: Meet Club Kirk Cuts This story was originally published on March 12, 2026.

By Celine Bell Asst. Magazine Editor At Boston College, Club Kirk is already something of a legend—an off-campus house on Kirkwood Road known for packed basement parties and crowds that spill onto the lawn. But on many weekends, that same basement fills with a different kind of buzz. It’s where William Olohan, MCAS ’27, runs Club Kirk Cuts, a student barbershop that has drawn steady streams of BC students who trade in their red solo cups for quick and easy haircuts. “It started as ‘fake it ’till you make it,’” Olohan said. “But now when someone sits in the chair, I’m confident we’re not going to have any issues.” Olohan’s path to Club Kirk Cuts started during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic. With barbershops

closed and plenty of free time at home, he began experimenting with cutting his own hair. “I’ve been cutting hair since COVID,” Olohan said. “I learned to cut my own hair, and I have four younger brothers, so I learned to cut hair on them as well.” After arriving at BC, his friends began to notice his talent and started asking for haircuts themselves. “People would see me cutting hair in the Fitz bathroom, which is where I lived, and some people would ask me to cut them,” Olohan said. “I started cutting maybe five to 10 people my freshman year, just for fun before going out or something.” What began as casual favors quickly turned into something bigger. Friends and family began encouraging him to take the hobby more seriously, suggesting he could profit from it, Olohan said. According to Olohan, the earliest and most basic challenge was finding somewhere to actually cut hair. He experimented with several makeshift locations

and briefly tried cutting hair in an outdoor garage until he discovered someone had rented the parking space for their car. The solution ended up being much closer to home. In the basement of Club Kirk, Olohan’s off-campus Kirkwood house, there was an unused corner that had long been neglected. “I have this room in my basement that was disgusting, just like a trash room,” Olohan said. “I cleaned it up, brought all my stuff, and fixed up the walls that were kind of destroyed.” He paid for the setup out of pocket, buying mirrors and better lighting, and borrowing a desk from one of his roommates. As the shop has grown, so has its equipment. Once his basement barbershop was ready, Olohan turned to the handful of people who had already trusted him with their hair. Read the full story online.

The Team That Keeps BC’s Campus Picture-Perfect This story was originally published on Oct. 26, 2025.

By Kate Kissel Assoc. Magazine Editor The red and yellow tulips across the street from Robsham Theater don’t magically grow into their signa-

ture “BC” shape. The mod lot doesn’t magically return to normal after Saturday tailgates, free of crushed cans and flying food wrappers. And the reason students aren’t falling down the Million Dollar Stairs in the winter has nothing to do with heated steps. Behind it all: Boston College Landscape Services.

This fall, Landscape Services is busy planting 45,000 tulips, clearing up fallen leaves from 7,500 trees, and mowing 110 acres of grounds to Quad-picnic perfection. But for this crew, the work is about more than just maintenance—students are at the heart of everything they do. Landscaping Services’ objective is

MAUREEN EBAUGH / HEIGHTS STAFF

simple: maintenance for the sake of student enjoyment. Scott McCoy, associate director of landscape services, is leading the charge. “It’s our objective to provide a safe environment for our students and the general campus community to enjoy the academic experience,” McCoy said. “ We have the overarching goal of creating a campus aesthetic that combines a safe environment with beauty.” Benchmarking data against peer universities of similar size and stature has shown that the team has largely met its goal, according to McCoy. “People appreciate the aesthetic of the landscape,” McCoy said. It’s hard to pin down exactly what makes the BC landscape so captivating. For McCoy, it comes in the form of architecture, history, and conversation spaces. “There’s an aspect to the aesthetic here that is unique to this place,” McCoy said. “It has a lot to do with the Gothic style architecture as the

basis for that. There’s great history with this property, and there’s been an evolvement that’s founded on our ability to provide open and beautiful spaces that people can enjoy and have conversations.” When the weather is nice, students take advantage of outdoor spaces, f locking to O’Neill Quad, Stokes Amphitheater, or any grassy patch they can find to catch a few UV rays between classes. “If you go to walk to class on any given day, you see people out in outdoor spaces, and they’re sitting and talking,” McCoy said. “If it was mud or overgrown or not kept, I think people would be less apt to utilize spaces like that.” Maintaining these picturesque spots takes a village. According to McCoy, the Facilities Management team is composed of 35 people, with 29 landscapers divided among various roles. Read the full story online.

Projects

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Class of 2030 Welcome Edition

BC Nursing Students Face Long, Costly Commutes for Required Clinicals This story was originally published on March 31, 2026.

By Anna Lauinger Projects Editor

Geo Elasmar Editorial Assistant PHOTO COURTESY OF HEIGHTS ARCHIVES

Students Weigh In on Dept. of Ed Shuttering This story was originally published on April 7, 2025.

By Lucy Freeman Projects Editor

Mei Dasgupta Editorial Assistant

At Boston College’s Lynch School of Education and Human Development (LSEHD), students sit in classrooms and learn the skills needed to someday lead classrooms of their own. In Washington, D.C., top-down budget cuts and changes are quickly changing what the road ahead looks like for these teachers-to-be. “There’s a prevailing narrative that education is just standing at a chalkboard and conveying basic skills to kids,” said Maia Hahn-Du Pont, LSEHD ’26. “As education majors, we know that it’s so much more than that, and the [Department of Education] being dismantled is just going to perpetuate inequities that are already present in our society.” On March 20, President Donald Trump signed an executive order to dismantle the Department of Education (DE). If the plan is passed by an act of Congress, programs for special education, civil rights, and federal funding for low-income students and loan forgiveness all stand to be impacted. As LSEHD students prepare for careers in education, they are also preparing for how these changes could affect their careers and the students they aim to serve. “An Extra Gut Kick” For LSEHD students like Anastasia Redmond, LSEHD ’25, the executive order was troubling but not surprising. “It is an extra gut kick,” Redmond

said. “Because teachers—you’re not always treated very well in the profession. Everyone knows teachers are overworked, underpaid. It gets harder and harder to be a teacher because kids are getting harder and harder to deal with.” Despite planning on teaching in the near future, Redmond expressed doubt that teaching could be her profession in the long term. “It’s just an extra thing on top of all the other things that make teaching really, really hard, and I don’t know if I’ll be able to put up with it for a career like I’d like to,” Redmond said. “I can see myself doing it for a few years, and then if things get worse and worse, then it’s not worth it at a certain point. That’s why a lot of teachers are quitting, especially right now.” While Emmurliana Joseph, LSEHD ’28, still sees teaching as her calling, she expressed concern for classmates hoping to teach outside of Massachusetts. “I guess I’m not only worried for myself, but I’m also kind of worried about my fellow classmates who are going to go home to different states,” Joseph said. “There’s a chance that teachers are going to be taking on a higher load than we already do because of this change, especially since we live in a country where, in a lot of states, teachers are burnt out.” Eavan Flood, LSEHD ’27, said the lack of funding and resources for classrooms is a major concern for her as well. “There’s not a lot of attention paid to how much teachers are being paid, or the resources that are being given to them because they kind of fall at the bottom of the food chain, for lack of a better word,” Flood said. Read the full story online.

Noelle Lyden starts her Tuesdays at 5:30 a.m., long before the sun rises. She takes a 6 a.m. bus through a quiet campus, down Commonwealth Avenue, and to the Reservoir T stop. From there, she spends nearly an hour on the D line, riding it to the Longwood Medical and Academic Area, where she arrives at Brigham and Women’s Hospital just in time for her 7 a.m. clinical experience. “In the morning, it’s really tough,” Lyden, CSON ’28, said. “Getting up at like 5:30 … it’s the worst thing ever.” Lyden is not alone. Clinicals—weekly six- to eight-hour shifts at Boston-area hospitals—are a core component of Boston College’s nursing curriculum, supplementing classroom learning with hands-on experience. Students are often assigned to shifts starting as early as 7 a.m. Early-morning assignments at faraway hospitals force nursing students into a dilemma—either sit through a tedious ride on the T or shell out the money for an Uber. Because students are responsible for their own transportation to clinicals, they must determine how much their time is really worth. “We’re in charge of our own transportation, whether that’s T or Uber, and it’s up to us to meet up with the other members of our clinical group—which is usually groups of six—to get there,” said Amira Aitsaid, CSON ’27. Aitsaid said her clinical sites—primarily in the Longwood Medical and Academic Area—are technically accessible by the MBTA, but not always practical. “Most of us are left to Uber just because of how long the T takes in the morning,” Aitsaid said. “We have to be there anytime between 6:30 and 7 a.m.” Uber rides typically cost between $20 and $40 total and are split between a group. Still, those costs accumulate over the course of a semester—especially for students with multiple clinicals per week. “This semester, since I have two clinicals a week, I’m spending like $15 or $20 to get there and sometimes back,” Aitsaid said. Even with shared rides, the financial burden can be significant. Zachary Elias,

CSON ’27, said his transportation costs depend heavily on where his clinical placements are located. With his clinicals this semester at the Boston Medical Center in the South End and Arbour Hospital in Jamaica Plain, Elias has found himself spending more. “Quite a few of them you can’t get to by the T, so you either have to Uber or rely on someone with a car,” Elias said. “This semester I have to Uber to both of them—it’s like $20 or $25 each day.” While Elias splits rides with classmates, he estimates spending $30 to $35 per week on average. “It can be kind of annoying, because I have to spend my own money to get to something that is required,” he said. For students who choose public transportation, commutes can take up to an hour each way, depending on the route and time of day. “I feel like it’s so much wasted time,” Aitsaid said. “The part that I don’t like the most is just getting there, especially so early in the morning.” Driving is rarely an alternative. Even students with cars often cannot park due to limited availability at Longwood-area hospitals. And 28 out of 31 surveyed by The Heights said they were unaware that they’d have to organize and pay for their own transportation to clinicals before coming to BC—something that may have factored into their decision had they known sooner. “I didn’t realize how much we’d have to rely on Ubers,” Elias said. “I assumed most of them would be on the T.” According to responses from 31 CSON students surveyed by The Heights, commuting via public transportation can take up to four hours per week—compared to just 30 minutes to an hour when using Uber. Delays and traffic can further complicate already tight schedules. Aitsaid recalled instances when unreliable transportation made students late to clinicals—something that carries serious consequences. “We’ve had horror stories with Ubers being late, and that causing us to be late, which is a huge no-no in the nursing world, because the day starts at 7 exactly,” she said. “Most of our preceptors expect us to get there even earlier.” “Room for Improvement” Recognizing these challenges, some student leaders have pushed for institutional support. Cami Kulbieda, UGBC president and LSEHD ’26, began advocating for trans-

portation funding after encountering similar issues during her own field placement. “As soon as I learned that BC does not provide monetary support for LSEHD and CSON student transportation to off-campus sites for required field placements, my passion project was born,” Kulbieda wrote in a statement to The Heights. “On top of a hefty tuition cost, no student should be responsible for these costs when their practicums and clinicals are required,” she added. UGBC, in collaboration with the Division of Student Affairs, helped establish a pilot program to provide CharlieCards to LSEHD and CSON students with high financial need for transportation to practicums and clinicals. Eligible students receive an invitation to participate in the program, according to Associate Vice President of Career Services Joe Du Pont. The form includes basic information to confirm their placement details and transportation needs. The program remains limited in scope. In late March, UGBC reopened conversations about providing all undergraduate nursing students with free, accessible transportation to clinicals. Senators who supported it hoped to emulate the PULSE program, which provides students with a $50 CharlieCard each semester. But there were also signs the PULSE solution may not be a good fit. “[PULSE] always chooses stops that are convenient for students to get to, right on the T lines,” said Emily Prucher, MCAS ’28. “But I know the nursing stops aren’t like that, like even mostly hospitals you can’t really get to.” In the meeting, Prucher said that UGBC will continue to explore options and “reach out to some new contacts.” Some students believe the University could go further, pointing to existing programs like 4Boston, which covers transportation costs for service placements, including Ubers. “It would be awesome if BC paid for our transportation,” said Kathleen McGraw, CSON ’28, who volunteers with 4Boston. “With 4Boston, we have a business Uber account, and they totally cover the cost.” Others suggested alternatives, such as a dedicated shuttle system to clinical sites. “I’m honestly surprised they don’t have some sort of bus or shuttle,” Elias said. “That could make a big difference.”

Read the full story online.

“The Holy Grail of Partying” : The Evolution of The Mods This story was originally published on Oct. 22, 2025.

By Lucy Freeman Projects Editor

Mei Dasgupta Editorial Assistant On a hot, spring night in 1981, Rich Canning’s roommate took a deep breath and plunged headfirst down a makeshift water slide on the stairs, landing on a kitchen floor piled high with sand. “They filled the Mod one time,” recounted Rich’s daughter, Maddy Canning, BC ’23. “It was Love Boat–themed, I think, and they filled the entire bottom floor with sand. Somebody slid down the stairs on something like a water raft. Imagine pitching that to your roommates now—that would probably make news.” Moments like these—absurd, chaotic, and distinctly communal—have long defined the Mods. Since their “temporary” installment in 1970, the maroon, pre-fab townhouses on Lower Campus have stood as both an architectural oddity and a cultural landmark at BC. But over the decades, the Mods’ wild reputation has collided with shifting student priorities and stricter University oversight.

The “Holy Grail of Partying” For Patrick Vale, BC ’13, the Mods represented something mythical, a place where the wildest dreams—and parties— could come true.

“I remember freshman year was always trying to get down into the Mods,” Vale said. “Like, ‘Do you know people who have a Mod? Can you get invited?’ It was kind of like the holy grail of partying.” Older alumni paint a picture of an even looser era, less saddled by rules and regulations. “I think we might have been a little more wild back in the day,” said Henry King, BC ’84, who laughed while recalling the days when students could leave Alumni Stadium at halftime, grab a few beers, and sneak them back in. “Somebody once managed to sneak a whole keg into the parking garage under blankets,” King said. Lauren Griffin, BC ’87, remembers her experience simply as an “excess period of time”. “It was pretty wild,” Griffin said. “Like we weren’t like, ‘I’m never gonna study’, but it was pretty wild. We definitely went out every single Thursday night. We definitely could go out every single night of the week—every night on the weekends, we were out.” Griffin’s time on the Heights was marked by the raising of the legal drinking age from 18 to 21. There was, however, little stopping students from drinking, she said. “For my particular grade, half of us had to wait till we were 21 depending on when your birthday fell, and then half of the people were legal at 18,” Griffin said. “We were always working around it as a result.”

SARAH FLEMING / HEIGHTS ARCHIVES

Despite the changing political atmosphere surrounding alcohol and the legal drinking age, Griffin said students treated rules more like suggestions during her time at BC. “There was always a party. And I don’t know what the rules were, but it did seem like it wasn’t that hard to register,” Griffin said. “[The] last thing you needed to do is throw a charcuterie board together. It was very bare bones, it was like ‘we’re getting a keg and that’s [it].’” New Rules for Playing House Today, kegs—prohibited in BC housing —are no longer a common sight, and

the nights are quieter now, residents say, with many students choosing bars over backyard gatherings. “It’s funny, because the mods have a reputation for hosting parties and things like that,” Cate Regan, MCAS ’26 said. “But honestly, a lot of my social activities on the weekends have been more aimed towards going out, rather than dorm parties or anything like that.” Students living in apartment-style housing who plan to host parties with 25 or more guests on Friday or Saturday nights must register them with the Office of Residential Life, according to BC’s conditions for residency.

“All social gatherings of twenty-five (25) or more must be registered in advance by a Residential Life Official and only a limited number of social gatherings can be registered on a given night,” the conditions state. Students are only eligible to host a party if at least half of their roommates are seniors 21 or older. Additionally, students must meet with their resident director to discuss their plan, and one student in the apartment must be a sober contact, according to the conditions for residency. Read the full story online.

Class of 2030 Welcome Edition

Arts

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Hugh Jackman Set To Perform at BC This Fall This story was originally published on Aug. 3, 2026. ELLIE EL-FISHAWY / HEIGHTS EDITOR

The Chainsmokers Take Boston College Back to 2016 at Modstock This story was originally published on May 2, 2026.

By Ali Zahm Creative Director The spring rain cleared just in time for Grammy-winning electronic duo The Chainsmokers to headline Boston College’s annual Modstock concert, hosted by the Campus Activities Board (CAB). The concert, which commemorates the last day of classes, was much anticipated this year—tickets sold out in just under an hour. In the early evening on Thursday,

thousands of eager students packed the Mod Lot, and many who didn’t get tickets still watched from behind the venue’s gates or from an elevated position in the multi-level parking garage. Students lining the barricade made it known when The Chainsmokers, consisting of DJs Drew Taggart and Alex Pall, were seen waiting to get onstage, cheering and pointing as the music started up. The audience erupted into roaring applause as Pall and Taggart entered the stage and settled behind their DJ booth, getting the crowd amped up by mixing to their hit songs “Paris” and “Something Just

Like This.” A group of CAB members joined them onstage, dancing behind the booth as smoke machines went off into the front of the crowd. The two spun some well-known songs into their mix, such as “Milkshake” by Kelis and “No Broke Boys” by Disco Lines and Tinashe, warranting more cheers from the audience. “Alright, Boston College, how are we feeling? We gotta get y’all warmed up,” Taggart shouted into his microphone.

Read the full story online.

By Milo Priddle Arts Editor Grammy, Emmy, and Tony Award–winning actor and singer Hugh Jackman is set to perform at the 34th Annual Pops on the Heights gala on Sept. 25. Jackman is best known for his role as Wolverine in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, but he also has a decorated history in musical films such as The Greatest Showman and Les Miserables. The latter performance earned him a Golden Globe. Off-screen, Jackman has performed in a multitude of Broadway and West End productions, and re-

cently held a residency at Radio City Music Hall where he hosted the one-man concert series From New York, With Love. He won a Tony award in 2004 for his role in the musical The Boy from Oz. The annual fundraiser, also known as The Barbara and Jim Cleary Scholarship Gala, raises money for financial aid for Boston College undergraduate students. Last year’s gala raised $12.3 million. Jackman will be joined at Pops on the Heights by Patrick Vaccariello, a longtime collaborator and music director of the annual Tony Awards. In addition to Jackman, The “Screaming Eagles” marching band, University Chorale, and Joseph Gilhooly, MCAS ’27, will accompany the Boston Pops Esplanade Orchestra, conducted by Keith Lockhart. Read the full story online.

DICK THOMAS JOHNSON / WIKIMEDIA COMMONS

Are the Arts Alive at BC? Alumni Reflect On the University This story was originally published on Oct. 30, 2025.

This story was originally published on Oct. 30, 202.

By Maddie Mulligan Arts Editor

Maria Beatriz Saldanha Assoc. Arts Editor

Milo Priddle Asst. Arts Editor

J.Crew sweaters, pressed khaki pants, and Birkenstocks are all common sights on Boston College’s campus, an indicator of the large suburban population and ubiquitous finance bros. And while fashion choices aren’t a direct reflection of creative expression, there is undoubtedly some correlation. This can make the campus feel, well, a bit bland

at times. Though it might not be overtly visible among the flocks of finance majors, the small niche that is BC’s arts scene has been intently going about its business, cultivating a competitive and dense creative culture. BC has a multitude of dance, a cappella, and comedy groups, as well as a successful theatre program. Yet, there are very few notable BC graduates who have gone on to work professionally in creative fields. Most alumni end up in conventional, white-collar professions—law, business, politics. This prompts the question: Is BC doing enough for its arts scene? Performing amateur bits in the customary My Mother’s Fleabag baseball shirt, a young Amy Poehler, BC ’93, could only have

dreamed of the comedic and acting success she’s reached today. From eight seasons of Saturday Night Live to her increasingly popular podcast, Good Hang with Amy Poehler, Poehler has established her place among the Hollywood elite. Poehler is easily BC’s most famous alum of the past century. Though she has historically said little to The Heights or the University as a whole, Poehler maintains she is a “very” proud alumna.

“Boston College rules ,” Poehler said in a statement to The Heights. Poehler regards her decision to attend BC and her involvement with on-campus improv group My Mother’s Fleabag as the

first dominoes tipped—the start of a series of events that would eventually take her from Chestnut Hill, Mass., all the way to Hollywood. “If I had not gone to school at BC, I wouldn’t have discovered improv, and wouldn’t have decided to move to Chicago to be an actor,” said Poehler. “Questioning my decision would be like playing with fire. We all remember what happened in Back to the Future.” BC is an important part of what Poehler credits with her current success. But among BC alumni, Poehler is the exception, not the rule. B C ’s Jesuit values prioritize a well-rounded liberal arts education—the extensive core curriculum is just one

COURTESY OF BRYCE PINKHAM

example. Jesuit values are often regarded with a rigid, conservative connotation, but Poehler believes this philosophy helped shape her creative instincts. “The world and the business I am in has changed so much since I graduated many years ago, but I like to think the school and the overall Jesuit philosophy helped me figure out how to be a creative human in the world,” said Poehler. While the Jesuit approach has benefits, it still undoubtedly discourages creatively inclined high school students, who want to immediately specialize in their art form, from considering the University. Read the full story online.

Perchance Is Emerging as One of Campus’ Most Exciting Bands This story was originally published on Feb. 22, 2026.

By Milo Priddle Arts Editor Perchance the Band is one of the most popular student ensembles at Boston College, and the first group to perform on Live From The Newsroom, presented by Music Go Round Boston: a live performance show in which The Heights’ office will be the backdrop for short sets from some of the most talented musicians on campus. After the students who made up Caltha—one of two bands that opened for Swae Lee at Modstock 2025—graduated last spring, a space opened up for a new face of BC’s music scene. Perchance, a group of sophomore musicians, may just be the one to take up the torch. “Not only [was Caltha] inspirational, but they also provided us with advice and support on a personal level,” said Emma Ramirez, MCAS ’28 and Perchance’s lead singer. Perchance, composed of Ramirez, guitarist and singer Charlie Stautberg, MCAS ’28, guitarist Teddy Seegers, LSEHD ’28, bassist Sophie Coté, MCAS ’28, and drummer Reine Lantin, CSON ’28,

was formed last year and has since performed in a host of settings, from house parties to 18+ nights at Boston bars. But during its first gig, the band looked a little different. Seegers was on the drums, and Ramirez hadn’t yet joined the group. “We did one gig and then realized I’m not a good singer, and [that] we needed another one,” Stautberg joked. The band took shape after meeting one another through BC Music Guild and BC bOp!, two of BC’s preeminent groups for student musicians. Perchance credits these clubs with giving them the social space and logistical support to carve out their individual creative style. “When I was touring colleges, I was like, the music scene needs to be great,” Coté said. “And then I got to BC, and Charlie was like, ‘Hey, do you play bass?’” But unlike Coté and the rest of the group, vocalist Ramirez didn’t envision being in a college band. She was involved in musical theatre in high school, but had never been in a band before Perchance. As BC students, members of Perchance must balance their band schedule with intense academic demands as well as other extracurricular commitments—Lantin, for instance, juggles

drumming for three bands with a nursing major. Members are either in other bands in addition to Perchance or are a part of BC bOp!, which has performances regularly throughout the academic year. But, according to Perchance, their group chemistry and “friends first” mentality means that committing time to the band never feels burdensome. “Balancing comes pretty easy because we’re always supporting each other no matter what,” Coté said. Not only has Perchance provided its members with meaninful relationships and a sense of on-campus identity, but it has also delivered some comical moments. The group recounted how, at their first Battle of the Bands performance, Stautberg broke two guitar strings, on separate guitars, in the span of around 20 minutes. “It’s my favorite memory,” Lantin said. “That just doesn’t happen.” Members of Perchance emphasized how, along with creating the community in which the band met, BC’s musical infrastructure remains crucial in enabling their existence as a band.

Read the full story online.

JACK PETTIGREW / HEIGHTS EDITOR

JACK PETTIGREW / HEIGHTS EDITOR

Newton

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Class of 2030 Welcome Edition

The Heartwarming Story Behind the Heartbreak Hill Statue This story was originally published on April 11, 2026.

By Riley Del Sesto Newton Editor

What was initially meant to be a temporary, quirky fixture on Newton resident Mark Proctor’s lawn quickly turned into a local landmark and morale boost for Boston Marathon runners. “I initially thought I’d have that statue up for about one year and that people would hate it,” Proctor said. “It turns out the response in the neighborhood was far more dramatic—and rewarding—than we expected.”

Proctor, a homeowner on the corner of Commonwealth and Grant Avenues on Heartbreak Hill in Newton, decided in 2020 to make a statue out of his beloved 100-year-old maple tree when it could no longer stand on its own. “It was a beautiful maple tree,” Proctor said. “We had been in the house for 20 years, so we were pretty used to having that tree.” Proctor always knew that he was going to forge a Boston Marathon commemorative statue out of the tree to complement his family’s annual marathon party, but initially wasn’t sure what form it would take. While he favored the run-

ner from the beginning, he had to persuade his family to embrace the idea. “I knew that I wanted to make it a runner, but my family was not on board with the decision,” Proctor said. “So we actually went through several different rounds of thinking things like the Greek god of speed, and then

we were thinking of an animal, like a puma or something.” Finding a Worthy Whittler Once he convinced his family of the runner, Proctor’s next task for the completion of the statue was finding a worthy whittler. After some preliminary research, he contacted a prominent Seattle tree sculptor, who referred Proctor to his tree chainsaw sculptor championship partner Kenneth Packie, a Berkshire craftsman. Packie, whose typical commissions are animals or fictional characters, relished tackling a human form. “I’d say the bread and butter I do is

going to be wildlife,” Packie said. “Right now I’m working on Bigfoot. People love Bigfoot. They love Sasquatches. So I’ve got two of those to do. I’m doing a Grateful Dead dancing bear. Yeah, a bunch of foxes.” Packie said he normally hesitates to make a commute as long as the one to Newton but made an exception for this project. “I had so much work locally, I didn’t really want to commute to Newton and carve that, but they’re super nice people, so I went out there and I took a look,” Packie said. Read the full story online.

RILEY DEL SESTO / HEIGHTS EDITOR

Trailing Markey, Moulton Makes Pitch for Generational Change in U.S. Senate This story was originally published on Aug. 19, 2026.

By Nikita Osadchiy Assoc. News Editor

serves out his term. But it’s not evident

whether he would call on Massachusetts

whether that message has entirely reso-

Senator Elizabeth Warren, 77, to retire

nated with voters.

at the end of her term in 2031, Moulton

A new poll released Tuesday morning

by Suffolk and The Boston Globe showed

emphasized the need for age and term limits.

Moulton underwater by 14 points against

“I think we should have age limits,

With two weeks left before the pri-

Markey among primary voters, with 9

and I think we should have term limits

mary, U.S. Representative Seth Moulton

percent still undecided—down from 20

as well,” he said. “I don’t know exactly

made his closing case against Senator

percent in April.

what the age limit should be, but that’s

Heights on Tuesday, addressing recent

pointed to his own record as an underdog

Boston College to establish a standalone

In 2014, Moulton defeated the nine-

Ed Markey in an interview with The unfavorable polling and joining calls for LGBTQ+ resource center.

Moulton dismissed the figures and candidate who has closed bigger gaps. term incumbent U.S. Representative John

a discussion I’ve promised to foster and support.” Moulton’s generational pitch, however, has also forced him to reckon with his own record.

COURTESY OF THE NEWTON BEACON

Mayor Laredo Boosts Stability in Early Tenure This story was originally published on April 28, 2026.

“We need a new generation of lead-

Tierney by nearly 11 percentage points,

During the campaign’s second debate

ership to meet a new generation of

despite trailing him by upwards of 40

against Markey on Aug. 3, moderators

challenges and opportunities,” Moulton

points three months before the primary.

pressed Moulton on 2024 comments to

Heights Staff

said. “I think the generation that grew up

“It’s not impossible to make up

with the internet, and is going to have to

ground,” Moulton said. “We’ve got two

backlash when he suggested Democrats

live for decades with AI, should chart our

weeks to go, and this race will be decided

should reconsider their approach to

way through it. You just can’t look at the

by turnout. What we have to do in the

transgender athletes in women’s sports.

status quo—including the Democratic

next two weeks is ensure that [voters]

When asked about the remarks again

establishment—and say that they’re

show up to the polls—and that includes

on Tuesday, Moulton repeated his apol-

getting the job done.”

In his first several months in office, Newton Mayor Marc Laredo made significant strides in advancing his agenda and addressing local and national politics. His administration has approved a new school budget, created an Arts and Culture Department, prioritized economic development, improved local parks and natural spaces, and expanded communication and transparenc y efforts. Laredo has also navigated two major snowstorms, local Immigration and Customs Enforcement (IC E) operations , and a tense national political climate. On April 11, Laredo marked his 100th day in office with a televised interview alongside NewTV director Jenn Adams and The Newton Beacon Editor Bryan McGonigle. During the interview, he emphasized the importance of team building and community engagement, noting that he has visited all eight wards on his listening session tour and met with all department heads.

The New York Times that drew significant

young voters who are excited for new

ogy, but pushed back on the idea that

Moulton, a Salem Democrat, has

leadership and generational change and

Democrats should avoid

made age a central issue in his campaign.

don’t think we should have 86-year-old

the subject altogether.

Markey, who is seeking a third term, is

senators.”

80 and will be 86 if he’s reelected and

On the subject of age, when probed

Read the full story online.

COURTESY OF THE MASSACHUSETTS GOVERNOR’S OFFICE

By Katherine Kline

“ Th e b i g g e s t a c h i e v e m e n t i s building a great team,” Laredo said. “I have a fantastic team in the executive of f ice. I al s o have re ally strong department heads.” City Council President John Oliver has observed a shift in expectations for the mayor’s office and leadership style. In an interview with The Heights, he noted that Laredo’s priorities of arts, public education, culture, and economic development have remained at the forefront of his policymaking. “Marc has demonstrated a very significant focus on collaborative decision making,” Oliver said. “At the end of the day, it is his decision to make. However, he is asking a lot of people for their input before decisions are being made, so that he can kind of balance what it is he’s trying to accomplish and ensure broad buy-in.” The recently announced Newton Public Schools budget of $314.5 million represents a 5.75 percent increase from last year. Oliver emphasized that addressing long-term financing challenges will require extensive collaboration. “We need to fix the financing of Newton Public Schools,” Oliver said. Read the full story online.

Mayor Laredo Signs Executive Order Limiting Newton’s Cooperation With Federal Immigration Enforcement This story was originally published on Feb. 11, 2026.

By Riley Del Sesto Newton Editor In his first executive act, Newton Mayor Marc Laredo signed an order on Feb. 5 limiting local government cooperation with federal enforcement, joining the effort of Boston Mayor Michelle Wu and other leaders from communities across Greater Boston. “I really do feel that in a time when our democracy and our rights under the federal state constitutions are being threatened, I think it’s very important for elected leaders to speak out,” Laredo said in an interview with The Heights. The order, which did not require city council approval and is binding, regulates local government cooperation with federal enforcement, setting clear protections for protesters and restricting the use and access of city property. The order reaffirms Newton’s 2017 Welcoming City ordinance and solidifies

the city as a sanctuary city. In May 2025, President Donald Trump announced he would place increased pressure on sanctuary jurisdictions, including Newton. This move follows Newton’s support for an amicus brief defending Minnesota’s lawsuit against Trump’s mass deportation campaign and a statewide bill furthering protections for local law enforcement. Laredo clarified that while Newton police will support federal immigration’s pursuit of violent criminals, local officers will not have to engage in immigration enforcement. “As interpreted by our state’s highest court, we do not have to act as enforcement agents of ICE,” Laredo said. “We are not engaged in civil immigration enforcement here in Newton.” Laredo couldn’t confirm if there has been any Immigration Customs Enforcement (ICE) activity in Newton. “You know, I would not be at all surprised if there was ICE activity in the city of Newton, as there is probably

throughout the country, and we can’t prevent that,” Laredo said. In the event of a potential confrontation between ICE officers and protesters in Newton, the order is meant to establish protections for residents. “What we’re trying to do is really focus,” Laredo said. “If there’s a surge in activity—like you’ve seen in Minnesota or Maine—that’s what we’re really trying

to make sure we set up appropriate procedures for.” The order’s first section affirms that police officers will follow the city’s protocols during peaceful protests and mandates that officials must immediately contact emergency services in the case of injury. Laredo said he hopes that his actions will empower Newton residents to

protest. “Let me be clear: I think residents can and should feel free to speak out in Newton,” Laredo said. “I think it’s actually very important that residents continue to speak out in a peaceful manner against the actions that we’re seeing elsewhere in the country.” Read the full story online.

RILEY DEL SESTO / HEIGHTS EDITOR

Opinion

The Heights

Class of 2030 Welcome Edition

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Op-Ed: BC Must Stop Mistaking Comfort for Compassion This op-ed was originally published on Nov. 4, 2025.

By Magali De La Sancha At Boston College, silence has become the safest language to speak. A few weeks ago, I recorded a video of a man shouting a racial slur at Black students outside St. Mary’s. I hesitated before sharing it. I did not hesitate because I doubted what I saw, but because I was afraid of what might happen to me if I reported it. I worried that if the man turned out to be faculty or staff, I’d get in trouble for recording without permission or for some other irrelevant reason. That fear says everything about this university’s culture: at BC, accountability feels riskier than racism. I eventually decided to circulate the video among students, hoping that

if enough people saw it, it couldn’t be ignored. But, despite these efforts, it almost was. The administration issued a vague response, and most students went on with their week as if nothing had happened. The message was clear to me: At BC, as long as it doesn’t touch you personally, it’s not worth caring about. That pattern keeps repeating itself. Nearly a month has passed since Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) was seen operating near campus. UGBC is still debating whether to release a statement condemning ICE’s actions and presence. Meanwhile, those affected most directly, such as immigrant students, first-generation students, and students of color are left to wonder if anyone will ever speak up for them. How much silence does it take before we admit that neutrality is not neutral? BC prides itself on forming “men and

women for others.” Yet, when faced with moments that demand moral courage, the institution and its students often choose comfort instead. Administrators hide behind “ongoing investigations” and “official procedures.” Students hide behind the excuse of being “apolitical.” But there is no such thing. To say nothing in the face of injustice is to protect the status quo. Silence is a statement and it says that this isn’t my problem. Maybe it’s easy not to care when injustice feels far away. But I can’t separate what happens here from what happens back home. I’m from Cicero, Ill., a community that has frequently been the target of ICE operations. I’ve seen videos of officers dragging people away as their families cry out, powerless. I’ve seen

JASHODHARA JINDAL / HEIGHTS EDITOR

neighbors disappear overnight. When the background of those videos is the grocery store I go to, when the people being taken look like my friends and relatives, I don’t have the luxury of not caring. The lack of outrage at BC stings so deeply. I’m surrounded by students who can debate ethics in class but go silent when those ethics require action,

students who will repost infographics during an election year but say nothing when ICE shows up a few blocks from campus, and students who will analyze “privilege” in philosophy seminars but refuse to recognize how their own safety depends on others’ vulnerability. Read the full story online.

Our Advice for Jack Butler, Boston College’s Next President: Keep Up the Conversations This editorial was originally published on Feb. 23, 2025.

By The Heights Editorial Board The appointment of Rev. Jack Butler, S.J., as Boston College’s next president marks a critical turning point for the University. With only two presidents in the past 52 years, this transition offers a rare opportunity for BC to embrace change and growth. The Heights believes that Butler is well-positioned to be an effective University president and usher in a new era for BC.

At the end of the academic year, Butler will take a sabbatical from his current role as Haub vice president for University Mission and Ministry. The Heights offers one simple suggestion for when he officially takes the reins in the summer of 2026: keep it up. Butler should continue connecting with the student population, as he has throughout his career. In his 22 years at BC, Butler has continuously offered himself as a resource to students. From guiding them on their career paths as director of Manresa House to standing by their side during difficult times with crisis response, Butler

COURTESY OF UNIVERSITY COMMUNICATIONS

has proven he is devoted to the student body. This commitment to students is essential for his new position. Butler’s career not only reflects his commitment to students, but also his ability to have difficult conversations with them. “You’ve got to be honest,” Butler said in his recent interview with The Heights. “Sometimes people don’t want to hear what the truth is, or what you see it as. But I also have to make the space to listen to what other people are saying.” Amid an ever-evolving and fraught higher education landscape, Butler effectively conveys the value of a BC education in a way that resonates with students, faculty, alumni, and donors alike. This skill is critical to making sure the community is well-informed about the mission and progress of the University. Butler consistently brings a friendliness and engagement to his public speaking that leaves a memorable impression. He is frequently trusted with articulating the University’s mission, speaking at events across the country. Translating these skills into the duties of the University president will require a conscious effort. We believe it is imperative that he continues to make these public

appearances during these next six months and throughout his tenure as University president to foster a culture of open communication at BC. Butler should, for example, connect with the student population through regular meetings with student leaders, such as the UGBC president. In a 2016 Heights op-ed titled “Leahy’s Detachment Will Be His Legacy, Former UGBC President Says,” former UGBC president Nanci Flore-Chettiar wrote, “As UGBC president, I found it much more difficult to organize a meeting with Fr. Leahy. If you thought that he valued the insight of student-elected representatives, you would be wrong. It took nearly a year for us to schedule our first and only meeting.” In another editorial titled “UGBC Has the Drive to Make Important Change, But Administrators Halt Progress,” The Heights argues that the University rejects student government proposals on the basis of vague institutional values, despite claiming to promote discourse and dialogue. Many BC students are at the only point in their lives where their work and personal lives are completely intertwined. Student leaders are elected to advocate and provide a voice for this unique population, and for the past 29 years,

they’ve faced unnecessary challenges while doing so. By organizing regular appointments with these leaders, the incoming University president can fully align himself with promoting discourse and dialogue. Finally, nearly every Heights editorial can be boiled down to one headline: BC needs to be more transparent about … (insert issue here). Whether it be about financial aid, their investment portfolio, or LGBTQ+ resources, the University often provides little to no justification for its decisions. The lack of clarity surrounding these issues leads to the impression of secrecy, regardless of the motivation behind the policy. So far, Butler’s career has been devoted to open, honest conversation. We believe he has a real opportunity to improve administrative transparency. Whether it be through meeting with student leaders individually, responding to The Heights when asked for a comment, making frequent public appearances, or just cracking a smile when walking through campus, we believe Butler is capable and willing to foster a culture of open communication and conversation. We, as students, look forward to participating in this dialogue with him. n

BC, Let Students Party Mac Isn’t Sweetgreen. BC Dining’s Prices Should Reflect That.

This column was originally published on March 29, 2026.

By Katie Spillane Heights Columnist

I love Boston College. I have received a truly excellent education at what I would consider to be one of the most beautiful schools in the country, and I’m surrounded by dedicated students who encourage me to work harder. By freshman year, I was sure this was the place where I wanted to be. Still, I could not help but make comparisons. I would look at Snapchat and Instagram stories of friends going to UMiami or Elon and wonder whether I’d made the right choice. BC is not a party school. I had chosen BC because I did not want to be at a crazy party school. But that did not mean I wanted to stay home every night. While I’ve certainly had fun at BC, it’s definitely looked different from my peers’ lifestyles at other schools. Friends from Holy Cross would visit and lament how strict things were here, and I would reply with the line drilled into me by my older cousins: “It only gets better.” At BC, most students wait impatiently for their senior year, for everyone to be 21 and gain access to the revered mods. For me, those two facts were meant to change everything. Suddenly, all the stories I had heard from friends and family about their wild years at BC were going to become my stories. Now, I have loved senior year, but I will not lie and say it was exactly what I had pic-

tured as a freshman. Perhaps the three long years of buildup necessitated at least a little disappointment. I have had amazing tailgates and nights out, but there has also been a lot of discussion about why BC will not let students party. I am certainly not the only one who has noted a change in the mods. Many point toward the COVID-19 pandemic as the cause. Things got understandably stricter in 2020, but then never went back to normal. Today, most of the students I know simply do not want to risk throwing a party that gets too big (or, God forbid, spills outside onto the lawns). Students are seemingly willing to deal with consequences when it comes to tailgating, as the mods are busier than ever on gamedays. But even then, there are complaints, and interestingly enough, they’re coming from alumni as well. Many alumni remember a time when BC was a little freer. When the Jesuit values of educating the whole person also included one’s ability to tap a keg. When RAs shut down mod tailgates on parents’ weekend, it is not the students who get the most upset, but the alumni. The parents who sent their children to have the same college experience they loved are now faced with the fact that things at BC have changed. BC is uninterested in being a party school, and there are some pretty good reasons for that. In the age of the internet, it is much easier for scandals to pop up and blow back on the school. Read the full story online.

This editorial was originally published on Nov. 18, 2025.

By The Heights Editorial Board Paying $15 for a salad might make sense if it were from Sweetgreen. But it’s not—it’s from Mac. This is the reality Boston College students encounter in their dining halls, which charge restaurant-level prices. The University should subsidize BC Dining and make food more affordable for students. Financially independent from the University, BC Dining aims to break even. As of 2017, 37.1 percent of its budget goes toward food costs, 32.4 percent toward labor costs, 10.7 percent toward fringe costs, 7.7 percent toward rent, alongside additional facility maintenance and operating

costs. BC Dining charges astronomical amounts for basic items. For breakfast, you can grab a banana for $1.65 (they’re $0.29 each at Trader Joe’s), pay more than $8 for a Core Power (or head to Richdale Food Shops to get one for $4.49), or get a cup of pre-sliced honeydew for $5.65 (a whole honeydew costs $4.99 at Star Market). When lunch comes around, the costs do not go down. A grab-and-go sandwich will cost you almost $10, a 24-ounce salad is $14.95, and an Eagles’ Bowl is $14.75. These costs quickly begin to add up. How are students on the default plan supposed to navigate these prices when their daily budgets are set at $33? We understand that BC Dining’s pay-per-item system dodges a common

MC CLAVERIE / HEIGHTS ARCHIVES

issue surrounding all-you-can-eat meal plans: that students who take less food with their swipes end up paying the same price as those who take more. We’re not saying the a-la-carte model is the wrong one, just that its meals don’t have to be so pricey. BC Dining runs a break-even operation—it has no intention of profiting off students. But to pay its workers, rent, and overhead costs, it hikes prices. To make this model work, BC should subsidize BC Dining’s costs so that the burden doesn’t fall onto students. Subsidizing dining would be costly. The concern would be, of course, that BC would offset these subsidies by increasing tuition, pushing the cost back onto students. Look—spending money to lower food costs isn’t sexy. It’s probably not going to come up on an admissions tour. But it is important. BC undoubtedly has the money for large capital expenditures—it just needs to understand that affordable student nutrition is a worthwhile investment. It’s time to fix the issues surrounding our meal plans. The University needs to support BC Dining to help reduce prices for students. After all, every student has to eat. BC must take responsibility for making it affordable. n

Cartoons The Heights

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Class of 2030 Welcome Edition

Hugh on The Heights One Foreboding Football Forecast By Jack Dunn

By Jack Dunn

Editorial Cartoonist

Editorial Cartoonist

Space Jam 3, Feat. Murray and Money First Snow Day at BC By Jack Dunn

By Jack Dunn

Editorial Cartoonist

Editorial Cartoonist

Using “The Force” Friday Night Castaway on College Road By Jack Dunn

By Jack Dunn

Editorial Cartoonist

Editorial Cartoonist

Baldwin Takes on Fizz Same Marathon, Different Training By Jack Dunn

By Jack Dunn

Editorial Cartoonist

Editorial Cartoonist

Games Class of 2030 Welcome Edition

The Heights

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Mac Mini: Welcome Edition By Toni Iduwo Games Editor

ACROSS

1. Boston College’s bald mascot 6. ___Bucks, a form of BC currency 7. Conte Forum is such a venue 8. Chestnut ___, Mass. DOWN

2. A type of rate set by the IRS 3. A class of Mercedes Benz

4. Alternative rock duo based in Toronto, Ontario 5. Midterm, final, etc. 7. Protagonist of the Pokemon TV series

Welcome Word Search By Toni Idowu Games Editor

BALDWIN

EAGLES

BOSTON COLLEGE

FALL

CAMPION

MAJOR

CARNEY

MCELROY

CHESTNUT HILL

PROFESSOR

CREDIT

SEMESTER

DEVLIN

WELCOME

DORM

Mac Facts News Quiz 1. What will 245 Beacon St.’s new name be? a. Hayden Hall b. McCarthy Hall c. Callahan Commons d. Sullivan Center 2. What will 90 St. Thomas More’s new name be? a. Donovan Hall b. 2500 St. Thomas More c. Martignetti Hall d. Keating Hall 3. Who will be performing at Pops on the Heights this year? a. Hugh Jackman b. John Legend c. Frank Ocean d. Alicia Keys 4. Who is this year’s UGBC president?

a. Addie Weiss b. Jonah Renz c. Cami Kulbieda d. Meghan Heckelman 5. Which BC sport has a new coach this year? a. Baseball b. Women’s basketball c. Men’s basketball d. Both B and C 6. What is the most popular major at BC? a. Political Science b. Biology c. Communication d. Finance

Solutions acabdd

By Toni Idowu Games Editor

S:10"

B:11.25" T:11" S:10"

T:17"

B:17.25"

S:16"