The Boston College Chronicle december 13, 2007-vol. 16 no. 8 University Sets Plans for Academics, Facilities Boston College will invest $1.6 billion in academics and facilities through a 10-year Strategic Plan, supported by an Institutional Master Plan that will allocate $800 million for construction and renovation. The University formally unveiled the plans last week, at a public meeting of the AllstonBrighton/Boston College Master Plan Task Force and to the Boston Redevelopment Authority, and through announcements to local and national media. The Strategic Plan will add up to 100 faculty, create new academic centers and institutes, allocate $800 million for construction and renovation — including $300 million for academic facilities — and provide an increase in ongoing support of academic programs and initiatives by $43.5 million annually. For more on the Strategic and Institutional Master plans, see the special four-page insert in this issue of Chronicle. Architectural rendering shows the Boston College campus as it would appear under the recently proposed Institutional Master Plan. 25 Years of Holiday Cheers ‘Clean Room’ Seen As Asset to Natural Sciences It’s a quarter-century and counting for Forgét’s charity drive By Ed Hayward Staff Writer By Melissa Beecher Staff Writer For the last 25 years, Paula Forgét has put off her Christmas shopping until just days before the holiday. But don’t call the assistant director of administrative services for Facilities Services a procrastinator. Over each of those last 25 years Forgét has been busy in the weeks leading up to Christmas orchestrating a quiet holiday collection at Boston College. That drive has enabled more than 10,000 needy children to receive gifts on Christmas morning. “Never, in a million years, would I have thought it would get this big,” said Forgét from her office last week. “It’s taken on a life of its own. But as long as I am physically and mentally able, it will continue.” Forgét’s drive has grown from buying for a handful of children at the Italian Home in Jamaica Plain in 1982 to this year, where INSIDE: Paula Forgét in the midst of her familiar December ritual: “Never, in a million years, would I have thought it would get this big,” she says of the annual collection for needy children she created. “It’s taken on a life of its own. But as long as I am physically and mentally able, it will continue.” (Photo by Lee Pellegrini) the drive will provide gifts for more than 550 children from the Italian Home and the state’s Department of Social Services. The BC community has embraced the collection. Employees in the Information Technology and University Advancement offices have “adopted” hundreds of children, as have many of the BC athletic teams. For the second year the Alumni Association held a drive at its “Winter Wonderland” event this past weekend. Residential Life Grad student at the Vatican (page 2) and Student Development have donated bags-full of toys collected from student organizations, and the Bookstore donated boxes and tissue paper. “BC has been very good to me and allowed me to do this,” said Forgét. “I have support from the top down.” Forgét rarely advertises, except by sending a letter to people who have donated before. The drive has grown simply through word Continued on page 4 BC helps meet local demand for ESL classes (page 3) Boston College unveiled its new “clean room” nanofabrication laboratory at Kenny Cottle Library last week, showing off a high-tech space where University researchers can “think big” by working small. Next door to an archive of literature dating back centuries, the 21st-century clean room is a dust- and particulate-free lab designed to expand the capacity of a burgeoning group of university researchers working at the nanoscale – a humanly undetectable size approximately 1000th the diameter of a strand of hair. Members of the Board of Trustees got their first look at the clean room last week, when the board’s Academic Affairs and Facilities committees toured the facility with Provost and Dean of Faculties Cutberto Garza and Vice Provost for Research Kevin Bedell. “The clean room is an important milestone for the natural sciences at Boston College and will allow the expertise and imaginaUGBC alums return, reminisce (page 4) tion of our faculty and students to foster cutting-edge research in a dynamic arena,” Bedell says. “Just as important to the University’s mission of service to others is the opportunity for Boston College research to advance fields such as science, technology and medicine for the benefit of society.” The 1,500-square-feet lab is “The clean room is an important milestone for the natural sciences at Boston College and will allow the expertise and imagination of our faculty and students to foster cutting-edge research in a dynamic arena.” —Kevin Bedell poised to elevate Boston College to a leadership position in this cutting-edge research on materials, energy and technology that is making an impact on fields as diverse as chemistry, physics, computing, medicine and energy Continued on page 3 Football, soccer enjoy memorable years (page 6) T he B oston C ollege Chronicle december 13, 2007 AROUND CAMPUS It was much more than an utterance of “abracadabra” that made the Boston College Magician’s Society appear. Bayden Hammond, a junior exchange student from the University of Melbourne, Australia, created the society after learning his passion for magic and showmanship were shared by some of his classmates. The Magician’s Society is in the process of gaining approval from the Office of the Dean for Student Development and is actively seeking members. “I was prompted by my own passion for magic and a desire to share it with others,” said Hammond. “The society will be a rich, exciting addition to the Boston College community with plans for regular on-campus shows.” Magic societies are not uncommon on college campuses across the country. Harvard, Emory, University of Pennsylvania and University of Chicago each have active clubs. Hammond said he has been interested in magic since the age of 10, when a birthday party magician captured his imagination. It never lost its appeal and now the 21-year-old regularly performs at professional shows. “As a magician myself, I consider magic an art form which embraces creativity, innovation and people skills,” Hammond said. “Members will not only experience the challenge of learning this art, but also the un-measurable joy of performing and creating the es- Positive outcome Lee Pellegrini Like magic? Bayden Hammond, founder of the fledgling BC Magician’s Society: “I consider magic an art form which embraces creativity, innovation and people skills.” sence of true magic and illusion.” Hammond said he believes it is important for such a club to be part of BC’s student life because “magic brings people together of all ages and culture and it is my belief that having this skill set enhances social interactions.” The society welcomes both experienced magicians and those ambitions about learning the craft. Beyond meetings, the society will attend shows in the Greater Boston area and invite professional performers throughout the region to give lectures and performances on campus. Students interested in joining the Boston College Magician’s Society can call Hammond at 508813-5864 or e-mail hammonba@ bc.edu. —MB HIGH RATE OF INFLATION—Students, including seniors Sabrina Branch (left) and Somia Quan, had the opportunity this past Saturday to take a break from studying for finals and unwind a little at “Inflatables Night” in the Flynn Recreation Complex. The event was sponsored as part of the “Nights on the Heights” series. (Photo by Frank Curran) There was no quiet send-off for Kevin Ahern, a doctoral student in theology, to close out his presidency of an international network of Catholic university groups and campus ministries. Ahern, who in August officially completed his four-year term as president of the International Movement of Catholic Students (IMCS), helped organize a major forum on Catholic non-governmental organizations Nov. 30Dec. 2 at the Vatican. He also was selected to formally present the NGOs to Pope Benedict XVI. Bringing together 87 diverse organizations was not the easiest of tasks, Ahern says. There were large service groups — including the Jesuit Refugee Service and Catholic Relief Services — religious congregations, traditional lay and new movements, and Catholic networks of doctors, teachers and other professionals, he notes, as well as archbishop nuncios to organizations like the United Nations and the European Union. “It represented a lot of the tensions that exist in the Church today,” says Ahern. “Many NGOs were concerned that the Vatican was trying to control them, and at the same time there were fears that some NGOs didn’t want to work with the Vatican.” But in the end, he reports, “both fears disappeared and we were able to agree that there was more uniting us than dividing us, and that we needed to work together for the betterment of our world. It was a really powerful and hopeful experience to see some common ground being built.” The prospect of addressing the Pope also raised the anxiety level for Ahern — not because of being in the presence of the pontiff, whom Ahern had met before, but because Ahern wanted to fairly represent the organizations in attendance. If there’s one aspect of pontifical audiences he’s still getting used to, says Ahern, it’s “kissing the Pope’s ring. This is so foreign for Americans. But in the end it just comes naturally and the Pope does seem like a genuinely kind person.” The event generated an unexpected bit of controversy when the Italian press misinterpreted the Pope’s remarks to the gathering as an attack on the UN, Ahern says; in fact, the media suggested the Vatican had called the meeting to organize a “Catholic bloc” that would oppose the UN. Fortunately, Vatican spokesman Federico Lomdardi, SJ, was able to set the record straight, Ahern says: “He said the Pope, as well as his predecessors, is per- fectly conscious of the importance of the United Nations for peace and the defense of human rights, to the point that with joy he has accepted the invitation to visit the glass palace of New York next year.” Ahern believes the forum was successful. “We were able to foster a real spirit of dialogue between lay leaders, religious and high level Vatican officials. Most of the participants were really surprised to discover this and I think this is why the meeting was so effective. Three days was really short to come out with any major conclusions, but we were able to reach consensus that a future network would be created of Catholic NGOs. “The question of how Catholics relate to pressing international issues is one of my main academic interests in my study of social ethics,” he adds. “I really believe that Boston College is in a great place to study this issue, with so many rich resources on campus.” —SS The Boston College Chronicle Director of Public Affairs Jack Dunn Deputy Director of Public AFFAIRS Patricia Delaney Editor Sean Smith Contributing Staff Melissa Beecher Ed Hayward Reid Oslin Rosanne Pellegrini Kathleen Sullivan Eileen Woodward Photographers Gary Gilbert Lee Pellegrini The Boston College Chronicle (USPS 009491), the internal newspaper for faculty and staff, is published biweekly from September to May by Boston College, with editorial offices at the Office of Public Affairs, 14 Mayflower Road, Chestnut Hill, MA 02467 (617)552-3350. Distributed free to faculty and staff offices and other locations on campus. Periodicals postage paid at Boston, MA and additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: send address changes to The Boston College Chronicle, Office of Public Affairs, 14 Mayflower Road, Chestnut Hill, MA 02467. Electronic editions of the Boston College Chronicle are available via the World Wide Web at http:// www.bc.edu/chronicle. T he B oston C ollege Chronicle december 13, 2007 Meeting the Demand Neighborhood Center offers unprecedented number of ESL classes By Melissa Beecher Staff Writer A record number of conversational English classes are being sponsored at Boston College’s Neighborhood Center, a trend organizers say is fueled by both community demand and BC student volunteerism. Maria DiChiappari, director of the center, said Allston-Brighton residents have flocked to the free courses where BC volunteers provide adults free English lessons. “We don’t need to advertise,” said DiChiappari. “There is such an enormous need for these services that people come to us. We have a dedicated group of volunteers and more students coming forward all the time.” This semester, 14 classes have been offered and 27 BC students have volunteered as tutors. Approximately 100 residents have taken the 90-minute courses, many attending two sessions a week. In past semesters, faculty and administrative staff have also volunteered. The numbers of classes have steadily increased over the last 12 years, since the University first established a presence on Washington Street in Brighton. When the program began in 1995, only five sessions were offered. Today, the center’s storefront location provides walk-in convenience for residents to sign up for free programs, including adult English lessons, elderly outreach opportunities and after school tutoring for children. In addition, BC volunteers regularly hold English lessons at the Joseph M. Smith Community Health Center, St. Columbkille’s School in Brighton and the Covenant House, subsidized housing for the elderly. DiChiappari said the classes have been popular among residents who work two or three jobs so they can afford high housing costs in the area. Similar courses in Boston can run upwards of $480 at local community colleges or $140 at community centers. “People are struggling to make ends meet,” said DiChiappari. “We say, ‘What do you have to lose? Our programs are free.’ Learners are comfortable with our student-teachers because we’re a safe, welcoming place that promotes learning. And the word has spread.” According to a Boston Redevelopment Authority report filed in 2005, Allston-Brighton is one play a major role in the program’s success although many are not multilingual. “We will provide training to anyone willing to volunteer,” said Arntz. “What is the most important thing is to provide a comfortable, supportive environment that makes it easy for people to practice speaking in English.” Volunteers instruct in a coteaching model and usually have between eight to 12 students in a class. One-on-one sessions are also available for beginners. Teachers use a variety of stimuli to get conversations started, from pictures and flashcards to bringing in ethnic foods or holding mock interviews for job seekers. (L-R) BC students Ruth O’Herron ‘11 and Anthony Amedori ‘08 offered Brighton student Maria Rodriguez some help in conversational English recently at the Boston College Neighborhood Center. (Photo by Lee Pellegrini) of the city’s most multilingual neighborhoods, with 36 percent of the nearly 70,000 residents speaking a language other the English at home. The top non-English languages are Spanish, Chinese, Russian, Portuguese and French Creole. The same report states that in 2004, 3,500 people were on waiting lists for ESL classes. Diana Arntz, a graduate student in the Lynch School of Education, coordinates the English classes at the Neighborhood Center. Arntz said students and staff “English is the key for them to find a better job, to help them feel more connected to the larger community,” said DiChiappari. “BC is fortunate to be a part of a culturally rich community and we’re trying to do our part to give back. We’re providing the services that are needed the most.” The Neighborhood Center is beginning to schedule programs for next semester and is always seeking volunteers. Faculty, staff and students can volunteer by visiting the website, www.bc.edu/centers/neighborhood/. University President William P. Leahy, SJ, and Boston Mayor Thomas Menino congratulate (right) Vocational Advancement Center Executive Director Amy Bell and Mary Girard, coordinator of client counseling for Pregnancy Help-Boston — an outreach ministry of the Pro-Life Office of the Archdiocese of Boston — who were two of the recipients of this fall’s Allston Brighton/Boston College Community Fund grants. The winners were honored at a ceremony and reception held Monday at The Greenhouse Cafe in Brighton. (Photo by Joan Seidel) Prof. Michael Naughton (Physics) led University trustees and administrators last week on a tour of the new “clean room” facility housed in Kenny Cottle Library on Newton Campus. (Photo by Lee Pellegrini) University Opens ‘Clean Room’ on Newton Campus Continued from page 1 conservation. Nanotechnology is expanding these fields and opening new ones by creating laboratory platforms at the atomic and molecular level. “A large fraction of the technologically relevant science taking place now and well into the future is being done at the nanoscale,” says Physics chairman Prof. Michael Naughton. “The activities of integrated science, which we embrace here at BC, are now revolving around the nanoscale... This is where science has led us up to this point.” The facility is expected to save researchers time and money spent traveling to work in nanofabrication labs located as far away as Ithaca, NY, give the University an edge in recruiting faculty and students, and add capacity to pursue funding from government agencies and the private sector. The “home field advantage” of the lab is the opportunity to bring together researchers from across a range of disciplines. Already nine research groups from campus have initiated projects in the lab. The clean room Facility Manager Stephen Shepard, with 30 years of experience in nanofabrication, says it’s important for people to understand the nature of a clean room. “It’s a clean room, not a sterile room,” said Shepard, noting that the design of the lab is intended to keep dirt, dust and other particles out. Visitors step into an anteroom, where they don gauzy white jumpsuits, caps and booties. A ventilation system re-circulates and cleans all the air in the room once every minute. Filtration and positive air pressure ensure there are fewer than 10,000 particles in every cubic foot of air, says Shepard. An average household room holds 750,000 particles per cubic foot and on a summer day the air outdoors contains close to a million particles per cubic foot. The clean room is surrounded by a 2,500 square-feet of space — a so-called “dirty room” which houses the equipment that supports the lab. At the nanoscale, a dust particle can fall, like a boulder into a creek bed, adhering to the surface of wafer-like chips called substrates, which hold nanoscopic features fabricated with lab equipment. A dust particle can wreck havoc on the tiny structures etched or built onto the substrates, which allow experiments that look at the way electrons, cells or fluids behave. Subtrates can take four to six weeks to create, said Shepard, and can be rendered useless if polluted. What exactly is the nanoscale? It is somewhere between the size of an atom and a bulk solid. Research Assoc. Prof. Dong Cai (Biology) said that studying the details of molecular behaviors and activities, such as the specific binding of a protein to DNA, requires tools and technology that can function at the molecular level of these biological entities. In the case of Cai and his fellow researchers, they have fabricated a nano-coaxial sensor to pursue the detection of single a molecule or virus. “Nanotechnology can be used to design diagnostic systems that not only define early stage changes or progression to a disease state, but also allow the identification of unique biological molecules, chemicals and structures not addressable by current tests,” says Cai. “They also offer new opportunities in the treatment and management of diseases and traumatic injuries.” Asst. Prof. Dunwei Wang (Chemistry), a physical chemist whose research explores nanometer scaled materials, says the new facility was an important factor in his decision to come to Boston College. He says the facility rivals those of other leading research universities. “I’ve worked in clean rooms at Stanford and at Cal Tech and BC’s nanofabrication lab is on par with those facilities, if not better,” says Wang. T he B oston C ollege Chronicle december 13, 2007 Lessons in Leadership, and Life UGBC holds first-ever campus reunion of former presidents and VPs By Melissa Beecher Staff Writer One alumnus talked about getting every penny’s worth of a $24 student activity fee, another about leading a student protest to roll tuition back — by $5. Some recalled when the Undergraduate Government of Boston College was made up of a handful of idealistic friends and sat in awe as they heard of today’s structured organization, which boasts more than 100 cabinet members. UGBC, the official voice of the BC student body for the last 40 years, held its first-ever reunion of past presidents and vice presidents Nov. 30-Dec. 1. Thirty-five former student leaders returned to campus for the event, and many found BC a much-changed place. But while the ex-UGBC executives of decades past knew a BC with fewer buildings and a smaller national profile than the one their present-era counterparts experienced, the different generations forged an almost immediate bond. “It’s amazing to me how much we have in common as leaders,” reflected Grace Simmons, ’05, adding that it was comforting to know the “pulse of the campus” has remained steady. Sponsored by the Alumni Association and the offices of the Dean for Student Development and the Vice President for Student Affairs, the reunion was conceived as an opportunity for the current UGBC cabinet to hear about, and learn from, the issues and challenges faced by their predecessors. Current president Jenn Castillo, ’08 worked with Special Advisor to the Alumni Asso- ciation Robert Sherwoood — a former dean for student development — to make the long-discussed event a reality in just two months. After a Friday night social hour and dinner, the group participated in a panel discussion the next day, with a spokesman for each of the five decades represented. The sessions were videotaped for posterity. Attendees were also shown the University’s recently announced Master Plan [see page 1] to see what the future will hold for their alma mater. The morning panel on Dec. 1 turned into a group session, with participants passing a microphone around the Yawkey Center’s Murray Room, laughing and sharing stories from 1967 to present day. Michael C. Ryan, ’70 was the first student to hold the position of UGBC president, during the 196869 academic year. The self-proclaimed “accidental president” said he was elected by a group of friends who pressured him to run. Now a partner at Cadwalder, Wichersham & Taft in New York City, Ryan has been dubbed a “legend” by many of his successors. His administration created the novel concept of a “student activity fee” to fund events for students. “It was a time...when students had the feeling that they had a right and a need to speak out about things,” Ryan said to the group. “There was an effort at BC, for the first time, to create a credible, serious student voice.” Ryan said he felt gratitude toward those faculty and administrators who had supported such an idea. Reflecting afterwards on the weekend, Ryan said the most memorable part of the reunion for him was sitting next to Senior Vice President James McIntyre at the alumni dinner on Nov. 30. As the director of student activities in 1968, McIntyre came up with the revolutionary concept of executive Executive Vice President Pat Keating talks with Brandon Lobb, ’93 following Keating’s presentation on the University’s new Master Plan, which took place at the UGBC reunion Dec. 1. Forgét Charity Drive Hits 25 Continued from page 1 of mouth. Employees at Massachusetts General Hospital, The Winter, Wyman Companies and Sika Sarnafil Inc. in Canton also drive gifts to BC to contribute. Forgét believes the drive appeals to so many because she provides a child’s first name and last initial, their age and a short wish list. Gifts are usually in the $30 range and children range in age from newborn to 18-years-old. “People feel connected to ‘their’ child. It’s not like handing over a gift and not knowing who gets it or where it is going,” said Forgét. “They can see that the child likes Dora [the Explorer] or doesn’t like anything red. There’s an instant connection.” Throughout next week, a halfdozen volunteers will be on hand to help wrap, load and transport the gifts. “That’s why I don’t worry about my own Christmas shopping,” Forgét laughed. “Somehow it all gets done. We so easily lose sight of the important things, the things we take for granted. “This gives me a chance to stop and think about the less fortunate and how we all can help to make things better. That’s what Christmas should be about.” BC faculty and staff can still “adopt” a child by contacting Forgét at ext.2-8875 or paula.forget@ bc.edu. For those who want to give a generic gift, sports equipment, large and extra large sweatshirts and gift cards are always popular. Gifts can be dropped off in the basement of Ignacio Hall near the trade shops beginning 8:30 a.m. on Dec. 17 until 4:30 p.m. on Dec. 20. The gifts for DSS can be wrapped, but Italian Home presents should be unwrapped or Other campus charity drives: The Graduate School of Social Work Student Collective book drive for the McKinley Middle School ends tomorrow. The McKinley is a special education school in Boston that does not have a library and is in need of books — especially ones that help motivate students to read — for children aged 11 to 14. Collection boxes have been set up in the first-floor lounge of McGuinn Hall. For information, contact Megan O’Brien at obrienlp@bc.edu. Hugs for Heroes Inc., is a nonprofit organization created by BC sophomore Mireille Manzone that supports our troops in Afghanistan and Iraq year round. In the last three and a half years, more than six tons of goods and notes of appreciation have been shipped to Army, Navy, and Marine units, many of which were the units of BC graduates or had a connection to the BC. The organization’s goal is to help as many troops as possible feel appreciation from home in the form of notes and items that can make the hardships they endure just a little easier to bear. Hugs for Heroes is shipping goods this Christmas season and beyond, and can use whatever help you can give. Contact Manzone at manzonem@bc.edu to find out more about donating much needed items, or visit www.hugsforheroes.com. You also can e-mail hugsforheroes@gmail.com to be put on a mailing list and receive updates and information on current Hugs for Heroes projects. Former student presidents talk about their experiences during the Undergraduate Government of Boston College reunion Dec. 1 in the Murray Conference Room of the Yawkey Center. L-R: Duane Deskins (president 1975-76), Jill Alper (1986-87), Richard Culliton (1990-91) and Grace Simmons (2004-05). (Photos by Lee Pellegrini) leadership for undergrads at a time many college campuses were cracking down on student activism. “Jim is a ‘true’ legend, a terrific educator and a great friend who has played an immeasurable role in the remarkable growth and success of Boston College,” said Ryan. Ronald Iacobucci, ’77, the first commuter student elected as UGBC president, recalled tense conversations with then-University President J. Donald Monan, SJ, now University chancellor, on how student activity dollars were spent. “Now, when we see each other at fundraisers and events, we make it a point to talk as friends,” said Iacobucci. “I think, at the time, many students and administrators viewed one other as battling a worthy adversary. We may not have realized what we were gaining through those interactions.” Jill Alper, UGBC vice president in 1986 and president in 1987, remembered the excitement of the “Flutie Years,” but also recounted how she caused unrest by asking G. Gordon Liddy, a major figure in the Watergate scandal, to come speak. Although The Boston Globe denounced her in a front-page story, she said, administrators ultimately stood by the students’ decision to bring Liddy to campus. Alper, now a Michigan-based political strategist for the Democratic party, said she enjoyed sitting down at the reunion with her vice president Scott Hayward, ’87 and flipping through UGBC newsletters and The Heights from the 1980s. “I was shocked at how much we took on and accomplished,” she said. Others, like Duane Deskins, ’76, now an assistant US attorney in Ohio, found it difficult to recall his years at BC without reflecting on world issues. Race relations, the busing crisis in Boston and Vietnam made their presence felt on campus, he said. “It was important for me to run for this job, in the year of the [US] bicentennial, to show that this university, these students did something that couldn’t be done in the country,” said Deskins, the first AfricanAmerican elected UGBC president. “If you didn’t live through the busing crisis in Boston, you didn’t know how bad it could be.” Deskins said the reunion gave him a chance to reflect how UGBC presidents are intrinsically serviceoriented. “Each and every one of us is committed to service. That has never gone away,” said Deskins, pointing to alumni like Timothy Anderson, ’73, who organized a nonprofit group, the World Computer Exchange, which provides technology to people in underdeveloped countries. The leaders also spoke about the changing and evolving responsibility of the UGBC president. Many discussed how managing the growing budget — sometimes upwards of $750,000 — became their most demanding challenge. Richard Culliton, ’91 recounted how he once had to explain to the deans an expenditure for $900 to invite a then little-known comedian named Jerry Seinfeld to perform on campus. Culliton admitted that the UGBC was embarrassed when they misspelled Seinfeld’s name on the promotional materials. All the leaders agreed that their work couldn’t have been done without support from friends, faculty and a relationship — albeit a tense one at times — with administrators. Alvernia College President Thomas Flynn, ’74, who served as UGBC president in 1973 and 1974, concluded that anyone who held the positions became familiar at an early age “with the pressure and responsibility of what it is to be the person at the top.” “It is an enormous psychological burden at age 19, 20 and 21,” Flynn said. Interviewed after the event, Sherwood said he was proud to welcome the alumni home and glad to see how much they learned from UGBC, calling the reunion “the most gratifying program I have ever been associated with.” “This has really been a profound experience,” said Sherwood. “All I can compare it to is discovering an extended family that you never knew existed. “Obviously these people are all still passionate, love and respect BC. This is a phenomenal institution and if nothing else, the reunion has shown us that.” T he B oston C ollege Chronicle december 13, 2007 ‘Dancer’s Christmas’ offers the role(s) of a lifetime for junior Freshman bringing a solid beat to his Boston College experience By Ed Hayward Staff Writer It’s not rock superstardom. But it’s a start. Boston College freshman Ben Shanbrom and his band bushwhack are earning praise from online music critics for their selftitled debut CD, which they have released themselves and been selling at shows and through iTunes and other online retailers since the summer. For Shanbrom, the group’s drummer, the CD marks a critical first step in taking the instrumental “art rock” act from the club scene of their native New Haven, Conn., to a broader audience. Shanbrom says the album was recorded over a period of six months, following three years of songwriting. “It is the culmination of three years of writing and six months of recording – organized around school and family and all of the other things you do,” he says. “So we’re really proud of it and we feel like we put out best foot forward.” The 13-song CD, produced by progressive/underground rock veteran Jeff Cannata in Oxford Circus Studio, has been praised for its polished assembly and execution as much as the sudden cascade of sound Shanbrom says served as the influence for the group’s name. “The band’s name did sort of start out a little political, but we were more interested in describing a sudden, overwhelming arrival of sound,” says Shanbrom, a student in the College of Arts and Sciences. “We’re not that political. We’re definitely more about the music.” Lee Pellegrini Taking Time to Follow Their Muses By Sean Smith Chronicle Editor Ben Shanbrom, ’11, left, with his band bushwhack. A regular performer in clubs near New Haven, bushwhack will get some additional exposure next month when an ad for Smith Drums, featuring Shanbrom pounding away on his kit, appears in Drumhead magazine. In addition to Shanbrom, the band includes guitarist Jamie van Dyck, keyboardist Frank Sacramone and bassist Brandon Green. So far, three out of the four are in the Boston area attending college, while van Dyck is closer to home, attending Yale. The distance has cut into rehearsal time, but Shanbrom said the band is making due with limited practice. “We all know what we have to do and we all have to make sacrifices because it all means a lot to us – both the music and college,” says Shanbrom. Bushwhack performs instrumental rock and roll, defined by some as “progressive metal.” But Shanbrom says the band just likes to play loud and fast, without being confined by one particular genre, be it metal, hard rock, alternative, Latin or jazz. Ultimately, lyrics and vocals will join the bushwhack mix, he says, but it will take the right singer at the right time to advance the band to the next level of performance. Next for in line for bushwhack: opening for more established New England metal bands, finding a distributor for the CD, and working with their new manager to seek out a high-visibility tour for the band next year. In the short term, bushwhack is scheduled to play gigs in the New Haven area this month. Information about the band and some of their songs are available at www.bushwhackmusic.com or www.myspace. com/bushwhack. Can the demanding schedules of an aspiring rock star and an undergraduate student co-exist? Shanbrom says that is the goal. “We obviously want to enjoy college life,” he says. “But we’re four best friends and this is our dream. We’re willing to make the sacrifices. I hope to get both of these things to work together.” Shanbrom says the foursome has found strong encouragement from their parents. “We just have a rule: they aren’t allowed to wear any of our T-shirts.” NEVER TOO OLD—They may be college students now, but sophomores (L-R) Emily Igo, Alex Luer, Megan Grandmont and Kimberly Martin were still keen to get their photo taken with Santa Claus at the annual University Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony Dec. 3 on O’Neill Plaza. (Photo by Lee Pellegrini) Just imagine a college baseball player being asked to go to Fenway Park and jump into the shoes — almost literally — of a Curt Schilling or David Ortiz, and you have some idea of Carroll School of Management junior Jonathan Arpino’s experience with “A Dancer’s Christmas.” The Westwood, Mass., native is making his debut this year in the dance-flavored interpretation of the Christmas story that has Jonathan Arpino at a recent rehearsal played to appreciative audiences in of “A Dancer’s Christmas.” Robsham Theater for more than to both your mental and physical 25 years. The 2007 edition of the limits, and even at these limits show will close out with perfor- there is still so much room to grow mances Saturday and Sunday. as a dancer. But Arpino isn’t exactly playing “The quest for perfection in a bit part: He’s taken on many of dance, although unattainable, is the roles that for 20 years had been the ultimate motivator and what filled by Jamie Huggins, a profes- makes it so enjoyable.” sional dancer and associate direc“A Dancer’s Christmas” repretor of the Boston Liturgical Dance sents a whole new field of dance, Ensemble (BLDE), which stages and range and styles of movement, “A Dancer’s Christmas.” for him, Arpino says. He also had Arpino has responded to the to learn considerable amounts of challenge like a choreography seasoned veteran, “Dance is constantly push- in a relatively according to Bosshort period of ing you to both your men- time, which he ton College Jesuit Artist-in-Resi- tal and physical limits, and says was occadence Rev. Robert sionally “overeven at these limits there is whelming.” VerEecke, SJ, the show’s creator and He adds, still so much room to grow guiding spirit as well “Because the as a dancer,” says Arpino. role that I am as BLDE president. “Jon is without “The quest for perfection dancing was a doubt one of the previously filled in dance, although unat- by a professionmost gifted dancers I’ve seen in my 30 al dancer, there tainable, is the ultimate years working with is also the presBC students,” said motivator and what makes sure that I put Fr. VerEecke last on myself to it so enjoyable.” week as the show do my absolute prepared for its prebest.” miere. “He possesses a very strong But Arpino has found the show ballet technique but is very versa- “refreshing and exciting,” and likes tile in his performance skills.” the experience of being able to Arpino, who performs with “build a character” — his roles inthe Boston College Dance En- clude that of a king, a troubadour semble, has studied at The Bal- and the Devil — on stage through let Workshop of New England, choreography. the Boston Ballet School and the “All of the dancers are incredSan Francisco Ballet School. Be- ibly talented, and it has been a fore focusing strictly on ballet, he pleasure to work with both the took instruction in tap, jazz, and choreographers and the entire modern dance for 10 years, taking cast.” part in numerous conventions and Arpino certainly has made a competitions. lasting impression on his director. So what does a management “If his career trajectory were not student — who will spend next se- in other directions,” says Fr. Vermester in an environmental studies Eecke, “I have no doubt that he program in Australia, and plans to could make it in the professional attend law school after graduation dance world. His performances — find so enjoyable about dance? with the BC Dance Ensemble are Even Arpino can’t say for sure. always a highlight, but I think that “It’s hard to specify exactly what his participation in ‘A Dancer’s I like most, but of the most excit- Christmas’ will display other asing benefits of dancing is perform- pects of his considerable talents.” ing, which is unparalleled by any other experience I have ever taken For information on the upcompart in,” he says. “There’s also the ing performances of “A Dancer’s fact that dance, and ballet in par- Christmas,” see www.bc.edu/offices/ ticular, is incredibly challenging. robsham/currentseason/dancersxmas. Dance is constantly pushing you html. T he B oston C ollege Chronicle december 13, 2007 Postings Emergency closings early dismissal policy Vice President for Human Resources Leo V. Sullivan has issued a reminder concerning the University’s policy for work cancellation, delayed openings and early dismissal due to inclement weather or other emergencies. Employees should tune to WBZ-TV News Channel 4, WCVB-TV Channel 5 Eye Opener News or WBZ News Radio 1030 AM between 6:30 and 8:30 a.m. for announcements of cancellations, delays or closings. Information also will be available through the BCInfo Web page or at ext.2-INFO. An announcement canceling classes does not mean there is a cancellation of work; it will specifically mention that Boston College is “closed” when employees are not expected to report. When work is canceled, some essential activities in certain offices may need to be maintained. It is expected that some arrangement for coverage or standby will be made between the office administrator and staff. If an employee is required to work on such a day, compensatory time off will be provided to him or her and will be scheduled at a time that is mutually convenient to the department and the employee. The decision on early dismissal of employees because of weather conditions will be announced by the Department of Human Resources. This information will be made available on BCInfo or at ext.2-INFO. Unless otherwise notified, all staff are expected to remain at work until closing. BC, Navy Tops Again in Academics Boston College has one of the two best academic records among college Division I football teams playing in this year’s slate of bowl games, according to a study released earlier this month. The report by the Institute for Diversity and Ethics in Sport at the University of Central Florida analyzed the Academic Progress Rate (APR) from the 2004-05 and 2005-06 academic years of the 64 bowl-bound teams. The APR measures athletes’ progress toward graduation; sports programs must score above 925 on the APR to avoid being subject to NCAA penalties. BC had an APR of 976, with 93 percent of football players graduating, and a graduation rate of 90 percent for African American players. Only Navy had a higher APR, 982; the graduation rate for its football players was 95 percent, 89 for African American players. BC and Navy also ranked the highest among last year’s bowl teams. Overall, the institute’s study found that 73 percent of the 2007 bowl teams earned recent APR scores of above 925, compared to 63 percent in 2006. All eight of the Atlantic Coast Conference’s bowl-bound teams had an APR score above 925. —Office of Public Affairs Eagles Bidding to Be Champs in Orlando BC hopes to cap great season with success on field and in stands By Reid Oslin Staff Writer Boston College will be looking to score a victory in the stands as well as on the field when the football Eagles meet Big Ten opponent Michigan State in the Champs Sports Bowl in Orlando on Dec. 28. The Champs Sports Bowl, which will be televised nationally on ESPN (5 p.m. kickoff) marks the ninth consecutive post-season appearance earned by the Eagles, who tied a 67-year-old school record with 10 regular season victories this fall. In the Champs Sports game against the Spartans, BC will be looking for its eighth bowl victory in a row – the longest such winning streak in college football. But just as important as BC’s on-field production, University officials say, is the support that the team will receive in Florida from Eagle alumni and fans who will attend the game and surrounding festivities. “Let’s be realistic,” says Athletics Director Gene DeFilippo. “Teams are not chosen to participate in bowl games based on their success on the field, but rather with their institution’s ability to bring fans to that particular area during what is normally a slow time between Christmas and New Year’s. “When an institution agrees to appear in a bowl game, that institution is required to purchase a certain number of tickets,” DeFilippo notes. “In this case we purchased 12,000 tickets from the Champs Sports Bowl. If we sell those tickets, we recoup some of our money. If we don’t sell them, then we are still responsible to pay for them. “The bowls are not just interested in how many tickets Boston College sells. They are interested in how many people Boston College brings to Orlando to stay in hotel rooms, to eat in restaurants, to do other things that bring money into the economy of that city.” Representatives of several other bowls have publicly stated that they looked past Boston College because they feared that a school from the Northeast with a relatively small alumni base – compared to major public universities – could not provide the economic impact that others schools routinely guarantee. “We would have had to buy 17,500 tickets for the Chick-fil-A Bowl in Atlanta,” says DeFilippo, “and they told us even if we brought 9,000 people that would be 8,500 less people than Clemson would bring.” For Boston College to receive credit for ticket sales, BC fans planning to attend the Champs Sports Bowl should buy their tickets through the Boston College Athletics Department, DeFilippo says. Ticket and travel informa- tion is available at bceagles.cstv. com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/bc07-champs-bowl.html. First-year coach Jeff Jagodzinski’s Eagles gave BC’s followers plenty of thrills in the 2007 campaign, including road victories at Virginia Tech, Clemson, Georgia Tech and Notre Dame and the team’s first victory over Miami in 23 years. BC also earned its first- ever berth in the Atlantic Coast Conference championship game. Senior quarterback Matt Ryan posted some dazzling passing numbers, producing 4,528 yards and 28 touchdown throws – figures that broke previous BC single season records held by Doug Flutie. Ryan was named a first team All-America selection by the American Football Coaches Association; captured the ACC’s Offensive Player of the Year honor; and won the Johnny Unitas “Golden Arm” Award as the nation’s top senior quarterback. All America senior defensive back Jamie Silva also had a blue chip season, intercepting six passes and emerging as a finalist for the Jim Thorpe Award as college’s football best defensive back. The Eagles celebrate after winning the Atlantic Coast Conference men’s soccer championship last month. (Photo courtesy of BC Athletic Association) Men’s Soccer Earns BC Its First ACC Title Three years after going winless in Atlantic Coast Conference play, the Boston College men’s soccer team won the school’s first ACC championship with a stunning 21 victory over No. 1-ranked Wake Forest in the league title game in Cary, NC, on Nov. 18. The ACC victory catapulted BC into the top seeding for the NCAA Championship Tournament, but the Eagles lost to the University of Massachusetts, 2-1, in the first round of NCAA play on Nov. 28. “We went through a lot to get where we are now,” said BC coach Ed Kelly after winning the league crown. “This is our third year in the ACC. The first year we were 0-6-2 and had a lot of freshmen and endured some injuries. The kids have matured and they are working very hard and this has been a really great season,” added Kelly, who was named ACC Coach of the Year after piloting the Eagles to a 15-5-1 overall record, and a 71-0 mark in conference play. In 20 years of coaching at Boston College, Kelly has led his teams to the NCAA Tournament six times. Significant contributors to BC’s successful season were Alejandro Bedoya, a junior midfielder from Weston, Fla., who was named the ACC’s Outstanding Offensive Player of the Year, and senior forward Sherron Manswell (Maracas, Trinidad), the ACC Tournament’s Most Valuable Player. Bedoya, Manswell and junior back Paul Gerstenberger (Schenectady, NY) were named to the ACC All-Tournament Team, and Bedoya and midfielder Reuben Ayama (Accra, Ghana) were selected for AllACC first team honors. Ayama suf- fered a foot injury in the Wake Forest game and did not play in the NCAA match against UMass. Bedoya, who transferred to BC from Farleigh-Dickenson University last year, has also been named one of 15 semifinalists for the Hermann Trophy, to be awarded to the nation’s top college soccer player by the Missouri Athletic Club on Jan. 11. In women’s soccer, coach Alison Kulik’s Boston College team also earned a spot in the NCAA Tournament with an 11-4-4 regular season record, but lost to the University of Connecticut, 5-4 on penalty kicks, after the teams battled to a 0-0 tie after two overtime periods in the national tournament game played at Boston College on Nov. 16. —Reid Oslin CSON’s Sister Roy a ‘Living Legend’ Prof. Sister Callista Roy, CSJ (CSON), was honored as a “Living Legend” at the 34th Annual Meeting and Conference of the American Academy of Nursing in Washington, DC. Each year, the American Academy of Nurses (AAN) confers “Living Legend” status upon a small group of academy fellows who have made the most significant and lasting contributions to the field of nursing. Sister Roy, an AAN fellow since 1978, is widely recognized for creating the Roy Adaptation Model, a nursing theory that defines individuals as adaptive systems and emphasizes the role of the nurse in the promotion of adaptation. The model is included in many nursing school curriculums and health care agencies often use it in designing strategies. “The honor came as a surprise and is received with great joy and humility,” said Sister Roy. “It is a treasured mark of distinction to be recognized by my colleagues in the American Academy of Nursing. For 30 years I have been and will continue to contribute to the mission of the academy. However, I am gratified to know that those we have mentored will enhance the good that nursing accomplishes by their commitment to the health of individuals and the good of society.” Boston College Center for Nursing Research Director Prof. Barbara Wolfe said, “Sister Callista Roy is an extraordinary role model in the field, and an important part of the history as well as the future of nursing. These are the quintessential characteristics of a living legend.” —Office of Public Affairs T he B oston C ollege Chronicle december 13, 2007 PEOPLE Newsmakers Publications •Prof. Dwayne E. Carpenter (Romance Languages and Literatures) was featured in a Boston Globe article on gambling and religious history. •Prof. Cynthia Simmons (Slavic and Eastern Languages) published “Women’s Work and the Growth of Civil Society in Post-War Bosnia” in Nationalities Papers. •Adj. Assoc. Prof. Michael Keith (Communication) was interviewed by the Boston Business Journal regarding Pyramid Radio’s point-of-purchase and public transit audio systems. •Prof. Rosemarie Bodenheimer (English) published Knowing Dickens. •Prof. James Mahalik (LSOE) published “Health behaviors and Morelli Is Appointed Vice Provost Prof. Gilda Morelli (Psychology) has been appointed as Boston College’s first vice provost for graduate education, Provost and Dean of Faculties Cutberto Garza announced recently. Garza said Morelli’s responsibilities will be to “advance the educational, research, service, and other experiences of Boston College’s graduate and professional students and post-doctoral fellows.” She will join the Office of the Provost next month on a part-time basis, and will assume her new position in February. A member of the Boston College faculty since 1989, Morelli has served as director of undergraduate programs for the Psychology Department and as associate dean of students in the College of Arts and Sciences. Since 2004 she has been executive director of Teachers for a New Era, the Carnegie Corp. initiative for improving preschool12 teacher education that brings together A&S and Lynch School of Education faculty. “Her experiences as a teacher, researcher, graduate student mentor, associate dean, and program director complement well her new responsibilities,” said Garza. —Office of Public Affairs Nota Bene Kuoung Ly ’08 and 2007 alumna Laura Hopps were among six Americans chosen to participate in the Oxfam International Youth Partnership program (OIYP). The two will work during the next three years with the OIYP network, which consists of 300 “action partners” — activists between the ages of 1824 from more than 100 countries who work in their communities on issues such as HIV/AIDS awareness, women’s rights, environmental protection and trade justice. Hopps and Ly attended the OIYP conference from Sept. 30Oct. 8 in Sydney, Australia. Earlier this year Ly was awarded a Truman Schol­arship, which is given to college students seeking to attend graduate school in preparation for careers in government or elsewhere in public service. He also was a recipient of the Amnesty Internation­al Patrick Stewart Human Rights Scholarship, which he used to de­velop the “Remember Cambodia Project” in 2005 to commemorate the 30th anniversary of the Cam­ bodian genocide. Last year, he was one of two BC students to receive the International Institute of Public Policy Fellowship, which helps stu­dents prepare for careers in interna­tional affairs. Ly is conducting research with the Harvard Program in Refugee Trauma, and developing a guide in Khmer and English as a means to improve mental health resources for Cambodians in the United States and abroad. He also has been ac­tive in neighborhood revitalization efforts in Boston’s Chinatown com­munity. Hopps is one of the founding coordinators for the Batahola Volunteers, a two-year volunteer program that began this fall through the Centro Cultural Batahola, an educational and cultural center in Managua. Batahola participants give classes in English, creative writing and healthy living, help to promote cooperatives and work on microfinancing, and otherwise support projects and activities that serve community needs. —Office of Public Affairs masculinity in Australian college men” in Psychology of Men and Masculinity, and co-authored with Adj. Prof. Shaun Burns (LSOE) “Understanding how masculine gender scripts may contribute to men’s adjustment following treatment for prostate cancer” in American Journal of Men’s Health. Honors/Appointments •Assoc. Prof. Jeffrey Cohen (CSOM) was named the recipient of the 2008 Innovations in Auditing Education Award from the American Accounting Association’s Auditing Section. •Assoc. Prof. John Gallaugher (CSOM) was named one of three national finalists for the 2007 Instructional Innovation Award from the Decision Sciences Institute. The honor recognizes Gallaugher’s work on the TechTrek field study courses for graduate and undergraduate students. Grants •Adj. Assoc Prof. Michael Noone (Music): $700,000, Fundación Caja Madrid, to record a series of CDs of the works of Tomás Luis de Victoria (ca. 1548-1611). •Graduate School of Social Work Director of Continuing Education Vincent Lynch: $25,000, Gilead Sciences, to support the 20th Annual National Conference on Social Work and HIV/ AIDS. Time and a Half •Prof. Cynthia Simmons (Slavic and Eastern Languages) presented “Spheres of Influence: Women in Postwar Bosnia” at Indiana University’s Russian and East European Institute. Adj. Asst. Prof. Patricia Riggin (Theater) spoke with (L-R) freshmen Stephanie Winiarski, Caitlin Berger and Kristen Barry at the Dec. 6 “Professors and Pastries” event in Gasson Hall. The series, sponsored by the Academic Advising Center, gives students the chance to meet with faculty from selected academic departments and disciplines — in this case from the fine and performing arts — to talk about learning and career opportunities. (Photo by Lee Pellegrini) •Center for Work & Family Director of Research Jacquelyn B. James presented “Obstacles to Continued Work in Later Life? Perceptions of Older Workers Among Four Generations” as part of a panel on “Attitudes Toward Aging” at the 60th annual meeting of the Gerontological Society of America, San Francisco. •Prof. Tayfun Sonmez (Economics) presented “Leveling the Playing Field: Sincere and Sophisticated Players in the Boston Mechanism” and “Kidney Exchange: The Impact of Large Exchanges, Altruistic Donation, and Center Incentives” at the University of Barcelona Graduate School of Economics. •Assoc. Prof. Kalpana Seshadri (English) was invited to speak on “Corpse Art and the ‘Post-Mortal’ Drive” at the Society for Phenom- Two Honors for Fr. Monan University Chancellor J. Donald Monan, SJ, has received two major awards this fall, including one that also honored First Lady Laura Bush and broadcast journalist Maria Shriver. Fr. Monan was among eight recognized by the America’s Promise Alliance for their help in supporting the health, education and welfare of children. The APA, founded by former Secretary of State Colin Powell in 1997, is based on a joint effort of nonprofit groups, corporations, community leaders, charities, faith-based organizations and individuals to improve children’s lives. The award cited Fr. Monan’s role as founder of the Mass Mentoring Partnership and MENTOR programs. Mrs. Bush and Shriver also were among those honored by the APA at a ceremony that took place in the White House East Room. In addition, Fr. Monan was se- lected for the American Irish Historical Society Gold Medal, which is given to prominent contributors to American Irish culture. Announcing the award, the society said, “Father Monan’s legacy in American higher education is certain. In honoring him, the society also chooses to recognize a life devoted to the selfless caring for and nurturing of others – students, the impoverished, the oppressed, the weak and needy. “In honoring the passing of a dear friend, Father Monan said in his homily, ‘He saw the inviolable dignity of every human person and felt the irresistible call of those in need.’ The same could be said of our honoree, Rev. J. Donald Monan of the Society of Jesus.” Fr. Monan was presented with the award by AIHS PresidentGeneral Kevin Cahill, MD, at the society’s annual dinner in the Waldorf-Astoria Hotel in New York City. —Office of Public Affairs enological and Existential Philosophy conference in Chicago. •Asst. Prof. Shannon Seitz (Economics) presented “Marriage Matching, Risk Sharing, and Spousal Labor Supplies” at the Analytical Labor Economics Conference, University of Chicago. •Assoc. Prof. Rena Lamparska (Romance Languages and Literatures) presented the paper “Scienza e filosofia nella teoria e nella critica letteraria di Gregorio Caloprese” (“Science and Philosophy in Gregorio Caloprese’s literary theory and criticism”) at the Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Milan, Italy. Jobs The following are among the most recent positions posted by the Department of Human Resources. For more information on employment opportunities at Boston College, see www.bc.edu/ offices/hr/: Cashier/Line, Dining Services (Lower Campus) Job Coach, Lynch School of Education - Campus School Program Administrator, Irish Institute Research Associate, Center for Retirement Research Communications Specialist, Center for Retirement Research Administrative Assistant, Center for Retirement Research, Carroll School of Management Finance Department Associate Director, Prospect Development, Development Office Executive Director, Advancement Communications and Marketing Food Service Worker, Dining Services – Catering Director, Corporate and Foundation Relations, Development Office T he B oston C ollege Chronicle december 13, 2007 LOOKING AHEAD READINGS • LECTURES • DISCUSSION December 19 •“What’s New Regarding Earthquakes in New England,” with Weston Observatory Director Prof. John Ebel (Geology and Geophysics), 7 p.m., Weston Observatory, 381 Concord Road, Weston. Reservations required, call ext.2-8300. Northeastern, 2 p.m., Conte Forum. January 2 •Men’s basketball: BC vs. Longwood, 7 p.m., Conte Forum. January 5 •Men’s basketball: BC vs. Kansas, noon, Conte Forum. January 6 •Women’s basketball: BC vs. NC State, 1 p.m., Conte Forum. January 16 •“Tales from Rocks about the Dance of the Continents,” with Asst. Prof. Yvette Kuiper (Geology and Geophysics), 7 p.m., Weston Observatory, 381 Concord Road, Weston. Reservations required, call ext.2-8300. Program repeats January 23. January 22 •“Building Bridges between Books and Movies,” with Randy Testa, Walden Media, 7:30 p.m., Vanderslice Hall. Admission free with BC ID, $5 other students, $15 all others. E-mail cohenlm@ bc.edu. January 26 •Workshop: “Parish Development: Fundraising for Parish Leadership,” 9 a.m., McElroy Conference Room. Admission $15. See www.bc.edu/irepmce, call ext.28057 or e-mail lambmb@bc.edu. UNIVERSITY EVENTS December 20 •End of fall semester. December 25-26 •Christmas break. All University offices closed. January 7 •Men’s basketball: BC vs. Robert Morris, 7 p.m., Conte Forum. January 9 •Men’s hockey: BC vs. Vermont, 7:30 p.m., Conte Forum. January 10 •Women’s basketball: BC vs. Maryland, 7 p.m., Conte Forum. December 31-January 1 •New Year break. All University offices closed. January 7 •Classes begin for BC Law students. January 14 •Spring semester begins. January 21 •Martin Luther King Jr. Day. All University offices closed. MUSIC • ART • PERFORMANCE December 15 and 16 •“A Dancer’s Christmas,” by Robert VerEecke, SJ, performed by the Boston College Liturgical Dance Ensemble, 3 p.m. (additional 7:30 p.m. performance Dec. 15), Robsham Theater. Admission $30 adults, $20 students, staff, senior citizens. Call ext.2-4002, e-mail PRINCIPI@bc.edu or see www. blde.org. ATHLETICS December 16 •Women’s basketball: BC vs. La- The ‘Buddies’ System January 11 •Men’s hockey: BC vs. Vermont, 7 p.m., Conte Forum. Salle, 2 p.m., Conte Forum. December 22 •Women’s basketball: BC vs. Maine, noon, Conte Forum. •Men’s basketball: BC vs. Northeastern, 4 p.m., Conte Forum. December 28 •Women’s basketball: BC vs. Colgate, 2 p.m., Conte Forum. •Men’s basketball: BC vs. Sacred Heart, 7 p.m., Conte Forum. January 12 •Men’s basketball: BC vs. Wake Forest, 4 p.m., Conte Forum. January 13 •Women’s basketball: BC vs. Yale, 2 p.m., Conte Forum. For more on Boston College events, see events.bc.edu or check BCInfo [www.bc.edu/bcinfo] for updates. December 31 •Women’s basketball: BC vs. BC SCENES Nearly 50 area foster children from ages 2 to 17 joined more than 100 Boston College freshmen last Saturday for the annual “Christmas Buddies” party, sponsored by the Office of Residential Life in conjunction with the Department of Social Services. Volunteers served as “buddies” for each child, playing games, making arts and crafts or just sharing the timeless joy of throwing snowballs around. The day concluded with a visit from Santa Claus, who posed for a photo with each child and presented him or her with a gift donated by freshman students from Upper or Newton campuses. The children’s parents enjoyed a luncheon in Shaw House. Photos by Lee Pellegrini Above: (L-R) BC freshmen Laura Bloomer, Jason Martineau and Elizabeth Muller offer holiday greetings to their “Christmas Buddies.” Right: A party guest’s Christmas art project in progress.