BC HIGH INTRODUCES NEWLY ENDOWED IMAGO DEI CENTER FOR DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION

BC HIGH INTRODUCES NEWLY ENDOWED IMAGO DEI CENTER FOR DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION

Endowment follows recent appointment of Dr. Dennis Hill as Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
BOSTON (May 11, 2023): During an event attended by faculty, staff, students, alumni, and Board members, Boston College High School proudly introduced its newly endowed Imago Dei Center for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. The Center provides opportunities for meaningful learning, personal growth, and supportive relationships.
Imago Dei, a Catholic ideal meaning “in the image of God,” reaffirms BC High’s commitment to the value of all human beings regardless of race, ethnicity, physical ability, religion, sexual orientation, and socioeconomic status. The Center’s endowment is made possible thanks to a gift from John ’86 and Kelly Carroll P’25.

“Under the leadership of President Regan, Principal Lewis, and the school’s faculty and staff, BC High has worked tirelessly and intentionally to build a school environment that is inclusive of all students,” said Board Chair Rev. Michael McFarland, SJ. John and Kelly Carroll noted that “BC High leads by example, and we are humbled to honor the critical work being done to empower all students.”

“As a Jesuit, Catholic school, justice, equity, and inclusion is at the forefront of everything we do,” said President Grace Cotter Regan. “I am grateful for this incredible fulfillment of our shared vision to foster a community of belonging, one that provides a transformative experience as we form our young men for a global, diverse world.”

The announcement follows the recent appointment of Dr. Dennis Hill as the school’s Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. Dr. Hill, who began his role earlier in April 2023, joins BC High after 10 years at Southern New Hampshire University where he most recently served as the Associate Director of Diversity Programs.

“The Center is the cornerstone of our diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts, said Dr. Hill. Endowing the Center makes a strong statement about BC High’s commitment to continuing this essential work for future generations. With the Center’s future secured, we will continue to deliver resources and initiatives for our young leaders in alignment with our mission of forming the whole person. I am beginning my work at BC High at an exciting time and look forward to the important work ahead.”

“The Carroll Family’s generosity gives future Eagles an inclusive space to learn, grow, and honor Jesuit tradition” said Vice President for Advancement Kelly DeGregorio. “The Imago Dei Center will continue to equip our students with the tools to honor our values and create a more ethical and inclusive world.”
The endowment and naming of the Center underscores the four pillars outlined in BC High’s Vision 2026 Strategic Plan, which was announced in February 2022, and it comes on the heels of four major capital gifts from BC High alumni within the last two years.

In October 2022, BC High received a $10M gift from alumnus Michael D. White ’70 to endow the school’s Center for Emerging Leaders, fund capital improvements for the House System, and enhance financial aid for students. Mike’s personal and philanthropic commitment to the school has always been focused on leadership, enhancing the student experience, and diversity, equity, and inclusion.

In addition, BC High is set to start construction on the 42,000 square foot Cadigan Family Wellness Complex. This project made possible by the $49M gift – the largest single gift in BC High’s 159-year history, the largest ever to a Catholic secondary school in New England, and among the largest to a high school nationwide – from the Patrick F. Cadigan Family Foundation, established by late alumnus Pat Cadigan ’52. Construction is nearly complete on the Murphy Family Stadium, an initiative funded by a $2.5M gift in March 2022 from alumnus John V. Murphy ’67, P’98. BC High also received a $5M gift from alumnus Jack Shields ’70 to establish the Shields Center for Innovation in October 2020.

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About Boston College High School: Boston College High School is a Jesuit, Catholic, college-preparatory school for young men in grades 7 to 12. Founded in 1863, the school enrolls more than 1,400 students from 81 zip codes in eastern Massachusetts. For more information, please visit bchigh.edu.