Boston College High School Announces Recipients of Highest Alumni Honors and Awards
Boston College High School Announces Recipients
of Highest Alumni Honors and Awards
Boston, MA. (March 27, 2023) – Boston College High School is proud to announce the recipients of the St. Ignatius Awards, the Thomas and Mary Shields Medal, and the William Kemeza Global Leadership Award. These are the three highest honors the school bestows on alumni and community members who demonstrate lifelong commitment to BC High and its mission.
St. Ignatius Awards
This year’s St. Ignatius Award recipients are John R. Carroll ’86, P’25; David Melville ’57 (in memoriam); and Gary D. Rodney ’93. As the highest alumni honor, the St. Ignatius Award acknowledges those who have exemplified high moral character and selflessly served the community. Nearly 100 alumni have received the award since its inception and are nominated by their fellow alumni answering the questions What is an example of the nominee’s pursuit of “doing all things for the Greater Glory of God” and how has this person shown a “commitment to serve God and His people” through actions?”
• John R. Carroll ’86, P’25
John Carroll – a committed alumnus and former trustee – has quietly and tenaciously supported BC High’s mission since his graduation in 1986. Classmates describe him as “selfless, giving, caring, humble, loving, and committed to those around him – the lightning rod that has kept our special group of classmates together after all these years.” Following the death of his classmate and friend, Mark Wrobel ’86, Carroll created a scholarship in his memory to ensure a new generation is given the opportunity to attend BC High.
David Melville ’57, in memoriam
• David Melville is being posthumously recognized as a generous and passionate benefactor to the BC High community. In addition to serving as a trustee, Melville established the Joan Melville Institute in 1999, an annual two-week intensive professional development opportunity for faculty members. The Melville Institute attracts top-tier scholars, experienced educators, and renowned consultants to engage with more than a dozen BC High faculty members each year. It is a transformative program that greatly enhances the ability of educators to educate men for others.
• Gary D. Rodney ’93
Gary D. Rodney is a devoted leader and advocate for affordable housing, dedicating his career to serving low-income families in New York City. Rodney currently works at Tishman Speyer, as managing director of affordable housing. He previously spent nearly seven years at the New York City Housing Development Corporation as both vice president and president. His commitment to justice far exceeds charity and focuses on removing barriers that keep families from thriving.
The Thomas and Mary Shields Medal
The Thomas and Mary Shields Medal was established in 2011 to honor the dedication and commitment of Tom and Mary to Catholic education, and BC High in particular. The award recognizes a non-alumnus member of the community for his or her service, dedication, and generosity to the school, has been awarded to Gilbert Gailius P’11, ’15, ’21, ’24.
Since joining the BC High faculty in 1988, Gailius’ presence has been a constant source of inspiration. After his wife and fellow Modern Language leader, Shiela Becker-Gailius, passed away following a hard-fought battle with Ovarian cancer, the entire Gailius family responded with incredible strength and grace. Gailius recently celebrated the establishment of a fully endowed scholarship at BC High to honor his wife. Their legacy is one of the brightest lights of hope in our community.
The William Kemeza Global Leadership Award
The William Kemeza Global Leadership Award honors the late Lawrence H. Hyde ’42 for belief in the transformative nature of global experiences. In 2012, he established the Hyde Center for Global Education at BC High, a monumental accomplishment that changed the trajectory of Jesuit education. Dedicated to preparing leaders for a 21st global society, the Hyde Center has allowed more than 1,000 students, faculty, and staff to explore the world through 19 partnerships across the world.
“This year’s honorees exemplify what it means to be a man for others and serve as valuable role models for our students,” said BC High president Grace Cotter Regan. “The profound impact of their selfless service is felt within our community and beyond every day.”
A ceremony honoring this year’s recipients will be held on Thursday, April 27 at 9:00 a.m. in McNeice Pavilion. Alumni are encouraged to attend and can register here.
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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.