Boston College is a private Jesuit research university in Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts. It was founded in 1863 by the Society of Jesus and is one of 28 Jesuit colleges and universities in the United States. Boston College is a Catholic university, and its mission statement states that it “seeks to form men and women to be intellectually competent, ethically principled, religiously informed, and socially responsible leaders who will contribute to the greater good of humanity.”
Jesuit Identity
The Jesuit identity of Boston College is evident in many aspects of its campus life. The university has a strong commitment to social justice, and its students are encouraged to participate in service learning programs both on and off campus. Boston College also has a vibrant campus ministry program, and its students have the opportunity to participate in a variety of religious activities, including Mass, retreats, and Bible studies.
Catholic Mission
In addition to its Jesuit identity, Boston College is also a Catholic university. This means that the university’s mission is to provide a Catholic education to its students. Boston College’s Catholic mission is evident in its curriculum, which includes a variety of courses on Catholic theology and history. The university also has a strong commitment to Catholic social teaching, and its students are encouraged to apply their faith to their studies and their careers.
Student Life
Boston College is a vibrant and diverse campus community. The university has over 9,000 undergraduate students and 5,000 graduate students from all over the world. Boston College students come from a variety of religious backgrounds, and they are all welcome to participate in the university’s Catholic community.
Jesuit Values
The Jesuit values of Boston College are reflected in the university’s motto, “Ever to Excel.” These values include:
- Cura Personalis: Care for the whole person
- Magis: The pursuit of excellence
- Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam: For the greater glory of God
These values are evident in all aspects of Boston College’s campus life, from the classroom to the athletic fields.
Catholic Campus
Boston College is a Catholic campus, and its students have the opportunity to participate in a variety of religious activities. The university has a strong campus ministry program, and its students have the opportunity to participate in Mass, retreats, and Bible studies. Boston College also has a number of Catholic student organizations, including the Catholic Students Association, the Newman Center, and the Knights of Columbus.
Jesuit Education
Boston College provides a Jesuit education, which is based on the following principles:
- Ignatian Pedagogy: A student-centered approach to learning that emphasizes critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving.
- Cura Personalis: Care for the whole person, which includes intellectual, spiritual, and physical development.
- Magis: The pursuit of excellence, which encourages students to strive for their full potential.
A Jesuit education prepares students to be leaders in their fields and to make a positive impact on the world.
Catholic Social Teaching
Boston College is committed to Catholic social teaching, which is a set of principles that guide Catholics in their social and political lives. Catholic social teaching emphasizes the following values:
- Human dignity: All people are created in the image of God and deserve to be treated with dignity and respect.
- Solidarity: We are all interconnected and responsible for one another.
- Preferential option for the poor: We have a special obligation to help those who are most in need.
- Common good: We should work together to create a society that benefits everyone.
Catholic social teaching is a powerful force for good in the world, and Boston College students are encouraged to apply these principles to their studies and their careers.
Conclusion
Boston College is a Catholic university with a Jesuit identity. The university’s mission is to provide a Catholic education to its students and to prepare them to be leaders in their fields and to make a positive impact on the world. Boston College is a vibrant and diverse campus community, and its students have the opportunity to participate in a variety of religious activities and to learn about Catholic social teaching.
Additional Information
Here are some additional facts and figures about Boston College:
- Boston College is ranked among the top 50 national universities by U.S. News & World Report.
- The university has over 9,000 undergraduate students and 5,000 graduate students.
- Boston College has a student-faculty ratio of 11:1.
- The university’s endowment is over $2 billion.
- Boston College is a member of the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC).
- The university’s mascot is the eagle.
- Boston College’s colors are maroon and gold.
