Boston College

Guide Note

Boston College is a Catholic institution of higher learning located in Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts. Despite its religious affiliation, it accepts students of all faiths, as well as atheists. It has a strong Jesuit tradition, and is one of the largest Jesuit institutions in the world. With all its sports teams NCAA Division I-level, it is also known for its athletics.

Fast Facts

1. Established: 1863
2. Location: Chestnut Hill, MA
3. President: William P. Leahy
4. Faculty: 662
5. Nickname: Eagles
6. Motto: Ever to Excel
7. Noted programs: Law, Philosophy
8. Fight song: "For Boston" (covered by the Dropkick Murphys)

Boston College started in the South End of Boston in 1863, hence its name. It expanded over the next 50 years, and needed larger spaces than the South End could provide. It moved to Chestnut Hill, then a farming area. It began granting degrees to women in 1927. It suffered a dire financial shortfall in the late 1960s and early 1970s, but rebounded under the guidance of President J. Donald Mohan, and has become one of the country's leading institutions.

After years of working to be one of the leading academic institutions in the United States, Boston College was declared by Newsweek to be one of the "New Ivies" in 2006.

Despite its name, Boston College is not located in Boston. It is at the center of wealthy Boston suburb Chestnut Hill. Easy access to the city is provided by the MBTA's Green Line, which has several stops very close to campus. The architecture on campus is largely Gothic.

The athletic department at Boston College participates in the Atlantic Coast Conference following a long run with the Big East. The school has also produced one very memorable Heisman Trophy winner in Doug Flutie. The 1984 season included the last-second Hail Mary pass to Gerald Phelan that defeated defending national champion Miami.