When The Heights was founded in 1919, it had one purpose—to create a Greater Boston College. Over the past century, the newspaper has covered anniversaries, hirings, tragedies, and much more. We became independent and have shifted focus from print to digital, but our goal has never changed.
For reading the stories of Boston College, for the past hundred years and for the next hundred, The Heights thanks you.
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April 16, 1920 – Track Star Breaks World Record
James W. “Jake” Driscoll, BC ’22, broke the world record for the indoor quarter mile during the 1919-20 track season. Driscoll surpassed Ted Meredith’s previous record by .80 seconds, setting a new record at 59.2 seconds.
Dec. 10, 1920 – BC Football Goes Undefeated
BC football defeats rival Holy Cross 14-0 to give the team a perfect 8-0 finish to the season, capturing its first Eastern Championship. This undefeated berth was the first in the program’s 21-year history. During their run, the Eagles were only scored on by two of their opponents—Yale and Marietta College (Ohio).
April 12, 1923 – Students Profiled in Early Heights Features
In 1923, the short-lived “Who’s Who?” column highlighted Edward J. Davis, BC ’23, a Heights editor and Sub Turri Business Manager and T. Harry Mullowney, a baseball player and upbeat persona on campus. By providing snippets of a variety of students’ lives, the “Who’s Who?” column provides an early look into Heights feature writing.
March 18, 1924 – Graduates Give BC Students Knowledge to Succeed
Beginning in 1924, the recurring “Interviews with Graduates” column aimed to increase BC students’ awareness of career paths available by presenting firsthand advice from employed graduates. The first featured Dr. Francis J. Barnes, BC ’82, who gave students a realistic overview of life as a doctor and outlined emerging opportunities in the field.
April 15, 1924 – “Salesman Sam” is a One-Man Business
In this lighthearted piece written in 1924, senior George W.J.P. Corcoran, BC ’24, is featured for his impressive business ventures on campus. He sold everything from neckties to hot dogs to bootlegged alcohol to those on campus, earning the nickname “Salesman Sam.”
Oct. 12, 1926 – BC Founds the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences
The University opened its graduate school in October 1926, offering classes to both men and women in classrooms at Boston College High School. Shortly after its opening, the application process for the graduate school became increasingly selective for the various degrees offered, which included Master of Arts, Master of Science, Master of Education, Doctor of Education, Doctor of Science, and Doctor of Philosophy.
Oct. 23, 1928 – One Editor-in-Chief’s Adventure into “Oblivion”
The Heights offered an “unusual” feature to its readers by interviewing the current EIC for the first time in this satirical profile piece. In this eccentric interview, the EIC tells a story of visiting the land of “oblivion,” a place where he could forget about all of his responsibilities, both for the newspaper and school. In the end however, the EIC returned from “oblivion,” much to his dismay, and returned to the world of everyday obligations.
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Jan. 28, 1931 – Rumors of Duke Swarm Campus
In an article outlining the schedule of events for the Class of 1932’s Junior Week, a rumor that “the great Duke Ellington” will perform at the Junior Prom proves later to be true, as evidenced by student Dan Cotter’s column published two weeks later. Cotter lists “just a few of the things [he] shall not forget” from his Junior Week, including Duke Ellington.
Jan. 11, 1933 – New Hockey Team Formed After Four-Year Break
A group of BC students formed a new, informal hockey team midway through the 1932-1933 season after the team disbanded in 1929 in the wake of the Great Depression. The students recruited former BC player, John “Snooks” Kelly, to coach the squad. The team made its official debut on Feb. 4 against Northeastern, beating its opponents 8-6.
Nov. 21, 1934 – First Editor Recalls Obstacles to Premier Publication of Paper
For The Heights’ 15th Anniversary, its founder and first editor, John D. Ring, BC ’20, was interviewed about the challenges in the first production. After a brief history about paper’s conception, which was pushed by Rev. P.V. Masterson, S.J. after he started the Hilltopper at Georgetown, Ring is introduced as the first Editor-in-Chief. Though Ring became a lawyer after graduation, he said the communication skills he learned as the EIC carried with him. He says that in its first year, The Heights was able to publish a pictorial edition and take the whole staff to a basketball game against Holy Cross.
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Jan. 10, 1941 – BC Wins First Bowl Game Over Tennessee at Sugar Bowl
Following an undefeated 1940 season (11-0), the Eagles beat the previously undefeated Tennessee 19-13 at the Sugar Bowl, capturing their first bowl win in program history. The game was the Eagles’ second bowl game, coming after their 3-6 loss against Clemson at the Cotton Bowl exactly one year prior.
May 29, 1941 – Theatre Courses Come to Campus
The first theatre courses at Boston College were announced in 1941. The three courses—Interpretational Directing, Modern Play Production, and a course teaching “correct speech for public appearances”—would be taught during the summer and would culminate in a student-produced play.
Dec. 12, 1941 – Heights Editors Recall Boston College in WWI
Bob Galligan and Jack McElwee wrote about the role of Boston College during World War I five days after the United States entered World War II. BC became a military reservation host to roughly 800 student soldiers, the Student Army Training Corps. All students, except those training for the seminary, were enlisted in the training corps, studying military law and technique. Although they were constantly preparing, the group was never called on for active duty.
Nov. 9, 1945 – BC Graduate Heads WWII Operation Behind Japanese Lines
Several Heights articles in 1945 focused on the war involvement of a former BC students. Ed Moore, BC ’41, led a Navy group whose job was to sabotage Japanese supplies from behind their lines by disguising themselves as Chinese. Moore was at the head of around 40 Navy men and 100 Chinese men. In addition to relaying information back to U.S. soldiers, his group was deployed on a special mission to cut off advancing Japanese—it was cut short by the Japanese surrender in 1945.
March 25, 1949 – Men’s Hockey Wins First National Championship
After an exciting 20-1 regular season for Boston College men’s hockey, the Eagles took the next step by advancing to the NCAA tournament. BC blew past Colorado College in the first round with a 7-3 win before taking on Dartmouth in the finals. Dartmouth had been the only team to beat the Eagles during the regular season, but BC was not deterred, capturing the national title with a 4-3 win over the Indians.
May 11, 1949 – Nursing School Graduates First Class
The Nursing School awarded degrees to its first graduating class of 25 seniors in May 1949. The School, founded in 1947, offered students an accelerated program, which allowed them to graduate within three years of the program’s existence.
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Feb. 3, 1950 – A Star is Born
The Heights took a look at the BC Dramatic Society through the lens of one of its most prominent members at the time—its president, Tom Knowlton, BC ’50—detailing his journey from being Heracles in Alcestis his freshman year to ascending to the group’s head position.
Jan. 11, 1952 – Gasson Hall and Bapst Library, Among Others, Named
Gasson Hall was renamed from the Tower Building in honor of Rev. Thomas I. Gasson, S.J., who was president of BC from 1907 to 1914 and is often referred to as the University’s “second founder.” The Heights played a role in the naming, recommending that the building be named after Gasson. At the same time, Bapst Library was named after Rev. John Bapst, S.J., the first president of the University.
Jan. 15, 1954 – Against Harvard, Men’s Hockey Wins First Beanpot
The Eagles won the second-ever Beanpot in 1954 after losing to Harvard in the first round the year before. BC had collected a decisive 8-5 win over Northeastern in the first round before taking its revenge in the finals against Harvard, winning 4-1.
March 9, 1956 – Where is the Admiral?
This piece takes a deep dive into the puzzling edifice that used to stand in front of Lyons Hall. It had been “accused” of being a Danish god of the seam a flagpole stand, and two Norse ships immediately after a collision. New Haven authorities donated the monument—named after the only admiral of the Navy in U.S. history, George Dewey—to BC from Dewey Square in downtown Boston.
April 12, 1957 – Poet Robert Frost Visits BC
World-renowned poet Robert Frost, four-time winner of the Pulitzer Prize for Poetry and recipient of a Congressional Gold Medal, spoke at BC several times between 1957 and 1960. His first visit, in 1957, was met by a full crowd of 1,000 members of the BC community. His visit was so popular that when he returned in 1958, those who saw him in 1957 were asked to make space for new people to see Frost. He returned in 1959 and 1960, and saw full crowds.
April 18, 1958 – The Life of John Bapst, S.J., Examined
As part of a biographical series of features on people who have buildings bearing their names at BC, The Heights examined the life of Rev. John Bapst, S.J., and the impact he had on the BC community as the University’s first president. The library that bears his name has stood since 1925.
May, 2 1958 – Poet T.S. Eliot Speaks on Campus
In the midst of Robert Frost’s multiple visits to BC, T.S. Eliot, another world-famous poet and winner of the Nobel Prize in Literature, spoke at BC in front of a crowded audience in May 1958. Eliot was just another high-profile speaker to visit BC in recent years, a sign of BC’s growing relevance.
Oct. 24, 1958 – Former President Harry S. Truman Speaks at BC
Former President Harry S. Truman spoke at BC in October 1958, accompanied by most ot the Democratic party nominees for Massachusetts state office at the time. Attended by an overflow crowd, his talk was presented by the Public Affairs Forum, which has no party affiliations, in order to keep students aware of the current political issues.
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Sept. 23, 1960 – Live Eagle Mascot Well-Fed
The Heights updated its readers on the happenings of the new mascot under BC’s watch, dipping a bit into the responsibilities of the live raptor—which are a bit different from those of Baldwin today. The article humorously concludes by telling readers, “If anyone finds any live pigeons or golfers in his locker, please bring them to [the eagle’s] home in Dorchester.”
Oct. 16, 1961 – Heightsmen Bring Voices Abroad
The Heightsmen, then and now BC’s only all-man a capella group, embarked on a tour of Europe to perform for new audiences across the continent—a life-changing experience, as time abroad always is.
February 9, 1962 – Glee Club Becomes Chorale
The Glee Club was renamed the University Chorale of Boston College, a change that coincided with the introduction of a women’s division. While the men’s and women’s divisions would be distinct, joint concerts would be held each year.
Oct. 18, 1963 – Former Boston Celtics Legend Hired as Basketball Head Coach
After a 13-year career with the Boston Celtics, Bob Cousy retired from playing and moved on to his coaching career, beginning with his position as head coach of BC men’s basketball. Cousy would remain with the Eagles until 1969, when he returned to the NBA as a coach of the Cincinnati Royals.
April 5 1963 – JFK Speaks at Convocation for BC’s 100th Anniversary
U.S. President John F. Kennedy spoke at the 1963 convocation, the 100th anniversary of BC’s charter. Kennedy had already visited BC as a senator in 1955, but this was his first appearance as president. The Kennedys had already made waves as a major political dynasty based out of Massachusetts, and Kennedy’s appearance at BC celebrated the incredible growth BC had seen in its first 100 years and the peak of Massachusetts premiere family. This was one of Kennedy’s last events, as he was assassinated just a few months later.
April 1, 1966 – Alcohol and Women Permitted in Dorms
BC began allowing alcohol in dorms for students over the legal age of consumption, as well as permitting women in dorms during select hours, four years before BC opened all academic programs to women. The administration noted that it trusted its students to be responsible with their behavior.
Sept. 22, 1967 – First Varsity Season for Men’s Soccer
Boston College men’s soccer first appeared on the national stage in 1967, with its first game against American International College. After posting a 9-4 record against varsity teams while they were still just a club team in the year prior, the Eagles were promoted to varsity-level play.
July 12, 1968 – Thornton Page Talks Flair for Fantasy
John Golenski, editor-in-chief of The Heights at the time, sat down with impressive visiting astronomer Thornton Page, to discuss his work, UFOs, and space travel.
March 25, 1969 – BC to Become Coed
The Boston College University Academic Senate (UAS) voted in 1969 to make BC completely coeducational, opening all academic programs to women. Previously, women could only enroll in the nursing and education schools. Controversy erupted surrounding BC’s treatment of women when BC fired Mary Daly, the first woman in the theology department, who was known for her feminist teachings. Students protested the firing, and Daly was reinstated in her post shortly after the UAS voted for coeducation, which would begin the following year.
May 6, 1969 – Black Studies Program Established
Boston College established the Black Studies program, which would later evolve into the African and African Diaspora Studies (AADS) program, in response to demands by the recently created Black Forum at BC. Many on campus, particularly black students, saw the overwhelmingly white faculty and low black student population as inadequate, and they advocated for a Black Studies program to promote diversity and inclusion on campus. AADS became a major in 2019.
July 11, 1969 – Woodstock
“This summer must be destined for some kind of social significance,” a Heights advertisement for the famous Woodstock festival of 1969 mused presciently. Indeed, despite the ad’s modest size, the “three days of peace and music” would become immortalized as a symbol of the hippie utopianism of the 1960s.
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Here’s a look at some of our most important front pages over the past 100 years.
For more, see our archives.
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March 18, 1970 – Chorale Ventures Beyond Boston
Led by director and composer Alexander Peloquin, the University Chorale made its debut outside of the Boston area with a performance of Peloquin’s Four Freedom Songs at New York City’s Lincoln Center. Peloquin wrote the Songs in 1968 with poet Thomas Merton in honor of Martin Luther King, Jr.
March 18, 1970 – BC Severs Ties with The Heights
The University severed ties with The Heights in the wake of an article on Paul Krassner, one of the founders of the Yippie movement, which BC argued “has indeed raised questions regarding criminal libel.” After the move by the administration, The Heights suspended publication, and the move became a stepping stone on the way to full Heights financial independence from the University. The next printed issue contained four pages with the word “censored” written diagonally across them in protest of the administration’s move.
Oct, 12, 1971 – John A. “Snooks” Kelley Announces Resignation
“Snooks” Kelley, for whom Kelley Rink at Conte Forum is named, announced he was stepping down from his position as men’s head hockey coach after nearly 40 years. During his tenure, Kelley racked up a staggering 487 wins and only 226 losses.
May 21, 1971 – Heights Editors Allegedly Bug Trustee Meeting
Two Heights editors, Tom Sheehan, BC ’71, and Michael Berkey, BC ’72, were arrested after allegedly bugging a trustee meeting in which the board discussed plans to fire then-Executive Vice President Rev. F.X. Shea, S.J. The Heights published the transcript of the meeting, which the University said had been obtained illegally. The University evicted The Heights from its office in September. Sheehan and Berkey pleaded no contest in court and were found neither guilty nor innocent. The Heights temporarily operated out of the Undergraduate Government of Boston College’s office before reaching a leasing agreement for its current office, McElroy 113. The paper began funding itself through advertising.
March 13, 1973 – Women’s Center Opens
On March 8, 1973, International Women’s Day, BC opened the Women’s Center in McElroy 122, over three years after women were permitted in all academic programs at BC. Prior to the opening, a group of female students created an unofficial women’s center in the women’s bathroom on the landing outside of what is now Eagle’s Nest. When they invited then-University President Rev. Donald Monan, S.J. to be the center’s first guest, he took the hint and found the center a permanent space. In its 46 years at BC, the center, now housed in Maloney Hall, has pushed for better bathroom facilities on a campus originally designed with only male students in mind, provided women at BC with resources such as sexual violence support, and pushed for gender equality.
March 11, 1974 – Boston College Merges With Newton College
Boston College finalized its consolidation with Newton College of the Sacred Heart in 1974, acquiring its campus in the process. Newton College was a small liberal arts school for women established in 1946. With the merger, BC acquired all of the college’s assets and liabilities, including the Newton Campus, which currently hosts the BC Law School and houses nearly 40 percent of BC freshmen.
Sept. 3, 1974 – BC Responds to Title IX Legislation
The Education Amendment Act of 1972 included the Title IX provision, which was meant to eliminate discrimination on the basis of sex in all educational institutions receiving federal funding. BC established the Office of Affirmative Action in order to ensure that the University did not violate Title IX, specifically in the realm of sports, as well as to work toward better minority representation.
March 14, 1977 – Features Section Profiles Candidate Platforms
In 1977, The Heights published in-depth coverage on the platforms of the candidates running for office in the Undergraduate Government of Boston College. Unlike the most recent UGBC elections, which typically consist of two to three sets of candidates, the 1977 article featured 11 presidential candidates. Candidates included Dan Carracino, Ann Derry, and Kathleen Norris, among others, each accompanied by a blurb giving a quick overview of their platform.
April 24, 1978 – NCAA Establishes D1 Football Split, BC Qualifies for Higher Tier
The NCAA determined a need for a split between Division 1 teams and created classes 1-A and 1-AA, groupings now known as the Football Bowl Subdivision and the Football Championship Subdivision (FCS). BC was elected to join the higher level of class 1-A.
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Feb. 8, 1982 – Students Admit Their Love in Print
The Heights published hundreds of short messages from students that were hoping to profess their undying love for others. Some addressed their loved ones by name, while others kept it cryptic, addressing and signing their posts with short, snappy pseudonyms. Whether or not The Heights helped some lonely souls find love is still up for debate.
Dec. 3, 1984 – Flutie Wins the Heisman
Just weeks after his jaw-dropping last-second Hail Mary pass in the game known as the “Miracle in Miami,” Flutie earned the highest honor in college football. Flutie, who is now immortalized in a statue outside of Alumni Stadium, was the 50th recipient of the prestigious award and the first in Boston College history.
Oct. 28, 1985 – Robsham Receives its Name
Five years after its completion, BC’s new theatre arts building was named in memory of E. Paul Robsham Jr., a student who died in an automobile accident in 1983 following his freshman year.
Feb. 8, 1988 – Article Advises Where to Find Love On Campus
The Heights made somewhat of a pattern of helping BC students find flings during the month of February. The paper’s “Lifestyle Correspondent” would write pieces like this one, which provided a comical take on where all of the “love-starved single females” could meet a significant other, including the Plex, the mail room, and O’Neill Library.
Feb. 22, 1988 – On-Campus Arts Groups Flourish
1988 saw BC’s arts scene grow dramatically. Contemporary Theatre, BC bOp!, and the Boston College Student Gallery were all approved as student organizations. WZBC, BC’s student-run radio station, expanded to a 24-hour format, and the number of students auditioning for theatrical productions increased.
Sept. 14, 1987 – The Heights Calls McElroy Commons Inadequate
McElroy Commons broke ground in 1960 to serve as a student center, something that students had advocated for for years. Twenty-seven years later, The Heights wrote in an editorial about how McElroy—home of The Heights office—had failed to live up to its expectations. Host to dining halls, faculty offices, and lounge space, McElroy was initially seen as a success, but it never fulfilled its initial vision, full of long lines and inadequate space for students, the editorial board wrote. The Heights called for a new student center, which has not yet come to fruition.
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Jan. 17, 1990 – Zelga Predicts 1990s for Zodiac Signs
Over the past few decades, horoscopes were a popular product of The Heights. In the beginning of 1990, a student operating under the pseudonym Zelda predicted what the upcoming decade had in store for each zodiac sign—though the advice was more satirical than serious.
Feb. 19, 1990 – BC Student Makes It Big
Boston College sophomore Chris O’Donnell garnered critical acclaim for his role in the 1990 drama Men Don’t Leave. The Heights spoke to O’Donnell about the audition process and adjusting to life in the spotlight.
April 8, 1991 – Poehler Leaves an Impression
Actress and comedian Amy Poehler, then a sophomore at BC and member of improv troupe My Mother’s Fleabag, was first mentioned in The Heights in a review of the group’s show in O’Connell House. One of the best moments, according to the reviewer, was when Poehler and another member improvised a scene in which they were trapped inside an exploding pimple.
Sept. 27, 1993 – First Pops on the Heights Raises Nearly $1 Million
Composer John Williams joined the Boston Pops to conduct a selection of his most famous film scores for the first ever Pops on the Heights concert. The event raised almost $1 million for undergraduate scholarships.
Oct. 4, 1993 – BC’s Art Museum Opens
The Boston College Museum of Art, later renamed the McMullen Museum of Art, opened in 1993. The museum occupied two floors of Devlin Hall, and was designed to house the University’s collection of donated artworks.
Nov. 22 1993 – BC Football Beats Notre Dame on a Last-Second Field Goal
In an all-out offensive battle against the No. 1 Fighting Irish, it was walk-on placekicker David Gordon’s 41-yard field goal in the final seconds of the 1993 Holy War that put BC over the edge. Despite Notre handing the Eagles a hefty defeat the year, BC was able to outlast the Irish when it returned to South Bend.
May 20, 1996 – Monan Transforms BC
Rev. J. Donald Monan, S.J., served as president of BC from 1972 through 1996, presiding over a period of vast expansion for the University, saving BC from fiscal crisis, and establishing it as one of the country’s elite universities. A Heights article in 1996 highlighted his biggest accomplishments. In his first 22 years, Monan changed BC from a small commuter school with an endowment of only $4 million to a prominent school with an endowment of over $448 million. He saw the construction of O’Neill Library, Conte Forum, the Merkert Center, and several residence halls, and helped raise faculty salaries into the 90th percentile nationally.
Sept. 3, 1996 – Pros and Cons of Housing Search Examined
In 1996, the then-features editor wrote a piece on the ups and downs of searching for an off-campus apartment to spend junior year in. Written in the first person, the guide took readers through the realities of finding an apartment. It talks about whether the hunt, substandard living conditions, and a long windy walk to campus are really worth it for the supposed freedom that comes with off-campus living.
April 6, 1998 – BC Hockey Loses Heartbreaker, Students Set Fire
After a 3-2 overtime loss to Michigan, crowds gathered in the Mods around a massive bonfire. Although the team had lost the national title game, the crowds weren’t upset, but were rather celebrating a great season.
Jan. 19, 1999 – Arts Fest Arrives
The first annual Arts Festival launched in 1999. The effort, organized by the newly formed Arts Council, was part of a push to make the arts at BC more visible. The festival opened with a production of Into The Woods, and included performances by music and dance groups, art exhibits, film screenings, poetry readings, and arts workshops.
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Sept. 18, 2001 – Students Abroad React to Sept. 11
In September 2001, the “Inside BC” section of The Heights changed its name to “Features,” signifying a shift to more serious pieces. Shortly after the Sept. 11 attacks took place, the section contacted students abroad to get their international reaction.
Features editors included accounts from students in Spain, Israel, Frace, and New Zealand, each describing their own reaction and the reaction of those around them.
April 9, 2002 – Church Crisis Reverberates on Campus
The Boston Globe broke the story on a scandal involving a years-long sexual abuse coverup by Catholic Church. One of BC’s core identities is the Jesuit alignment, and many students fall under the Catholic religion. Naturally, when the scandal was revealed, members of BC’s campus felt unsure of what direction their faith was heading in. The Features section gave a voice to students across campus as they reflected on what this meant for the Catholic church and their own personal religious views.
July 1, 2002 – Leahy Announces Church in the 21st Century
In the wake of a national child sexual abuse scandal by members of the Catholic clergy, University President Rev. William P. Leahy, S.J., announced the Church in the 21st Century initiative, which hosts lecture series on ways the Church can address the scandal and adapt to the 21st century.
May 5, 2005 – Paul Peterson, CSOM ’05, Named Person of the Year
In recent years, the Features section has recognized students for their achievements during their time at BC in its annual “Momentum Awards.” In 2005, Paul Peterson was named the Person of the Year for his commitment to school, faith, and family. Then Editor-in-Chief of The Heights Ryan Heffernan, BC ’06, called Peterson “someone with drive and passion, and willingness to put the needs of others before themselves.”
Sept. 19, 2005 – Football Plays First Game in the ACC
In BC football’s first-ever football appearance in the Atlantic Coast Conference, the team suffered a heartbreaking loss to now-annual foe Florida State. The Seminoles’ late surge kept the Eagles from coming back.
Sept. 1, 2006 – Kanye Comes to Conte
At the UGBC-sponsored Spring Concert in Conte Forum, rapper Kanye West performed an hour and a half-long set for a packed audience. With only two studio albums under his belt, West was still early in his career at the time.
Feb. 16, 2006 – Women’s Hockey Captures First-Ever Beanpot Title
The Eagles held off Harvard in the final match to win the Boston tournament on a final 2-0 tally. In that same year, the men’s team lost in the championship game of the Beanpot, only to go on to win the National Championship.
April 14, 2008 – Men’s Hockey Wins National Championship
In a postseason rendition of the Holy War, BC men’s hockey took down Notre Dame 4-1 to secure yet another National Championship under Jerry York. Nathan Gerbe, BC ’09, earned MVP honors for the tournament after scoring five goals in the final two games.
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April 12, 2010 – Men’s Hockey Wins Another Title
In a repeat win from two years prior, BC men’s hockey secured a victory in the final game of the season to grab its fourth National Championship title. The Eagles shut out Wisconsin in a 5-0 rout of the Badgers en route to hoisting the trophy for the second time in three years.
Feb. 25, 2010 – Saunders Stops By
Author George Saunders visited campus in 2010 for a colloquium on writing and a reading of one of his short stories. He entertained his audience with theatrical flair and plenty of humor.
Oct. 13, 2011 – Plexapalooza Premieres
Although concerts had previously been held in the Plex, 2011 was the year that UGBC unrolled Plexapalooza. The show featured headliners Super Mash Bros. and S&A Dime, as well as BC artist ILO Productions.
Oct. 31, 2011 – Students Pick Halloween Costumes
A Heights piece named “Playing Dress Up” highlights multiple students navigating the complex decision-making process of choosing a Halloween costume. Are you a particular planner or a champion of the last-minute costume? You’ll find your personality in this piece. Whether Elle Rapport, BC ’12, is talking about the months she spent planning three separate costumes—one each for Thursday, Friday, and Saturday—or Jimmy Fitzgerald, BC ’12, is describing his last-minute purchase of a $4 Phantom of the Opera mask, there’s a type for everyone.
March 26, 2012 – Advice Column Joins The Heights
The Heights began producing a weekly column called “He Said, She Said,” which continued into 2013 and 2014. Students in desperate need of advice could send in anonymous questions and have them answered by current editors. Questions spanned many topics, including what to get significant others for their birthdays, how to confront your partner about a lack of date nights, and dealing with sick roommates.
April 30, 2015 – Momentum Awards Focus on Emergency Staff
While the past few winters have been defined by random temperature patterns and a steady lack of snow, the 2015 Momentum Awards shed light on the diligent work of BC’s emergency staff when inclement weather had taken the campus by a storm. Honoring those who work behind the scenes to keep campus safe, the 2015 Momentum Awards reminded us of the combined efforts from all emergency staff to provide a secure campus.
Sept. 19, 2016 – Stokes Set is Introduced
The Campus Activities Board introduced Stokes Set in 2016. Featuring MisterWives, with student band Juice as the opening act, the sold-out concert was a hit with students.
Nov. 3, 2016 – Walk the Line
The presence of the LGBTQ+ community on campus has grown over the last 100 years, not in a linear fashion, but in short bursts and long slow advances. The Heights documented the struggles and triumphs of this community as it fought prejudice along its path to acceptance.
April 6, 2017 – UIS Frustrates Students
Boston College’s antiquated course registration system has become infamous due to its mid-20th century appearance and its difficult user interface. The Heights tracked the progress of technology on campus to explore where the University was technologically deficient.
April 20, 2017 – University Hires First Black Director of Athletics
After a months-long search, BC named Martin Jarmond, the first minority athletic director in school history, to replace former director Brad Bates. At age 37, Jarmond arrived on the Heights from Ohio State, where he had served as deputy director of athletics.
Oct. 20, 2017 – Students March in Solidarity
After two Black Lives Matter posters were vandalized at BC in 2017 and a racist Snapchat circulated around campus, students organized the Silence is Still Violence march—and thousands gathered to show solidarity with the black community at BC. The march highlighted BC’s continuing need for progress toward racial equality. During the demonstration, students noted the lack of diversity and inadequate racial sensitivity training on campus. In response to student demands, the University launched a mandatory DiversityEdu module and conducted its first-ever Student Experience Survey, though there is still progress to be made.
Dec. 9, 2017 – Men’s Basketball Upsets No. 1 Duke
In 2017, and still today, Duke men’s basketball is a force to be reckoned with. Even so, the unranked Eagles took down the unbeaten Blue Devils to secure BC’s biggest upset of the year, and possibly of the decade.
April 9, 2018 – BC Leaves Student Information Vulnerable
A 2017 Heights investigation found that errors in Google Groups permission settings allowed for sensitive documents to be accessed by anyone with BC Google Suite access. The investigation resulted in a fix by BC Information Technology Services and eventually a platform-wide fix by Google.
May 4, 2018 – B.o.B Provokes Controversy
The Campus Activities Board announced that rapper B.o.B would headline Modstock, prompting outrage from students and faculty members over the artist’s anti-Semitic views. Despite the pushback, the concert went on as planned.
Nov. 9, 2018 – College GameDay Comes to Campus
After earning an AP Poll ranking of No. 17 , the Eagles earned a visit from ESPN’s College GameDay, dubbed by The Heights as a “Once-in-a-Decade Experience.” The Eagles went on to lose their game to No. 2 Clemson, as Lee Corso predicted, but the loss didn’t diminish the thrill of the national spotlight.
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