Boston College Athletics
2004 - 2005 Recent Significant Commitments and Accomplishments
July 06, 2000 | Boston College Athletics
Alumni, parents and friends of Boston College Athletics contributed a record $12 million in cash contributions for the first time ever. It is the 12th consecutive year that Athletics has set a new fundraising record.
Funding for the Yawkey Athletics Center surpassed $27 million, making it the first facility on campus that is 100% privately funded. More than 100 former football players contributed to this project including 12 who made special gifts to name a room in the building. All major benefactors to this building were invited to tour the facility on May 5 during a celebration gala thanking them for their support.
In addition, Athletics secured 35 gifts of $100,000 or more supporting the Flynn Fund, Yawkey Athletics Center and Endowed Scholarships, the most six-figure gifts during one year in the history of Boston College Athletics and a 60% increase over last year's total.
During the 2004-2005 academic year, there were several gifts of note contributing to our success:
Jim Skeffington '64 made a $500,000 pledge to name the Football Staff Conference Room in the Yawkey Athletics Center and to establish an endowed scholarship to benefit a student-athlete from Rhode Island.
Jilian Braga Hayes '86 made a $100,000 commitment to name a room in Learning Resources for Student-Athletes of the Yawkey Center. The Learning Resources suite includes tutorial offices, academic counselor's offices and computer labs. All 750 of BC's student-athletes benefit from this welcomed addition to the athletic department.
Former men's tennis coach Michael P. MacDonald '68 made a $100,000 gift to support operating expenses for the men's tennis team. In addition to his generous support, Mike has given generously of his time to support fundraising activities for the team.
Three brothers, who were all athletes at the Heights, joined together to establish an endowed scholarship fund. John Hayes '92 (football), Michael Hayes '87 (golf) and David Hayes '88 (golf) named the fund in honor of their family that is awarded to a student-athlete from the Albany, NY area.
The Thomas McElroy Memorial Scholarship Fund became the first scholarship to surpass $1,000,000. Established in 1983 in memory of soccer goalie Tom McElroy '80, the fund has been supported by many friends and family through their generous support of an annual golf tournament and, formerly, dinner/dance. It is the most successful memorial athletic scholarship at BC.
David P. O'Connor '86 made a $100,000 commitment to the Yawkey Athletics Center in memory of his friend Stephen M. Lauble '86. In addition to his generosity, Dave continues to be an active volunteer with the Wall Street Council and his class reunion fundraising efforts.
Former BC Football players continue to play a major role in our fundraising efforts. Included among gifts from former players were:
Dave Nugent '87 and his wife Michelle committed $250,000. A portion of their gift will augment their already established endowed scholarship fund and the remainder will support the Yawkey Athletics Center.
Steve Strachan '85 committed $100,000 to name a room in the Yawkey Athletics Center. Strachan was the Offensive MVP of the 1985 Cotton Bowl and went on to enjoy a NFL career with the Raiders.
Linebacker Stephen Boyd '94, who enjoyed seven NFL seasons with the Detroit Lions, named a room in the Yawkey Athletics Center. He retired as the Lions' third all-time leading tackler.
Timothy Connors '76 receives Curley Award
Timothy Connors, Jr. '76 was presented with the fifth annual John P. Curley '13 Award during the Volunteer Tribute Dinner in April. The award is given annually to an individual who has made an extraordinary commitment of his or her time and resources to advancing the efforts of Boston College and its athletic department.
Connors, a dedicated volunteer and member of the Wall Street Executive Committee, is the CEO and President of Independent TV Network. He and his wife Debra, '77 live in Rye, NY and are the parents of Kimberly '02 and Timothy '05 a member of the men's golf team. Connors' contribution to the golf program and BC Athletics total more than $1.6 million.
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| Former football players Brian Brennan '84 (left) and Doug Flutie '85 (right) teamed up to make a gift in honor of their coach Barry Gallup '69 (center). |
2003-2004
For the 11th consecutive year, Athletics has set a new fundraising record. Following the historic Ever to Excel Campaign, Athletics surpassed $11 million in cash contributions for the first time ever.
The Flynn Fund experienced its second best year ever, only behind last year's $24 million. Alumni, parents and friends of Boston College Athletics contributed more than $11 million during the 2003-04 fiscal year. In 1994 contributions totaled only $2 million.
Fundraising growth has benefited the athletic department's two major priorities: the Yawkey Athletics Center and endowed athletic scholarships. Currently, athletic development has raised $24 million towards the $26 million Yawkey Athletics Center as of July, 2004. With an additional $2 million, the Yawkey Athletics Center will become the first 100% privately funded facility at Boston College.
Endowed scholarships continue to be a growing source of funding for the athletic department. Currently, there are over 100 athletic named endowed funds benefiting our student-athletes. This academic year 72 student-athletes will receive financial aid as a result of these funds. Since 2000 over 250 student-athletes has received aid from endowed scholarships.
During the 2003-2004 academic year, there were several gifts of note contributing to our success:
James J. Derba `51 pledged $500,000 towards the construction of the Yawkey Athletics Center. Jim and his wife Joan have been long-time supporters of BC Athletics. Derba's gift honors his wife of 54 years whom he married during his sophomore year at BC.
Kevin J. Ahearn '70 committed $100,000 to endow a men's ice hockey scholarship named after his former friend John Cunniff '66. The fund is the 11th scholarship specifically benefiting men's ice hockey. Cunniff is BC's only two-time Beanpot MVP and a member of the Beanpot Hall of Fame. He was a member of the 1968 U.S. Olympic team and registered 153 career points at the Heights.
Funds specifically benefiting women's athletics increased by 50% over the past year; two $100,000 funds specifically benefiting women's athletics include the Lemay Family Athletics Scholarship given by Peter '79 and Jean '82 Lemay and the Roe Family Scholarship Fund, a commitment from John Roe, Jr. (P '07).
The Gridiron Club committed $100,000 to support the construction of the Yawkey Athletics Center. A room will be named in memory of Darren Douglas Gallup, the son of Assistant Athletic Director for Football Operations, Barry Gallup. Over the years, the Gridiron Club (formerly the Touchdown Club) has contributed to the football program's success in many ways including the purchase of equipment and the hosting of many different events including their annual recruiting dinner and golf outing.
Nearly two decades after connecting on the field for the Eagles, former football players Brian Brennan '84 and Heisman Trophy Winner Doug Flutie '85 teamed up again to make a gift in honor of their coach Barry Gallup '69. Their generosity will name the quarterbacks and receivers room in the Yawkey Athletics Center after Gallup.
The Eddie Pellagrini Scholarship Fund, established by members of the BC Diamond Club and former players and friends of the long time BC Baseball Coach, recently surpassed $300,000. The fund is among the largest of the baseball program's four endowed scholarships. Pellagrini, BC's coach for 31 years, led the 1960, 1961 and 1967 teams to the College World Series. An eight year major league player, including two with the Boston Red Sox, Pellagrini amassed 359 coaching victories at the Heights.
The women's lacrosse team received a monumental commitment of $250,000 from University Trustee Frank Doyle `70. Frank and his wife Donna are parents of two Boston College graduates, Alex '98 and Shannon '94, both of whom played lacrosse while at the Heights. This marks the first fund designated specifically for women's lacrosse.
Harrington Named Fourth Recipient of the Curley Award
John L. Harrington '57, CGSOM '66 was named the recipient of the fourth annual John P. Curley '13 Award. The award is given annually to an individual who has made and extraordinary commitment of his or her time and resources to advancing the efforts of Boston College and its athletic association. Harrington was honored at the Volunteer Tribute Dinner in April.
The award is named after Curley, who served as the graduate manager of athletics (a similar position to director of athletics) from 1929-1957, and whose far-sighted, dynamic and innovative leadership enabled Boston College to become one of the nation's outstanding athletic programs. He was the senior football manager in 1912 and capped his career by acting as director of athletic facilities from 1957-65.
Harrington is a trustee, former professor of accounting and former president of the Alumni Association. A member of the Varsity Club Hall of Fame, Harrington has given generously of his time and resources to his alma mater over the years. He was Chair of the Campaign that raised funds for Conte Forum and he and his wife Maureen are the parents of three children, all of whom attended Boston College. In addition to his personal commitments, Harrington was honored last year when an endowed athletic scholarship was named for him. The John L. Harrington `57, CGSOM `66 Scholar-Athlete Fund provides financial assistance to a student-athlete who exhibits Harrington's traits: sound moral character, exemplary academic performance and skilled athletic pursuits. Harrington is also the Executive Director of the Yawkey Foundation and is the former CEO and GM of the Boston Red Sox.
2002-2003
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The $53 million raised during the Ever to Excel Campaign represents the most successful fundraising initiative in the history of Boston College Athletics. Gifts secured during the campaign exceeded the total dollars committed during the previous 30 years.
Alumni, Parents and Friends of Boston College Athletics pledged $9 million this year. In addition, a $15 million grant from The Yawkey Foundation, for our soon to be constructed Yawkey Athletic Center, brought our fundraising totals to $24 million. Included among those gifts to BC athletics are 80 gifts of $100,000 or more. Former student-athletes continue to be among our most generous benefactors as 22 have made commitments of $100,000 or more.
Our student athletes continue to directly benefit from our donor's generosity, as this academic year 61 student-athletes will receive financial aid as a result of endowed scholarships.
During the 2002-2003 academic year, there were several gifts of note contributing to our success:
University Trustee and Athletic Campaign Committee Chairman Greg Barber '69 and his wife Geraldine pledged an additional $1 million for the Yawkey Athletic Center project. The Barber's remain the single largest individual donors to BC Athletics and have committed over $3.5 million to support our student-athletes. The Barber family previously endowed the Head Football Coaching Position - the first endowed coaching position at BC.
The Pike's Peak Hockey Club distinguished itself by making the largest commitment by a Boston College support group. The club's $150,000 gift will permanently endow a scholarship for a member of the men's hockey program. Pike's Peak was founded shortly after BC's first National Championship in 1949 and has supported our men's hockey program in many ways for over 50 years.
Edward F. Coakley '57, a former hockey player and captain of the golf team, became the first former student-athlete to endow two scholarships. Coakley recently funded an endowed hockey scholarship in addition to his previously established golf scholarship. Coakley is one of five siblings to call the Heights home as the brother of Paul '49, George '65, Gerald '50, '62, and John '52, '54.
Dr. John C. McManama '37, a team physician for more than 34 years and parent of eight BC graduates, has been joined by his family in committing $100,000 to endow a women's basketball scholarship. The fund is in memory of McManama's wife Barbara. In addition, several friends and colleagues of the McManama family have chosen to contribute to the fund.
A gift of $500,000 has been made in honor of John L. Harrington '57, CGSOM '66. Harrington is a trustee, former professor of accounting and former president of the Alumni Association. The gift will establish the John L. Harrington '57, CGSOM '66 Scholar-Athlete Fund.
All-America linebacker Peter Cronan '77 pledged $100,000 for the Yawkey Athletic Center. A former Eagle standout and current Eagle radio analyst, Cronan becomes the first former NFL player to support this project at the leadership gift level. A nine-year veteran, Cronan was a member of the 1982 Super Bowl Champion Washington Redskins.
Joe Winn '73, P'06, made a $250,000 commitment to women's athletics. The Joseph L. Winn III Scholarship Fund will provide financial aid to a student-athlete partipating in softball or hockey. Winn is hopeful that his gift will inspire other supporters of women's athletics to make similar commitments. The Winn Scholarship is the largest funded endowed scholarship for women's athletics.
Healy Named Third Recipient of the Curley Award
Dr. Gerald B. Healy '63 was named the recipient of the third annual John P. Curley '13 Award. The award is given annually to an individual who has made and extraordinary commitment of his or her time and resources to advancing the efforts of Boston College and its athletic association. Healy was honored at the Volunteer Tribute Dinner in April.
The award is named after Curley, who served as the graduate manager of athletics (a similar position to director of athletics) from 1929-1957, and whose far-sighted, dynamic and innovative leadership enabled Boston College to become one of the nation's outstanding athletic programs. He was the senior football manager in 1912 and capped his career by acting as director of athletic facilities from 1957-65.
Healy has served his alma mater in a variety of capacities including the Athletic Campaign Committee, chairing the Athletic Development Committee and co-chairing the Class of 1963 reunion gift efforts. In 1993 he and his wife established The Anne and Gerald B. Healy Scholarship for Academic Excellence. The $350,000 scholarship fund provides financial aid to a student-athlete who has demonstrated academic excellence receiving the highest cumulative grade point average in the football program. In addition, Healy has been repsonisble for securing more than $1 million in donations for endowed athletic scholarships.
2001-2002
During the 2001-2002 academic year, there were several gifts of note:
John F. Walsh'65, a former scholarship football player from Quincy, MA, has committed $500,000 to establish an endowed scholarship for football. John, a longtime donor to BC, recently retired from his position at Warner-Lambert and made his commitment after visiting the BC campus for the first time in 15 years. Walsh's gift is the largest contribution ever to BC athletics from a former football player.
Charles P. Smith '66, a former captain of the football team, and his wife Elizabeth Kelly Smith'67, have pledged $300,000 to the capital campaign. $200,000 will be used to establish an endowed fund in memory of their granddaughter Carolyn, while the remaining $100,000 is designated for the proposed varsity athletic center. Charlie and Bitsy's four children are all BC graduates: Jacqueline'91, Mary'92, Kathleen'94 and Charles Jr.'97, a former member of the BC football team.
William J. Cunningham, Jr.'57 and his wife Joan have established a $125,000 golf scholarship in memory of their son William III. Bill, an avid golfer, is a former president of the Alumni Association and has been a loyal and longtime supporter of Boston College athletics. The gift was also made in honor of Bill's 45th class reunion.
Richard G. Hajjar '79, a former football manager, has established a $100,000 endowed athletic scholarship in honor of his father William J. Hajjar'49. The Hajjar family has been loyal supporters of Eagle athletics and boasts of a longtime tradition of BC graduates. Several of Rick's siblings have also chosen to contribute to their father's fund.
Scott J. Harrington '85, a former captain and member of the 1985 Cotton Bowl team, and his wife Kathleen'87 have committed $100,000 for the proposed varsity athletic center. As a defensive lineman for the football team, Harrington helped lead the Eagles to a 27-8 record over his last three seasons at the Heights, including three straight bowl appearances.
Scott A. Gieselman '85, CGSOM'88, a member of the 1985 Cotton Bowl team, has committed $100,000 to the proposed varsity athletic center. Gieselman garnered many honors during his career at the Heights including All-ECAC, Associated Press All-East and Associated Press All-America honorable mention.
Branca Named Second Recipient of the Curley Award
The late Alfred W. Branca '39 was named the recipient of the second annual John P. Curley'13 Award. The award is given annually to an individual who has made and extraordinary commitment of his or her time and resources to advancing the efforts of Boston College and its athletic association. Al's family notified him of the award shortly before his death on March 5, 2002.
The award is named after Curley, who served as the graduate manager of athletics (a similar position to director of athletics) from 1929-1957, and whose far-sighted, dynamic and innovative leadership enabled Boston College to become one of the nation's outstanding athletic programs. He was the senior football manager in 1912 and capped his career by acting as director of athletic facilities from 1957-65. Al was among the first members inducted into the BC Varsity Club Hall of Fame.
Branca and his wife Anne have six children and eleven total degrees from Boston College between their entire family. In 1969, Al and a small group of BC alumni joined together to form The Blue Chips of Boston College Athletics, the predecessor to the Flynn Fund. Blue Chips was dedicated to the continued growth and improvement of the athletic program at BC. The goal of the group was to help meet the ever-growing operation expenses and scholarship cost necessary to maintain a nationally competitive athletic program. Gifts were used to handle costs that were above and beyond the University's regular budget. Al's role as the founder and first chairman of Blue Chips was critical to the Athletic Association securing many millions of dollars in private support. His foresight and vision laid the foundation for all of our current development efforts for athletics.
2000-2001
- T.J. Fitzpatrick '84, a former member of the football team, pledged $350,000 to establish an endowed scholarship for a student-athlete enrolled in graduate school. The fund will be named in honor of assistant athletic director for football operations, Barry Gallup '69, who was Fitzpatrick's assistant coach.
- Dan '74 and Mary Pat '75 Kilcullen have committed $250,000 to establish an endowed men's basketball scholarship for a scholar-athlete. Dan is a former BC men's basketball player and was captain of the 1973-74 team. The Killcullen's gift is the largest ever to the basketball program.
- Joe '68, Bill '75 and Bob '75 Norberg have increased their commitment to $380,000 for their previously endowed scholarship for men's ice hockey. The fund is named in memory of their father, George Norberg '39, a former men's ice hockey player at BC.
- Jim Foley '51, GA&S '53 and his late wife Edwina Burns Foley have established an endowed athletic scholarship in honor of his 50th class reunion with a $250,000 gift. The Foley family has been longtime basketball, hockey and football season ticket holders and fundraising volunteers.
- Bob LeBlanc '71 and his wife Peggy have increased their campaign pledge to $200,000 and have established an endowed football scholarship in memory of Bob's father. Quarterback Brian St. Pierre '02 is this year's scholarship recipient.
- Julian D'Agostine, Esq., L'53, GA&S'62 has pledged $100,000 to establish an endowed athletic scholarship. This is the second athletic scholarship that Julian has funded. He has been attending Boston College football games since 1939.
- Tom Giblin, M.D. '50 and his late wife Joan pledged $100,000 to establish a scholarship in their name for a scholar-athlete participating in football or men's basketball. The Giblin Family has been closely involved with the Athletic Association for more than 50 years as season ticket holders and volunteers.
- An alumnus has committed $100,000 to establish the Pennick and Duque Fund for Women's Basketball and Softball. The fund will provide incremental support to the existing operating budgets of both sports.
1999-2000
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- Dr. Ed O 'Brien '63, former president of the BC Alumni Association, committed $350,000 to fully endow a tuition scholarship for a member of the men 's ice hockey team.
- Bob Howe '68 was joined by his son Christopher '93 and daughter Jennifer '00 in pledging $250,000 to establish the Howe Family Scholarship Fund, providing support for student-athletes in need of financial aid.
- John J. Burns, Jr. '53 and other football players who played for Mike Holovak '43 have given $300,000 to endow a football coaching position for a graduate assistant, in honor of Holovak, a former BC player and head coach, and a member of the National Football Foundation College Hall of Fame.
- In honor of his 50th class reunion, John Wisniewski '50 and his wife Jeanne have increased their commitment to $400,000 for their previously endowed football scholarship.
- Former co-captain and scholarship football player Dave Nugent '87 donated $100,000 to establish the Nugent Family Football Scholarship.
- Jon '83 and Patty '83 (O'Hagan) Schoen donated $100,000 to establish a scholarship in memory of Jon's mother, Anne. This represents the first gift from a husband and wife who are both former student-athletes. Jon is a former football player and Scanlan Award winner, and Patty is a former track and field and field hockey player.
- Tom "Red" Martin '61 and his son, T.J. '86, donated $100,000 to establish the Martin Family Hockey Scholarship Fund. Tom is a member of the BC Hall of Fame and recently had his sweater retired in Kelley Rink.
- Ed Coakley '57, a former hockey player and captain of the golf team, donated $100,000 to establish the Edward F. Coakley '57 Golf Scholarship.
- John V. Murphy '71 and his wife Kathleen committed $250,000 to establish the James G. Murphy Memorial Scholarship Fund (in honor of John's father and brother) for a student-athlete in an Olympic sport. John is a former president of the BC Varsity Club.
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1998-1999
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- Greg '69 and Geraldine Barber and their family made the largest single contribution ever to Boston College Athletics - $2.5 million earmarked to permanently endow the position of head football coach.
- Gerry '63 and Anne Healy contributed $350,000 to fully endow a tuition scholarship for the football student-athlete with the highest GPA.
- J. Barry Driscoll '52 and his family donated $350,000 to endow a scholarship for men's and women's ice hockey. Joining Barry in the gift were his sons Brian '79, Dennis '81 and his daughter Sally '89.
- Brian and Joanne Pollock and their family donated $100,000 to begin an endowed scholarship for women's athletics, the first of its kind. Their donation represents the largest gift in the history specifically earmarked for women's athletics.
