Why the End of a Presidency Matters to All of Us
When we hear that the presidency of William P. Leahy, S.J., concludes, our first reaction might be a simple “goodbye” to a chapter that shaped Boston College for a decade. But as a community of learners, we know that leadership transitions are not just administrative footnotes; they are inflection points that ripple through our curricula, our campus culture, and the value we assign to our degrees. In this moment, we must ask ourselves how the end of one era influences the next, and what responsibilities we bear in shaping that future.
We have watched the class of 2024 navigate the pandemic, tuition hikes, and shifting job markets. Each of those pressures has forced us to reconsider the purpose of higher education. The article “Will Your Degree Still Matter in 2030? No More Throwaway Courses” asks the right question about the relevance of our diplomas in a world that rewards adaptability over accumulation. As Leahy’s presidency draws to a close, the conversation about degree relevance becomes urgent. Are our programs still designed to cultivate critical thinking, or have they slid into credentialism? Our collective voice can push administrators to audit curricula, integrate experiential learning, and ensure that every course earns its place in a student’s journey.
Another lens through which we view this transition is the spiritual and ethical dimension that Jesuit education espouses. Leahy’s tenure was marked by a commitment to service, social justice, and the formation of the whole person. That legacy does not vanish with a resignation; it must be carried forward by the next leader and, importantly, by us — the students who embody that mission daily. When we engage in service projects, advocacy, or community‑based research, we are living the very values that the presidency has championed. By staying engaged, we give the incoming administration a concrete example of what a vibrant, student‑driven community looks like.
Financial considerations also loom large. Tuition adjustments, scholarship allocations, and campus infrastructure projects are often decided at the presidential level. The end of Leahy’s term invites us to reflect on how his policies have shaped our financial realities. Have we seen a reduction in hidden fees? Have scholarship funds grown? The answer will inform our expectations for the next administration. Moreover, we can leverage our collective bargaining power — through student government, alumni networks, and social media — to hold future leaders accountable for transparency and fiscal responsibility.
Campus life is another arena where the presidency’s impact is felt. From dining hall redesigns to mental‑health resources, every decision shapes the day‑to‑day experience of thousands of students. As we look ahead, we should consider how the next president envisions student wellness, inclusion, and belonging. Will they prioritize mental‑health funding? Will they expand pathways for underrepresented voices? These are not abstract ideals; they are concrete policies that affect our grades, our friendships, and our mental health. By articulating our priorities now, we set the agenda for what comes next.
Finally, the act of bidding farewell to a presidency is an opportunity for communal reflection. We can organize town halls, write Op‑eds, or create digital forums where students, faculty, and staff share memories and hopes. This collective storytelling not only honors Leahy’s contributions but also provides a roadmap for the future. In doing so, we practice the very skill — critical narrative building — that our education should be delivering. As the article “Hello world!” reminds us, every new beginning is a chance to write a fresh story, and we are the authors of that story.
In sum, the end of William P. Leahy’s presidency is not just a bureaucratic footnote; it is a catalyst for conversation, action, and accountability. As students who will graduate, transfer, or continue our studies, we hold the power to influence how the next chapter unfolds. Let us use this moment to demand curricula that matter, resources that support us, and leadership that reflects our shared values. The future of Boston College — and of higher education at large — depends on the choices we make today.
This piece was inspired by reporting from Boston College: The presidency of William P. Leahy, S.J., concludes – Boston College.