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Professor James Anderson of the economics department became the first professor to receive the William B. Neenan, S.J. Millenium Chair in Economics this Wednesday in honor of his extensive work on international trade theory as a global leader in his field.
"Today we recognize Jim Anderson as the worthy recipient of the Neenan Chair," said University President Rev. William P. Leahy, S.J. "We are indebted to him for his work on our campus, in our economics department that heighten the academic profile of Boston College."
Anderson's loyalty to the University was cited by several administrators, including Rev. William Neenan, S.J., special assistant to the President and namesake for the chair.
"Jim, I've known you since I've been at Boston College, and you are not only a leader in the field of economics, but also a very loyal member of the econ department here at BC," said Neenan.
Joseph Quinn, dean of A&S referred to Anderson's notable dedication to his field, his students, and to the University.
"When I think about the architects who built the economics department, two names come to mind," said Quinn. "One is Alice Bourneuf, after whom the academic office was named when Bill Neenan resided in it, and Jim Anderson."
"For 35 years, Jim Anderson has stood for academic excellence at Boston College," he added. "Excellence in advising by introducing his 28 doctoral students to the frontiers of economics and sending them off to very successful careers and in realizing that the recognition and the quality of undergraduate and graduate experience of the department depends critically on the quality and dedication of the faculty."
Quinn also cited Anderson's expanding interests in his field, which is unlike many academics that may focus on a very narrow field of expertise.
"Good departments are built by individuals," said Quinn. "Individuals who have a vision and stick to it."
After his introduction, Anderson proceeded to thank Margaret and Thomas Vanderslice, both BC '53, for their generous donation to the endowed chair, as well as to recognize the honor that accompanies it.
"I am grateful for the many ways in which Boston College has fostered my career," said Anderson.
"I'm especially pleased that this chair is named for Bill Neenan, a friend and mentor for 25 years. We share the same vision for Boston College at present and the Boston College to come."
Anderson proceeded to give a presentation on how trade costs affect economic welfare through a series of slides. His research was published in the Journal of Economic Literature.
The presentation of the chair continued to recognize the prestige behind the recently established Neenan Chair, with many kind words and praise from Neenan's colleagues. Academic Vice President Jack Neuhauser cited Neenan's integral role on BC's campus by proposing the construction of a new fountain.
"For our next fountain on campus we're just going to wait for him to slow down on one of his walks, put a mold around him, and fill him with some water," said Neuhauser. Others noted Neenan's charm and his continued ability to be a welcoming presence at the University.
"This is an event to honor Fr. Bill Neenan because there is no more respected or admired individual on this campus," said Vanderslice. "I personally want to thank you, God bless you for all you do for Boston College."
"Fr. Neenan has not only been a lead scholar in the economics department, but he has a genius for his associations with people," said University Chancellor Rev. J. Donald Monan, S.J.
"I think that he's done so much to help build communication in the school," he added. "His ability to bring people out and make them feel welcome is truly wonderful." Neenan has been a member of the BC community since 1979, and was the University's first Gasson professor.
He assumed the deanship of the College of Arts and Sciences in 1980 and was named academic vice president in 1987. He is currently vice president and assistant to the president. The chair bearing his name was created in May 2004.
The Vanderslices have funded two other chairs at BC, including the Margaret A. and Thomas A. Vanderslice Chair in Chemistry and the Patricia and Joseph T. Vanderslice Millenium Chair in Chemistry.
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