The Senate of the Undergraduate Government of Boston College awarded Joseph Appleyard, SJ, the 2000 John E. Hurley Bald Eagle Alumnus Award, last Wednesday evening.
The award is “in recognition of the loyalty, scholarship, and leadership instilled by a Jesuit education and returned to the Boston College community in steadfast camaraderie.”
Appleyard, BC ’53, is the Vice President of University Mission and Ministry and has taught English Literature at BC since 1967. He has been chair of the English department, Director of the Honors Program in the College of Arts and Sciences and Rector of the Jesuit community.
“This is a nice award,” Appleyard said. “It’s nice because it comes from the students. But there are without a doubt plenty of other distinguished alumni who deserve it.”
“He is a wonderful inspiration and has been since I’ve been here,” said Grace Cotter-Regan, BC ’82 and Executive Director of the Alumni Association, said. “When he was a Jesuit on the Newton Campus, we had wonderful ‘Evenings with the Jesuits.’ There were topical discussions, dinners and debates. It was terrific.”
Senate Chairman Ryan Winmill, A&S ’00, presented the award to Appleyard.
He described Appleyard as “one of the most beloved and valuable members of the BC community” and “making a tremendous impact on the students and faculty.”
Appleyard accepted the award and discussed the history of BC through his experiences. In all, Appleyard has experienced over 50 years of BC history, since he was a student here, which equates to about one third of the time that BC has been a school.
During his speech, he suggested that BC distribute a history of the school to all incoming freshmen, so that they can learn about BC’s Catholic and Jesuit roots.
Appleyard told the audience about the unveiling of the Mods.
He said that builders brought them in with huge cranes so it was a nice photo opportunity.
However, one of the Mods broke loose, as it was being lowered into its spot, collapsed and “just became a pile of matchsticks.”
Appleyard said he is pleased with the progression that BC has made over the years he’s been here. “I’m delighted at all the good changes,” he said.
Edward Mills, A&S ’00, a UGBC senator and Chair of the Bald Eagle Award Committee, said it’s nice that Appleyard received the award because “he’s not someone that will normally be on the front page of The Heights. But everyone seems to know him in this community. It is in the true spirit of the award to give it to someone who’s dedicated to BC and Father Appleyard truly lives that.”
The Bald Eagle Award Committee is a subcommittee of the Senate and nominates several candidates to receive the award each year. The candidates are then presented to the Senate as a whole, and the issue of the recipient is debated on the Senate floor.
Appleyard expressed shock and honor at being chosen over one of BC’s most famous and popular alumni, Doug Flutie. “Most of the people who beat him live in Canada,” Appleyard said. The award is named after John Hurley, BC ’31, because “he was very active in the BC community and an unbelievable alum,” Mills said. “He cherished his time at BC.”
Appleyard has also cherished his time at BC and he said he will “keep going for a few more years, as long as Father Leahy wants me. This is the only place I’ve ever worked. I’ve been a student, a faculty member, and a staff member. It’s my world.”
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