‘Post’ Correspondent, Ceci Connolly, Returns to Campus

"Learn how to be critical thinkers, and you will be able to do anything you set your mind to," said Ceci Connolly, former chief health policy correspondent of The Washington Post, as she concluded her talk at Boston College yesterday evening.

BC was honored to welcome back one of its most renowned alumni, who some may recognize from her regular appearances on Fox News Sunday, PBS, The Early Show, and NPR.

Taking her place in front of a sign commemorating the 50th anniversary of the communication department at BC, Connolly commanded the attention of a room full of students with a unique, elegant flair.

"Although it is the 50th anniversary of the communication department, I, indeed was not here 50 years ago," Connolly said before beginning her talk. She proceeded with outlining the highlights of her 25-year long career in journalism, which included the coverage of seven presidential campaigns, three hurricanes, and two national healthcare debates. She has covered stories that range from the intense presidential election of 2000 to President Barack Obama's healthcare reform. Some of her most memorable life experiences took place while on the job—these include an experimental smallpox vaccine, a trip to Mexico that lasted for three years, and perhaps her most overbearing task—the SAT.

"Some say that being a reporter is like getting a front row seat to history, but I like to consider it a backstage pass," said Connolly. One story that remains a standout in her career is the Terri Schiavo case. Connolly chronicled the events that unfolded as she spent 24 hours in a Florida hospice that was surrounded by a "siege" of reporters, all hoping to gain an advantage over the other. She stated that her time covering the Schiavo case provided her with more than a good story, but an inside look at a critical aspect of the healthcare industry. "Healthcare stories are so dear to me because they tell of people whose lives are deeply impacted," Connolly said before she segued into a recount of her unbearably long coverage of Al Gore's presidential campaign.

Having just transitioned from her career as a journalist to one as a consultant, Connolly is also in the process of publishing her book, Landmark: The Inside Story of America's New Health-Care Law and What It Means for Us All.

She is currently a senior adviser in the McKinsey Center for Health Reform, researching high-quality, affordable healthcare. When asked why she ended her life as a reporter, Connolly responded that she was ready for a new challenge and did not want to be around to witness the death of an industry she loves. The world of journalism is rapidly changing, and she predicts that the vast majority of newspapers will disappear in five years. "It is up to you to figure out a new business model because right now the size of newspapers, as well as journalistic ambitions, are shrinking," Connolly said to her BC audience.

"All of us here are fortunate to see and hear her," said Rev. William B. Neenan, S.J. as he introduced the former Heights editor-in-chief. BC was indeed fortunate to not only see Connolly, but to learn from her array of experiences and words of wisdom. ♦