$3 Million Gift Establishes the John A. ’50 and Margarete McNeice Center for Ignatian Identity and Formation

at  Boston College High School

BOSTON, MA – April 15, 2025 – Boston College High School is proud to announce a transformative $3 million gift from the John A. McNeice, Jr. Charitable Foundation to establish the John A. ’50 and Margarete McNeice Center for Ignatian Identity and Formation. This generous gift honors the legacy of John A. McNeice, Jr. ’50, a beloved alumnus whose lifelong commitment to Jesuit ideals of service, faith, and generosity has left an indelible mark on the school.

“For more than 160 years, BC High has shaped leaders across all fields, challenging students to become young men of integrity, educated in faith and justice, and committed to academic excellence and service,” said President Grace Cotter Regan P’12. “The McNeice Center will build upon this mission as a dynamic hub for spiritual and intellectual growth, ensuring that Ignatian principles remain central to the BC High experience. John McNeice’s unparalleled dedication has inspired generations, and this extraordinary gift allows us to honor his legacy by creating a nationally recognized model for Jesuit, Catholic faith formation. The Center will serve as a vibrant force for spiritual growth, community-building, and Ignatian identity, ensuring that John McNeice’s legacy of faith and generosity continues to inspire future generations of BC High students.”

John A. McNeice, Jr. ’50 exemplified the Jesuit ideal of ad majorem Dei gloriam—for the greater glory of God. Over the decades, he served in nearly every leadership role at BC High, including Trustee, Chair of the Board, Trustee Emeritus, among countless other committees. His contributions were transformative, resulting in signature programs, millions in financial aid, scholarships, and the McNeice Pavilion, BC High’s central location for community gatherings.

Further, the McNeice Society, BC High’s highest-level donor society, honors his legacy of generosity and faith-driven leadership. The newly funded McNeice Center for Ignatian Identity and Formation will continue this tradition, ensuring that spiritual development is infused into every dimension of the student experience—both inside and outside the classroom.

"We at the McNeice Foundation, especially myself as John and Margarete’s daughter, are honored to be able to help fund this center. My father often referred to his attending BC High as the turning point in his life. The Center embodies the ideals that shaped my father’s lifelong journey of service and giving back. We feel blessed to have this opportunity" said Margarete McNeice Portanova, the Executive Director of the John A. McNeice, Jr. Charitable Foundation.

Board chair, Kevin Powers '85, P'16 shared, "this gift, which will permanently fund the McNeice Center, comes at a pivotal moment in BC High’s history, as part of the Illuminating Excellence: The Campaign for Boston College High School, the largest fundraising effort in its 160-year history. With a goal of $125 million, the campaign will provide essential resources to advance the school’s mission and legacy of faith and leadership. The McNeice Center will play a critical role in this vision, fostering collaboration between academic disciplines, faith formation, and co-curricular activities."

The Center’s goals include enhancing Jesuit faith formation, creating a welcoming physical space, and becoming a national model for Ignatian formation. Programs will include:

  • Course Designation in Ignatian Identity and Formation: A rigorous program offering students a special distinction in Ignatian studies.
  • Faculty and Staff Formation: Comprehensive training in Ignatian pedagogy and spiritual renewal opportunities.
  • Expanded Collaboration with Student Houses: Programming to deepen students’ connection to their House communities.
  • Sacramental Preparation: Welcoming programs for non-religious or non-practicing students and families.
  • Workshops and Retreats for Parents and Alumni: Opportunities for lifelong engagement with Ignatian spirituality.

The McNeice Center will be guided by a dedicated council and collaborate with the Jesuit Schools Network to share best practices with Jesuit schools nationwide.

About Boston College High School

Founded in 1863, Boston College High School is a Jesuit, Catholic college preparatory school for boys in grades 7–12. For more than 160 years, BC High has challenged students to become leaders of integrity, educated in faith and for justice, and committed to academic excellence and service to others.

For more information, please visit www.bchigh.edu.