BC High Announces Transformative Gift from Edmond D. Villani ’64 to establish the Edmond D. Villani Institute for Civil Discourse
Boston, MA — Boston College High is proud to announce a seminal gift from alumnus Edmond D. Villani, PhD, Class of 1964, to establish the Edmond D. Villani Institute for Civil Discourse. Anchored by the Villani Distinguished Faculty Chair in the Humanities, the Villani Institute will set a national standard for excellence and respectful engagement. With university level coursework, the Institute will challenge students with the highest academic rigor while empowering them to lead across the political spectrum. Students will practice listening deeply, reasoning carefully, and engaging in thoughtful, meaningful dialogue on the most pressing issues of our time through seminars, public forums, and curriculum innovation. This transformative gift marks a pivotal moment in the Illuminating Excellence Campaign and ensures a lasting legacy of academic leadership and Jesuit values. The Villani Institute will form young people of conscience and competence—good citizens who build community, bridge differences, and serve the common good.
The Villani Distinguished Faculty Chair will recognize and support exceptional teaching, scholarship, and leadership, and will lead the newly created Villani Seminar for Civil Discourse. We're proud to share that the inaugural Villani Distinguished Faculty Chair in the Humanities will be Mr. Charles Shaw, Esq., who brings a deep professional and ethical commitment to the students of BC High as well as a wealth of expertise in legal and literary worlds.
President Grace Cotter Regan shared her gratitude and the significance of this moment for the school, “Ed Villani’s extraordinary generosity is a testament to the enduring power of a BC High education. This gift is not only a cornerstone of our Illuminating Excellence Campaign, but a lasting legacy that will inspire our faculty and students for years to come. Ed’s vision for civil discourse and ethical leadership is exactly what our world needs, and we are deeply grateful for his partnership in shaping the future of BC High.”
Alison MacDonald, Vice President for Educational Strategy, reflected on the impact for students, “The Villani Chair and Seminar will offer our students a truly transformative experience—one that goes beyond the classroom and prepares them to lead with empathy, courage, and intellectual curiosity. By engaging with diverse perspectives and practicing civil discourse, our students will be uniquely equipped to bridge divides and make a meaningful difference in their communities and beyond.”
Edmond D. Villani ’64 expressed what this gift meant for him. "I'm not sure I fully appreciated while I was in high school, or even for that matter while I was in college at Georgetown, how much of an influence the Jesuits exercised in my development. Of course, my parents set the foundation in my formative years. I believe, without fully appreciating it at the time, the Jesuits impressed upon me how important it was to listen to the views of others and, whether I initially agreed with them or not, to try to understand them. Some might call this developing empathy by learning to walk in the shoes of others. My reason for wanting to establish the center and chair is that I believe fervently in today’s complex and complicated world people frequently are not listening and not capable of engaging in civil discourse. What better place to house the center than in a Jesuit institution committed to exploring and understanding multiple views and with young men preparing themselves to be persons for others. I feel fortunate to be in the position to establish the center and chair. I want it to make a difference in the lives of not only our students, but others as well. I have full confidence that the leadership at BC High will make the most of it."
The creation of the Villani Chair and Seminar is a bold step forward in BC High’s mission to form young men of competence, conscience, and compassion. The school community looks forward to celebrating this milestone and the enduring impact of Ed Villani’s generosity.
Contact:
Colleen Carter
Vice President of External Relations
Boston College High School
ccarter@bchigh.edu