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Dear Members of the Emmanuel College Community,
Earlier today we received the sad news of the loss of a longtime friend and champion of Emmanuel. Jack Connors, Jr.—two-time Trustee, honorary degree recipient, generous benefactor, and 2024 Commencement Speaker—passed away at his home in Brookline.
With his unwavering commitment and wise counsel, Jack played an important role in ensuring the vibrancy of Emmanuel’s Catholic educational mission in changing times. Most recently, as Chair of the Board of Trustees’ Development Committee and as Co-Chair of the Campaign for Our Second Century, Jack set in motion the planning, collaboration, and momentum that led ultimately to our success in surpassing the campaign’s $50 million goal.
Jack’s strategic vision and big-hearted dedication will long be felt in the lives of current and former Emmanuel students—as well as in the life of the city he loved. Indeed, Boston’s growing recognition on the world stage is a testament to Jack’s determination to advance our city’s institutions and to empower its people and communities.
Even before he achieved legendary business success as founding partner of Hill, Holliday, Connors, Cosmopulous, Jack displayed a strong impulse for giving back and a flair for connecting people and organizations. For years he served on an array of boards, including terms as Chair of the Board of Partners HealthCare, now Mass General Brigham, and Chair of the Board of his alma mater, Boston College. As Chair of the Campaign for Catholic Schools, Jack brought critical educational and growth opportunities to children from the city’s poorest neighborhoods. In addition, in 2007 he established Camp Harbor View, which provides summer recreation, leadership training, and year-round family support services to youth from lower-income backgrounds—all at no cost.
What an honor it was, just two months ago, to welcome Jack to campus and to hear his Commencement address to the Class of 2024. With characteristic insight and humor, he invited our graduates to see their diploma as a “ticket to the future” and to become the architects of their own destinies. Moreover, he encouraged us all to play a role in addressing inequities in our city and throughout the world. “If you find success,” he said, “bring someone with you. Help them become successful, too. The joy of helping others is quite real.”
On behalf of the entire Emmanuel community, I express sincerest condolences to Jack’s beloved wife, Eileen, and to his children and grandchildren. And I invite all of us to offer prayers of gratitude for Jack’s inspiring example of leadership and kindness—and for all he did to make a hope-filled future quite real at Emmanuel and far beyond.
Beth Ross, Ed.D.
President