It had been 3,654 days since a maroon and gold Boston College flag flew at the Waldorf Astoria in New York City. But it was worth the wait. 

After an eight-year restoration project on the iconic building that hotel magnate Conrad Hilton called “The Greatest of Them All,” BC returned for the 36th annual Wall Street Business Leadership Council Tribute Dinner on April 23.  

The fundraiser that provides scholarships for students in the Gabelli Presidential Scholars Program generated $4.4 million, the most money in the event’s history and more than double what it had raised in 2016, the last time it was held at the Waldorf Astoria. In total, gifts made to the Tribute Dinner have surpassed $60 million.

Wall Street Business Leadership Council Co-Chair and University Trustee Jacqui Canney ’89, P’21, shared the good news while thanking the 850 guests in attendance. “Countless individuals are responsible for our prolonged success. They are in the audience tonight and afar. What they have in common is a desire to support greatness and provide the kind of transformative education that only Boston College can offer,” Canney said.

Gratitude was a recurring theme throughout the evening, particularly in remarks from University President William P. Leahy, S.J. 

“I feel deep gratitude this evening for the mission, heritage, and culture of Boston College. BC is a vibrant, cohesive community and a special place—more needed today than ever, committed to the liberal arts, formative education, quality teaching, research, scholarship, global outreach and impact, and its distinctive Jesuit, Catholic intellectual and religious traditions,” Fr. Leahy said.

In his remarks, Wall Street Business Leadership Council Co-Chair and University Trustee Jon Rather ’82, P’10, ’12, ’14, ’17, gave special recognition to notable guests such as Clement and Elizabeth Izzi Family Head Men’s Basketball Coach Luke Murray; Women’s Basketball Head Coach Kate Popovec-Goss; and Alison Crowther, P’99, ’01, mother of Welles Crowther ’99. But he saved his most important shoutout for Fr. Leahy, urging the audience to give the outgoing University President a prolonged ovation. “On behalf of the BC community, we would all like to thank Fr. Leahy for his 30 years of outstanding service and deep commitment to the Jesuit values,” Rather said.

In a video presentation, Presidential Scholars from the Class of 2026, who were among the night’s special guests, shared insights into how the program and the members of their cohort impacted their time at BC. 

“Thank you for your contributions and your endless support. It’s enabled me to pursue my academic interests, build a community and lifelong friendships, and to grow—not just intellectually but emotionally,” said Beacon Group Presidential Scholar Caroline Ahn ’26, a senior from Fulton, Maryland, who next year plans to enroll in a public health master’s program at the Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health.

“There’s nothing like the support for discernment and for personal and academic and career freedom that this kind of opportunity provides. I’m really excited about where I’m headed, and I cannot imagine being where I am today without all that this program afforded me,” added Gabelli Distinguished Presidential Scholar Jared Aimone ’26, an economics and mathematics major from Long Beach, California.

Boston College Presidential Scholars come from the top two percent of the national pool of freshman applicants. On top of that, they possess outstanding academic records, hold leadership roles in their school, and have a demonstrated interest in community service. There are 11 Presidential Scholars in the Class of 2026, 66 currently enrolled at BC, and more than 400 alumni, including Patricia Noonan ’07, Aidan O’Neill ’23, and Charlie Viehl ’23, who entertained guests with musical performances throughout the evening. 

In addition to supporting BC’s best and brightest students, the Tribute Dinner hosted the presentation of the President’s Medal for Excellence. The honoree was John F. Fish, P’13, ’18, ’23, chair of the Board of Trustees and co-chair of Soaring Higher: the Campaign for Boston College.  

Fish, who is chairman and chief executive officer of Suffolk, was recognized for his life’s work and contributions to society. Suffolk was the leading contractor that restored the Waldorf Astoria to its art deco opulence. During his acceptance remarks, Fish drew parallels between the project and BC.

“This restored building represents history, an important moment in time,” he said. “But the Waldorf Astoria restoration also symbolizes something deeper—a commitment to preserving this building’s soul and boldly defining its future. In many ways, this is exactly what Boston College has done.” 

A graduate of Bowdoin College, Fish was first introduced to BC in 2006 by the legendary Jack Connors ’63, H’07, P’93, ’94, and invited to join the Board of Trustees by Fr. Leahy. He has been a member of the executive, nominations and governance, finance, and buildings and properties committees of the board. In 2014, he became the board’s first non-alum chair. This summer, his term will conclude.

“As I prepare to finish my term as chair, I do so with immense respect for the entire BC community: the faculty, staff, alumni, and students,” Fish said. “I began my relationship with Boston College as an adopted Eagle. I leave the role of chair as something far more meaningful: a grateful Eagle, a proud Eagle, a lifelong Eagle.

“Boston College changed my life. Boston College formed my conscience. Boston College gave me belonging and a true sense of community. And most importantly, Boston College gave me purpose and meaning, which has been its greatest gift of all.”

Click here to check out photos from this unforgettable night!