During the course of his presidency (1972 to 1996) Fr. Monan took the University from being $30 million in debt to having an endowment of $575 million. A brilliant fundraiser, he elevated Boston College’s research, teaching, and athletic profiles to levels of high distinction, and a consequence of this was the frequent association of Monan and Boston College with international figures of cultural prestige, some of whom are featured here in meetings with our former president.