News From Boston College: Update to the Boston College Community

CHESTNUT HILL, Mass. (4-15-13) --- Boston College is offering its support to the cities of Boston and Newton in light of today’s explosions near the finish line of the Boston Marathon. BC is located at mile 21 of the Marathon, more than 5 miles from where the explosions occurred.

Race officials stopped runners at Boston College when the explosions were reported. St Ignatius Church, on Commonwealth Avenue at the edge of the BC campus, was opened as a staging area for runners to seek water, nutrition and warmth.

Boston Police have reported that 2 people were killed and many others wounded as a result of the explosions. They have not released the names of the victims at this time, pending notification of families.

Boston College Police have stated that they see no threat to the BC campus, but ask all members of the BC community to remain vigilant. Newton Police have established their command center in front of St Ignatius Church to coordinate their outreach. Boston Police have asked that individuals avoid the Marathon area to allow police and emergency personnel to gain access without delay.

Several hundred BC students ran the Marathon this year to raise money for the Campus School. While there have been no reports of issues, BC runners are asked to email Campus School officials at csvbcmarathon@gmail.com or tweet them at @CSVBC_Marathon. They can also post on the Campus School’s Facebook page, or call Sean Schofield at 617 959 1254.


Staff from Residential Life, Campus Ministry and Counseling Services have established service centers in the Cabaret Room in Vanderslice Hall and in the Lounge on the first floor of Stayer Hall for students wishing to speak to campus ministers or counselors.

The University extends its thoughts and prayers to all affected by this tragedy.

Additional information will be reported via bc.edu/bcinfo as it becomes available.

---Office of News & Public Affairs