FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 2026 | 8 P.M. | CONTE FORUM

Boston College Pops on the Heights

The annual Boston College Pops on the Heights: the Barbara and Jim Cleary Scholarship Gala is a celebrated tradition at BC.

Featuring a spectacular line-up of performances and much more, Pops on the Heights embodies the shared purpose that defines scholarship support at Boston College and shapes the future of hundreds of Eagles each year. Pops on the Heights has raised more than $170 million over its 33 years, resulting in more than 3,900 scholarship funds and allowing thousands of students to pursue their dream of a BC education.

Thanks to the generosity of so many, Boston College remains need-blind in admissions and able to meet the full demonstrated need of undergraduate applicants: promising Eagles who want to use their talents in the service of others.

Join us for Pops on the Heights 2026!

Benefactor Tables: Pops on the Heights 2026

Patrons sponsoring Benefactor Tables provide scholarship support to hundreds of students each year. Gold, Platinum, and Founders’ Circle benefactors have the opportunity to name their scholarship in honor of their family, allowing for a personal connection between the benefactor and their Pops scholar.

To reserve your table, contact Lisa Beck at 617-552-9160 or elizabeth.beck@bc.edu.

Individual Tickets: Pops on the Heights 2026

Join us on September 25 for an unforgettable evening of stunning live performances and celebration of student scholarship support.

Ticket sales open in mid-July—check back here for details!

The Cleary Legacy

Deeply passionate about philanthropy, higher education, and the arts, the late Barbara and James F. Cleary ’50, H’93, founded BC’s annual Pops on the Heights scholarship gala in 1993. Jim—a Boston College Trustee and founder of the Fides and President’s Circle annual giving societies—and Barbara worked tirelessly to help grow the event to become the University’s largest annual fundraiser, which has raised more than $170 million. Today, Jim and Barbara’s children—Kara-Lyn ’84, MA’91; Kristin ’89, JD’93; and James Jr., P’18—continue their parents’ legacy as Pops benefactors.

The Cleary Legacy

Deeply passionate about philanthropy, higher education, and the arts, the late Barbara and James F. Cleary ’50, H’93, founded BC’s annual Pops on the Heights scholarship gala in 1993. Jim—a Boston College Trustee and founder of the Fides and President’s Circle annual giving societies—and Barbara worked tirelessly to help grow the event to become the University’s largest annual fundraiser, which has raised nearly $160 million. Today, Jim and Barbara’s children—Kara ’84, MA’91; Kristin ’89, JD’93; and James Jr., P’18—continue their parents’ legacy as Pops benefactors.