We began publishing Advancement in 1988 to bring alumni the news of important developments in our fundraising work at Boston University. Until now, it has always come out biannually, in the fall and spring. However, when very special events and circumstances dictate, we plan to issue one of these shorter editions.

Our Student Village project is generating tremendous excitement on campus. We have been so buoyed up by the way in which members of the University community and Boston community are coming together to build the Village that we wanted to share some of that excitement with you in this special issue.

The first Village residence hall, opened in 2000, has been a great success with its student residents and as a center for some campus events. Now we are not only about to open the new Track and Tennis Center, but we are also beginning the construction of, literally, the entire Student Village project. That has been made possible by generous and creative support from the Boston Community and beyond, led by corporate sponsorship from John Hancock Financial Services, which enables us to honor one of Boston University’s greatest athletes, Harry Agganis. We hope this issue, and any other off-cycle issues of Advancement, will stimulate you to want to know more about a specific project, and to support it.

I can now also give you news of a seventh consecutive record-breaking year of philanthropic support for Boston University; details will be in our regular fall Advancement. For now, I hope you are having a wonderful summer and that you will stay tuned in as the Village continues to rise at the center of the campus. It is really all about building Boston University and building community.

Cordially,

Christopher R. Reaske