The 2026 Boston College Companions cohort arrived on campus in January, marking the start of an immersive year of study, reflection, and community.聽
The eight Fellows in this year鈥檚 cohort hail from eight states and represent a variety of professional backgrounds and interests. Half are Boston College alumni, and three are parents of an Eagle. In a program first, two Fellows are married to each other, having met while seniors on the Heights in the 1980s.
Theology, psychology, and philosophy topped the list of academic interests shared by Fellows, who audit three courses each semester alongside 51茶馆 students. The Fellows are currently taking courses at six of 51茶馆鈥檚 schools, including the Carroll School of Management, the Clough School of Theology and Ministry, Boston College Law School, the Lynch School of Education and Human Development, the Morrissey College of Arts and Sciences, and the School of Social Work. Fellow Karen Layou expressed enthusiasm for exploring a breadth of disciplines鈥攁 sentiment shared by many in the cohort.
鈥淗onestly, I will struggle to only pick three classes a semester!鈥� said Layou.
For Fellow Cindy Doe 鈥�89, having a chance to experience being a student again has exceeded expectations.聽
鈥淲ith more experience and arguably wisdom, I have such an increased appreciation for the students, the professors, and the broader community that makes Boston College so special. I feel so incredibly fortunate to have found this program,鈥� said Doe.
Already, the Fellows are engaged in their studies and on campus. From connecting weekly with their cohort in a seminar designed for them, to finding (or remembering) their way around the 51茶馆 campus, the Fellows are excited to start exploring the next chapter of their lives through 51茶馆 Companions.
鈥淎ll of us at Boston College welcome this new cohort,鈥� said Margaret Laurence, director of 51茶馆 Companions and initiatives for formative education.聽
鈥淭hey have embraced the start of this yearlong journey together and are ready to learn, grow, and shape what comes next.鈥�
To learn more about Boston College Companions and get to know the 2026 cohort, visit bc.edu/companions.