Feb. 15, 2024 – On Apr 16, 2024, the USA East Province will hold their annual Jesuit Gala and present the Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam Award to Jack and Eileen Connors.
John M. (Jack) Connors, Jr., Boston College ’63, and his wife, Eileen M. Ahearn Connors, Boston College, ’66, MSW ’95, are Eagles through and through.
Jack is founding partner and chairman emeritus of Hill Holliday, one of the largest communications agencies in the United States. His leadership roles at Boston College span five decades, and he remains the Board of Trustees’ longest-serving member, most recently as its chairman for two terms. Jack is well known in Boston philanthropic life, serving on many boards and leading civic campaigns. Closest to his heart is the founding of Camp Harbor View. When the late Mayor Thomas Menino asked for his help in identifying a safe and enjoyable alternative for inner-city boys and girls during the summer, Jack raised the funds to build Camp Harbor View on Boston Harbor’s Long Island. Today, Camp Harbor View helps more than a thousand Boston teens and their families with year-round programs that inspire creativity, build community, and champion young leaders.
Eileen has served in social work and counseling throughout the more disadvantaged areas of Boston and has been a foster care and adoption advisor in the community. She is the former coordinator of the Women’s Resource Committee for the Boston College Alumni Association and served as a co-chair of the advisory board at Boston College’s Graduate School of Social Work, as well as on the board of The Children’s Trust. Eileen was honored in 2017 for her work with inner-city youth at the Greater YMCA of Boston. The Sisters of St. Joseph’s also recognized Eileen for her continued outreach and for the “manner in which she does ordinary things in extraordinary ways.” Eileen’s work has helped establish many progressive and impactful new parent and student focused programs at Boston College, throughout Catholic schools of the Archdiocese, and at the Greater YMCA of Boston. In 2022, Eileen worked alongside the Gavin Foundation to open the first recovery center in Boston dedicated strictly to women. This 30-bed facility called “Eileen’s House” consists of women-focused services to support their recovery and prepare them to successfully re-enter society.
Jack and Eileen have four married children and 13 grandchildren. They know how important it is to raise healthy, happy children with a village of support.
Together, Jack and Eileen have broadened the landscape of community-based philanthropy in Boston, enhancing the lives of many and providing a hope-filled future for us all. It is for these and many other examples of service, that the USA East Province of the Society of Jesus will present to Jack and Eileen Connors the Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam Award, for the Greater Glory of God.