Boston College High School is excited to announce that the school received a $1 million-dollar gift from Michael White, Class of 1970, at its annual Magis event on Thursday evening. The gift will establish the Michael D. White ’70 Center for Emerging Leaders – a transformational program that will change the way students learn, experience, and practice leadership.
Mike is the former Chairman, President and CEO of DIRECTV and former CEO of PepsiCo. International, where he spent almost 20 years. His commitment to Jesuit education is rooted in a family full of BC High graduates and his time at Boston College – where he now serves as a trustee.
“BC High provided a superb foundation for my college and graduate school studies and significantly shaped my values. Leadership requires engagement of the heart, head and hands and this school has shaped countless outstanding leaders in every walk of life,” White reflected.
“From the government to the military to business to academia to the religious life – we need more leaders to help shape tomorrow’s world,” he continued. “BC High can help by continuing to shape boys’ character, faith and intellect. I have been fortunate to play a leadership role in business in my career and hope I can share some of my learning and experiences as part of this initiative.”
Mike seeks to empower young men faced with a world of rapid, disruptive and often uncomfortable change from technology and globalization to population demographic shifts. The White Center will be a cornerstone in BC High’s mission to equip students with the necessary skills to be leaders of integrity in a rapidly evolving economic and ethical landscape.
“Jesuit education is uniquely suited to preparing young men for leadership in uncertain times. We are part of a 500-year-old tradition where reflection and self-discovery have acted as catalysts for global change – rooted in a pioneering, entrepreneurial spirit. In fact, the Society of Jesus might just be the most successful ‘start-up’ in history, with more than 1000 schools across the globe. We couldn’t ask for a more fitting partner in this endeavor than Mike White,” said President Grace Regan.
“We are profoundly grateful for Mike White’s longstanding history of generous philanthropy to BC High. His gift will propel us forward and make an impact on thousands of students,” said Vice President for Institutional Advancement Kelly DeGregorio, CFRE.
In addition to his stellar career accomplishments, Mike is a member of the Board of Directors of Bank of America Merrill Lynch and has been on the Board of Whirlpool Corporation for more than 15 years. Additionally, he also served a two-year term on the Board of Kimberly-Clark and serves as the Board Chair of Partnership for Drug Free Kids.
About Boston College High School: Boston College High School is a Jesuit, Catholic, college-preparatory school for young men in grades 7 to 12. Founded in 1863, the school enrolls approximately 1,500 students from more than 140 communities in eastern Massachusetts. For more information please visit bchigh.edu.
