FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 2025 | 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. Since 1993, Pops on the Heights has raised nearly $160 million for financial aid, generating more than 3,700 scholarships 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 2025!
Benefactor Tables: Pops on the Heights 2025
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.
Individual Tickets: Pops on the Heights 2025
Join us on September 26 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 nearly $160 million in Pops scholarships. 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.
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 in Pops scholarships. 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.
Media: Boston College Pops on the Heights
Read more about how one epic night can impact the lives of so many.
Meet Sofia Burke ’25
This year’s Pops on the Heights soloist has a passion for performing arts, human rights, service
Pops on the Heights 2022: Behind the Scenes
How does Boston College prep for its annual fundraising spectacular? Take a peek behind the curtain.
Celebrating Pops on the Heights
30 Years of Scholarship, Generosity, and Enduring Eagle Spirit
Pops on the Heights marks milestone, sets new record
This year's fundraiser, featuring multi-award-winning artist Jon Batiste, tops $14.5 million for student scholarships
30th Annual Pops on the Heights Raises Record-Breaking Funds
Jon Batiste performed along with the Boston Pops Orchestra at the record-breaking 30th Annual Pops on the Heights fundraising gala.
Pops On The Heights Soloist Max Korman Pushes The Limits
For Pops on the Height, Korman will perform “Corner of the Sky” from the 1972 musical Pippin.
BC’s Grace Collins ’22 sings Garland
Wearing ruby red shoes, Grace Collins ’22 channeled Judy Garland when she sang “The Man That Got Away” at the 29th annual Pops on the Heights scholarship gala in 2021.
Hitting a High Note
At the 29th annual gala, Pops on the Heights raises a record $14.5 million for student support.
Pops on the Heights
Featuring ‘Hamilton’ Tony winner Leslie Odom Jr., BC’s largest fundraising event for financial aid this year raises more than $12.3 million for student scholarships.
A stellar Pops
BC's 25th annual Pops on the Heights gala featured the Boston Pops Esplanade Orchestra, guest soloist Jennifer Hudson, a tribute to John Williams, and a record $14M raised for student scholarships.