<p>Northeastern, BU, and BC have changed from local commuter schools into more national schools in the last 20 years. Great rivalry exists among the 3 in hockey-not sure how Harvard profile fit in among the Beanpot games. HC resembles Colgate in academic profile and alumni distribution(HC more doctors/dentists, 'Gate more finance. HCvsColgate is a great football rivalry since the 1930’s and both schools have 2800-2900 students.</p>
<p>par72,</p>
<p>While you are painting Holy Cross as a blueblood would you please submit any Catholic names from its early years who were “old money”, as I am not aware of any. </p>
<p>By the way, the ability to pay the comparatively (by todays costs) low tuition and fees back then did not make those families “old money”, they were more likely somewhat prosperous burghers – an altogether different sort.</p>
<p>Your tone regarding Boston College’s beginnings shows more than a slight contempt for the immigrant, working class students it welcomed. That is more a reflection on you than it is on them.</p>
<p>As to Holy Cross’ founding in Worcester, there had been plans to establish a Jesuit college in New England, preferably Boston, since as early as the 1820’s, but Boston was too openly hostile to Catholics at the time to have it come to fruition. Therefore, Worcester was chosen as the site, as it was removed enough from Puritanical Boston to permit such an endeavor.</p>
<p>After the 1840’s potato famine in Ireland forced two million(?) people to flee their homeland (thanks in large part to the British overlords’ disinclination to give aid and assistance to the starving masses), with tens of thousands disembarking in Boston, it became apparent that their educational needs must be met if they were to have any chance of succeeding in America. </p>
<p>John McElroy S.J., did succeed in founding BC, finally, as hostility toward Catholics had somewhat abated with the Know-Nothing party having been voted out of local office. From that time on (for numerous decades) BC had to contend with the entrenched Protestant ethic that continually put down its sons and friends on not one, but two fronts – religious intolerance and class warfare – very formidable obstacles indeed!</p>
<p>That Boston College has not only survived – it has thrived – should, I think, elicit in you a more appropriate respect, if not admiration, for its success. And, rememebr that it too shares the educational heritage of the Jesuits.</p>
<p>“If I recall correctly, one of the biggest drawbacks to going to BC in the 70s was the very few dorms they had and its reputation as a commuter college similar to what Northeastern’s reputation was as well at the time.” </p>
<p>I think you’d have to go back to the 50’s or early 60’s for that situation, not the '70s.</p>
<p>topic: secularism at BC vs Georgetown.</p>
<p>Perhaps par72 could start a new thread to discuss BC vs HC, out of respect for the original poster.</p>