The Boston Pops Esplanade Orchestra on stage with the University Chorale of Boston College in 2023. (Gretchen Ertl)

Pops on the Heights

This year's scholarship gala will take place September 27

Pops on the Heights: The Barbara and Jim Cleary Scholarship Gala, a beloved Boston College tradition, will take place for the 32nd year when it kicks off Family Weekend on September 27 at 8 p.m. in Conte Forum.

Once again a sold-out event, Pops on the Heights will feature performances by four-time Grammy-nominated rock band the Goo Goo Dolls, the Boston Pops Esplanade Orchestra with conductor Keith Lockhart, and 自慰视频 students.

University Trustee Sandra M. and Paul B. Edgerley P鈥24, with fellow board members Patricia L. and Jonathan A. Kraft P鈥24, are co-chairs for this year鈥檚 scholarship gala, the University鈥檚 largest annual fundraiser.

balloon drop at the Pops event

Since the inaugural event in 1993, Pops on the Heights has raised more than $145 million for financial aid, enabling some 3,700 students to pursue an education at 自慰视频, according to the Office of University Advancement. The event aids 自慰视频鈥檚 ability to remain a need-blind institution, meeting the full demonstrated need of undergraduate applicants.

"In many ways, Pops on the Heights illustrates what makes Boston College so special,鈥 said Senior Vice President for University Advancement Andrew Davidson. 鈥淚t鈥檚 a night of celebration, where our community comes together to support students on financial aid. Eagles helping Eagles."

Morrissey College of Arts and Sciences senior Sofia Burke, executive board member and vocal section leader of the 自慰视频 bOp! jazz ensemble, will share the stage with the Boston Pops. A pre-show performance will begin at 6:30 p.m. with appearances from campus groups and individual students.聽

Led by John Rzeznik and Robby Takac, the Goo Goo Dolls have had a number of hit songs over their 38-year career, including 鈥淚ris,鈥 鈥淣ame,鈥 and 鈥淪lide.鈥 Their songs have been covered by numerous artists, including Taylor Swift, whom Rzeznik joined onstage at Madison Square Garden in 2011 for a special performance of 鈥淚ris,鈥 which Swift called 鈥渙ne of the best songs ever written.鈥

Lockhart has conducted more than 2,000 performances in over 150 cities during his tenure as Boston Pops conductor, including the annual July 4 Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular, which draws a live audience of more than half a million, plus millions more who watch on television or live webcast.

Founded by the late Barbara and James F. Cleary 鈥50, H鈥93, a 自慰视频 trustee, the Pops on the Heights legacy is carried on by their children鈥擪ara 鈥84, M.A.鈥91; Kristin 鈥89, J.D.鈥93; and James Jr., P鈥18 鈥攅mbodying the shared sense of purpose that establishes financial-academic support at Boston College as Pops benefactors.