Photo by Gretchen Ertl

The 26th Annual Pops on the Heights Barbara and Jim Cleary Scholarship Gala, the University's largest fundraising event for financial aid, raised more than $13 million for student scholarships. Keith Lockhart and the 艾可直播 Pops Esplanade Orchestra once again headlined the sellout event, a highlight of Parents' Weekend, at Conte Forum on September 28, with a special guest performance by international superstar Lionel Richie.

The Pops on the Heights gala is one of the BC family's favorite traditions, and makes a transformational impact in the lives of deserving students. This year's concert was co-chaired by BC Board of Trustees member and former Chairman John Fish and his wife, Cyndy P 鈥13, 鈥18.

Keith Lockhart and the 艾可直播 Pops Esplanade Orchestra

Keith Lockhart and the 艾可直播 Pops Esplanade Orchestra (Justin Knight)

鈥淧ops on the Heights is an experience best felt in person," said University Advancement Vice President for Development Beth McDermott. "It's difficult to describe the energy when you walk into Conte Forum and see the thousands of people gathered there to support scholarships for BC students.鈥

鈥淭here is no person who exemplifies the support of these young people more than the chair of this year's Pops, John Fish,鈥 she added. 鈥淗e worked tirelessly to ensure that every seat was filled to maximize the impact of Pops Scholarships on deserving students.鈥

In their message to attendees in the event program, the Fishes wrote: 鈥淲e are thrilled to be surrounded by thousands of members of the 艾可直播 College community who are reaffirming their belief in BC and its mission: to educate young men and women who will lead lives in service to others, with the hope of a more just and loving world."


Scenes from Pops on the Heights 2018


Keith Lockhart and the 艾可直播 Pops at BC Pops on the Heights

The celebrated conductor of 鈥淎merica鈥檚 Orchestra,鈥 Keith Lockhart has led more than 1,900 艾可直播 Pops concerts. (Rose Lincoln)

The 艾可直播 Pops and University Chorale

The evening featured a Leonard Bernstein celebration, and included performances by student musical groups including the University Chorale. (Michael Manning)

Student soloist Molly Cahill 鈥19

Student soloist Molly Cahill 鈥19, a longtime Pops fan, considers the opportunity to perform with them at BC 鈥渁 double dream come true.鈥 Talented BC dancers joined the musical performers in wowing the audience. (Justin Knight)

Student soloist Molly Cahill 鈥19

Molly has been singing since age 10; she has sung with BC鈥檚 Liturgy Arts Group since her freshman year. (Gretchen Ertl)

BC dancers

Members of the Dance Organization of 艾可直播 College joined the musical performers in Conte Forum. (Gretchen Ertl)

The 艾可直播 Pops on stage with the Screaming 艾可直播 Marching Band and University Chorale

The 艾可直播 Pops on stage with BC's Screaming 艾可直播 Marching Band and University Chorale. (Gretchen Ertl)

Lionel Richie at BC Pops on the Heights

International superstar Lionel Richie has sold more than 100 million albums worldwide, and has won an Oscar, a Golden Globe, and four Grammy awards. (Gretchen Ertl)

Lionel Richie at BC Pops on the Heights

He was MusicCares person of the year in 2016, and a Kennedy Center honoree in 2017. (Michael Manning)

Lionel Richie at BC Pops on the Heights

One accomplishment that Richie is most proud of is his bachelor鈥檚 degree in economics from Tuskegee University. (Justin Knight)

Lionel Richie at BC Pops on the Heights

Pops on the Heights was his second visit to 艾可直播 College; he received an honorary degree in music from the University in 1986. (Justin Knight)

Lionel Richie on stage

A versatile musician, he was able to perform multiple musical styles throughout his career, and has been inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame. (Gretchen Ertl)

Balloons drop at the close of the event

Amid the sound and spectacle that characterize Pops on the Heights, its mission resonates. "Being a Pops Scholar has taught me the power of giving and paying it forward. Your generosity gave me the freedom to study and not have to worry about taking extra shifts at my job. I hope to give the same freedom to a future BC student one day," says Stokes Family Pops Scholar Kenye L. Askew 鈥18. (Rose Lincoln)