BC High Opens Cadigan Wellness Complex
Boston College High School officially opened the Patrick F. Cadigan ’52 Family Foundation Wellness Complex on Saturday, marking the completion of a 42,000 square foot facility that redefines how wellness is integrated into student life. The state-of-the-art complex stands as one of the most significant additions in the school’s history, reflecting BC High’s ongoing commitment to the holistic development of its students.
“This is more than a building for our students. It is a home for our entire community,” said President Grace Cotter Regan. “It is a place that opens outward, inviting collaboration and connection across Boston and beyond.”
The Cadigan Wellness Complex was made possible through a historic 49 million dollar gift from the late Pat Cadigan, a 1952 BC High graduate whose legacy continues through his family foundation. His daughter, Maria Cadigan, spoke during the opening celebration about her father’s values and the deep personal meaning behind this gift.
“My father's educational and philanthropic commitments have had a significant impact supporting BC High's vision,” she said. “This magnificent complex underscores the mission of BC High to challenge students to become young men of integrity, educated in faith and for justice, committed to excellence and service to others.”
Maria reflected on how her father’s love of fitness, sports, and community made the facility a perfect tribute. “This would have truly been my father's happy place,” she said. “Working out with weights and swimming were lifelong commitments for him, a very important part of his life. My father’s spirit is with us today, and I know he would be proud knowing this space will help students feed the mind, the body, and the spirit.”
“The mission of the Foundation is to fund buildings on schools and universities which reflect the kindness and generosity of Pat Cadigan,” said Dennis Delahant, Director and CEO of the Cadigan Family Foundation. “I knew that Boston College High School was very near and dear to Pat.”
Vice President of Institutional Advancement Eric Campbell shared his excitement for how the new space has already begun transforming student life. “Over the past several weeks, it’s been inspiring to see how quickly this building has come to life,” he said. “Every corner of this space speaks to growth, community, and brotherhood.”
Campbell described students using the Trapilo Weight Room, the Maloney Wrestling Room, and the Szymanski Wellness Kitchen, where lessons in nutrition and balance are now part of daily life. “This is what the Cadigan Wellness Complex is all about,” he said. “A place where our young men can train hard, play with pride, and grow together.”
President Regan emphasized that the complex represents more than physical fitness. It embodies BC High’s Jesuit principle of cura personalis, or care for the whole person. “Together with our Board, we have begun to think about wellness as a whole, physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual,” she said. “The Cadigan Wellness Complex takes that ideal and makes it tangible.”
The facility includes a full aquatic center, strength and cardio rooms, and wellness spaces that support both athletic and mental health. “It says to every student who walks in: you matter, your health, your growth, your hopes and dreams matter,” Regan said.
For many, the complex stands as a powerful reminder of Pat Cadigan’s enduring connection to BC High and its mission. “My father's life embodied the love of excellence that BC High strives to develop for all students,” Maria said. “He truly was a man for others.”
As the ribbon was cut and the doors opened to students and families, the sentiment shared throughout the event was one of gratitude and optimism. “This is for you,” Regan told the students. “May you find here the strength to persevere, the humility to serve, the courage to lead, and the joy of belonging.”