Four-year-old Charlie Huvelle has a lot of favorites. But there are two extra-special things in his world that make him really happy. First, he’s got a really special grandfather. Pops takes him kayaking in one of Royal Oak, Maryland’s creeks with his mother and his younger sister and sometimes his dad, Justin, a Boston College graduate. Charlie waves to his G-ma from the creek—and she waves back. Second, he’s got a really special shirt. So special, that when he puts it on, he can’t help but share his excitement about how that shirt makes him feel. As soon as the maroon and gold crewneck slips over his head and stretches over his body, he takes off running, shouting, “Boston College Eagle! Boston College Eagle!”
Photo above: Dean Vincent Rougeau with members of the Huvelle family at Law Day 2019, left to right: Dale Rosen, Justin Huvelle, Jeffrey Huvelle, Ellen Huvelle, Rougeau, Nikki Milberg, and Terry Segal
Charlie’s G-ma and Pops—Judge Ellen Huvelle ’75, senior judge of the United States District Court for the District of Columbia, and Jeffrey Huvelle, a DC litigator—share in their grandson’s enthusiasm for the University, especially BC Law. Their dedication for more than forty years includes their longtime support of the Law School Fund and Ellen’s fifteen years on BC Law’s Board of Overseers and the Dean’s Advisory Board.
Over the summer, Ellen and Jeffrey expanded their commitment by creating the Huvelle Family Endowed Scholarship at BC Law. Their decision to endow this scholarship stems from their motivation to reduce the financial burden of law students at a time when many are affected by the Covid-19 pandemic, and build upon the growing community of BC Law alumni in the DC-Maryland-Virginia region. Additionally, they want to help the Law School continue to attract the best and brightest, particularly students who will go on to effect change in government and to protect civil and human rights.
“BC’s emphasis on making sure its alumni are trying to make the world a better place is really an indication of the University’s willingness to address social justice issues and to articulate that as part of its core mission.” —Jeffrey Huvelle
Providing this access to education reflects the Huvelles’ compassionate spirit, says Dean Vincent Rougeau. “Financial aid packages can be pivotal in enrollment decisions for many students. Ellen and Jeff’s generosity will make a profound impact on the choices our students have now and for generations to come. All of BC Law is grateful for their commitment.”
Ellen especially values how the BC Law curriculum places an emphasis on service and experiential learning, connecting students with opportunities in the local community as early as their first year in the program. “Today, that community experience is truly essential,” she says. “The more that students get to see the world and different aspects of law, the more prepared they are when they graduate.”
“BC’s emphasis on making sure its alumni are trying to make the world a better place is really an indication of the University’s willingness to address social justice issues and to articulate that as part of its core mission,” adds Jeffrey.
Ellen and Jeffrey can’t wait to meet the first recipient of the Huvelle Family Scholarship. They may even have an opportunity to introduce the student to all four of their grandchildren.
And that just might add one more Boston College treat to Charlie’s world that would make him really happy.