1986: We are the world

Here with President J. Donald Monan, SJ, Lionel B. Ritchie—“a superstar in the dazzling Motown constellation,” said his BC citation—who received an honorary degree on May 19. Ritchie was recognized for his role in producing “We Are The World,” a chart-topping song that raised millions of dollars to fight famine in Africa. During the ceremony, at the urging of Fr. Monan, Ritchie sang a verse of “We Are the World,” and was joined in song by the many thousands on the field and in the stands.