Boston College Alumni Association Annual Report
Greetings from the Heights
Dear Boston College alumni,
We are pleased to present the Boston College Alumni Association (BCAA) Year in Review, which highlights engagement activities from June 2023 to May 2024.
Top of mind for all of us this year was the launch of Soaring Higher: the Campaign for Boston College. This $3 billion, multi-year fundraising initiative will help BC fulfill its potential as the preeminent Jesuit, Catholic university in America and will grant an unmatched formative experience to all students.
Back in Boston, this year you came out in droves to our alumni events. At our sold-out Fenway Bowl pregame reception in December, more than 450 of you traveled to Fenway Park to cheer on the BC Football program. In spring, we welcomed more than 4,500 Eagles to Chestnut Hill for Reunion! It was truly wonderful to host all Reunion classes back together for one weekend. And leading up to July’s RECONNECT III, a celebration of the AHANA alumni community, were two sold-out PRECONNECT receptions, one in Boston and the other in Washington, D.C.
Looking ahead to the coming year, we are excited about the opportunities to strengthen our ties with you—whether on campus, local gatherings in your area, Reunion for graduates in the “0 and 5” years, or Soaring Higher events taking place in major cities around the country. We are committed to serving you and fostering your connection to the University, and hope you enjoy learning more about the events highlighted in this year’s report.
Thank you for your continued engagement throughout the year, and we look forward to seeing you at a BCAA event in the near future.
Ever to Excel,
Leah M. Spencer
Associate Vice President for Alumni Relations and University Commencement Director
Boston College
President, Boston College Alumni Association Board of Directors
Leah M. Spencer
Associate Vice President for Alumni Relations and University Commencement Director
Boston College
Wynndell Bishop ’00, MBA’07
President, Boston College Alumni Association Board of Directors
WE CONNECTED
Online and in person
In cities across the globe, BC alumni participated in programs and activities that deepened engagement, supported fundraising goals, and furthered commitment and service to others.
Events by the Numbers
Total living alumni
Total events
Virtual events
In-person events
Total alumni event attendees
First-time event attendees
Total living alumni
Total events
Virtual events
In-person events
Total alumni event attendees
First-time event attendees
social media by the numbers
Website Visits
Facebook followers
X (Twitter) followers
Instagram followers
LinkedIn members
YouTube views
Website Visits
Facebook followers
X (Twitter) followers
Instagram followers
LinkedIn members
YouTube views
WE CONNECTED
Through shared interests and identities
October 5, 2023
NYC Boston College Young Alumni Networking Night
The Wall Street Business Leadership Council (WSBLC), Council for Women of Boston College (CWBC), and AHANA Alumni Advisory Council (AAAC) collaborated to host a networking night of over 100 alumni, parents, and friends in New York City. The program served as an opportunity for young alumni to meet established professionals in their field and make invaluable connections to expand their network.
November 7, 2023
Addressing Climate Change and Turning Ideas into World-Changing Companies
The BC Technology and Entrepreneurship Council (BCTEC) and the BC Energy and Environment Alumni Network (BCEEAN) partnered to host an evening of networking and conversation about the invention, commercialization, and implementation of clean technology innovation. The event offered an opportunity to hear from panelists Jier Huang, a core faculty member at BC’s Schiller Institute for Integrated Science and Society and associate professor of chemistry; Christopher Poirier ’91, partner at Breakthrough Energy Ventures; and Bill White ’87, president and CEO of DEME Offshore U.S.
November 18, 2023
NYC BC Volunteer Service Project (Grassroots Grocery)
The WSBLC, CWBC, New York City Chapter, and Westchester County Chapter partnered to organize a day of service with Grassroots Grocery. 70 BC community members participated in a family-friendly morning of impact at Saint Helena’s Church in the Bronx. Eagles worked together to unload a truck filled with 10,000+ lbs of unsold produce rescued from the biggest produce market in the U.S.
February 22, 2024
Boston College Business Leadership Forum
The WSBLC and the CWBC partnered to present the BC Business Leadership Forum in New York City that welcomed 200 alumni, parents, and friends. The event featured Vice President of Student Affairs Dr. Shawna Cooper Whitehead, who provided her perspective on student formation at BC. The highlight of the evening was a fireside chat with the keynote speaker, Evan Ryan ’93, White House Cabinet Secretary for President Joe Biden, moderated by Yolanda Lyle ’94, JD’01, H’22, a member of the Wall Street Business Leadership Council Executive Committee, and CWBC Co-chair and University Trustee Beth Vanderslice ’86. The conversation provided insights into Evan’s thirty-year career as an American public servant and her values of leadership.
March 10, 2024
Laetare Sunday
The BCAA hosted its longest-standing tradition to celebrate the midpoint of the Lenten Season. The 73rd annual Laetare Sunday featured Mass presided by University President William P. Leahy, S.J., and remarks by Erick Berrelleza, S.J., founding Dean of Messina College at BC. Over 300 alumni, parents, and friends joined us in reflection as a BC community.
April 4, 2024
JPMorgan Chicago Breakfast
In the spring, 11 BC alumni and parents employed at JPMorgan Chase in Chicago gathered for a breakfast hosted by Vince Kelly ’82. The event featured John and Linda Powers Family Dean of the Carroll School of Management Andy Boynton ’78 as the guest speaker. Attendees had the opportunity to connect with other members of the BC community and learn more about the University and the Carroll School.
March–April, 2024
PRECONNECT
Two PRECONNECT events were held to build awareness and generate excitement for RECONNECT III, a celebration of the AHANA alumni community. Arivee Vargas Rozier-Byrd ’05, JD’08, H’22, vice chair of the AHANA Alumni Advisory Council, hosted PRECONNECT Boston in March. This sold-out event had over 45 alumni in attendance. The AHANA Alumni Advisory Council was also pleased to hold PRECONNECT D.C. in late April, hosted by Carla and Victor Crawford ’83. The reception sold out and had more than 50 alumni and parents present (several of whom attended a BC event for the first time). Both Victor and Arivee serve as members of the BC Board of Regents, and Arivee also serves on the Alumni Board and the CWBC.
April 18, 2024
Wall Street Business Leadership Council Tribute Dinner
Over 500 alumni, parents, and friends gathered in New York City at Cipriani for the 34th Wall Street Business Leadership Council Tribute Dinner. During the gala, University President William P. Leahy, S.J., presented Karen Lynch ’84 with the President’s Medal for Excellence in recognition of her achievements as the president and CEO of CVS Health. The event, which supports the Gabelli Presidential Scholars Program, celebrated the 14 senior Presidential Scholars graduating in 2024 and raised a record-breaking $2.8 million from over 260 donors.
With classmates
November 2–3, 2023
BC Law School Reunion
The BCAA welcomed over 220 alumni back to campus for our annual BC Law School Reunion. The weekend of events took place on both the BC Newton Campus and at the Four Seasons in Boston. The event was filled with many events and activities, including a reception to thank BC Law volunteers, a State of the School by the inaugural Marianne D. Short, Esq., Dean and Professor Odette Lienau, and class parties.
June 7, 2023
BC Law Providence Reception
Dean Odette Lienau and more than 45 BC Law alumni, faculty, and staff gathered for a reception in Providence, Rhode Island to celebrate Hon. Lara Montecalvo, JD’00‘s appointment to the United States Court of Appeals for the First Circuit. Judge Montecalvo was also joined by members of the Rhode Island Supreme Court, including BC Law alumnus Associate Justice William Robinson, JD’75. Judge Montecalvo recently gave the commencement address at BC Law’s 2024 Commencement ceremony.
October 27–29, 2023
Fall Reunion
We welcomed over 3,000 alumni from the classes of 2008, 2003, 1993, 1988, 1983, and 1978 back to campus with a variety of programs and to reconnect with fellow classmates. In conjunction with Homecoming Weekend, we held a pre-game tailgate, along with traditional class parties and a memorial Mass.
November 6, 2023
Mental Health & Sports; A Winning Combination
The BCAA and BC School of Social Work partnered to host an alumni panel on the impact of sports and mental health last fall. The panel featured Michael Grinnell, MSW ’16, who is currently serving as the player wellness counselor for the National Basketball Players Association (NBPA) and assistant director of Integrative Wellbeing Services IWS/director of connections and community impact at Williams College, and Kimberly O’Brien, MSW ’05, PhD ’11, founder and director of Unlimited Resilience, LLC and director of health and wellness research and services at NDUR For Athletes.
February 28, 2024
Teaching & Researching Health Economics
The BCAA, in partnership with the economics department, held a virtual event highlighting Prof. Tracy L. Regan talking about her teachings and research in health economics. Tracy joined BC in 2013 and regularly teaches the 300-person Principles of Economics course. She has had the good fortune of teaching health-related electives in the economics department, in the Core Renewal, and during summers abroad (in Paris and London). Her research and teaching focus is on the pharmaceutical industry and the health insurance market.
March 27, 2024
SAA Student & Alumni Networking Night
The Boston College Student Alumni Association (SAA) hosted the second annual Student and Alumni Networking Night. The evening included an alumni panel featuring Annabel Hodson-Walker ’21, a Boston Chapter leader; Haydn White ’18, a member of the GOLD Leadership Council (GOLD LC); Cathy Savage-Eysie ’85, P’24,’26, a CWBC and Parents Leadership Council (PLC) member; Christina Sliwa ’93, MBA’00, BCAA Board of Directors member; and Ron Iacobucci ’77. A reception followed, where BC’s student leaders had the opportunity to enjoy food, meet new alumni, and network with professionals from multiple industries. There were 95 alumni and students registered, drastically growing the event from 2023.
May 10, 2024
First Generation Alumni Reception and Panel Discussion
The BCAA and the Pine Manor Institute for Student Success (PMI) celebrated the accomplishments of the Class of 2024, students who have participated in the BC F1RST College Transition Program (CTP), Options Through Education (OTE), BC F1RST Living Learning Community, and McNair Scholars Program, and students who served as teaching assistants for the Applications of Learning Theory course or as success coaches in the academy. Joy Moore ’81, H’10, vice president and executive director of PMI and co-executive director of the Forum on Racial Justice in America, offered welcoming remarks to the 28 attendees. Andrew Barksdale ’17, MBA’25, served as the moderator, and the panelists included Shantelle Gurley ’22, JD’25, Kwani Lunis ’15, Shabnam Mashmasarmi ’06, Alexis Silva ’24, and Ku Ri Cho ’24. The reception celebrated and welcomed the students into the alumni community with a BC diploma frame and a first generation stole.
May 31–June 2, 2024
June Reunion
We welcomed over 4,500 alumni, parents, and guests back to campus; an exciting return to pre-2020 attendance levels! This year, we celebrated alumni from the classes of 2019, 2014, 2009, 2004, 1999, 1994, 1989, 1984, 1979, 1974, 1969, 1964, and 1959 from BC and Newton College alumni from the classes of 1959, 1964, 1969, and 1974. The weekend was filled with tours, networking, class parties, barbecues, and more!
May 16, 2024
Senior Class Toast
The BCAA celebrated the Class of 2024 with a champagne toast on the Lower Campus Lawn. Vice President, University Secretary, and Director of the Institute for Advanced Jesuit Studies Casey Beaumier, S.J. welcomed the graduates with an opening prayer and personal remarks about their resilience and fortitude as a class. The keynote address and class toast were given by BCAA Board of Directors member Arivee Vargas Rozier-Bryd ’05, JD’08, H’22, and the Senior Legacy Committee Co-chairs Remi Robertson ’24, and Emily Gittle ’24, addressed and congratulated their classmates. Over 1,950 undergraduates attended and marked the occasion with a custom 2024 champagne glass.
WE REACHED
Alumni near and far
BCAA’s Regional Alumni Networks, led by local Eagles, brought the Heights to you.
Total Chapters
U.S. Chapters
International Chapters
Eagles are Everywhere
December 10, 2023
Winter Wonderland
The BCAA welcomed over 1,170 BC community members to the Cadigan Alumni Center to spread holiday cheer during one of our most beloved traditions. The day was filled with family-friendly holiday activities such as photos with Santa, holiday crafts, specialty performances, cookie decorating, and more!
March 17, 2024
Naples Weekend Celebration
The Southwest Florida Eagles gathered in Naples for a weekend of BC celebration. On Friday night, BC alumni gathered at Boston Beer Garden for a social and to prepare for the Naples St. Patrick’s Day Parade the following morning. 35 Eagles marched in the parade and handed out beads while “Sweet Caroline” played from the BC float behind them. On Sunday, a Mass presided by University President William P. Leahy, S.J., was held at the Ritz Carlton Beach Resort in Naples. 275 BC alumni, parents, and friends from all over the country attended the Mass and the following brunch.
March 23, 2024
Easter Celebration
The BCAA welcomed over 350 alumni, parents, and friends to the Brighton Campus for a special Easter celebration. The morning was filled with Easter-themed crafts, a photo booth, glitter tattoos, and appearances from both the Easter Bunny and Baldwin! This year, the Boston College Church in the 21st Century (C21) Center gave out Easter-themed crafts and offered attendees the opportunity to purchase the children’s books Growing God and Drawing God, written by C21 Center director Karen Kiefer ’82.
October 7, 2023
BC vs. Army Football Boat Cruise
The BCAA, in partnership with BC Athletics, created a very unique tailgate experience for over 330 Boston College alumni, parents, and friends. This floating tailgate allowed for a pre- and postgame experience in support of the BC vs Army football game at West Point. This boat cruise departed from New Jersey and New York City and sold out within a week of launching registration. This boat cruise included views of the Hudson and sunset views of NYC on the return.
October 27–28, 2023
Homecoming
The BCAA, in partnership with BC Athletics, held its annual Homecoming Tailgate on O’Neil Plaza for the BC vs UCONN football game. Over 200 BC alumni, parents, and friends came out to cheer on the Eagles, enjoy food, beverages, and Boston’s country band, Dalton and the Sheriffs.
Always an Eagle
The BCAA strives to meet our Eagles wherever they land after graduation. With this in mind, every fall, there are Always an Eagle receptions hosted by BC alumni and parents nationwide. The goal of these events is to welcome new Eagles, who have either graduated or just moved, to their new community and to provide a space for Eagles of all ages to meet and network. This past year, there were six Always an Eagle events with 305 total attendees, held in various cities including Washington, D.C.; Ridgewood, New Jersey; Stowe, Vermont; Detroit, Michigan; Chicago, Illinois; and Austin, Texas.
December 28, 2023
Wasabi Bowl
The BCAA, in partnership with BC Athletics, held a sold-out pregame tailgate for the Wasabi Fenway Bowl at Loco Fenway. Over 450 BC alumni, parents, and friends attended to connect with each other and build excitement before the game.
April 11 and 13, 2024
Frozen Four
The BCAA, in partnership with BC Athletics, held two pregame receptions for the NCAA Frozen Four Championships at Tom Reid’s Hockey Pub in St. Paul, Minnesota. Over 400 BC alumni, parents, and friends from around the country came to support the BC men’s hockey team.
NYC Mentoring Event
The BCAA, in partnership with the NYC Chapter and GOLD Leadership Council, held a NYC Mentoring Event to support recent BC graduates. Kate Clifford Toomey ’95 hosted the event, which connected alumni from the classes of 2021–2023 with our larger BC alumni community in various industries in NYC. The event was a great success, with 55 alumni in attendance.
May 22 and 23, 2024
Meet the Coach
The BCAA, in partnership with BC Athletics, held two back-to-back Meet the Coach events featuring our new head football coach Bill O’Brien. The Westchester Chapter gathered at the Shenorock Club in Rye, New York, for their event hosted by Dorsey and Ned Roseberry ’93, P’25; Kellie Walsh May ’96; and Mike May. Kellie and Ned, our Westchester Chapter leaders, moderated the Q&A with Coach O’Brien. This event was attended by more than 135 alumni, parents, and friends. The following night at the New York Athletic Club, the NYC Chapter had the opportunity to hear from Coach O’Brien, moderated by Alumni Board of Directors member and NYC Chapter leader James Lizzul ’09, followed by audience Q&A. This event had more than 145 alumni, parents, and friends in attendance.
New and enhanced alumni programming
October 11, 2023
BC Club Fall Reception
Nancy Joyce, Jack Concannon III ’87, the BC Club Advisory Board, and the BCAA held a reception to enjoy an evening of community and conversation to discuss future engagement with the members of the BC Club. More than 40 attendees came together for a delightful event featuring a fireside chat moderated by Leah Spencer, associate vice president of alumni relations, with BC Club Advisory Board members: Jack Concannon III ’87, Steve Kelleher ’93, Dru Ledbetter ’04, and Chris Vassilopoulos ’92, MS’98.
Eagle Spotlight
The BCAA Board of Directors, in partnership with the AHANA Alumni Advisory Council and the New York City Chapter, hosted over 30 alumni, parents, and friends at the Andrew Freedman Home in the Bronx, New York, for a cocktail reception and conversation. Grace Zuncic ’05 moderated the conversation between the featured speakers, Desmon Lewis ’05 and Derrick Lewis ’06, founders of The Bronx Community Foundation, and special remarks were made by University Trustee Darcel Clark ’83, Bronx district attorney. In the conversation, Desmon and Derrick shared about being “products of philanthropy,” challenges and opportunities in their community, the vulnerability of leading a foundation and managing the weight of their commitments, and their path since leaving BC.
April 13, 2024
BC Club Spring Social
The first-ever BC Club Member Spring Social was a big success with an impressive turnout. Over 45 BC alumni, parents, and friends joined for a reception at Cadigan Alumni Center. Steve Kelleher ’93 and Nancy Joyce from the BC Club Advisory Board shared remarks before attendees headed over to the spring game to cheer on the Eagles.
April 21, 2024
Young Alumni Mass & Mingle
For the first time, we held a special Young Alumni Mass & Mingle, hosted by the C21 Center and St. Ignatius Parish, in partnership with the GOLD LC and the BCAA. Mass & Mingle is a monthly opportunity to gather together for Mass followed by a one-hour social. Mass & Mingle allows young alumni to grow in faith and spirituality while forming meaningful friendships with peers. During the program, GOLD LC member Lili Fleming ’23, shared that the group comprises 100 graduates of the last decade of Boston College from across the country who build a community by fostering alumni connections, engagement, and philanthropy.
WE MENTORED
And opened our networks to Eagles
Alumni connected with one another virtually and in person to uncover job opportunities, receive career support, and gain access to countless professional resources.
Career Webinar: Balancing self-care, family, and career
Endeavor
Endeavor, one of BC’s signature student and alumni events, is a three-day career exploration program for sophomores and juniors. This year’s event, which took place from January 10 to 12, was a great success and featured our ninth annual keynote speaker, Carolyn Murphy ’09. We welcomed over 80 alumni back to campus, and over 280 students with alumni featured in various ways, including small group mentors, meal companions, industry-specific panelists, and participants at a student networking session.
1L Mentoring Program
The 1L Mentor Program matches first-year law students with alumni mentors in the cities where they want to be and in their desired practice areas. The goal of the program is to help students establish relationships with alumni who can provide meaningful advice and connections. This year we matched over 70 law students with alumni mentors in cities across the country.
Eagle Exchange, an initiative led by the BC Alumni Association in partnership with the BC Career Center, is an exclusive online networking platform connecting the global BC alumni and student community through lifelong, professional conversations.
EAGLE EXCHANGE SNAPSHOT:
Total number of student and alumni users
Number of alumni users
Number of student users
Average rating of alumni-student connections (out of 5)
Number of messages sent
Total number of student and alumni users
Number of alumni users
Number of student users
Average rating of alumni-student connections (out of 5)
Number of messages sent
During my time at BC and since graduating, I’ve received invaluable mentorship, support, and guidance—both personally and professionally—from fellow Eagles. Now, I find such joy in being able to connect with and offer that same kind of support to current students and fellow alumni.
I’ve enjoyed connecting with alumni across industries, parts of the world, and in different chapters of life. These people were indispensable in my professional development, helping me with applications, interviews, and deciding on internships and full-time positions. To this day, I’m grateful for those connections, many of which have evolved into lasting friendships.
The power of the network extends far beyond the campus. Eagle Exchange enables us to reach any alumni across the world looking to connect with each other. This platform has given me the opportunity to interact with Eagles at all stages of their journeys, from first-year students navigating their internships to seasoned professionals embarking on a career shift. It brings me such happiness to see them achieve success, stay in touch over the years, and celebrate their achievements from first jobs to career pivots and promotions.
Every conversation with an Eagle reinforces how exceptional this community is. Eagles love helping other Eagles: it is the greatest reminder of the enduring connection we share. I will always want to give back to the place that’s been so generous to me, even as I know I’ve gained much more than I could ever give in return.
—Alexis D. Allen ’17
Involved and supported our University
Thousands of dedicated alumni volunteered their time to help create countless memorable experiences for more than 200,000 alumni around the world.
By the Numbers
Alumni volunteers
Affinity group members
Chapter leaders
Alumni board members
Reunion committee members
YOUR SUPPORT MAKES A DIFFERENCE
Your financial support, whether it’s $10 or $10,000+, made a difference across our community. Learn more about the impact of your gift at bc.edu/impact.
$6.8M
Was raised from gifts of $1,000 or less
22,896
Total undergraduate alumni donors
47,853
Total donors
Get Involved
There are many ways to stay connected with BC, engage with fellow alumni, and make our University stronger.
