Boston College Alumni Association (BCAA) Annual Report
Greetings from the Heights
Dear Boston College Alumni,
We’re delighted to share this year’s Boston College Alumni Association (BCAA) Year in Review, which highlights the meaningful ways our global alumni community stayed connected from June 2024 through May 2025.
Whether you visited the Heights this year, joined us at a local chapter alumni event, or cheered from afar, we hope you felt the strength and warmth of the BC community in every moment.
The past 12 months have been marked by meaningful progress, with new opportunities for alumni to connect with one another and the University. On campus, we recognized the launch of Messina College and the Pine Manor Institute for Student Success, and we brought many of you together for RECONNECT III, a signature program that honors our AHANA alumni community, and the unveiling of the Reconnect Scholarship. During Reunion, we held the celebration of the last graduating class of Newton College of the Sacred Heart. Off campus, we were thrilled to offer more than 400 events across the globe, including the relaunch of the London Chapter. Together, these moments reflect the momentum, continuity, and stability of the BC experience—and the enduring connections, shared purpose, and camaraderie that define our alumni community.
None of these achievements would be possible without the support of alumni like you, who model what it means to be Eagles for others. Your involvement in your communities through service, your gift of time volunteering with BC, your mentorship of current Eagles, your connections with each other, and your philanthropy to the University all strengthen the bonds that keep our global alumni network thriving. Our shared values as Eagles mean that Boston College is a place you can turn to for kinship and common ground.
The BC spirit is what makes our alumni community exceptional. Thank you for being part of it! We look forward to the year ahead and to seeing you soon.
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
We are proud to provide access to a wide range of events for our 212K+ living alumni
total events
virtual events
in-person events
total alumni event attendees
first-time event attendees
total events
virtual events
in-person events
total alumni event attendees
first-time event attendees
social media by the numbers
social media by the numbers
website visits
Facebook followers
X (Twitter) followers
Instagram followers
Instagram views
LinkedIn members
website visits
Facebook followers
X (Twitter) followers
Instagram followers
Instagram views
LinkedIn members
total app users
total sessions on app
total notification opens
community through shared interests and identities
July 26–28, 2024
RECONNECT III
RECONNECT III was a celebration of the AHANA community. Sponsored by the AHANA Alumni Advisory Council, the weekend featured programs highlighting the latest news from Boston College as well as developments in the landscape of higher education. At the signature event, the RECONNECT III Gala, which had a “black tie sneaker ball” theme, Juan Fernando Lopera ’99 was presented with the Keith A. Francis ’76 Inspiration Award, named after the founder of RECONNECT. An endowed scholarship fund created by Brigid Doherty ’96 and René F. Jones ’86, P’25, was also announced at the event.
October 2, 2024
New York City Young Alumni Networking Night
The Wall Street Business Advisory Council, Council for Women of Boston College, and AHANA Alumni Advisory Council collaborated to host a networking night of over 150 young alumni 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.
October 16–17, 2024
Council for Women of Boston College Fall Meeting
The Council for Women of Boston College (CWBC) gathered over 60 members on campus for two days for its annual fall meeting. This year’s event began with an evening program at Messina College featuring Erick Berrelleza, S.J., MDiv’15, founding dean of Messina College, and three inspiring students in their first year. The second day began with a special Mass celebrating the late Kathleen McGillycuddy NC’71, former chair of the CWBC, followed by a council business meeting, a presentation by Vice President and Executive Director of the Pine Manor Institute for Student Success Joy Moore ’81, H’10, and a council member highlight featuring Karyn Polito ’88, former lieutenant governor of Massachusetts.
November 8, 2024
24th Veterans Mass and Remembrance Ceremony
The 24th Annual Veterans Mass and Remembrance Ceremony featured remarks from Kevin Powers, P’21, ’23, ’27, director of the master of legal studies in cybersecurity, risk, and governance program and lecturer in law at Boston College Law School. The event was sponsored by Boston College Military & Veteran Support and the Veterans Alumni Network, as well as by the Army and Navy ROTC programs, which led a very moving roll call. The roll call featured a reading of the names of all 212 BC alumni who have lost their lives during times of conflict.
November 12, 2024
The Business of Sports
This year’s Technology & Entrepreneurship Council’s annual fall signature event explored the evolving business landscape of sports. Panelists Alejandro Bedoya ’09, Kwani Lunis ’15, Anna Palmer, and Kevin Willer ’96 addressed how professional teams are becoming one of the fastest-growing investment opportunities and discussed the possibilities, challenges, and unmatched excitement surrounding the business of sports.
November 20, 2024, and February 27, 2025
Wall Street Business Leadership Council Forum Programs
The Wall Street Business Leadership Council partnered with the AHANA Alumni Advisory Council and Council for Women of Boston College to host two Business Leadership Forums this year in New York City—drawing a combined 320 attendees. Featured speakers included Steve Pemberton ’89, H’15, MA’19, P’23, ’27; Joy Moore ’81, H’10; Libby Wadle ’94; and Gregory Kalscheur, S.J., MDiv’01.
March 12, 2025
Eagles in the Arts 2025
For the third consecutive year, the LGBTQ+ Alumni Council, Alumni Arts Circle, and New York City Chapter partnered to celebrate Boston College alumni making an impact in the arts. More than 40 alumni, parents, and friends gathered at The Players, a historic club in New York City, for this event, which featured a performance by Patricia Noonan ’07.
March 21, 2025
The Real Estate Council Symposium
In partnership with the Corcoran Center for Real Estate and Urban Action, the Real Estate Council hosted a half-day symposium for students and alumni. The symposium featured two panels moderated by Riggs Kubiak ’03 that discussed the next generation of technology tools for the real estate industry. Over 100 Eagles gathered on campus for this biennial event. Real Estate Council Co-Chairs Kristin Blount ’86 and Michael Corcoran ’86, P’15, ’20, also recognized outgoing Co-Chair Brian Dacey ’74 for his many years of leadership for the council.
March 30, 2025
Laetare Sunday
The BCAA hosted its longest-standing tradition to celebrate the midpoint of the Lenten Season. The 74th annual Laetare Sunday featured Mass presided by University President William P. Leahy, S.J., and remarks by Bill O’Brien, the Gregory P. Barber ’69 and Family Head Coach of Boston College football. Over 300 alumni, parents, and friends, as well as a wonderful showing of the Class of 1975, joined us in reflection as a BC community.
April 23, 2025
Wall Street Business Leadership Council Tribute Dinner
Over 750 alumni, parents, and friends gathered in New York City at Cipriani Wall Street for the 35th Wall Street Business Leadership Council Tribute Dinner. During the event, University President William P. Leahy, S.J., presented University Trustee René F. Jones ’86, P’25, with the President’s Medal for Excellence in recognition of his achievements as chairman and chief executive officer of M&T Bank. The event, which supports the Gabelli Presidential Scholars Program, celebrated the 22 senior Presidential Scholars graduating in 2025 and raised a record-breaking $3.1 million from over 350 donors.
Corporate Engagement
This year, through our corporate engagement program, we connected with over 700 alumni, parents, and friends. Events were held at Fidelity in Boston; Bank of America Merrill Lynch in New York City, hosted by Kevin McLaughlin ’78, Anna Lizzul ’14, and Elizabeth Ward ’19; and Morgan Stanley in New York City, hosted by Joe Irineo ’03 and Sam Lalanne ’03. BC alumni employed at these corporations had the opportunity to network with fellow members of the BC community and hear from University leaders about recent developments on campus.
with classmates
October 20, 2024
New York Young Alumni Mass and Mingle
BCAA’s GOLD Leadership Council and New York City Chapter hosted the New York Young Alumni Mass and Social. Over 30 alumni and friends attended Mass at St. Francis Xavier on West 16th Street. Following Mass, an alumni social was held at Boqueria Flatiron. Over brunch, young alumni engaged in faith, community, and conversation.
November 2, 2024
Boston College Law School Reunion
The BCAA welcomed over 350 BC Law alumni to the Heights for their Reunion. We offered 10 events on the Newton Campus and in Boston to curate moments of connection and opportunities for celebration. The weekend was filled with many events and activities, including a reception to thank BC Law volunteers, a brewery gathering, class parties, and a state of the school presentation by Odette Lienau, the inaugural Marianne D. Short, Esq., Dean and professor of law.
March 8, 2025
Young Alumni Yoga and Social
Young alumni rolled out their mats in Gasson Hall for a new wellness event. 30 alumni and friends participated in a fun yoga class led by instructor Daniel Mundo ’15. After lots of eagle poses and admiration of the stained glass, a reception followed for community building. It was a wonderful opportunity to expand young alumni’s health interests and make friends in Boston.
BC Law Supreme Court Swearing In
The BC Law Alumni Association organized a special gathering for seven alumni at the Supreme Court of the United States, where they were formally sworn into the bar with their movant, Edward Leahy, JD’71. Representing a diverse range of legal backgrounds, the alumni were accompanied by their guests for a private breakfast, the official swearing-in ceremony, and the rare opportunity to witness a live oral argument before all nine justices in the Supreme Court courtroom.
March 25, 2025
Student and Alumni Networking Night
The Boston College Student Alumni Association hosted the third annual Student and Alumni Networking Night. The evening included opening remarks from BC Professor Thomas Wesner ’89, DEd’07, P’20, ’21, ’24, ’26. An alumni panel was moderated by Jocelyn Ridge ’25 and featured SJ Petteruti ’07, Ileana Jimenez Garcia ’87, and Madison Baker ’22. 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 85 alumni and students in attendance.
March 27, 2025
West Palm Beach Law Alumni Networking Reception
This spring, 25 BC Law alumni came together in West Palm Beach, Florida, for an evening of networking and conversation. Held on the stunning, sunlit rooftop bar of the Ben Hotel, the reception offered a vibrant setting for guests to reconnect with classmates. BC Law Alumni Association President Michelle Limaj, JD’07, was on hand to warmly welcome local alumni.
April 28, 2025
Woods College Alumni Reception
The Woods College of Advancing Studies and the BCAA held a reception at Equal Measure in Boston, with 85 alumni and friends in attendance. The event included remarks from the newly appointed dean of the Woods College, David Goodman, Ph.D., and Martin “Marty” Walsh ’10, former Boston Mayor and U.S. secretary of labor, now executive director of the National Hockey League Players’ Association. Marty Walsh was particularly inspiring, sharing the meaningful impact his Wood College education had on his life and career.
First Generation Celebration
The BCAA and the Pine Manor Institute for Student Success celebrated the accomplishments of students in the Class of 2025 who participated in the BC F1RST College Transition Program (CTP), Options Through Education (OTE), the BC F1RST Living Learning Community, the McNair Scholars Program, and who served as teaching assistants for the Applications of Learning Theory course and success coaches in the Academy. Director of Pine Manor Institute Mentoring & Academic Achievement, Karl Bell, P’29, offered welcoming remarks to the 100 attendees. Jennifer Perrigo, P’28, senior associate dean for strategic and student affairs and chief of staff to Dean Lienau, served as the moderator. Panelists included Minh Dinh ’25; Bill Eugene ’25; Rion Hallaran ’17, MBA’24; Caysie Harvey ’10, MEd’11; and Layla Saenz ’25.
May 15, 2025
Senior Class Toast
The BCAA celebrated the Class of 2025 with a champagne toast on the Lower Campus Lawn. Casey Beaumier, S.J., STL’05, PhD’13, 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 Vice President Arivee Vargas ’05, JD’08, H’22. Senior Legacy Committee Co-Chair Bella Calise ’25 and Student Alumni Association President Jocelyn Ridge ’25 also addressed and congratulated their classmates. Over 2,500 undergraduates attended and marked the occasion with a custom 2025 champagne glass.
May 30–June 1, 2025
Reunion
We welcomed over 4,500 alumni and guests back to campus for Reunion 2025! This year, we celebrated Boston College alumni from the Classes of 2020, 2015, 2010, 2005, 2000, 1995, 1990, 1985, 1980, 1975, 1970, 1965, and 1960 and Newton College alumni from the Classes of 1960, 1965, 1970, and 1975. The weekend was filled with tours, networking, an athletics panel, class parties, barbecues, and more!
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
October 25, 2024
Homecoming Alumni Tailgate
In collaboration with Athletics and Student Affairs, the Regional Engagement team hosted a Homecoming tailgate outside O’Neill Library before the Eagles took on the Louisville Cardinals. The event kicked off with the University Chorale of Boston College, followed by a performance by the Felix Brown Band. The event welcomed nearly 250 alumni, parents, students, and friends for a festive pregame gathering.
November 16, 2024
SMU Tailgate
The BC vs. SMU tailgate in Dallas was the largest away game tailgate in BCAA history, drawing 704 attendees. Hosted with Texas flair, the event included catered tailgate fare from Mi Cocina.
December 14, 2024
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 and Baldwin, holiday crafts, specialty performances, train rides, cookie and gingerbread house decorating, and more!
December 14, 2024
Wreaths Across America
On National Wreaths Across America Day, BC alumni, families, and friends joined together to honor fallen Eagles with wreath-laying ceremonies in Arlington, Virginia; Bourne, Massachusetts; Sarasota, Florida; San Diego, California; and Washington, DC. The events collectively welcomed approximately 180 participants.
December 28, 2024
Pinstripe Bowl
The BCAA, in partnership with BC Athletics, hosted a pregame tailgate at Billy’s Sports Bar in New York City ahead of the Pinstripe Bowl against Nebraska. More than 550 alumni, parents, and friends came together to reconnect and rally school spirit before the big game.
March 9, 2025
Naples Weekend Celebration
The Southwest Florida Eagles gathered in Naples for a weekend of BC festivities. Alumni kicked off the celebration with a social event at Boston Beer Garden, building excitement for Saturday’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade. 35 Eagles proudly marched in the parade, handing out beads as “Sweet Caroline” played from the BC float. 200 alumni and friends attended Mass at the Ritz-Carlton, led by William P. Leahy, S.J., and Casey Beaumier, S.J., STL’05, PhD’13. The celebration concluded with brunch and inspiring closing remarks from Leah M. Spencer, associate vice president of alumni relations and University commencement director.
April 14, 2025
Easter Celebration
Even in a snowstorm, the BCAA welcomed over 120 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, P’17, ’18, ’20, ’23.
Westchester Speaker Series
Over 50 alumni, parents, and friends gathered for a memorable evening at the beautiful Larchmont Yacht Club, featuring Associate Vice President and University Spokesman, Jack Dunn ’83, P’18, ’20, ’23, ’29. Guests enjoyed an engaging program filled with laughter, shared stories, and meaningful reflections. Jack offered thoughtful insights into how BC is adapting to the changing landscape of higher education. It was a special night of connection and conversation, highlighting the strength and spirit of the BC community.
Always an Eagle
Always an Eagle (AAE) is a signature BCAA networking event hosted in some of our most engaged alumni regions. These gatherings offer alumni the chance to connect, hear University updates, and welcome new members of the BC community. This year, six events were held in Austin, Chicago, Dallas, Denver, Houston, and Montauk. The Chicago AAE was held at Bar Avec and hosted by Alexandra ’95 and Chris Noon ’95, P’25, ’27, ’29, with remarks from Joy Moore ’81, H’10, vice president and executive director of the Pine Manor Institute for Student Success. The Dallas AAE was hosted at Maplewood: A Private Social Club by Brian Tusa ’94, cofounder of Friends of The Heights. Featured speakers included Blake James, William V. Campbell Director of Athletics, and Bill O’Brien, Gregory P. Barber ’69 and Family Head Coach of BC football. Together, these six events drew over 250 alumni, parents, and friends.
new and enhanced alumni programming
September 12, 2024
Biotech Networking Night
Nearly 200 alumni and students gathered for an evening of networking and conversation. This event featured welcome remarks by Tom Chiles, vice provost for research and academic planning, Philip Lam ’14, and Joseph Du Pont P’23, P’26, associate vice president for career services and integrated learning. Tom Chiles also moderated a panel discussion featuring Wade Brown ’99, Nicole Sweeny ’96, John Tallarico ’99, and Charles Wagner ’90, P’23. Following the panel discussion, students were able to connect and network with alumni working in the biotech industry.
Regional Networking Night Series
The regional networking night series launched with events in Chicago and Washington, DC, cohosted by the BCAA and the AHANA Alumni Advisory Council. The Chicago event was held on January 29 at Guinness Open Gate Brewery, featuring remarks by Esther Chang ’02, JD’07, member of the Alumni Association Board of Directors and former president of the BC Law Alumni Board. The Washington, DC, event was held on May 1 and hosted at Royal Sands Social Club’s Palm Bar with remarks from Wynndell Bishop ’00, MBA’07, president of the Boston College Alumni Association. Combined, the two events welcomed over 150 alumni and friends.
March 26, 2025
BC Club Scholarship Dinner
Nearly 90 alumni, parents, and friends gathered in celebration of the BC Club Scholarship Fund and its founders. Guests enjoyed a spectacular evening with a warm reception, engaging conversations, and inspiring reflections from two BC Club Scholars, Miguel Castro ’26 and Cristian Lopez Martinez ’28. The energy at the event truly embodied the BC spirit and the tight-knit connections among BC Club members.
International Engagement
This year, we have initiated efforts to revitalize several international chapters, with particular attention to London and Hong Kong. In London, a newly formed group of dedicated volunteers hosted multiple networking events and is developing a comprehensive action plan for the year ahead, incorporating service opportunities, spiritual programming, and a holiday gathering. In Hong Kong, chapter leaders are actively preparing for a relaunch, with a strong focus on fostering professional connections and community engagement.
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 Series with Arivee Vargas ’05 and Kate Balch O’Neill ’08
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 8 to 10, was a great success and featured our tenth annual keynote speaker and current BCAA Board of Directors member Jamal Halepota ’09. We welcomed nearly 60 alumni back to campus, and over 200 students participated. This year, we celebrated the 10th year anniversary and thanked all of our Endeavor volunteers with a special networking reception featuring remarks from Steve Pemberton ’89, H’15, MA’19, P’23, ’27.
MentorMatch
The BC MentorMatch Program is facilitated on BC’s online networking platform, Eagle Exchange, and allows current students to connect with an alumni mentor in their career field of interest. MentorMatch provides every junior the opportunity to be matched with a mentor, and is open to seniors and graduate students if space permits. This year, nearly 400 alumni and 450 students were successfully matched.
Eagle Exchange, an initiative led by BCAA in partnership with the BC Career Center, is an exclusive online networking platform connecting the global Boston College alumni and student community through lifelong, professional conversations.
For Eagle Exchange’s fifth anniversary, the BCAA and Career Center reached out to the entire campus community to reintroduce the platform. These presentations educated faculty and staff about the online platform and how it can further benefit their departments and students.
EAGLE EXCHANGE SNAPSHOT:
Total number of student and alumni users
Number of alumni users
Number of undergraduate student users
Number of messages sent
Average rating of alumni-student connections (out of 5)
Total number of student and alumni users
Number of alumni users
Number of undergraduate student users
Faculty and staff users
Number of messages sent
Average rating of alumni-student connections (out of 5)
—Katherine Conforti ’25
—Ileana Jimenez Garcia ’87
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
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.
$2.9M
raised from gifts of $1,000 or less by undergraduate alumni donors
22,394
total undergraduate alumni donors
49,060
total donors
Get Involved
There are many ways to stay connected with BC, engage with fellow alumni, and make our University stronger.
Missing: Alexis Allen ’17 and Kathleen Powers Haley ’76, P’10, ’16