Boston College Alumni Association (BCAA) Annual Report
Greetings from the Heights
Dear Boston College Alumni,
We are pleased to present the Boston College Alumni Association Annual Report, which highlights engagement activities from June 2025 to May 2026. We would also like to welcome the Class of 2026 to the BC alumni community.
It was a year of incredible milestones across campus. As we look ahead to the future of Boston College, we’re defined by a strong sense of continuity, stability, and momentum—pillars that continue to guide our community as we reflect on the remarkable 30-year tenure of University President Emeritus William P. Leahy, S.J. Over the past 12 months, we were reminded of the deep strength of our foundation, and above all, why staying connected to BC and to one another matters so much.
Continuity of Connection
Throughout the year, you came to our events in extraordinary numbers. Reunion welcomed more than 5,100 alumni and guests to Chestnut Hill, the largest turnout in nearly a decade. A record 850 alumni, parents, friends, and leaders attended the Wall Street Business Leadership Council Tribute Dinner in April, which inspired gifts from more than 550 donors, raising more than $4.4 million for the Gabelli Presidential Scholars Program. And two momentous anniversaries—the 25th annual Veterans Mass and Remembrance Ceremony and the 15th anniversary of the Boston College Veterans Alumni Network—brought our community together in honor of those who made the ultimate sacrifice.
Momentum and Growth
We continued to grow our alumni community by welcoming the Class of 2026 and celebrating the graduation of the inaugural class of Messina College in May. We strengthened our alumni network and deepened our commitment to volunteer education by hosting the Volunteer Leadership Forum in October 2025. This program brought over 150 of the top alumni ambassadors across the country for a conference-style event featuring various University leaders. In tandem with this momentum, the AHANA Alumni Leadership Council was renamed and revitalized with renewed purpose, and our first-ever accessibility awareness event opened meaningful new pathways for alumni to connect with the University and each other.
Stability in Leadership
Our community’s strength rests on a foundation of stability—built by trusted University leadership, the Jesuit community, dedicated alumni leaders, and a shared vision for advancing our mission.
In this spirit, we are excited to welcome Christina M. Sliwa ’93, MBA’00, as incoming president of the Alumni Association Board of Directors. Christina’s decades of dedicated volunteer service and broad-based leadership reflect a profound, lifelong commitment to BC and her fellow alumni. Her deep institutional knowledge ensures a seamless transition and a promising path forward.
We are thrilled to celebrate this next chapter together and look forward to seeing you at an upcoming BC event soon!
Ever to Excel,
Leah M. Spencer
Associate Vice President for Alumni Relations and University Commencement Director
Boston College
Past 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
Past President, Boston College Alumni Association Board of Directors
WE CONNECTED
online and in person
Events
We are proud to provide access to a wide range of events for our 215,000+ living alumni
total events
virtual events
in-person events
total event attendees
first-time event attendees
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in-person events
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first-time event attendees
social media by the numbers
social media
website visits
Facebook followers
X followers
Instagram followers
Instagram views
LinkedIn members
website visits
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Instagram views
LinkedIn members
BC ALUMNI APP
total app users
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community through shared interests and identities
The Council for Women of Boston College
This was a historic year for the Council for Women of Boston College (CWBC). In partnership with Student Affairs, the inaugural CWBC Career Symposium welcomed over 120 participants, including students and alumnae, featuring Navyn Salem ’94, H’12, P’26, ’28, founder and CEO of Edesia Nutrition, and Libby Wadle ’94, CEO of J.Crew Group and Madewell. The CWBC also celebrated the renaming of the Kathleen McGillycuddy CWBC Colloquium, made possible by a generous gift from Ronald E. Logue ’67, MBA’74, in honor of his late wife. Presented by the Institute for the Liberal Arts, this year’s colloquium featured Misty Copeland, the first African American female principal dancer with American Ballet Theatre, with over 500 students, alumni, and friends of BC in attendance. In memory of the council’s founding chair, Kathleen McGillycuddy NC’71, the CWBC raised over $2.2 million for Boston College.
Boston College Veterans Alumni Network
The Boston College Veterans Alumni Network (BCVAN) hosted the 25th annual Veterans Mass and Remembrance Ceremony, held at the Veterans Memorial on Bapst Lawn. We remembered those BC alumni who made the ultimate sacrifice in the nation’s wars, dating back to World War I. The event featured remarks from Mary-Anne Benedict ’67, P’96, who reflected on the origins of the memorial wall and BCVAN, of which she is a founding member. David Dauphinais ’05, who served for 10 years as a United States Navy SEAL, offered the keynote address. BCVAN also celebrated its 15th anniversary with a luncheon for current and past members. Special recognition was given to founding member Paul Delaney ’66, P’95, ’99, and his wife, Denise ’67.
The Real Estate Council of Boston College
The Real Estate Council of Boston College (TREC) welcomed nearly 100 alumni, including 35 graduates of the last decade (GOLD) and 10 first-time attendees, to a morning of professional networking and conversation about capital markets. Eight distinguished BC alumni presented across two panels moderated by TREC Executive Committee members Sara Cassidy ’99 and Michael Greeley ’08, focusing on the evolving dynamics of debt and equity allocations. Panelists shared their industry perspectives on market trends, risk management, and opportunities across sectors.
Wall Street Business Leadership Council
The Wall Street Business Leadership Council hosted its annual Business Leadership Forums in New York City, one of which was a partnership with the AHANA Alumni Leadership Council. The two forums drew a combined 350 attendees, including 117 GOLD and 13 first-time attendees. Featured speakers included Casey Beaumier, S.J., Haub Vice President for Mission and Ministry; Rev. John T. Butler, S.J., University president–elect; and Candi Carter ’91, CEO of Cistus Media.
February 12, 2026
Miami Art Exhibit and Social
The Alumni Arts Circle, Miami Chapter, and McMullen Patrons gathered for an exclusive viewing of A World Far Away, Nearby, and Invisible: Territory Narratives in the Jorge M. Pérez Collection at El Espacio 23. The evening featured remarks from Nancy Netzer, Inaugural Robert L. and Judith T. Winston Director of the McMullen Museum of Art and professor of art history; Elizabeth Goizueta, former assistant director for Spain and Latin America at BC’s Office of International Programs; Jim McDermott ’77, JD’80, P’07, ’09, ’13, chair of the McMullen Patron’s Committee; and Daisy Diaz ’01 and Federico Gandolfi Vannini, owners of Frascione Gallery, whose personal collection was featured last fall at the McMullen Museum.
March 15, 2026
Laetare Sunday
Over 200 alumni, parents, students, and friends gathered for the 75th annual celebration of Laetare Sunday, marking the midway point of the penitential season. The Alumni Association’s oldest tradition featured Mass led by University President William P. Leahy, S.J., and remarks by then–Vice President for Student Affairs Shawna Cooper Whitehead.
LGBTQ+ Alumni Council Programming
The LGBTQ+ Alumni Council hosted several gatherings this past year, two of which were particularly noteworthy: a reception at the Cadigan Alumni Center on March 26, and a day of service in New York City at the SAGE Center, which helps older LGBTQ+ people live longer, happier, and healthier lives by offering meals, classes, and much more. The events welcomed over 60 alumni.
April 10–11, 2026
AHANA Alumni Leadership Council (AALC) Spring Meeting
Led by Council Chair Arivee Vargas ’05, JD’08, H’22, the AALC recently went through an exciting restructure and onboarded a new executive committee and general members. The council held its spring meeting back on campus, which featured special guest speaker Erick Berrelleza S.J., Patti and Jonathan Kraft Family Dean, to learn about Messina College as it prepared to graduate its inaugural class. The council also had the opportunity to hear from former Vice President for Student Affairs Dr. Shawna Cooper-Whitehead and to hear a moderated conversation with current AHANA student leaders about their BC experience.
April 23, 2026
Wall Street Business Leadership Council 36th Tribute Dinner
A record 850 alumni, parents, and friends gathered in New York City at the Waldorf Astoria for the 36th Wall Street Business Leadership Council. During the event, University President William P. Leahy, S.J., presented the chair of the Boston College Board of Trustees, John F. Fish, P’13, ’18, ’23, with the President’s Medal for Excellence in recognition of his life’s work and contributions to society. The event, which supports the Gabelli Presidential Scholars Program, celebrated the 11 Presidential Scholars graduating in 2026 and raised a record-breaking $4.4 million from over 550 donors.
Boston College Technology and Entrepreneurship Council
The Boston College Technology and Entrepreneurship Council (BCTEC) welcomed more than 360 alumni, including 175 GOLD, across five events in Boston and New York City. At the council’s signature fall event, alumni heard from DraftKings North America Co-founder and President Matt Kalish, MBA’09, who offered an inside look at DraftKings, shared insights on business leadership, and gave advice for aspiring entrepreneurs. At the council’s four Tech on Tap events, BCTEC’s signature networking series for the tech and entrepreneurial community, emerging and established alumni entrepreneurs and founders reflected on journeys from the Heights to today.
with classmates
September 3, 2025
Boston Young Alumni Summer Social
More than 100 young alumni flocked to Cisco Brewers Seaport for an unforgettable evening of connection, laughter, and classic Boston summer vibes. The energetic, open-air venue provided the perfect backdrop as fellow Eagles toasted to the end of the season. From catching up with old roommates to meeting graduates from different class years, the energy was electric. It was the ultimate way to cap off the summer—surrounded by great company, nostalgic stories, and the unmistakable spirit of the Eagle community.
September 10, 2025
BC Law New York City Reception with Dean Lienau
Marianne D. Short, Esq., Dean Odette Lienau and over 70 BC Law alumni, faculty, and staff gathered for a reception in New York City’s Ivory Peacock bar. Alumni from various years attended and enjoyed a night of networking and reconnecting.
CRNA Program 20th Anniversary
The 20th anniversary of BC’s certified registered nurse anesthetist (CRNA) program brought together more than 100 alumni, students, faculty, and staff for a memorable weekend of connection, collaboration, and celebration. Dean Katherine Gregory, PhD’05, RN, FAAN, welcomed guests to the kickoff lunch and panel session, with Professor Caitlin Vitale ’04, MS’11, PhD’21, moderating the panel of esteemed alumni. The weekend created opportunities for attendees to network, share professional experiences and insights, and honor the program’s remarkable 20-year legacy and impact.
November 7–8, 2025
BC Law Reunion
Around 400 alumni with class years ending in zeroes and fives gathered to celebrate their BC Law Reunion. Highlights included a “state of the school” presentation from Dean Lienau; a keynote address by Professor Daniel Kanstroom, P’10; “The Challenge of Big Tech: Regulating Social Media and AI” lecture with Professor Daniel Lyons, P’26, ’27; the Black Alumni Network’s (BAN) 40th anniversary panel; the Dean’s Council reception; and the signature class party.
March 24, 2026
Class of 1981 Virtual Social
The Class of 1981 virtual social, hosted by Bill Donohue ’81, brought together 30 alumni from all over the country to reconnect and reminisce ahead of Reunion. The event strengthened community among the Class of 1981 and fostered new connections, with many encouraging each other to return to the Heights in May!
March 25, 2026
Student and Alumni Networking Night
The annual student and alumni networking night brought together 75 alumni and students for a wonderful evening of engagement across multiple industries. The evening started with opening remarks by Chris Darcy, MA’09, director of First Year Experience, who emphasized the power of making connections. A distinguished alumni panel, including Bo Brainerd ’25, of the GOLD Leadership Council; Logan DelloStritto ’13, of the BCAA Board; and Carlos Robles-Cruz ’16, MS’17, JD’26, of the 10th Reunion Engagement Committee, was moderated by Meaghan Zurcher ’26, president of the Student Alumni Association. BCAA Board member Alexis Allen ’17 provided closing remarks. Ten members of the GOLD Leadership Council were present as table moderators to engage the students in conversation.
April 30, 2026
Law Day
Established by proclamation in 1958, Law Day is a long-standing national tradition. At Boston College Law School, we mark Law Day with a signature event that celebrates the most vital goals of the legal profession. This year, we welcomed over 175 attendees and honored four alumni with the following awards: St. Thomas More Award: James Sturdevant, JD’72; Hon. David S. Nelson Public Interest Law Award: Ricardo “Brandon” Rios, JD’10; Daniel G. Holland Lifetime Achievement Award: Hon. Miriam M. Shearing, JD’64; and Recent Graduate Award: Heather Perez Arroyo, JD’17.
May 14, 2026
Senior Class Toast
The BCAA celebrated the Class of 2026 with a champagne toast on Lower Campus. 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 Vice President Christina Sliwa ’93, MBA’00. Senior Legacy Committee member and Student Alumni Association President Meaghan Zurcher ’26 also addressed and congratulated her classmates. Over 2,500 undergraduates attended and marked the occasion with a custom 2026 champagne glass.
May 18, 2026
Alumni Honor Guard
Fifty-five members of the 25th (2001) and 50th (1976) Reunion classes and members of the BCAA Board of Directors gathered to serve on the Boston College Alumni Honor Guard alongside the BCAA at the 150th University Commencement Exercises. These alumni led the Academic Procession during the Main Ceremony on Commencement Day.
May 29–31, 2026
Reunion
We were thrilled to welcome a record-breaking crowd of over 5,100 alumni and guests back to Heights for Reunion 2026! This year, we celebrated Boston College alumni from the classes ending in ones and sixes, spanning the Classes of 1961 through 2021. The energy on campus was unmatched as old friends and families came together for a spectacular weekend filled with campus tours, networking events, class parties, and classic BC barbecues.
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
June 12, 2025
Los Angeles Regional Networking
The Regional Networking Night series continued, this time in Los Angeles, in collaboration with the AHANA Alumni Leadership Council (AALC). The LA Chapter welcomed 40 alumni at the Citizen Public Market rooftop for an evening of discussion and connection. The event featured speaker Rochelle Webb ’01, a visionary marketing executive, educator, and entrepreneur with over two decades of experience driving growth for global brands across business-to-business and business-to-consumer sectors.
September 13, 2025
Stanford Football Tailgate
Over 400 alumni, friends, and family, including University President William P. Leahy, S.J., and William V. Campbell Director of Athletics Blake James, joined the Northern California Chapter for a festive pregame gathering at Korbet Plaza before the BC football game at Stanford. The Regional Engagement team also hosted BC tailgates at Michigan State and the University of Louisville.
October 18, 2025
Homecoming Football Tailgate
In collaboration with BC Athletics, the Regional Engagement team hosted a Homecoming tailgate before the Eagles took on the UConn Huskies. Gasson Hall served as the perfect backdrop for the event, which was held on the plaza outside O’Neill Library and included a breakfast buffet, harvest decor, and a DJ. The event welcomed around 150 alumni, parents, students, and friends for a tailgate full of BC spirit.
Save the date for Homecoming 2026: October 15–17
December 13, 2025
Winter Wonderland
The BCAA welcomed over 1,000 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 13, 2025
Wreaths Across America
On National Wreaths Across America Day, alumni, family, and friends around the country joined to honor fallen Eagles. Wreath-laying ceremonies took place in Washington, DC; Sarasota; Cape Cod; and San Diego. In total, around 170 Eagles helped honor veterans through this special tradition.
Beanpot Game Watches
Chapters around the country came together at local bars and restaurants to cheer the Eagles on to victory in the Beanpot tournament. Alumni, family, and friends met up in Boston, Atlanta, Charlotte, St. Louis, Providence, and beyond to watch the Eagles become the 2026 Beanpot champions.
March 8, 2026
Southwest Florida Celebrations
Florida Eagles gathered for a week of festivities, starting with the Naples Mass and brunch. Nearly 200 alumni attended Mass at the Ritz-Carlton, celebrated by Casey Beaumier, S.J., and University President William P. Leahy, S.J. The following weekend, 28 Eagles participated in the Southwest Florida Saint Patrick’s Day parade, with BC spirit and pride on full display.
March 28, 2026
Easter Celebration
The BCAA welcomed over 250 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 a special appearance by the Easter Bunny! For the first time since 2019, we were able to have our Easter egg hunt! The Boston College Church in the 21st Century (C21) Center gave out Easter-themed crafts.
Year-round
Service Events
Throughout the year, BC alumni chapters find meaningful ways to give back to their communities. This year’s service events ranged from Westchester Chapter Eagles spending Thanksgiving at Saint Mary’s Food Pantry to Triangle Chapter Eagles packing meals at a local food bank. This year, over 150 alumni, family, and friends volunteered at 15 service events across 10 chapters in total, continuing to live out being men and women for others.
new and enhanced alumni programming
May 7, 2026
Soaring with Purpose: Alumni Perspectives on Accessibility Virtual Event
In honor of Accessibility Awareness Month, the BC community came together to tune in to this first-of-its-kind virtual event, which explored the day-to-day realities of living with accessibility needs. A panel of BC alumni offered an honest look at their personal journeys, sharing how they’ve navigated obstacles and continued to soar beyond the status quo. The panel included Greg Mihal ’00, Marne Sullivan ’23, and Thomas Wlodkowski ’89, and was moderated by Program Director of the Moderate Support Needs Major and Associate Professor of Special Education David Scanlon, PhD. Opening and closing remarks were made by BCAA Board of Directors President Wynndell Bishop ’00, MBA’07.
October 17–18, 2025
Volunteer Leadership Forum (VLF)
The Volunteer Leadership Forum (VLF) was designed to inspire, educate, and celebrate University Advancement’s volunteer leaders. The forum offered attendees the opportunity to celebrate each other’s service, align on BC’s top priorities, and engage directly with senior leadership. It featured a keynote from University President William P. Leahy, S.J., alongside conversations with other University officials and alumni leaders. Ultimately, over 200 volunteers walked away with clear calls to action, renewed enthusiasm, and an enhanced awareness of key University priorities.
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.
September 9, 2025
New York City Healthcare Networking and Social
The Alumni Association hosted a new event designed to foster meaningful connections, facilitate knowledge exchange, and inspire future collaborations among healthcare professionals. The evening featured a panel of alumni: Lauren Crocco ’02, MD; Mikayla O’Brien ’20; Mark Vignola ’99; Kaitlyn Votta ’15; and Brittany Woods ’10. Over 50 people attended the network, representing a variety of healthcare areas.
Biotech Networking Night
Over 200 alumni and students gathered for an evening of networking and conversation. This event featured welcome remarks by Philip Lam ’14 and Associate Vice President for Career Services and Integrated Learning Joseph Du Pont P’23, ’26. Tom Chiles, vice provost for research and academic planning, moderated a panel discussion featuring Nicole Gaudelli ’06; James Porter, PhD’02; and Nicole Sweeny ’96. Following the panel discussion, students were able to connect and network with alumni working in the biotech industry.
Career Webinar Series
Arivee Vargas ’05, JD’08, H’22, and Kate Balch O’Neill ’08 recently concluded their impactful four-part career webinar series. Designed to instill confidence and offer deep insights into the professional and personal lives of BC alumni, the series earned fantastic engagement. The third installment, “Keys to Living a Good Life,” took place on November 21, and the series officially wrapped up on June 9 with its final session, “Reset and Refocus,” which drew an impressive crowd of over 630 registrants.
January 7–9, 2026
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 was a great success and featured our 11th annual keynote speaker, BCAA Board Associate Frantz Berthaud ’08. We welcomed nearly 80 alumni back to campus, and over 200 students participated.
MentorMatch
The BC MentorMatch Program is facilitated on BC’s online networking platform, Eagle Exchange, and it 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 it is open to seniors and graduate students if space permits. This year, we matched 200 alumni with 295 students (multiple alumni had two or three mentees).
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.
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)
—Kellyn Murch, MA’27
Student Eagle Exchange member
—Logan DelloStritto ’13
Alumni Eagle Exchange member
Member, BCAA Board of Directors
involved and supported our University
Thousands of dedicated alumni volunteered their time to help create countless memorable experiences for more than 215,000 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 more than $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
22,139
total undergraduate alumni donors
42,808
total donors
Get Involved
There are many ways to stay connected with BC, engage with fellow alumni, and make our University stronger.
Missing: Alexis D. Allen ’17