“Maybe [a student] has been playing music at a high level since first grade, while the person next to them began much later on, with slower but steady progress. You must understand and appreciate where both are and what they can do. The great joy for me has been seeing the growth in all my students and in their love of music and how their individual talents and abilities blend. “When you’re a teacher, you find that your students teach you more than you teach them. For that, I’m very grateful.” - Sebastian Bonaiuto, longtime BC bands director who is retiring at the end of the academic year | READ MORE: https://on.bc.edu/SebastianBonaiuto

“[The orientation leader] role instilled in me a love for helping other students and building community on campus. Having felt a version of struggle that some students express, I ran for president primarily because I want to use my final year at BC to give back to other students, helping them find that sense of belonging to not only push past their struggles but also find a true love for Boston College.” - Jonah Renz '27, (right) the 2026-27 UGBC President “Success in this role to me means making every member love being a part of this organization. That love will show through in their initiatives and be apparent to the students who benefit from them. I want to look back at this upcoming year with full confidence in the next generation of student leaders to grow and spread love through the work that UGBC does.” - Addie Weiss '27 (left), 2026-27 UGBC Vice President READ MORE about the incoming Undergraduate Government of Boston College (UGBC) leadership team: https://on.bc.edu/UGBC2026

"One of the main key takeaways from my time at Boston College School of Social Work, thanks to Professor Rocio Calvo, is that I need to embrace my strengths and be relentless about the change I desire to see in myself, my community, and generations to come. Professor Calvo and the Latinx Leadership Initiative helped me strengthen my advocacy and leadership skills. Professor Calvo has served as a powerful mentor. She inspired me to boldly maximize my capacity to have a profound impact in my current job, as well as throughout my sphere of influence." - Niurka De Jesus MSW '16, who is now on the BCSSW Alumni Board | READ MORE: https://on.bc.edu/Niurka DeJesus

“What drew me to the scholarship was the life and witness of St. Oscar Romero. We are workers, not master builders, ministers not messiahs, we are the prophets of the future not our own. His life reminds us that faith is not only something we believe but something that we live through—how we stand with others, especially those whose voices are often unheard. So much of my experience at Boston College has been shaped by that same call to be a person for others, a Jesuit value that closely parallels Romero’s example. For me, that call has been building community, advocating for others, and creating spaces for people, especially Latino students, who feel unsupported. “I’ve tried to give back to the community that welcomed me. I care deeply about the communities that I’m a part of. When I first came to BC, I was very shy. But I made a point of being intentional about building relationships and meeting others while staying true to who I am. If I can now be that same familiar face for other students, someone they feel comfortable coming to with questions, guidance, or simply support, then I feel that I’ve succeeded.” - Janely Cruz Fuentes '27, the 2026 Saint Oscar Romero Scholarship recipient | READ MORE: https://on.bc.edu/JCFuentes

"For me, Franciscan Children's is more than a hospital; it is a place dedicated to breaking down barriers and creating opportunities so children with disabilities can participate fully in life, including through sports. This past summer, I had the privilege of volunteering with Franciscan Children’s and the New Balance Adaptive Track and Field program. It was one of the most meaningful experiences of my life. I witnessed the incredible resilience of the patients, the quiet strength of their caretakers, and the profound impact that even small moments of encouragement can bring. I learned that patience is not just about waiting; it is about showing up, fully present, with empathy and understanding. Running for Franciscan allows me to carry those lessons with me, mile after mile, while giving back to the children and families who inspired them." - Maria Alejandra Jove ’27 | Learn about more Eagles who ran the Boston Marathon for charity: on.bc.edu/BostonMarathon2026

"Supporting the Progeria Research Foundation means turning hope into progress. Progeria is rare, but the children and families facing it deserve the same urgency and attention as any other disease. Every donation helps fund research, supports families, and moves us closer to treatments—and ultimately a cure. I’m dedicating my run to every child living with Progeria and to their families who show incredible strength every day. I’m also running for the researchers and caregivers who refuse to give up and for everyone in the PRF community working to bring a cure within reach. "One of my best Mile 21 memories is from when I was living at 2k, right where the course hits Mile 21. I remember standing out there cheering, and when my running club president came by, we high-fived as he passed me. It was such a small moment, but it captured everything I love about Boston Marathon day: community, energy, and people pushing each other forward." - Bo Di Chen ’26 | Learn about more Eagles who ran the marathon for charity: on.bc.edu/BostonMarathon2026

"In 2007, I was diagnosed with aplastic anemia, a rare bone marrow failure disorder. Thanks to treatment at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, I was able to return to Boston College to complete my junior year. Unfortunately, I relapsed and developed a secondary marrow failure disorder shortly after completing graduate school. My only option was a bone marrow transplant, which I received on March 23, 2011. I am now the Associate Director of Workforce Communications at Dana-Farber, where I have the privilege of sharing the stories that make this organization so special: the research advances, the patient successes, the innovative new programs, our extraordinary staff, and so much more. There aren't words to convey the impact Dana-Farber has had on my life. Thanks to their outstanding care and research, I've enjoyed 15 beautiful years. In 2026, I'm running the Boston Marathon (for the third time) in celebration of the 15th anniversary of my bone marrow transplant." - Mary Taber McCarthy ’08 | Learn about more Eagles who ran the marathon for charity: on.bc.edu/BostonMarathon2026

"Fast Feet means a lot to me because it represents inclusion, opportunity, and community through movement. I truly believe every child, regardless of ability or background, deserves the chance to be active, build confidence, and feel like they belong. Physical activity has played a huge role in my own life, and Fast Feet creates that same sense of joy and empowerment for kids who might not otherwise have access to it. Being able to support a mission that promotes equity, friendship, and lifelong healthy habits is incredibly meaningful to me." - Andrew Vo '26 | Learn about more Eagles running the Boston Marathon for charity: on.bc.edu/BostonMarathon2026

"The New England Patriots Foundation is especially meaningful to me, personally and athletically. As someone who has always looked to strong female role models for inspiration, Myra Kraft stands out as a woman whose values deeply resonate with my own. Her diverse commitment to philanthropy, the arts, children, and women’s athletics reflects the balance I strive for in my life. Growing up watching Boston sports, I developed a deep appreciation for the Patriots and the pride they bring to our city, making this opportunity feel incredibly full circle. "One of my best Mile 21 memories is standing on the sidelines and watching some of my BC women’s club soccer teammates run by while I cheered them on. Seeing people I train and compete with push through such a hard stretch of the race was incredibly inspiring. Mile 21 is where the energy really matters, and being able to support my teammates there—calling their names, celebrating their strength—made Marathon Monday feel especially meaningful. Coming back this year to do it again feels like continuing a tradition rooted in team support and showing up for each other." - Ella Crerar '28, one of the BC community members running the Boston Marathon for charity | LEARN MORE: on.bc.edu/BostonMarathon2026

"Running the Boston Marathon for the Boston Public Library means pushing myself to the absolute limit for an institution that stands at the heart of what makes this city great. Libraries are more than buildings full of books—they're democratic spaces where anyone, regardless of background, can access knowledge, opportunity, and community. Every mile I run represents my belief that literacy and education should be available to all and that the BPL's work in our community deserves our sweat, our effort, and our support. Crossing that finish line won't just be a personal achievement; it'll be a statement that I'm willing to give everything I have for the values that bind us together as Bostonians!" - Charlie Coughlin '26 | Learn about more Eagles running the marathon for charity: on.bc.edu/BostonMarathon2026

"As a special education teacher at Wellesley High School, it means a great deal to me to run for the Wellesley Scholarship Foundation, an organization that has provided many of my students with funds to attend college. I have taught in Wellesley for 23 years, and I am so excited to help support an organization as they continue to do such great work!" - Marian Derryberry M.Ed. '95 | Learn about more Eagles running the Boston Marathon for charity: https://on.bc.edu/BostonMarathon2026

"I am dedicating my run to my sister, Julia, and to every family who loves and supports someone with special needs. Every mile I run represents the strength, resilience, and love that families like ours show every day. This run is a way to honor Julia and to help ensure that other families have access to the same meaningful support and opportunities that Camp Fatima has given us. "Camp Fatima gave Julia something every child deserves: a place where she is fully included, supported, and celebrated. Julia has multiple disabilities, and like many families, we searched for an environment where she could safely build independence, confidence, and friendships. Camp Fatima provides that experience completely free of charge through dedicated one-on-one volunteers. Beyond supporting Julia, Camp Fatima offers families like ours peace of mind and respite, knowing their loved one is cared for with dignity and compassion. Supporting this organization allows more individuals with special needs to experience joy and belonging while easing the emotional and financial burden on their families." - Tyler de Grandpré '26, who is running the Boston Marathon to raise money for Camp Fatima & Camp Bernadette | Learn about more Eagles running the boston marathon for charity: https://on.bc.edu/BostonMarathon2026