"When I first arrived on campus, I thought my primary goal was to learn how to secure a nice job after graduation. But now I understand that I am at Boston College to learn how to be a better human being: to be more honest, humble, and loving. Some of this has been learned in the classroom, but the biggest moments have been listening to other passionate students and faculty while on retreats, during small-group reflections, or in one-on-one conversations. This is why I value student formation and mentorship programs so much at BC. These opportunities have shown me that it is far greater to feel loved than to feel important" - Quinn Cunningham '22

"I spent all four of my undergraduate years at Boston College working on the third floor of Yawkey Athletics Center - the Boston College Football office. I found where I belonged and discovered my passion for working in football. To me, the office was filled with great people who embraced me and became my family away from home. The football team certainly had its ups and downs during my time. Regardless of what happened on the field, the coaches and staff always showed an unyielding commitment to developing this young woman interested in working in a male-dominated sport. I am forever grateful for those amazing people and an experience at Boston College that will always live with me. BC gave me the opportunity to grow and develop and gain four years of work experience by the time I graduated, in a profession that I still work in today. I got to spend seven years in total working with that team. By the time I made the decision to leave and join an NFL front office, I was a proud double Eagle and I was more than ready to spread my wings and take on the football world outside of my comfort zone. Boston College embraced me as both a student and a full-time staff member. The faculty and those I worked with helped me open doors and find opportunities. My experiences were invaluable and I would not trade them for anything." - Venessa Hutchinson ’14, ‘17, Senior Manager in the NFL's Football Development Office and named to The Athletic's NFL 40 Under 40 | Read more about Venessa's initiatives in the NFL: https://bit.ly/Hutchinson_SI

“This year in particular has been probably the most exciting year for me, because of the way we had to reimagine our traditions. In a lot of ways, this specific tradition is new for the marching band as a whole, so to be a part of that starting point and see how it's already evolved and taken off in the short time that I've been here has been really amazing. It takes a leap of faith to start new traditions and it’s just another one of those leaps now to find safe ways to keep them going.” - Daria Healey '21, member of the Boston College Golden Eagles Dance Team on Boston College Bands' collaboration with dance group AeroK | Read more: https://on.bc.edu/3oxFXtf

"One of the best pieces of advice I've ever gotten was to say hi to someone new every day. Really, it's incredible how long of a way this goes. Meet the kids sitting next to you in class, chat with your co-workers, acknowledge the strangers you pass. I used this advice throughout my time at Boston College and was able to meet so many people, all of whom I consider friends. You never know the impact that something that seems so easy could have on someone's day. Spread kindness! Nothing but love. Smile and say hi to people!" - Sophie Tavolieri '20

"I cherished my undergraduate experience as a student-athlete at Boston College. I was able to get the best of both worlds, competing on the gridiron and in the classroom. Now being back as an administrator, I am marveled at the abundance of resources and support systems that are in place for all Eagles. I can truly say that I am proud to be an Eagle!" - Drew Barksdale '17, Carroll School of Management at BC assistant director for undergraduate career engagement and former Boston College Football player | Read More about Drew's work in Fulton: https://on.bc.edu/Fultonast

“It is a truly humbling experience to receive this award. I felt an initial inclination to look outwards to my classmates, also worthy of recognition. I have stood in awe of their passion for learning and their commitment to vocation and citizenship. It has been a privilege to learn alongside a breadth of individuals and be guided by professors who gave me the courage to dare, the integrity to hold my values central, and the sense of self to be selfless.” - Sera M. Stotelmyre '20, winner of Boston College's Edward J. Finnegan, S.J., Award | Read More: http://on.bc.edu/FinneganAward2020

“The Red Bandanna Run is our single biggest fundraiser for the Welles Remy Crowther Charitable Trust. Usually, my role is standing at the finish line waving a red bandanna, but with the event being virtual this year, I’ve been reaching out to schools and camps and youth programs and I’ve heard back from people that yes, they’re forming teams. These are people who never became involved before, but it’s a way for them to engage their students in an outdoor activity that shares Welles’ story and raises money for a good cause. I’m really hopeful that this will exponentially expand our reach and help us do even more good work.” - Alison Crowther P'99 | Read more about this year's virtual Red Bandanna Run: http://on.bc.edu/RedBandannaVirtual

"'Be afraid of the enormity of the possible' is something I try to remind myself through everything I've done and continue to work on in my life. The number of opportunities and possibilities that surround us is neverending, and my goal is to share these moments with everyone around me. So much of this mindset is reflected in the Boston College Shea Center for Entrepreneurship. @StartatShea, the executive board of the center, has created a barrier-breaking, passionate, and inclusive community that empowers students to realize and exceed their potential and I have been so proud to be a part of this inspiring team for the past two years." - Bozhena Kulchyckyj '22

“I want people to try to be kind to others. Nothing is ever exactly how we want it to be in life, and I think the least we can do as humans is try to promote each other and uplift each other. That's our job. I don't think I've done anything special. I've tried to uplift people and I would hope that other people will be inspired to try to do the same thing.” - Gordon Wayne ’23, who walked 550 miles from Virginia to BC to combat homelessness in the U.S | Read more: http://on.bc.edu/GordonWayne

"Our son, Jack, has Williams syndrome. A while back, we chose a blue lobster to represent our fundraising efforts because blue lobsters and individuals with Williams syndrome both have slight genetic differences that make them rare and ‘cool.’ My friend knew a family that recently caught two blue lobsters and arranged for us to meet them. Blue lobsters are such an amazing color, so getting to see them up close was a treat. The family let Jack cozy right up next to the rare crustaceans! He was curious and touched their shells but realized quickly that they weren't cuddly creatures and decided to just sit with them instead." - Sally McReynolds '04, who is married to classmate Sean McReynolds '04

"I'm a strong believer that passion and compassion work hand-in-hand. My father gave up his career as an esteemed lawyer in Colombia for our family, and my mother works two jobs to put three of us through college. I've always valued helping others and being a giving person, and a Jesuit education that encourages being men and women for and with others was exactly what I needed to discern my passion for criminal justice and legal advocacy. My compassion for underprivileged and underrepresented individuals led me to a double major in political science and applied psychology. I hope to become a criminal lawyer, representing the wrongfully convicted and advocating for a more just criminal system. I want to encourage others to consider their passion and their sense of compassion as strengths, not weaknesses. I used to think they made me seem too emotional or too subjective, but they’ve shaped me and my past, and will help me achieve my goals." - Jennifer Lozano '23

"At Boston College, I teach Perspectives and philosophy courses on climate change, technology, and work. In addition, I host the podcast "Wisdom at Work: Philosophy Beyond the Ivory Tower," which features interviews with people who studied philosophy and went on to successful careers in business, government, and pretty much everything else. I want young people to know the truth - that they don't have to choose one major for themselves, like philosophy or history, and one for their parents - and to give them a map for how to navigate professional life after school." - David Storey, Philosophy Department Boston College Professor