Posted October 2022
As National Hispanic Heritage Month (September 15–October 15) comes to a close, we’d like to celebrate just a few of our accomplished Hispanic alumni and their contributions to their respective fields. Whether they’re getting elected to positions in government, writing for television, or starting nonprofits—these Terriers will inspire you to follow your passions, no matter what obstacles you may face along the way.
If you’re a Hispanic and/or Latinx Terrier who has impacted your field or community, submit a recent news article about your accomplishments in the form below!
Puerto Rico native Juan R. Torruella (LAW’57) decided to attend BU’s School of Law at the advice of his father, who had always been his role model growing up. His father’s advice paid off, and Torruella became the first Hispanic judge to serve on the US Court of Appeals for the First Circuit, which hears appeals for the U.S. District Courts of Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Puerto Rico, and Rhode Island. In addition, Torruella competed in Olympic sailing events and authored two books, The Supreme Court and Puerto Rico: The Doctrine of Separate and Unequal (University of Puerto Rico Press, 1985) and Global Intrigues: The Era of the Spanish-American War and the Rise of the United States to World Power (University of Puerto Rico Press, 2007). Torruella passed away in 2020, but his impact is still felt today.
A staff writer for the Late Show with Stephen Colbert, Felipe Torres Medina (COM’15) uses his comedy writing skills to ease our collective anxieties about the current political landscape we live in. Torres Medina’s work on The Late Show has earned a WGA and a Peabody Award, in addition to four Emmy nominations. Originally from Colombia, Torres Medina currently resides in New York City where he performs stand-up comedy and co-hosts the podcast, The Un-Tied States of America.
Originally from the Dominican Republic, alumna Ivanna Solano (Wheelock’15) moved to Lynn, MA, when she was seven years old. Solano’s experiences growing up inspired her to co-found Love Your Magic, an organization that empowers Black and brown girls and seeks to combat the disproportionate criminalization they face in school. Solano is also the director of Boston programs at Girls Inc., a national nonprofit that focuses on mentoring and building girls’ self-esteem by providing programs in academic support, mental and physical health, and STEM.
In her last year of studying Biomedical Engineering at BU, Julie Duran (CGS’06, ENG’09, Wheelock’10), had an epiphany at her tutoring job that teaching was her true passion. The daughter of El Salvadoran immigrants, Duran understands the importance of creating an environment where students feel seen, heard, and represented. Now, Duran is the principal of Boston Prep, and leading the effort to support students in continuing their education. Whether it be providing free meals and Chromebooks to students during lockdown or offering advising services to alumni, Duran and her team are ensuring that students have access to all the resources they need.
Dr. Raul Fernandez (COM’00, Wheelock’16) is a first-generation college student originally from Spanish Harlem, New York. Dr. Fernandez’s pre-K teacher recommended him for a gifted program when he was just four years old, and he says it was her decision that put him on the trajectory for success. Former Associate Dean for Equity, Diversity, & Inclusion at the BU Wheelock College of Education & Human Development, Dr. Fernandez became the first Latinx person person to serve on the Brookline Select Board. Dr. Fernandez is now a Senior Lecturer at BU Wheelock, and also serves as a Board Member on the Racial Imbalance Advisory Council (RIAC) for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
This year’s recipient of the prestigious Young Alumni Award, Lina González-Granados (CFA’20), earned a Doctor of Music Arts in orchestral conducting from BU’s College of Fine Arts. González-Granados is currently the resident conductor of the Los Angelas Opera, where she gained international recognition and earned the 2021 Sphinx Medal of Excellence. She is also the artistic director and founder of Unitas Ensemble, a chamber orchestra that performs the works of Latinx composers and offers free performances for underserved communities.
Growing up, Andre (Andy) Vargas (CAS’15, Pardee’15) was accustomed to participating in lively political discussions around the kitchen table with his family. Vargas’s parents immigrated to the U.S. from the Dominican Republic, and always encouraged him to take action on issues he cared about. Now, Vargas is a representative for the Third Essex District of Massachusetts, and was the first Latino to be elected in the House of Representatives for that district. Vargas also serves on Boston University’s Latino & Hispanic Alumni Council.
Antonio (Tony) Gomes (LAW’96) is executive vice president, general counsel, secretary and chief legal compliance officer at Citrix, Inc., which provides data security technology for digital applications. Prior to joining Citrix, Gomes was a partner in the corporate practice of Goodwin Proctor LLP and an associate at Testa, Hurwitz & Thibeault, LLP in Boston. Gomes currently serves as co-chair of the Latino & Hispanic Alumni Council at Boston University.
Are you a Hispanic and/or Latinx BU alum whose acomplishments have been featured in the news? Tell us a little bit about yourself! Submissions close October 31, 2022.