Get to know BU’s U.S. Regional Networks
Posted September 2023
If you live in the U.S. and you’ve recently found yourself wondering how to make friends in your city, how to expand your professional network, or where to find fun things to do nearby—we’ve got you covered. Although BU alumni can be found practically all over the country, Regional Networks exist in cities with the highest populations of alumni—New York, Boston, DC, Chicago, San Francisco, LA, and Seattle. So, whether you’ve recently moved to a new city, are considering relocating, or have lived in your city for a while, joining a Regional Network is a great way to stay connected to your BU community and meet new people. Keep reading to learn about the alumni communities in each city and join their networks on BU Connects, the exclusive networking platform for Terriers across the globe.
Boston
The Boston Alumni Network is a vibrant and energetic community led by local alumni volunteer leaders. In addition to having the largest regional population of BU alumni (110,000), Boston-based alumni have the advantage of being close to the motherland—AKA, BU’s campus. The biggest industries in Boston are healthcare, finance, and higher education—so if you’re looking to make connections with individuals in these fields, there’s a good chance you will find them at a Boston Alumni Network event.
Recently, the Boston Alumni Network hosted a “Yappy” hour at Aeronaut Brewing Company (dogs were encouraged and allowed), a summer meetup at Notch Brewery, pride gathering at Cathedral Station, network launch party at BU’s new Duan Family Center Computing & Data Sciences building, young alumni happy hour at Sunset Cantina, Global Days of Service opportunities, and more. The Boston Alumni Network is active and always welcoming to new members.
Chicago
Chicago has the largest population of BU alumni located in the Midwest with over 5,000 alumni. Chicago is a major hub for the fintech, IT, software, transportation and healthcare industries. The Chicago BU alumni community is a tight-knit group of Terriers who are eager to make new connections and take advantage of all that the city has to offer.
The Chicago Alumni Network is committed to bringing creative, educational, and fun activities to alumni located in the Windy City. Chicago alumni are enthusiastic supporters of local alumni-owned establishments and businesses. Past Chicago alumni events have included a networking reception at the Adler Planetarium, wine tasting at the Chicago History Museum, an Anti-Cruelty Society volunteer opportunity, a Cubs vs. Red Sox at Wrigley Rooftops game, and more.
Los Angeles
Located in beautiful, sunny, southern California, Los Angeles is home to over 15,000 alumni, making it the largest population of BU alumni on the west coast. Known for its real estate, tech, hospitality, film and entertainment industries, the City of Angels is abundant with opportunity.
Although you might not miss the frigid Boston temperatures in LA, you may miss the warmth of your BU community. Thankfully, there are two alumni networks based in LA: The LA Alumni Network and the LA Entertainment, Film, & TV Network. The LA Network has hosted events that include social gatherings, Dodgers and LA Kings games, Global Days of Service projects, and beer and wine tastings. Meanwhile, the LA Entertainment, Film & TV Network has hosted panel discussions, networking events, master classes, screenings/talk backs, and social gatherings.
New York City
New York City is by far the biggest and most well-known city in the United States. The Big Apple is home to the largest population of Terriers outside of Boston, and the BU New York City Alumni Network is how you can stay connected to BU and to each other.
A dedicated pair of local alumni currently serve the NYC Network as co-chairs, and they work to involve more NYC Terriers as the Network grows. The NYC Network offers a variety of opportunities to connect with the BU community—from professional networking, to cocktail parties, and BU hockey watch parties—there is something for everyone.
In the coming year the NYC Network seeks to amplify local alumni voices by supporting alumni-owned restaurants and businesses, showcasing alumni doing interesting work, and creating exciting opportunities for Terriers to connect and collaborate. This fall, the NYC Network hosted a 9/11 Day of Service meal-packing volunteer opportunity in partnership with New York Cares, and will host a Pickleball Night on September 28. If you’re an alum in NYC, make sure you stay up to date on new events coming your way!
San Francisco
The San Francisco Bay Area is home to more than 11,000 Terriers! From San José to the East Bay, this cohort of alumni live farther away from BU’s campus than any other existing regional network in the U.S. While some are able to claim the rare status of “Native San Franciscan,” many more alumni are transplants and have made San Francisco their home after graduation.
With the help of alumni leaders and volunteers, the San Francisco Bay Area Alumni Network has recently hosted a San José Sharks game where alumni met Head Coach David Quinn (CAS’89) and General Manager Mike Grier (CAS’97), a cocktail reception in SoMa, a Reboot party at District, a Frozen Four watch party near Union Square, a Pride meet-up at the Cinch Saloon on Polk Street, and most recently, a Giant’s game at Oracle Park while the Red Sox were in town. With a suite of activities coming this fall, from a networking night on Market Street on September 27, to a traveling wine tasting series, there is a lot to do with BU in the Bay.
Join the San Francisco Network
Seattle
In addition to being the home of the original Starbucks, Seattle is home to roughly 4,000 BU alumni. With top industries like tech, real estate and tourism, there are plenty of opportunities to be found in the city. The Seattle Network is small but mighty, so if you’re located near Seattle or thinking of relocating to the city, building community with fellow BU alumni is a great way to get connected.
The Seattle Alumni Network’s recent activities include a Beanpot watch party, Red Sox vs. Mariners game, networking nights at Elysian Fields and over zoom, Global Days of Service opportunities, and more.
Washington, D.C.
BU’s Washington, D.C. Alumni Network is a diverse community of alumni working across many different industries such as law, tech, communications, hospitality, international business, and more. D.C. has a big happy hour culture and the most communication jobs in the nation—so if you’re in D.C. and looking to make connections, you’ll want to be a part of this network. Home to our nation’s government, D.C. draws in folks from just about everywhere.
The Washington, D.C. Alumni Network has hosted hockey watch parties, networking events, affinity meetups, receptions, panel discussions, volunteer projects, and more. Alums have voiced their appreciation for the casual atmosphere of networking events and the diversity of professional backgrounds, education, race, and age among event attendees.