Abdullah Alhenaki (LAW’25) won the People’s Choice category for his photo “Windows to Africa Captivating Eyes of a Child.”

Photography

Global Programs Photo Contest Showcases BU’s Worldwide Adventures and Experiences

Annual event drew more than 600 submissions by 250 plus students, faculty, and staff

More than 600 photos depicting scenes from around the world vied for the top prize in BU’s Global Programs 12th annual photo contest. The two winning shots were taken, coincidentally, by students in Africa—one in the Sahara Desert in Morocco, the other in Sudan.

The contest, open to all BU students, faculty, staff, and alumni, showcases the adventures of Terriers across 92 countries and 27 US states. Photos were submitted from entrants from every BU college and school, including BU Virtual and BU Academy, as well as from several administrative offices and WBUR, BU’s National Public Radio station.

This year’s contest challenged photographers to consider the theme “Global Engagement,” illustrating their commitment to education, research, and community around the globe.

“In many creative ways, our 12th annual photo contest again highlights the impressive talent within our community and the variety in which we engage throughout the world,” says Willis Wang, vice president and associate provost for global programs. “Each year, it has proven to be a fun initiative that we hope fosters connection within our large University and global alumni base. We enjoy receiving each photo submission as well as the nearly 1,000 votes cast in the People’s Choice vote—it has been an exciting and visually inspiring few weeks.”

Abdullah Alhenaki (LAW’25) won the People’s Choice award for his photo of a Sudanese child whose face is partially obscured by a headscarf. Although Alhenaki is at BU working towards a master’s in intellectual property and technology law, he previously spent more than seven years working as a filmmaker and doing volunteer work with organizations in Africa. Traveling with a team of doctors to provide medical help to people in areas including Sudan, Eritrea, and Chad, his job was to make short films about the area and what the environment was like. 

His photo of this child reflects “the resilience and hope of a community often overlooked,” Alhenaki says. “These eyes, filled with an indescribable depth, seemed to tell a story of strength and beauty, reminding me of the enduring spirit that thrives in the African continent.”

The winner in the judged category, Claire Pernat (SPH’30), submitted a photo of four camels and their riders being led through the Morocco-Sahara Desert by a guide. “The setting sun casts their elongated shadows upon the sands, while the early moon watches silently, adding a touch of serenity to the scene,” she says about the photo.

Both winners received a GoPro camera bundle.

Photos by this year’s 14 runners-up ranged from two workers shutting down the Musée D’Orsay in Paris to the famous Pig Beach in Exhuma, Bahamas, to a child precariously balancing on the bow of a boat in Cambodia.

View a gallery of finalist images below.

Left: “Eco-friendly transport,” Georgios Paschos (Questrom’25). Right: “Curiosity Captured a Glimpse of Wonder in Africa,” Abdullah Alhenaki (LAW’25).

Left: “A Moment’s Rest,” Ajani Hickling (CAS’27). Right: “Closing Shift at Musée d’Orsay,” Clare Ong (COM’25).

Left: “The Guardian of the Venetian Whispers,” Ingrid Zhang (Questrom’26). Right: “Chickens in the City,” Martin Aucoin (CAS’24).

“Smoke break on a boat in the Boston Harbor,” Matthew Eadie (COM’24)

Left: “Fall in Yosemite,” Matthew Raifman (SPH’24). Right: “Electric Dune,” Morgan Bennett-Smith (GRS’26).

“Calligraphy,” Oufan Li (COM’26)

Left: “Years,” Qianxun Zhao (Questrom’26). Right: “Pig Beach,” Tunji Akinsehinwa, COM associate professor of the practice of cinematography and film production.

“Silent Struggles,” Valentina Govigli (GRS’24)

“A Glimpse of Coatepeque,” Zaari Colón (CAS’24)