Welcome from the President
To the Boston University College of Arts and Sciences Class of 2029, welcome and congratulations on your admission!
My name is Neela Agarwal. I am a senior and the president of the College of Arts and Sciences Dean’s Hosts. My journey at Boston University has been one of exploration and growth. This May, I’ll be graduating with a B.A. in Psychology and double minors in Religion in Science and Medicine, and Advertising (from our College of Communications). But my Boston University journey doesn’t end there – in May 2026, I’ll complete my Master in Public Health with a functional certificate in Health, Policy, and Law and a context certificate in Mental Health and Substance Use from our School of Public Health through the BA/MPH 4+1 program.
I vividly remember the day I left my hometown of Sammamish, Washington. At 17, I was about to move into my Warren Towers dorm at Boston University. With knots in my stomach, a mix of excitement and nerves, I boarded the plane to Boston, unaware that this city, with its charm and rich history, would soon become my second home.
At Boston University, I have discovered myself. I have shared countless laughs with friends who have become like family and experienced the thrill of learning new things both inside and outside the classroom. One of my favorite classes was CASWR 151 with Professor Samantha Myers, who taught me to enjoy the writing process, be critical and observant, and use writing as a tool to shape the world around me. From quiet moments of reflection on BU Beach to thoughtful conversation in the CASPS 504 classroom, every moment has profoundly shaped me into the person I am today.
As you get ready to embark on your own Boston University journey, I want you to know that it’s okay to feel overwhelmed or unsure. Those feelings are part of the growth that awaits you. Embrace them and let them push you to try new things.
I am cheering you on as you join our Terrier family. I can’t wait to see the unique perspectives and talents you’ll bring to our campus, to learn from you, and to grow alongside you.
Here’s to new beginnings, to late-night study sessions, spontaneous adventures, and to the laughter that will color your Boston University experience!
With warmth and excitement,
Neela Agarwal
President, College of Arts and Sciences Dean’s Hosts
Class of 2025
P.S. Don’t forget to try the chocolate chip cookies at the West Campus dining hall!
Connect with a Dean’s Host
Lizzie Ferrera | Class of 2027 | Biology on Pre-Health Track
Hi! My name is Lizzie Ferrera, and I’m a sophomore at BU majoring in biology on the pre-med track with a minor in applied human development and public health. On campus, I’m an active member of OPHiA, our community service sorority, and Alianza Latina. I’m also working toward my EMT certification and I’m a research assistant in Sargent’s Communication and Neurodevelopment Lab. Beyond BU, I volunteer every Thursday at Boston Children’s Hospital in an inpatient surgical unit, gaining firsthand experience in patient care.
Instagram: @itslizzzieee | Contact: lizzief8@bu.edu
What is your go-to study spot on campus? My go-to study spot on campus is Kilachand’s 9th floor. It has a great view, and the booths are really comfortable. It’s a good balance between being able to focus and having the option to socialize.
Kendall Waag | Class of 2028 | Undeclared
Apart from Dean’s Host, I am a member of herNetwork: Women in Business at BU, a writer of the Fashion and Retail Association, a BU Choral Society and Symphonic Chorus member, and a Financial Modeling Club member. My off-campus activities include attending workout classes at SoulCycle (in Back Bay) a few times a week, exploring the city, and trying new restaurants!
Instagram: @kendallwg | LinkedIn | Contact: kwaag@bu.edu
What is your go-to study spot on campus? My go-to study spot on campus is the Questrom Starbucks!
Prerna Shankar | Class of 2026 | Neuroscience on Pre-Health Track
On campus, I’m Music Director for Suno, BU’s Premier South Asian Fusion A Cappella team! I also do research at the Center for Autism Research Excellence (CARE), where I investigate language development patterns in neurotypical and autistic children. In addition, I’m an EMS instructor at FitRec, teaching at BU’s EMT school. Of course, I’m involved with Dean’s Hosts, and I’m a Peer Mentor and Admissions Ambassador with the Kilachand Honors College. I’m also involved with the Mind and Brain Society on campus.
Instagram: prerna_shankar7 | LinkedIn | Contact: prernas7@bu.edu
What is your go-to study spot on campus? My favorite study spot on campus is the 6th floor of the Yawkey building! It has beautiful views of Cambridge and the Charles and is usually super peaceful.
Belinda Ngo | Class of 2025 | Economics + Math
On campus, I am the Vice President of Research for BU Undergraduate Women of Economics, an organization aimed to promote female and minority gender representation and inclusion within the Economics department, and the Family Chair for BU Vietnamese Student Association, where we explore, share, and preserve Vietnamese culture and history. I am also a CAS Dean’s Host and a Peer Mentor for FY101, a first-year experience course.
LinkedIn | Contact: bngo@bu.edu
What is your one piece of advice you would give incoming BU students? To keep an open mind and ask a lot of questions!
Deja Ford | Class of 2025 | Psychology + Public Health
Along with being a Dean’s Host, I am the Founder and President of BU’s first DJ collective, BU on Beat! I also serve as the Protocol Chair for Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated. Additionally, I am a member of the Undergraduate Psychology Association. In addition, I am a former FY101 Peer Mentor and I serve as a volunteer at the Haley House Soup Kitchen and at the Office of Student Programs and Leadership.
LinkedIn | Contact: dejaford@bu.edu
What is your one piece of advice you would give incoming BU students? Be open to new experiences, get out of your comfort zone! Also… make sure to actually study for exams!
Jack Dekempe | Class of 2025 | Philosophy
I am an editor at Arche, run weekly intramural soccer for international students across BU, and teach chess and English at elementary schools.
Instagram: @jack.dekempe | Contact: jackdek@bu.edu
What is your go-to study spot on campus? There are a few, but one cafe called Asaro that’s somewhat out of the way in Cambridge is my favorite. The public libraries in Boston are also terrific, including BPL and Cambridge Public Library.
Isabella Madrigal | Class of 2027 | International Relations and Political Science
As part of BU’s community, I am an ESL instructor with Potencia’s chapter on campus, where I have the opportunity to empower and provide accessible English lessons to adult immigrants in the greater Boston area. Additionally, I am an active member of Alianza Latina’s Hermanos Committee, where I offer guidance and support to underrepresented Latinx students. On top of being a Dean’s Host, I also lead as a Student Supervisor at the Student Philanthropy Center since I encourage students to become more involved in BU through fundraising for different organizations, scholarships, and groups at BU. Outside of class, I like to dance with the help of BU’s Hip-Hop PDP class!
Instagram: @isabella_mgal | Contact: isamgal@bu.edu
What is your favorite activity to do off campus? I love going to East Boston with my friends and exploring the different dishes offered by Chelsea’s diverse restaurants and Latinx population.
