Senior Spotlight 2021
To celebrate the Class of 2021, we asked graduates who attended CGS to share their memories, proudest accomplishments, and plans for the future. Congratulations Class of 2021!
Amanda Fay, CGS and CAS, Psychology Major
What student organizations have you been involved in?
BU Women’s Soccer
What do you have planned for the future?
Recently accepted a Marketing job in Orlando, FL
What is your favorite memory of CGS?
I remember loving and looking forward to Professor Marr’s classes
Gianna Loiacono, CGS and Questrom, Finance Major
What student organizations have you been involved in?
Alpha Phi
What have you done in your time at BU that you are most proud of?
Serving as President of Alpha Phi
What do you have planned for the future?
Working at Northern Trust in Chicago
What is your favorite memory of CGS?
CGS London Program! Best experience at BU!
Bridget Kelly Chiaravalle, CGS and COM, Public Relations Major
What student organizations have you been involved in?
The Track & Field team, SAAC, BFLA
What have you done in your time at BU that you are most proud of?
3x high hurdle Patriot League Champion
What do you have planned for the future?
To work at a PR agency
Katie Barnett, CGS and CAS, Economics Major
What student organizations have you been involved in?
BU Women’s Lightweight Rowing, SAAC
What have you done in your time at BU that you are most proud of?
I am most proud of my accomplishments on the lightweight rowing team because I was a captain my junior and senior year. I am also most proud of being a Capstone winner my sophomore year.
What do you have planned for the future?
I will be working for JP Morgan Chase & Co. as a Data Analyst.
What is your favorite memory of CGS?
I loved being in CGS and I think winning Capstone was a very pivotal moment in my college career. It gave me the confidence to pursue my degree in Economics.
Summer Willerth, CGS and Questrom, Finance Major
What student organizations have you been involved in?
Alpha Phi, Fintech Club, Residence Hall Committee, HerNetwork, HerCampus
What have you done in your time at BU that you are most proud of?
Graduate!
What do you have planned for the future?
Working as financial analyst right outside of Boston
What is your favorite memory of CGS?
Thank you to all of my amazing professors for setting me up for success and pushing me to pursue my dreams!
Katie Yao, CGS and Sargent, Health Science Major
What student organizations have you been involved in?
Asian Studies Initiative at BU (ASIABU), Mock Mediation, First Gen Connect’s G1 Peer Mentor Program
What have you done in your time at BU that you are most proud of?
I got to go to Toronto for the 2019 INADR International Intercollegiate Mediation Tournament with the Boston University Mock Mediation team.
What do you have planned for the future?
Currently I am hoping to relax a bit before applying to graduate school.
What is your favorite memory of CGS?
During the London semester, BU offered a trip to Wales for coasteering, hiking, and sea kayaking. The highlight of the trip was that I got to jump off a cliff into the ocean and enjoyed some delicious Welsh cakes after.
Connor McMillan, CGS and CAS, Neuroscience Major
What student organizations have you been involved in?
I was involved with the CGS’s Deans Host program, Boston University Esports, BU Snowboarding (BUST), as well as the Mind and Brain Society.
What have you done in your time at BU that you are most proud of?
I am most proud of the vast research exposure opportunities that I have had the pleasure of being a part of. However, a close second would be my time as a CGS Dean’s Host being able to welcome new students to the very close community that is CGS. My professors and peers will forever be in my memories and heart and it was an amazing experience.
What do you have planned for the future?
I am looking forward to attending medical school and applying all the knowledge I have attained over these four years as well as staying in touch with the great community here at BU.
What is your favorite memory of CGS?
I would like to thank all my professors greatly, although I would like to recognize Professor Holm due to the great teaching methods and personality he brought to the classroom. He had a great relationship with his students and he helped turn bad snow days into a worthwhile experience when no one wanted to go to class. Also, Dean Godnick has helped me maneuver some issues that I thought might force me to fall behind but she was extremely understanding and made me realize the faculty and staff are willing to help you no matter what and I am extremely grateful for that. She is wonderful.
Marisa Gregory, CGS and COM, Public Relations Major
What student organizations have you been involved in?
BUTV10, CGS Student Government, BU Student Government, PRLab, and Alpha Delta Pi Sorority
What have you done in your time at BU that you are most proud of?
Coming into a big city I was scared that I would not find a close-knit group of friends, I am so proud that I put myself out there and found peers and professors who I will be close with for the rest of my life!
What do you have planned for the future?
I will be working at a financial PR agency in Connecticut
What is your favorite memory of CGS?
I met my best friends through CGS and would not have the writing or reading skills I do today without my amazing professors. CGS will always have a special place in my heart!
Sebastian Del Principe, CGS and COM/CAS, Advertising and Philosophy Major
What student organizations have you been involved in?
BU Baseball, BU Advertising Club, BU AdLab
What have you done in your time at BU that you are most proud of?
I learned and read a lot. Became confident and determined in my own ability to succeed both academically and socially.
What do you have planned for the future?
Moving back to New York and finding a job in advertising, possibly pursuing a masters in Philosophy or Business in later years.
What is your favorite memory of CGS?
The CGS environment was incredible. I miss it a lot, the relationships I made both with teachers and friends were truly unique and even more appreciated once I got to college. The teachers are so caring and instilled great values in me and my peers and I will be forever grateful for that. I miss Mr. Brown and Dr. Cheung and all my other teachers.
Song Kim, CGS and CAS, Economics Major
What student organizations have you been involved in?
BU KISA, BU ASU
What have you done in your time at BU that you are most proud of?
Connecting with my CGS advisor who helped me the most and continuing my journey to CAS
What do you have planned for the future?
OPT, Become a CEO of IB company
What is your favorite memory of CGS?
Professors that I can not forget and pushed my academics the MOST…. : D. Lynn O’Brien Hallstein! She teaches one of the best writing classes you should take if you happened to be in her class because of your schedule do not worry, it will be your favorite. Though I suck at writing she is patient and understood me the most and really wanted me to improve. She also gives a friendly hello all the time. Also professor Davida Pines! How can I forget her as well. Also one of the most understanding, enthusiastic professor she is ready to teach students what she knows and really wants to prepare students for future writing skills so students please listen and remember her lectures for life :)
Sarah Janel Schmacher, CGS and CAS, Biology Major
What student organizations have you been involved in?
Alpha Phi Omega, The Outing Club, The Navigators
What have you done in your time at BU that you are most proud of?
I was able to conduct three years of research on non-communicable diseases, funded by UROP and research-for-credit, and be co-authored on a study!
What do you have planned for the future?
I will be continuing my education at Boston University School of Public Health to purse my MPH –Epidemiology and Biostatistics with concurrent graduate certification in Statistical Genetics.
What is your favorite memory of CGS?
My summer in London was a definitive time in my life that I will always hold dear to my heart.
Helen Kitrosser, CGS and Sargent, Speech Language and Hearing Science Major
What student organizations have you been involved in?
I have been involved with Camp Kesem, which is fully run by BU students. We spend the school year providing support to children through and beyond their parents cancer (@campkesembu). I have also been involved with NSSLHA – National Student Speech Language Hearing Association. Additionally I was an undergraduate research assistant at the BU Aphasia Research Laboratory and a Deans Host for CGS!
What have you done in your time at BU that you are most proud of?
I am proud of so many things- how can I pick one! I think I am most proud of getting Camp Kesem from a small student org of 15 people to over 50 in four short years. I could not be more proud!
What do you have planned for the future?
Even though I technically graduated in January, I finally feel like my time at BU is coming to a close. I currently work as an Administrative Associate at Good Shepherd Community Care in Newton. In the future I hope to go to grad school for Speech Language Pathology.
What is your favorite memory of CGS?
My favorite memory was probably working for orientation as a CGS Student Advisor. I loved getting to know the class of 2023 and working with my co-workers that summer was just a fantastic experience!
E-Beth Leach, CGS and Pardee, International Relations Major
What student organizations have you been involved in?
Co-founded BU Food Engineers Club, BU Running Club, Kappa Alpha Theta, ASB
What have you done in your time at BU that you are most proud of?
My proudest BU moments were studying abroad in Rabat, Morocco and Geneva, Switzerland and absorbing the different cultures.
What do you have planned for the future?
I will be studying for a Masters in Global Migration at University College London next fall!
What is your favorite memory of CGS?
I wish I could have turned my root beer mug into a beer mug, but thank you professors and classmates from Teams B & T!
Juliana Torrez-Ortiz, CGS and CAS, Architectural Studies Major
What student organizations have you been involved in?
Student Government, Alianza Latina
What have you done in your time at BU that you are most proud of?
Studying abroad twice in London and Italy!
What do you have planned for the future?
I will be attending the University of Southern California (USC) in the fall to receive my Masters in Architecture.
What is your favorite memory of CGS?
My favorite memory was studying abroad in London with my favorite classmates and teachers (Byttebier and Lynch!) for an unforgettable summer.
Keziah Zimmerman, CGS and COM, Advertising Major
What student organizations have you been involved in?
Delta Gamma sorority, AdLab Eboard, Adclub member, BU Marketing Club Instagram committee, empath worldwide creative content creator
What have you done in your time at BU that you are most proud of?
Learned some invaluable life lessons about friendship, work-life balance, and how to manage and prioritize mental health.
What do you have planned for the future?
For now, I am planning on moving home to save money and to put my full time/effort into applying to jobs. Eventually, I hope to work at an advertising agency in NYC, Chicago, or LA/San Diego where I can network and move either in-house or doing freelance work for people working in entertainment.
What is your favorite memory of CGS?
After transferring from community college my sophomore year, I had a slight crisis about my career path and what exactly I should be pursuing as a major. As CGS students know, sophomore year is when you decide what school/college you are going to enter and I felt like I was torn between choosing a career path that would make money and one that would make me happy/play off of my strengths. After vocalizing this to Dean Godnick (my advisor at the time), I started sobbing about my future and had a bit of a breakdown (as many of us do when thinking about the future). She immediately got up, gave me a hug, and told me that I would be successful in whatever I pursued, as long as I was playing on my strengths and doing something I was passionate about. This moment shaped the rest of my college experience, the way I view my career and aspirations, and made me realize how important it is to look to do something you love. I owe this mentality to Dean Godnick. She is such a crucial part to how my college experience played out. In writing this, I just want to thank her for the role she played in who I am and who I grew to be. Not many people are as lucky as I am to have had such a caring and wonderful college advisor and I just wanted to write this to vocalize my gratitude for the work Dean Godnick does. So to Dean Godnick I say: thank you. You are impacting so many lives in such a positive way and that deserves so much recognition :)
Ethan Kolsky, CGS and COM, Advertising Major
What student organizations have you been involved in?
Captain of Men’s Tennis Team
What have you done in your time at BU that you are most proud of?
Being named captain of the mens tennis team
What do you have planned for the future?
Working in Burlington, Ma for Oracle in the fall.
What is your favorite memory of CGS?
Professor Chris Coffman had a big impact on my life whether he knows it or not. The content of his course challenged me mentally and helped me see life from many different perspectives that I still carry with me today.
Caitlyn Federico, CGS and CAS, Psychology Major
What student organizations have you been involved in?
Kappa Delta
What have you done in your time at BU that you are most proud of?
Winning Capstone for Team S
What do you have planned for the future?
Getting my masters in Applied Behavioral Analysis at Salve Regina University
What is your favorite memory of CGS?
Beyond thankful for my time in CGS! Professors Tyler, Genovese, Whalen, and Cole have had such an impact on my education. CGS will always have a special place in my heart!
Wesley Lau, CGS and Questrom, Business Administration Major
What student organizations have you been involved in?
President, Global Business Brigades; Head of Investment Research, Finance and Investment Club
What have you done in your time at BU that you are most proud of?
The opportunities to represent BU beyond Boston has been invaluable. Traveling to Atlanta my Freshman year on the BU mediation team; Toronto my Sophomore year in an Investment Banking Competition; Panama my Junior year as an economic consultant; and Munich my Senior year for the TUM Business Game Competition. With the aforementioned events and many more, I held the BU brand proudly on my shoulder.
What do you have planned for the future?
I will be an Investment Banking Analyst for Oppenheimer & Co. based in Boston focusing on Technology and Software. Outside of work, I will act as a regional board member for the national non-profit, Easterseals.
What is your favorite memory of CGS?
Truly cherish the late nights working on your Capstone Project. The thesis was just as impactful as the memories and friendship developed as a result. CGS is where I met my closest friends.
Kendall Brown, CGS and CAS, Psychology Major
What student organizations have you been involved in?
CGS Dean’s Host, FY101 Peer Mentor, TTBU Peer Mentor, Peer Tutor, BUnited, Umoja: The Black Student Union, Omega Phi Alpha National Community Service Sorority, Sisters United, ASB, Undergraduate Psychology Association, Whitmore Leadership and Mentoring Lab, Social Learning Lab
What have you done in your time at BU that you are most proud of?
As a peer mentor, I loved forging relationships with first year students and supporting them as they navigated life at BU! Through these leadership positions, I found a career path that spoke to me and my passions.
What do you have planned for the future?
Next fall, I will continue my studies as I pursue my Master of Arts in Social-Organizational Psychology at Columbia University’s Teachers College.
What is your favorite memory of CGS?
I am forever indebted to CGS for providing me with the best friends and mentors I could have imagined:)
Caitlin Burke, CGS and COM, Public Relations Major
What student organizations have you been involved in?
President of Terpsichore (BU’s first a cappella group)
What have you done in your time at BU that you are most proud of?
When I first came to BU, my goal was to learn about new ways of thinking by engaging with diverse and inclusive groups of intellectuals. I remained active in pursuing this by finding strong communities in CGS and COM, and by studying abroad twice (through the January-London program and Sydney, Australia Internship Program).
What do you have planned for the future?
I plan to work for a few years at an integrated communications agency that specializes in healthcare. Then, I hope to earn my MPH and JD to specialize in Health Law and Policy.
What is your favorite memory of CGS?
I’m very thankful for the community and experiences I found through CGS. Also, thank you to Professor Stewart for inspiring me to elevate my writing when possible. Another thank you goes to Professor Wexelblatt, for sparking my considerations and interest in existentialism.
Lisette Thurlkill, CGS and CAS, Psychology Major
What student organizations have you been involved in?
President and Program Coordinator of BU Photography Club, member of Alianza Latina, member of Art Club, and member of Psi Chi
What have you done in your time at BU that you are most proud of?
I have been able to TA some amazing classes, spend time with awesome people, and explore the city the most that I can! At BU, connecting with the best professors and friends is what I’m most proud of because I know I will have a community whenever I visit.
What do you have planned for the future?
I am going to attend Columbia University for my Masters in Quantitative Methods in Social Science and then work towards my PhD in clinical psych!
What is your favorite memory of CGS?
To all my CGS Professors, Byttebier, Pederson, Lynch, and more, thank you for the best years of learning and camaraderie! I loved your classes, going to office hours, and you all motivated me with your enthusiasm and knowledge. I will keep in touch and y’all will always have a place in my heart!
Kelly Blake, CGS and Questrom, Marketing and Information Systems Major
Emilie Hibbard, CGS and Pardee, International Relations Major
What student organizations have you been involved in?
Fashion at BU & marketing club
What have you done in your time at BU that you are most proud of?
Emilie: Starting fashion at BU
Kelly: Finally feeling like I’m equipped for the real world
What do you have planned for the future?
Job searching!! Hire us please :)
What is your favorite memory of CGS?
Getting to shake professor Lavalli Wexelblatt and Deese’s hands when we gave our final Capstone presentation. CGS gave us so many friendships too – best community at BU!
Anastasia Boulos, CGS and Pardee, International Relations Major
What student organizations have you been involved in?
BU Lebanese Club, NSLS, CGS Deans Host, CAS Academic Ambassador, CGS Peer Mentor
What have you done in your time at BU that you are most proud of?
Most proud of my leadership roles on campus and my work with community service.
What do you have planned for the future?
I will be going to NYU to pursue a Master’s degree in International Relations with a concentration in International Law
What is your favorite memory of CGS?
My favorite memory is going on so many fun adventures all over with my CGS friends. My most fond memory is having picnics in Hyde Park while studying in London.
Rilie Curd, CGS and Sargent, Human Physiology Major
What student organizations have you been involved in?
Sargent Honor Society
What have you done in your time at BU that you are most proud of?
Graduating as the valedictorian of both CGS and Sargent College!
What is your favorite memory of CGS?
Dean Godnick is the best ever!!!!
Sam Ducharme, CGS and Questrom, Finance/Management Information System Major
What student organizations have you been involved in?
Finance and investors club
What have you done in your time at BU that you are most proud of?
Winning CGS Capstone Project, Getting a job at Amazon
What is your favorite memory of CGS?
One meeting with Dr.Schoch, he talked with me about his experience and about his time on the Joe Rogan Podcast. One of the most helpful professors I’ve ever had that definitely inspired me to change what I can for the good of us all.