Written by Rachel Farrell | Posted May 2025
For as long as 1839 Society member Kelly Pesanelli (CGS’94, Sargent’96,’98) can remember, Boston University has been part of her life.
Growing up, she watched her grandfather, an architect at CannonDesign, design many of BU’s buildings, including FitRec, StuVi I and StuVi II, the BU Photonics Center, the Agganis Arena, and the Rafik B. Hariri Building (then the Questrom School of Business building). By middle school, she made plans to study physical therapy at BU and went on to earn both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees at the University. After graduation, she married a fellow Terrier, William Pesanelli (Questrom’02), and later joined the faculty in Sargent College.
Today, when she’s not teaching Sargent students or leading the Sargent College Alumni Association as president, Kelly is cheering on her son, BU sophomore Will Pesanelli (Questrom’27), who plays for the Men’s Lacrosse team. An 1839 Society member, she also moderated the 1839 Society Stakeholder’s Call in March, which featured Dr. Terry Ellis, a renowned researcher and director of the BU Center for Neurorehabilitation, who has led breakthroughs in treating Parkinson’s Disease.
Kelly recently sat down to share why BU is so close to her heart.
How would you describe your experience as a BU student?
The College of General Studies was two of the best years of my life. I loved the individualized attention I received; every faculty member knew my name, and I had the greatest time writing my capstone project. Then I transitioned to Sargent, which was a much smaller program. I really got to know all the faculty and my classmates. It was one of those experiences I never wanted to end. I still have lunch with my former advisor every semester.
How well did Sargent prepare you for your career?
Incredibly well. They gave us such a solid academic foundation. When I started working with my first patient as a physical therapist, I amazed myself with how much I really knew. I find that’s a common story students come back and tell me.
Why did you decide to return to BU as a faculty member?
Once I graduated from BU, I worked at an all-orthopedics hospital in Boston. But I really missed my BU experience. So, after eight years, I decided to work at the Ryan Center and later was asked to join the faculty. When I was offered the opportunity, I thought, “Now I have the opportunity give to students what was given to me.”
What convinced your son, Will, to follow in your footsteps?
My son literally grew up at BU. He went to the Early Childhood Learning Lab, which is now at the Wheelock School of Education. He used to walk out of the building every day, look at Questrom, and say, “That’s where I’m going to go to school someday.” Fast forward to now, and he’s going to Questrom.
Why do you choose to support BU as an 1839 Society member?
I want BU students to have access to the same education that I had. I know some students have financial barriers to education, and I will do anything I can to help combat those barriers.
My giving is directed to several places. I give to the Men’s Lacrosse team because my son is part of it. But I also give to “Sargent Cares,” a fund that benefits students going through hardship in real time. That means it might help a student facing food insecurity or homelessness. It also might help a student whose laptop is malfunctioning and can’t afford a new one. I want to make sure students have what they need to be successful.
This year, as I mentioned in the 1839 Society’s Stakeholder’s Call, I’m also donating to the Center for Neurorehabilitation in support of the research Dr. Terry Ellis is leading. It’s such important work.
What motivates you to stay engaged with BU?
As a donor, I like knowing that I am helping students achieve their goals. It’s a privilege to go to college, and I want students to be the best version of themselves at BU. If they need financial support while they’re obtaining their education, we should support them.
As a faculty member, I want students to get the greatest education they possibly can. At Sargent, we’re educating the next generation of doctors, dentists, physical therapists, and occupational therapists. These are the people who are going to be taking care of us one day.