A well-earned gift
By Rachel P. Farrell | Published May 2026
Silvano Spagnuolo (COM’26) knew he needed to order a cap and gown to attend his graduation from Boston University. But looking at the cost—$72 for undergraduate students—he had a definitive thought: “I can’t pay for this right now.”
Although Spagnuolo worked several part-time jobs while attending school full time, his income only covered his essential living costs. He did a quick calculation: If he picked up a few extra shifts at work and delayed grocery shopping for a few days, he could use his next paycheck to pay for a cap and gown.
On a whim, he emailed the Office of the Dean of Students to see if they could help, and that’s how he learned about Tassels for Terriers, a donor-funded program that covers the cost of graduation attire for students facing financial hardship.
Through the program, Spagnuolo was able to receive his cap and gown for free. “I have so much gratitude,” he says, addressing donors directly: “I know you don’t know me. But I am helped by your actions, so thank you very much.”
Another recipient of the program, first-generation student Janelle Boakye (CAS’26), echoed those feelings. “It means so much to me that this cost can be covered, because this was really a stressor for me,” she says, explaining that her job as a resident assistant only covers necessities such as groceries. “I’m super grateful this program even exists, because students, really, really need it.”
With the financial burden of graduation lifted, both Spagnuolo and Boakye are looking forward to attending Commencement at Nickerson Field in a few weeks.
“I know when I’m walking across the stage with all my friends, I’ll be sad that some of them are leaving,” says Boakye, who starts graduate school at the BU School of Public Health this fall. “But I’ll also just be really grateful because I’m graduating.” Her long-term plan is to work in maternal and child health in developing countries such as Ghana, where her family is from.
Spagnuolo, who plans to pursue a writing career in the film and television industry, wants to soak up the moment when he receives his degree. “I think I’ll look around at everybody that’s there with me and be like, ‘We’ve gotten through this singular thing for four years, and now we’re on the other side of it.’ That’s a beautiful, unique time capsule that we all have.”
And, importantly, he wants to enjoy a delicious celebratory dinner. “I can’t wait to go to Buttermilk & Bourbon on Commonwealth Avenue,” he laughs.
Gifts to Tassels for Terriers directly benefit graduating students at BU facing financial hardship. To help more students in need, please make a gift today.