Share Your Story
Terrier Tales
Share your giving story (100–200 words) in the form, then scroll down to read what your fellow Terriers have shared.
BU set the stage of my life, with teachers—just to name a few, Professor Fletcher, Herbert Mason, and Howard Zinn—who had an impact, not to mention the Daily Free Press (some of whose alum I am still in contact with). Had a very successful 30-plus-year career as a journalist at daily newspapers, later starting my own quarterly magazine. My daughter, Lauren, graduated BU too, in ’03, and played in the pep band. Ran an alumni weekend 5K along the Charles one of those years and came in 14th overall out of some 130 runners. Still have the BU seal medal hung on my neck that day. Maybe granddaughter Hayley will make it to third-generation BU. Anyway, see you at the 50th in 2027, we hope!
Philip Read (CGS’75, CAS’77)
My undergraduate program in BU helped me to achieve a successful career and enabled me to start my own company. Looking back, I always felt thankful for how prepared I was for my professional life. I always enjoyed being a part of this community and felt proud to be a Terrier. Thank U BU. Amazing university, amazing times.
Ayda Habif Benefrahim (Questrom’98)
The diversity at BU is incredibly strong. My experiences with students and faculty from all over the globe helped evolve a desire to medically treat individuals of diverse backgrounds. As a physician, I chose to pursue an institution which prioritizes helping any individual, regardless of insurance or immigration status. Some of the most fulfilling memories in my career thus far involve helping patients who need a safety net hospital for care. My time at BU as a student within a very diverse environment helped foster a deep interest in treating individuals who are arguably most in need.
Shiv Bhadola (CAS’14)
I have been attending Marsh Chapel for over a decade since becoming a live-in staff person with Residence Life in January 2005. I physically returned to the nave of Marsh Chapel a few weeks ago for the first time since the pandemic forced all Sunday interdenominational services to be remote. It was the first time that I had been in attendance since April 2020 before my Mom passed away later that month. Betty Hegan loved attending Marsh Chapel each Easter for the better part of my BU experience and she would listen at home. Returning to the chapel again brought loving and sentimental feelings to my heart, and tears to my eyes. Thank you for being my spiritual home.
Timothy Hegan (staff)
BU provided me with the opportunity to complete my bachelor’s degree after my father’s death. I could not return to the States for a while, but thanks to this amazing university I had another chance to continue my studies. Thank you BU!
Roshinda Qazi (MET’16)
BU was very good to me. I’m grateful to be in a position to give back. Thank you.
Cherise Raunick (Questrom’94)
I have had such a great experience at BU. I am a career-changer and BU has provided me with the knowledge and support that I needed to grow into an able teacher. The online program has been flexible and the professors are always knowledgeable and accessible. I am delighted to be part of this community and to call myself a Terrier!
Lori Courtney (Wheelock’21, Parent Wheelock’23)
For Harvey Young, my friend and former colleague. For all the good I know he’s doing for BU.
Cynthia Gold (CFA’80)
Since I became a solo entrepreneur in 2002, I have enjoyed doing what I love: face and body painting for special events. However, COVID put an end to all of that and I am not sure it will ever come back in the joyful artistic style I enjoyed before 2020. If not for my graduate degree from BU, I would not have had a successful career with a great corporate job with Merck and Co. Inc. which then enabled me to transition to becoming a small business owner. Being a solo used every bit of education that I received from all the cases we ever studied: management, marketing, operations, and organizational development. I now am coaching others to become solo entrepreneurs during the pandemic, so they can combine their passion with talent and earn a living that fills them with joy. Thank you BU!
Diane Spadola (Questrom’86)
My donation is in memory of my dear friend Joan Browning who died on Feb. 6. We were both graduates of Brockton High School in Brockton, Massachusetts, she a year ahead of me. Then I followed the next year to Boston University to what was then the College of Liberal Arts. We both majored in history and were sorority sisters in Sigma Kappa Sorority. We each lived our senior year in the old sorority house at 131 Commonwealth Ave. Though our life patterns were somewhat different, we continued as close friends and fellow adventurers for the rest of our lives. I was even able to say goodbye the afternoon before she died. She would want me to remember her in this way.
Betty Gilson (CAS’50)
Our son had graduated with a BS in chemistry several years before discovering the LEAP program at BU. He happened to get interested in 3D printing and was thrilled to find out that he could pursue graduate studies in engineering at BU. I think that the LEAP program is the only one of its kind in the country, and we cannot understand why more universities have not started their own LEAP type program. Our son now has a rewarding and stimulating mechanical engineering job, thanks to BU and their LEAP program. We want to support future LEAP students.
Lisa Sandles and Ted van Daalen Waters (Parents ENG’19)
BU has been nothing but good to me! I’ve met so many people and everyone has been so helpful throughout my time here. As a first-generation Latina, donating to La Alianza is the least I could do to support other Latinos!
Gabriella Flores (Wheelock’21)
My undergraduate education and experiences at BU provided the foundation for my career in both the private and public sector. Looking back, I cannot imagine how I could have been better prepared for the path in front of me. The financial support I received allowed me to attend BU, and I am forever grateful.
Joe Coffey (ENG’72)
Receiving the gift of an academic scholarship to BU opened the door to a lifetime of opportunities I would never have otherwise had. I remember feeling hopelessly broke for four years, but filled with hope for and the promise of a very bright future. My annual gifts are small, but I hope to repay at least some part of the generosity I was shown.
Susan Oldenburg (COM’81)
Boston University has been a welcoming place for me. As a queer and trans student, higher theological education is not always a kind place. BU’s School of Theology taught me to use my voice, to be strong when things seem scary, and to trust in the power of my communities. While there is always growth potential, I hope that my support will increase the presence of trans communities of color within our halls.
Jeremy Schulz (STH’20,’21)
Becoming a Terrier and graduating from Boston University with a graduate degree has been a main goal of mine for a long time. BU’s MET College program, professors, and staff have been incredible, and I want to give back to the school and program who helped me grow and succeed!
Deanna DeVito (MET’21)
I have continued to contribute to BU for the past 42 years because of the faculty and staff who were so helpful to me while at the university and beyond….primarily Professor Gerald Powers as well as Assistant Dean Betsy Dickinson, Dean Wiebe, and others.
Some of my BU/COM classmates are more likely to recognize the photo on the album cover from those days when I was playing folk songs post-graduation at Harvard Square’s Idler Coffee House, Newburyport’s Grog and other spots around New England? Although I fully used my COM degree to work in public relations and then as an association CEO, my annual New Year’s resolution was to record the 35+ songs I’d written over my lifetime. So last year (just before COVID weighed in), my Singapore-based daughter Laura produced this album. It’s available on Spotify, and some of my classmates may enjoy it…and possibly even remember a song or two from those times.
Rob Authier (COM’71)
I give because I trust those who are doing the hard work and trying to ensure a grander vision of things that are bigger than myself and our collective selves, that I can’t do alone. This is an important endeavor that I believe is crucial for positive change in our current world and future society.
Michelle Novak
The pandemic can be a difficult time for some students and faculty members. Hope my little contribution can add up to a big part of support by BU.
Phonpimol Pathomsak (Questrom’96)
My name is Cassandra Cheng. I have two children who are alumni of Boston University. I give to BU because I am very happy that my kids had a very good education during their time at BU. I have never been to college, but I am very proud that both my kids are college graduates.
My older child, Michelle, graduated in 2017 and works as a reporter/journalist in NYC. When she was 3 years old, I remember, we were in NY and she told me, “Mom, when I grow up I am going to live in NYC. At that time I told myself it is just a 3-year-old child talking, but she did make her dream come true. Whereas my younger one is a graduate of 2020—a horrible year to graduate, which till today I feel: I work so hard as a divorced mom, and I am being robbed of a graduation. Right now he is doing well, working for a very large and well known company called SHI in NJ. He is a computer science major. Without BU giving them the tools and opportunity to succeed, I believe my kids would not be doing so well.
I will continue to support Boston University. Although it is a very small donation I made to the school, every little bit counts. I also want other students that come to BU after my children to be able to enjoy all the opportunities that my kids had.
WE LOVE BOSTON UNIVERSITY.
Cassandra Cheng (Parent COM’17, CAS’20)
BU started me on a career I have adored for over 40 years. The then-School of Public Communications gave me the skills and passion that led me to open my own PR agency in 1982, which I still run. The passion of the professors made me want to teach in this field, which I now also do. I now realize how critical BU was to so many of the things that make my life fulfilling. Thank you, BU!
Andrea Obston (COM’73)
Thankful for the education our son received. The picture is of my son Dylan at his BU graduation. He was a Scarlet Key recipient. On the right of the picture is his sister, Amanda, who is a Duke graduate; on the left is Evan, our youngest. He is a sophomore at Lausanne Collegiate School (Memphis) and is taller than his siblings. His first choice in universities? BU!!!
David Lewellyn (Parent Questrom’16)
The older I get, the greater the realization of the power of a strong college experience in shaping your life. BU enabled me to grow intellectually and personally, which allowed for future career success. As a healthcare administrator, I realize the impact this pandemic has had, particularly on students trying to form their own future, and we need to support their efforts.
Bruce Cohn (COM’78)
