Audrey Johnson (Questrom’26)

What has surprised you the most about BU?
I’ve been most surprised by the remarkable sense of support and community I’ve experienced at BU. Before moving to Boston, I had often heard the stereotype that people in the city can come off as cold and unwelcoming, but my experience has been exactly the opposite. Everyone I’ve met at BU, no matter where they’re from, has been incredibly kind, supportive, and encouraging. That warmth has created a very strong sense of belonging and has inspired me to get involved in as many ways as possible.

What are the aspects of BU that you are most proud of/regularly tell your non-BU friends about?
I always speak with immense pride about how extraordinary the students at Boston University are! They are among the most hardworking, inspiring, and ambitious people I have ever met. What I appreciate most is their ability to balance intense drive and dedication with a genuine sense of curiosity and fun. I often find myself in conversations with classmates that are both intellectually stimulating and personally enriching. BU’s diverse and vibrant community is, without question, one of its greatest strengths. When I graduate, I know I’ll miss the student body most, but I look forward to seeing all the amazing things my incredible classmates will accomplish and the positive impact they’ll make on our world.

Why did you choose to be involved in SAA?
As a freshman, I felt lost and overwhelmed by the sheer number of opportunities at BU and how unfamiliar the campus felt. One day, I received an email from Class Gift, a philanthropy group connected to the Alumni Relations Department. Hoping to get more involved in campus life, I decided to push myself out of my comfort zone and attend a meeting. I had no idea at the time, but that small decision would end up shaping some of the most meaningful moments of my college journey.

At that first meeting, I was welcomed by a group of kind and talented students, and the sense of community I felt inspired me to join the board. As I got more involved with Class Gift, I developed strong relationships within the Alumni Relations Department, which led to my first job in the office as a student worker and later to the role of student manager.

Toward the end of my freshman year, I received an email about a project to reintroduce the Student Alumni Association, which had not been active for several years after previously existing, and I immediately knew I wanted to be part of it. The friendships and experiences I gained through Class Gift and my role in the Alumni Office solidified my passion for giving back to the BU community and creating meaningful opportunities for both my classmates and alumni.

In 2023, after receiving the initial email, I began working with a small group in the Alumni Office to discuss and plan the structure and future of the Student Alumni Association. Since then, it has been incredible to watch our growth, including building a full student board and hosting a variety of community-building and networking events across multiple states. We even had the opportunity to attend an SAA conference, an annual gathering where multiple Student Alumni Associations from different colleges come together to share ideas and collaborate on best practices. Helping bring the Student Alumni Association back to life has been one of the most rewarding and fulfilling parts of my journey at BU, teaching me that one small decision can open doors to opportunities far beyond what I ever expected. U community. Helping bring the Student Alumni Association to life has been one of the most fulfilling parts of my journey.