An April 6 event honored recipients of Staff Advisory Council awards (from left): Emily McKerrow, Experiential Learning administrative coordinator; Jessica McCarthy, graduate student support director for BU Graduate and Postdoctoral Success; and Megan Segoshi, Diversity & Inclusion director.

Accolades

Five BU Staffers Inaugural Winners of Awards for Unsung University Heroes

Their work demonstrates BU’s values

“Design and implement educational opportunities for faculty, staff, and students that strengthen community and make our university more inclusive for all.” That’s how Megan Segoshi describes her job as director of Boston University Diversity & Inclusion, overseeing a team that helps BU’s schools, colleges, and administrative units realize that welcoming environment.

Segoshi, who has worked at the University for five years, is the inaugural winner of the BU Beacon Award from the Staff Advisory Council (SAC), which comes with $2,500. The award is one of several new honors recognizing staff employees who make the University’s life hum from behind the scenes. The awards align with President Melissa Gilliam’s initiative to highlight eight values shaping the University community. BU Beacon and two other awards are overseen by the SAC; two others are given by Human Resources.

“I am honored to receive the BU Beacon Award,” Segoshi says, “but my work is only possible because I have been supported by such an amazing team and community of diversity, equity, and inclusion practitioners and allies here at BU. I feel so much gratitude for my team members and colleagues for having confidence in me and allowing me to lead authentically in service to our community.”

The three SAC winners were honored at a ceremony on April 6. The two HR recipients will be honored at a to-be-determined date in the near future. In addition to Segoshi, the awardees are:

Rising Terrier Award (SAC): Jessica McCarthy, director of graduate student support for BU Graduate and Postdoctoral Success

McCarthy came to BU in March 2025. Her group, a unit within Graduate Affairs, offers career and professional development resources for the range of grad students: master’s, doctoral, professional, and postdoctoral. “My role specifically is focused on master’s and professional students,” she says, “through developing and maintaining University-wide partnerships, enriching master’s and professional student resources, and overseeing strategic projects and communications.”

“It’s wonderful,” McCarthy says of the Rising Terrier Award, which confers a certificate from Gilliam and a BU token of appreciation for an employee who demonstrates exceptional curiosity and growth in their BU career. “I am passionate about graduate student engagement and success, and to be recognized for work in this area is humbling. I’m proud to be part of the BU community and supporting all of our graduate students.”

Spirit of BU (SAC): Emily McKerrow, administrative coordinator, Office of Fellowships & Scholarships 

At BU since December 2024, McKerrow provides administrative support for UROP—which enables undergraduates to do research under a faculty mentor—and four other units: Fellowships & Scholarships, Trustee Scholars, Global House, and the XCC Experiential Learning EXPO. The Spirit of BU award bestows $1,500 to an employee “whose energy, service, kindness, fairness, and collaboration uplift the community and create a welcoming environment.”

“Being recognized for this award is such an honor!” McKerrow says. “I’m very proud to support the BU undergraduate community and inspire collaboration between the departments I work for.”

Collaboration, Leadership, Innovation, Communication, and Knowledge (CLICK) (HR): Jamie Companeschi, production manager, College of Communication Department of Film & Television

The CLICK honor awards $1,500 to employees “who consistently strengthen our campus community, advance our mission, and inspire others through their actions.” For a quarter century, Companeschi has guided COM film and television students in the how-to of moviemaking.

“Film production is a collaborative process,” he says of receiving the award. “All COM film and television faculty, staff, and students deserve to share recognition from the University.”

Values in Action(HR): Caroline O’Shea, director of external relations, School of Public Health Career & Practicum Office

O’Shea has held her post since February 2022. In that job, she says, “I work to build and strengthen partnerships with employers, alumni, and community organizations to expand opportunities for hiring, internships, and career pathways. I also support graduate students in Health Communication and Community Health as they prepare to enter the field.”

Winning the inaugural Values in Action Award “is incredibly meaningful,” O’Shea says. “I’m deeply grateful that the University is committed to celebrating the impact that staff make across our community. This recognition isn’t just personal, it reflects the importance of the work staff do every day to advance BU’s mission and support our students, partners, and colleagues.”

The award, which confers $2,500, recognizes a person “whose leadership, actions, and value-driven work approach inspires others and contributes meaningfully to the University’s mission.”