Travelogue: Texas, New Jersey, and Beyond

As you know, we’re out and about celebrating new Terriers.  I, along with Terrier alumni, current students, and University staff, am making my way around to cities, neighborhoods, and communities to check-in with, kick it, and send off our new Terriers — parents and, of course, students.  (Hop on over to the Summer Send Off Web site and sign up to join us at an upcoming Send Off stop.)  Not only do I get to revisit and visit some amazing cities across America, meet some amazing alumni and new students but also work with great staff like John Battalino — here’s a shoutout from John, of Student Activities fame, from the Dallas Send Off:

Dispatch from Dallas

Yow, it was hot in Dallas!  Raul and I were there for two days — 105 degrees and 104 degrees.  We got to see the Dallas Cowboy’s stadium, Rangers Ballpark in Arlington, toured beautiful Dallas, and enjoyed an incredible steak.  I can see why the folks from Dallas have so much pride in their community.  It’s truly wonderful.  However, the highlight of the trip was the Summer Send-off hosted by Greg and Cathy Mullen.

The Mullen’s opened their lovely home to an exciting group of new Terriers.  These folks are ready for Boston University and I can’t wait to see them again on Commonwealth Ave.  There was very little need for introductions.  Rather, it was simply a time to reconnect with friends who we’ve met during admissions visits or orientation or both.  Cathy and Greg offered sage advice to the parents of our new students.  Greg did allay many fears, and got a few laughs, by reminding folks that President Brown is a Texas native.  The Mullen’s are starting their second tour of duty as BU parents – Shannon Mullen graduated in ’09 and Erin Mullen will be joining us this fall. (If Shannon’s name sounds familiar, she was a standout on our soccer team — no doubt, Erin will follow in her footsteps.)  Recent alumnus, and last May’s student commencement speaker, Jonathan Priester encouraged new Terriers to seize this opportunity and make the most of their BU experience.  His words were inspiring.

While the advice and encouragement were perfect, the connections, enthusiasm, camaraderie and pride were the things I admired most in our Dallas community…and of course, the tastiest tenderloin ever (thanks Greg). We’re very fortunate that these students are coming to Boston. They’re bringing with them a spirit and level of enthusiasm that will only make our BU community stronger.

Photos from the Sophisticated Stop in with the Northern New Jersey Terriers

Big thanks and much love to Robert, Anne, and Benjamin (CAS ’12) Essner for their effortless coolness and incredible hospitality.

A wonderful crowd of real hip and ready to go new Terriers.

Stay Tuned

We’re on to The O.C., the ATL, Southland, Bridgetown, and Martin Guitars.

Peace.

PS: Check out a travelogue that’s a nice build on the past to connect with now – (here). It’s the start of a hip bucket list for studying and kickin’ it in the City.