2026 VIA Award Recipient

Caroline O’Shea

Director, External Relations • School of Public Health

Testimonials:

“Caroline brings a humanity to her work that can’t be taught—an instinctive generosity of spirit that lifts the people around her and reminds us what it looks like when dignity, fairness, respect, service and leadership are not just values, but ways of being.

Caroline carries herself with a rare combination of heart and strength. She believes in people—and you feel it immediately when you meet her. Her professional identity is deeply rooted in compassion, community engagement, dignity, and a profound commitment to helping others thrive. She listens with intention, connects with joy, and strives to ensure that others feel seen. Whether she is partnering with an employer, guiding a student through a vulnerable moment, or welcoming a colleague into a new collaboration, she creates space that feels safe, generous, and full of possibility.”
– Julia Lanham, Assistant Dean, School of Public Health

“As I reflect on our time together, there is one moment that stands out as a defining example of Caroline’s character. After experiencing a death in my family, I confided to Caroline that I was feeling overwhelmed. She listened, allowed me to share without interrupting and then simply asked, ‘What can you move to my plate?’ That question was one of the most powerful expressions of empathy and active support I have ever received. Caroline offered sincere help instead of hollow sympathy. In that moment, she demonstrated profound Dignity by treating me with compassion and deep Respect, ensuring I felt supported not just as a colleague, but as a person.”
– Sandra P Sylvestre, Director, Student Career Development

“[Caroline] treats each representative with respect and is always looking for ways we can collaborate and work together to build a stronger BU. She is a valuable contributor who regularly shares best practices and insights she has learned, helping others improve their processes. Caroline actively encourages collaboration across the career centers. She asks thoughtful questions, offers helpful advice, and approaches every interaction with a spirit of partnership. Her contributions make the CRT a stronger and more effective team.

Caroline is always warm and welcoming whenever I see her. She is responsive to questions and always willing to lend a hand. Her priority is BU students, she genuinely wants to help them succeed in any way possible, and it’s clear from working with her that she does so successfully.”
– Heather Reghitto, Associate Director, Employer Engagement

“Caroline has also been an enthusiastic advocate for BU’s evolving career ecosystem model. She brings strategic vision and thoughtful leadership to conversations about how we can better integrate employer engagement, partnerships, and student career development across schools. Her work advances the University’s mission by ensuring that students have access to meaningful professional pathways and strong employer networks.

Caroline exemplifies the VIA values in both visible leadership and everyday interactions. Most importantly, she inspires others to lead in the same way. Her impact is not limited to a single program or campus, but rather it is reflected in the stronger, more connected community she helps build.”
– Colby Sim, Director of Career Education, Center for Career Development

“Caroline has always demonstrated a strong commitment to BU and especially the BU students (Service). Caroline supports the students by making them aware of career events/opportunities and never hesitates to alert me when a student is interested in positions at BMC. I am always impressed by Caroline’s professionalism. She treats me and the students with the highest level of respect and compassion (Dignity). I view Caroline as a true partner working towards the success of BU, BU’s amazing students, and Boston Medical Center. I strongly endorse Caroline O’Shea for this prestigious award!”
– Jeffrey Motta, Manager, Talent Acquisition, Boston Medical Center

“To many, Caroline O’Shea is a Career Advisor. To me, she became so much more: my Thrive and Excel Advisor, my first non-student friend, and my steady source of support. She treated me with dignity and compassion at a time when I felt lost. She respected my background and helped me feel like I belonged here. She showed fairness by meeting me exactly where I was, without judgment, and guiding me through systems that were completely new to me. Whether I was struggling to understand a course, searching for a practicum placement, navigating “what next?” questions, reflecting on a tough semester, or even chatting about possible holiday spots in or outside Boston, Caroline was always the person I could turn to. Her service to students goes far beyond her job description, and her leadership is felt in the way she uplifts, encourages, and empowers those she advises.”
– Aisagbonhi Justine, MPH ’26