Commencement for BUSSW Student Marks the Beginning of Much More than a Career 

Andrew Stringer sat in his cap and gown at BU’s Walter Brown Arena this past May. He felt nervous. In a few minutes, he’d walk across the stage and accept his Master of Social Work diploma. But that was not his main concern. He felt in his pocket for the painted shell. It was still there. 

Andrew was a student in the Worcester Hybrid MSW Program. Boston University was his first and only choice for this degree. He enrolled with ten years of experience working in adult mental health—a career he was drawn to because of his own personal struggles. As a teen, he faced challenges at home and witnessed friends who passed away from drug use or suicide.   

“I felt lost until I was about 18 or 19,” he says. “My own lived experience and the process of getting therapy as a young adult led me to gravitate toward this field.” 

Andrew’s career journey began with an associate degree from Mass Bay Community College and a bachelor’s in psychology from the University of Massachusetts Boston. Finally, he landed a job at Springwell, where he oversaw a heavy caseload of 80-100 people at one time. That’s where he met Kristina.  

“She knew what it took to do this work and how important it is,” Andrew recalls. A Brandeis University graduate, Kristina worked in protective services at Springwell as an investigator. The two bonded over their shared passion and began dating.  

“Kristina and I both work very hard and motivate each other to do what is right for ourselves and to stand for justice in our communities,” Andrew says. 

A decade later, when Andrew applied to BU, they were still together. Throughout his education, he felt grateful for her support and the support of everyone at BUSSW, especially Susan Brostrop-Jensen, the Worcester Hybrid program director. 

Finally, Andrew’s name was called. Because his parents had divorced and moved to the west coast, both sides of his family were hardly ever in the same place at the same time. But today, they were there—his family and Kristina’s family. He walked across the stage and accepted his diploma. Everyone cheered. He felt for the shell. 

When the ceremony ended and the crowd headed to the reception area, Andrew’s loved ones gathered around him. That’s when his nerves really kicked in. When Kristin turned away for a moment, he slipped the shell from his pocket, and to everyone’s surprise, got down on one knee. 

For Kristina’s birthday, Andrew’s grandmother gave her a painted shell. Kristina loved it. Secretly, Andrew had placed the ring inside the shell and wrapped it up. He had it in his pocket all day.  

“Everyone was expecting us to get engaged, but they had no idea this was going to be the day, especially not Kristina,” he says with a hint of mischief. “She and I talked about getting married for a long time.”  

With a smile in his voice, Andrew continues. “She covered her face for a moment but then said yes. Somehow, I managed to keep this secret!”