Alumni Award Recipients

Celebrating Alumni Who Lead, Serve, and Inspire

Each year, Boston University Wheelock College of Education & Human Development recognizes members of our alumni community for their outstanding contributions, exemplary service, and dedicated leadership. The Alumni Awards recognizes a special group of alumni whose commitment and advocacy have had far-reaching impact in Boston, the nation, and beyond.

We’re pleased to announce the recipients of the 2026 Alumni Awards.

Roberto Porrata-Doria is a BU Wheelock Alumni Award recepient in 2026LUCY WHEELOCK AWARD: Roberto Porrata-Doria

Roberto Porrata-Doria (Wheelock’91) is chief of teaching and learning at LEAP Social Enterprise. A veteran educator with more than 35 years of experience, he previously served as education director at Vimenti School, advancing its pioneering two-generation model to help break the cycle of child poverty through education across Puerto Rico.

 

Amanda Geduld is a BU Wheelock 2026 Alumni Award recepientYOUNG ALUMNI AWARD: Amanda Geduld

Amanda Geduld (Wheelock’18) is a staff reporter at The 74. Previously an intern at the Maine Monitor and the Miami Herald, she is a Columbia Journalism School Stabile Investigative Fellow and 2023 salutatorian. She holds degrees from Dartmouth and BU and taught high school English for six years in Boston and New York before journalism.

 

Mike Eruzione is is a BU Wheelock 2026 Alumni Award recepientOUTSTANDING CONTRIBUTION TO ALUMNI: Mike Eruzione

Mike Eruzione (Wheelock’77), director of special outreach for BU Athletics, captained the 1980 US Olympic Hockey Team. His iconic goal against the Soviet Union created the “Miracle on Ice,” recognized by ESPN as the greatest sports highlight. A motivational speaker, Eruzione remains active in fundraising and youth organizations.

 

John McCarthy is a faculty member at BU WheelockOUTSTANDING CONTRIBUTION TO ALMA MATER: John McCarthy

John McCarthy (Wheelock’98,’04) is a clinical associate professor at BU Wheelock and director of the Institute for Athletic Coach Education. With 15 years coaching experience, he serves as regional coordinator for the NFL’s Coaching Academy Program and advises youth sport organizations, including G-Row Boston and the Starfish Foundation.

 

Ryan J Woods is a BU Wheelock 2026 Alumni Award recepientDISTINGUISHED ACHIEVEMENT AWARD: Ryan J. Woods

A teacher by training, Ryan J. Woods (Wheelock’05’06) is president & CEO of American Ancestors, a national center for family history, heritage, and culture. Under his leadership, the organization is working to tell the full American story, including initiatives such as 10 Million Names, which recover the histories of enslaved and historically underrepresented families.