(L-to-r): Ryan J. Woods, John McCarthy, Amanda Geduld, Roberto Porrata-Doria, and Mike Eruzione

Alumni Awards

BU Wheelock Announces 2026 Alumni Awards

BU Wheelock is proud to announce the recipients of the 2026 Alumni Awards. Each of these five outstanding alumni has made meaningful contributions to their professions and communities, exemplifying the values and mission of BU Wheelock through their dedication, leadership, and impact.

The BU Wheelock community is invited to celebrate these remarkable alumni at the 2026 Alumni Awards Celebration & Brunch, held during Boston University’s Alumni Weekend. The event will take place Saturday, September 19 at the Wightman Mansion (43 Hawes Street). Join us to honor this year’s award recipients and celebrate their achievements. Learn more and register for the 2026 Alumni Awards Celebration.

Lucy 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.

Young 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.

Outstanding 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.

Outstanding 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.

Distinguished 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.