2024 Alumni Awards

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 2024 Alumni Awards recognizes a special group of alumni whose commitment and advocacy have had far-reaching impact in Boston, the nation, and beyond.

A ceremony and reception in honor of the 2024 awardees will be held Saturday, September 28, 11 am–1 pm. Learn more about the Alumni Awards Ceremony & Reception.

2024 Alumni Awardees

Lucy Wheelock Award: Yadira Sánchez (Wheelock’91)

Shows Yadira Sánchez head and shouldersYadira Sánchez is dedicated to promoting reading, education, school mental health, and student success. She has held a variety of leadership roles, including serving as executive director of a nonprofit organization in Puerto Rico dedicated to evidence-based reading instruction and interventions for children with reading difficulties. Her professional experience includes working at Head Start, and in the federal government, school settings, and academia.

Young Alumni Award: Ty A. Robinson (Wheelock’22)

Shows Ty RobinsonTy A. Robinson is a graduate of the EdM in Counseling program at BU Wheelock, where he founded and led the Counselors of Color in Training Organization (COCITO). Now a doctoral student in counseling psychology at the University of Maryland College Park, Robinson is dedicated to addressing systemic racism and supporting his community’s mental health and healing.

Shows Claire WhiteOutstanding Contribution to Alumni & Alma Mater Award: Claire White (Wheelock’79’84)

Claire White is the director of BU Wheelock’s Child Life & Family-Centered Care program, which was the first academic program in the United States and the first to be endorsed by the Association of Child Life Professionals (ACLP). A Certified Child Life Specialist, White teaches and supervises students completing child life internships in healthcare and community programs. She holds leadership positions within ACLP and is a member of the Founders Council, Child Life Academic Society.

Distinguished Achievement Award: Rose Cardarelli (Wheelock’85)

Shows Rose CardarelliRose Cardarelli is an internationally acclaimed author, educator, climate advisor, and humanitarian. A former military commander and professor of human security, she currently serves as CEO of the Education for All Coalition, fostering civil-society partnerships with United Nations agencies, various councils, and multiple university and education boards.

Distinguished Achievement Award: Roger F. Harris (Wheelock’74)

Roger Harris headshotRoger F. Harris has devoted over 45 years working in K–12 schools and universities, including as assistant professor and faculty director of the BU Wheelock Educational Leadership & Policy Studies Department. His research focuses on urban educator training. He is the recipient of several awards, including the US Department of Education’s National Distinguished Principal Award and the Massachusetts Principal of the Year Award. He also served as a College Board delegate to the Chinese Bridge to American Schools Program.