Dave Levy is passionate about Boston College and eager to see his generation play a major role in its future.  An energetic ambassador and tireless volunteer for the BC Alumni Association, Levy serves on its board of directors as a Boston chapter leader, and he has recently taken on a new role as co-chair of the BC GOLD (Graduates Of the Last Decade) Leadership Council.

"Boston College is still a young university with only greater things ahead," says Levy, a social media expert with the Newton, Mass., public relations firm SHIFT Communications.  "I want to be part of that growth."

Levy came to BC seeking the community and commitment to service promised by its Jesuit mission.  His family had moved several times during his childhood, and his four years at Boston College were the longest period he spent at any school.  "BC feels like my hometown," he explains.

What has been the most satisfying moment in your professional life?
I was active in the social media and technology scene in Washington, D.C., and I was asked to present at an event held at the World Bank on the role mobile phones can play during an emergency or crisis.

In your personal life?
Coming back to Boston and reuniting with my family.  After being across the country from them for more than a decade, being closer has been a really important part of my life.

What is your next goal?
I want to teach, whether within my current position as a manager or even as a guest lecturer at an undergraduate level.  I love starting conversations, and I like being challenged to think about my own ideas in different ways.

What is the secret to success?
Gratitude.  I spend a lot of time thinking about the important people in my life who helped me get where I am—my parents, sister, relatives, teachers, coaches, managers, mentors, colleagues, and friends.  I believe the key is sincerely acknowledging the people who helped you build your success and thinking of it as a challenge to not let them down.

Why did you decide to attend BC?
I had a strong desire to continue education within the Jesuit tradition.  My senior year of high school began in 2001, and the events of that fall made me reassess what I wanted in my life and how important a loving community and education that went beyond the classroom would be.

What is one thing everyone should do while at BC?
Find somewhere to sit (I recommend the Quad), put the cell phone and the iPod away, and just enjoy sitting in such a beautiful place among such an amazing community.

What is your fondest BC memory?
It's a bittersweet moment because it was hours before I left campus as an undergrad, but sunrise on the roof of the garage on graduation morning is an image I will never forget.

Where is your favorite spot on the Heights?
The Quad—specifically, the bench on the Devlin side closest to O'Neill.  Every spring, I spent full days sitting on that bench, talking with friends and classmates in between classes.  (And to everyone back then who asked, yes, I did leave to go to class, too.  I swear.)

How have you changed since graduation?
I've embraced what it means to set off on my own, and the most important lesson that I've learned is that there is nothing wrong with being individual and independent.

What would you do if you were BC president for a day?
Host a televised peace treaty session with the mayors of Boston and Newton and not let them leave until they acknowledge everything the University contributes to the neighborhoods around campus.

Where did you live freshman year?
Shaw House.

What was your favorite BC class?
Theory of Mass Communications.  It became the basis for my thesis and gave me a great advisor, mentor, and friend in Professor Ken Lachlan, and it set up almost everything I've done in my professional career.

What was your favorite BC activity?
I have fond memories of my time as part of the Residence Hall Association.  We did some great events—I was part of the committee that created the first-ever Mr. BC in 2003—and some of my closest friends come from that group.

How much can you sing of the BC fight song?
Both verses, with original lyrics when necessary.  In no particular order, I have my roommates, the Dropkick Murphys, and the University Chorale to thank for that.

What was the best meal at the BC dining hall?
Hillside always gets accolades for its lunch paninis, but the grilled bacon, egg, and cheese sandwiches were a solid way to start the morning.

What was your first job?
Summer jobs on golf courses and driving ranges—there are actually a lot of similarities to my profession in public relations.

How do you relax?
Picking up the guitar is always my favorite way to kick back and do something just for me.

What do you look forward to each day?
BC football—all year round.  Even in February, if someone mentions taking a road trip to Los Angeles when the Eagles play USC, it makes my day.

What is something your friends don't know about you?
I try to bury this tidbit of information the best I can, but the first college football game I ever attended was at Nickerson Field between the University of Connecticut and Boston University.

Who would play you in the film version of your life?
I'd have to say Zach Braff.