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Elizabeth Stief, a Carroll School of Management Honors Program student who distinguished herself on campus through outstanding academics, leadership and service, received the Edward H. Finnegan SJ, Award at the University’s 139th Commencement Exercises on Monday.
BC’s most prestigious honor, the award is given annually to the senior who best exemplifies the spirit of BC’s motto “Ever to Excel.”
“I truly try to live my day-to-day life with the values that I have learned here at BC in mind at all times, so to be recognized is such an honor,” said the Brookfield, Wisc., native and magna cum laude graduate, who earned a bachelor’s degree in business management with a concentration in accounting and a minor in international studies. She has been nominated for membership in Beta Gamma Sigma, the premier honor society recognizing business excellence.
“Winning this award speaks volumes to the many lessons that I have learned at BC because those are what motivate me to think and act the way that I do.”
Enthusiastic support for Stief’s Finnegan Award nomination came from Caroll School students, administrators, staff members and faculty, including a quartet of her Accounting Department teachers: Sweeney Professor Peter Wilson, Senior Lecturer Amy LaCombe and Lecturers Elizabeth Quinn and Edward Taylor.
“Elizabeth’s journey at Boston College has been inspired by the two ideals we cherish most: ‘Ever to Excel’ and ‘men and women for others,’” according to Wilson. “She was one of the top students in a sophomore honors course I taught but I was most impressed by her willingness to help others succeed in the course.
“Based on my confidence in her interpersonal skills and intellect, I selected her to be a teaching assistant at the start of her junior year. She tutored small groups, gave interactive help sessions to upwards of 100 students and created online lectures. Feedback was effusive, especially from students she worked closely with in small groups, who were struggling.”
Friend and classmate Jenni Mannion ’15 added, “She is somehow able to give everything she has to every commitment.”
“BC has given me so much, I find it necessary to always think of ways to use my strengths to give back,” Stief said of her desire to help fellow students. “The gifts and talents that I have been blessed with would mean nothing if I didn’t use them to share with others. I have realized the importance of being a good role model and passing down knowledge willingly and selflessly.”
Beyond stellar academics – which included international study experiences and positions on the CSOM Honors Program Executive Board – hallmarks of her undergraduate years were leadership, faith, service and arts activities. She served on the Church in the 21st Century Center’s Student Advisory Board, was a treasurer and member of Synergy Hip-Hop Dance Company and of the Dance Organization of Boston College, and a 4Boston volunteer for four years, working in an after-school program for Somali refugee children and in adult education at the Jackson Mann Community Center.
“I have always been connected with my faith, but I would have never thought that my time at BC would deepen, strengthen and clarify that connection. I have learned so much about my spirituality through the stories told at Agape Latte, the interactions with the children at my 4Boston placement and the discussions with 4Boston peers.
“Through everything BC offers, I have been able to find my niche in every one of my areas of interest – my faith, dance, academics and teaching and service. The opportunities speak volumes [about] the commitment BC makes to educate each person intellectually, spiritually and socially.”
She cites mentors like Peter and Carolyn Wilson – “two of the most dedicated, passionate, and selfless individuals I have ever met” – and C21 Associate Director Karen Kiefer –“an incredible woman who is so clearly motivated by keeping God at the center of her life” – as well as her roommates and other peer mentors, as instrumental to her BC success.
“My years at BC have been the most incredible of my life,” said Stief who will stay on in Boston, working downtown as an assurance associate at PricewaterhouseCoopers. “The lifelong friends and role models, the opportunities to learn, dance and perform, and serve others, and the everyday exposure to a wide range of perspectives through classes, discussions and reflections that have made me more knowledgeable and curious about the world – all have made a difference to me. I will take away each and every one of my experiences at BC and carry them with me for the rest of my life.”