Thea Bowman AHANA and Intercultural Center

The Thea Bowman AHANA and Intercultural Center supports the undergraduate community—with a particular focus on AHANA (people of African, Hispanic, Asian, and Native American descent), multicultural, multiracial, and OTE students—in navigating college life and fulfilling their potential.

Who was Sister Thea Bowman

Our work is inspired by the life and philosophy of Thea Bowman, a Catholic nun of the Franciscan Sisters of the Perpetual Adoration, who “helped people everywhere she went to explore their identity and to find their deepest humanity.”

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Meet the Staff

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The BAIC staff are dedicated to helping all undergraduate AHANA students excel academically, personally, and in the pursuit of leadership opportunities.

What Is AHANA?

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More than an acronym, the term “AHANA" was coined by students in 1979 to celebrate the cultural differences present in the BC community and in our society.

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All of our programs and services are committed to promoting equity, building community, and supporting opportunity among our students.

AHANA Student Perspectives

Boston College students talk about their experiences as members of the AHANA (African, Hispanic, Asian, and Native American) community on the Heights.
Monica Sanchez ’21 | KAF Weekend 2021

Boston College senior Monica Sanchez reflects on her experience of choosing Boston College and shares her perspective as a first generation college student now approaching graduation.
Hariharan Shanmugam ’21 | KAF Weekend 2021

Senior Hariharan Shanmugam talks about his experience as a Boston College student and member of the AHANA (African, Hispanic, Asian, and Native American) community.
Gordon Chang ’21 | KAF Weekend 2021

Boston College senior Gordon Chang offers advice to incoming and new students who may be part of the AHANA (African, Hispanic, Asian, and Native American) community.

Student Resources and News

Signature Events

Men of Color Conference

The Thea Bowman AHANA and Intercultural Center (BAIC) hosted it's first Men of Color Conference on Saturday, February 8.
Build Community

Heritage Month Celebrations

The BAIC collaborates with student organizations and academic and student affairs departments to celebrate the contributions of AHANA communities.
Build Community

Dialogues on Race

Dialogues on Race (DOR) is a peer-led discussion group on issues surrounding race, identity, and racial justice.
Build Community

Magis Civil Rights Immersion Trip

The Magis Civil Rights Immersion Trip is a six-day tour through the South with stops at major sites related to the civil rights movement.
Build Community

AHANA Summit

The AHANA Summit is a free, two-day overnight retreat designed specifically for AHANA students to connect and to share their experiences.
Build Community

Jamaica Magis Service Immersion Trip

BC students live and serve in solidarity with people in Jamaica who have faced social, political, and economic oppression.
Promote Equity

Options Through Education Program (OTE)

OTE assists students transition to BC who have demonstrated potential and leadership in spite of challenging circumstances.
Support Opportunity

BRAVE Conference

BRAVE programming and the BRAVE Conference are designed to encourage Boston College students to engage in difficult conversations and become advocates for their peers.
Build Community

Lift as You Climb Mentoring Program

This program aims to introduce first-year OTE scholars to resources that can assist them with navigating their journey as members of BC community.
Build Community

AHANA Tailgates

Before each home football game, BAIC hosts a tailgate with music, burgers, hot dogs, and various ethnic foods!
Build Community

Benjamin Mays Mentoring Program

The focus of the Benjamin Elijah Mays Mentoring Program at Boston College is to assist undergraduate students in building these solid foundations.
Build Community

Bowman Advocates for Inclusive Culture

Bowman Advocates for Inclusive Culture are student leaders who strive to build a more inclusive Boston College community through cross-cultural dialogue.

AHANA at a Glance

Student Last Name	College Counselor
Last name starts with A - G	Ms. Joana Maynard
Last name starts with H - M
Last name starts with N - P	Mr. Andy Petigny
Last name starts with Q - Z	Ms. Danielle Date

College Counseling

As part of our efforts to help you succeed, we offer academic performance monitoring working with faculty members to ensure your academic success. To find out more about this service and others, contact your College Counselor today.

Who was Sister Thea Bowman

Meet the Staff

What Is AHANA?

Get Involved

AHANA Student Perspectives

Monica Sanchez ’21 | KAF Weekend 2021

Hariharan Shanmugam ’21 | KAF Weekend 2021

Gordon Chang ’21 | KAF Weekend 2021

Student Resources and News

Signature Events

Men of Color Conference

Build Community

Build Community

Build Community

Build Community

Build Community

Promote Equity

Support Opportunity

Build Community

Build Community

Build Community

Build Community

Bowman Advocates for Inclusive Culture

AHANA at a Glance

College Counseling

Connect With Us