Jenks Leadership Program
Sandy Jenks ’47 had a vision of a student leadership program that would help shape future leaders in the service of others. Jenks is that vision, named for the BC alumnus and administrator that worked tirelessly for the students.
Applications are being accepted for Jenks Class of 2026. Deadline is Monday, September 30.
Questions? Please contact Lynn.Benali@bc.edu, Kyle.Butler.2@bc.edu, Terrence.King@bc.edu
About the Program
The Jenks Leadership Program (JLP) is the signature student leadership program of the Winston Center for Leadership and Ethics and the Boston College community. JLP, named for Weston “Sandy” Jenks ’47, identifies and prepares undergraduate men and women to take up leadership roles in the service of others and the common good. Strongly influenced by Robert Greenleaf’s work on Servant Leadership, JLP provides a solid foundation to enable its graduates to become responsible leaders in a global society. This complements Sandy Jenks’s original vision and fits the motto he developed, “Learning for Leadership, Leadership for Service.”
Semester Modules
Individual Leadership (Spring Semester I)
Module one will consist of a series of workshops that work on developing participants’ individual leadership skills.
Team Leadership (Fall Semester I)
Module two’s workshops will focus on the dynamics of team leadership with participants being grouped into small teams (4-5 members) and each team planning a service project.
Service Project (Spring Semester II)
During module three, the teams will execute their service projects.
Module II
Saturday, September 14
10:00 AM – 2:30 PM, Fulton 515
Empowering Leaders Through Dialogue
Sunday, September 22
1:00 PM – 3:00 PM, Fulton 515
Project Planning
Saturday, October 5
10:00 AM – 2:00 PM, Fulton 515
Build with Impact
Sunday, October 20
8:00 AM – 3:30 PM, Project Adventure
Ropes Course Team Building
Saturday, October 26
10:00 AM – 2:00 PM, Fulton 515
Internship/Job Planning
Sunday, November 3
1:00 PM – 4:00 PM, Fulton 515
Conflict Transformation
Tuesday, November 12
5:15 PM – 7:00 PM, Fulton 515
Crisis Management
Saturday, November 16
10:00 AM - 12:00 PM, Via Zoom
Culturally Responsive Leadership
Jenks 2024
Socks for Boston: To support Boston's homeless population, Jenks students worked with the St. Francis Home to spread foot care awareness within the community. Jenks students created a sock drive and have donated more than 460 pairs of socks.
BC Wellness Buddies: To bring attention to the importance of mental health, Jenks students worked with elementary school-age students at New Academy Estates, through a series of activities to encourage open discussion of feelings and mental well-being.
*Jenks students received training from Heart to Heart on how to execute the curriculum.
Jumpstart for Jenks: To show appreciation for nurses, Jenks students prepared 100 care packages and notes to distribute to nurses at Boston Children’s Hospital and Massachusetts General Hospital.
BC Facilities Spotlight: In collaboration with BC Res Life, Jenks students promoted community spirit by showing appreciation to the facilities workers who work in the dorms. Students created an Instagram account, organized a thank-you campaign, and arranged an appreciation lunch for the facilities staff.
This program is open to all Boston College freshmen, sophomores, and juniors. The 2024 application process (for Jenks 2026) is open. The deadline is Monday, September 30, 2024.
Selection Criteria:
- Commitment to and potential for leadership
- Strong commitment to service for others
- Ability to contribute to group learning
- Commitment to attend and participate in all program events
Meet the Jenks Class
Katie Garrigan ‘25
Katie was born and raised in Franklin, MA, and studies Economics at the Morrissey College of Arts and Sciences and has a minor in Accounting for Finance and Consulting through the Carroll School of Management. Katie joined the Jenks Class of 2024 in her sophomore year and started as co-director for the Jenks 2025 Class following an outstanding first semester. At BC, Katie has applied her servant leadership skills as a volunteer job coach in the Supported Employment Program, a student success coach in the Pine Manor Institute, and RHA's Sophomore Leadership Council. Most recently, she became UGBC's Intersectionality Committee Chair while working part-time as a personal trainer and facility supervisor at the recreation center. In her free time, Katie enjoys powerlifting and hiking with her family. Katie is honored to be part of the Jenks Community and aims to inspire others as a leader for others.
Nicholas McDonald '25
Nick, originally from Westchester, NY, is pursuing a degree in Computer Science with a minor in Management and Leadership. He joined the Jenks program as part of the 2023 cohort and, inspired by his positive experience, took on a directorate role to further his involvement. At Boston College, Nick is a TA for both Computer Science and Courage to Know and an active RHA member. After a rewarding summer internship experience, he plans to work as a software engineer upon graduation. Nick is very passionate about basketball, cooking, and Italy—where he recently studied abroad. He is excited to continue leading this Jenks class as they embark on their service projects.
Alexis Thomas '25
Alexis is from Pine Hill, NJ. She is a junior at BC studying Political Science and minoring in History and International Studies, focusing on cooperation and conflict. She graduated from the Jenks program in the spring of 2023 and is currently one of the student directors of the Jenks class 2025. She holds other leadership positions on campus, as co-President of the Parliamentary Debating Union and as Montserrat Representative in the UGBC Senate. She has also been involved with research on the Political Violence Project Team for the past four semesters. Alexis is looking forward to growing with the Jenks class!
Lynn Benali ‘26
Lynn is in the Carroll School of Management.
Jason Dominguez ‘27
Jason is currently studying Economics with a minor in Finance. He is from Raleigh, North Carolina, where he attended Henderson Collegiate High School. During high school, Jason was involved in track and cross country and founded a key club with a mission to ignite leaders to serve their community through community service instead of using it to build their resume. Jason is a member of the McNair Exploratory Program, BC Economics Association and is a QuestBridge Scholar on campus. During his free time, Jason likes to run, play the piano, travel, and spend time with friends and family. He looks forward to enhancing his leadership skills with workshops and community service through Jenks and is excited to be a part of a motivated group of leaders.
Gavin Evans '25
Gavin is studying Finance and Business Analytics in the Carroll School of Management at Boston College. He is from Milwaukee, Wisconsin where he attended the University School of Milwaukee. Outside of Jenks, Gavin is an involved member of the Student Business Consortium as well as the Student Conduct Board at Boston College. He is also a teaching assistant in the Business Analytics department. In his free time, he enjoys being outside. Some of his favorite outdoor activities are skiing and mountain biking. Gavin is extremely proud to serve his community as a member of the Jenks Leadership Program.
Andre Ferreira ‘26
Andre is currently studying Economics with a minor in Finance. He grew up in Lisbon, Portugal but now lives in Miami, Florida. Andre attended Palmer Trinity for high school, where he was the captain of the varsity soccer team. Andre led a service project throughout high school that provided food and living supplies for the homeless people in Miami and would regularly volunteer for homeless shelters. Andre loves to play soccer, workout, box, and play tennis in his free time. He believes that leadership and service are directly connected, and hopes to enhance his leadership skills and serve through Jenks. He is very grateful for the opportunity to be part of this driven group and looks forward to impacting his community.
Natalie Garayeva ‘27
Natalie is in the Carrol School of Management with a concentration in Finance and a double major in Political Science. Natalie was born in Azerbaijan and grew up in the Chicago suburbs, attending Adlai E. Stevenson High School. Being passionate about service in her youth and her service as the Co-President of the nation's largest National Honor Society chapter, Natalie leaned into Boston College's values of Men and Women for Others when pursuing her higher education. At Boston College, Natalie is involved with Mock Trial, where she serves as the treasurer; Women in Business; and Scholars of Finance. Through the Jenks Leadership Program, Natalie hopes to further her experience serving others by working closely with teams and leading service projects.
Curtis Idemudia ‘26
Curtis was born and raised in Boston, Massachusetts. He is double majoring in psychology and sociology and is interested in attending graduate school for clinical psychology. He attended the John D. O’Bryant School of Mathematics and Science in Roxbury, Massachusetts, where he found his passion for social justice and mental health counseling. While at Boston College, he was a principal investigator in the Community Advocacy and Research Engagement program, where he conducted an independent study investigating Black men's vision of success in the Greater Boston Area through interviewing, literature review, and collaborating with the community-based organization Bottom Line. Additionally, he volunteered in the Jamaica Magis Service Immersion Trip last year and interned at the Psychiatry Neuroimaging Laboratory as a research assistant this past summer. This year, he is a resident assistant in the Vandy/90 community and serves as a student leader in the Arrupe International Encounters Program. Curtis likes working out, listening to music, and engaging in meaningful conversations with friends. He aspires to strengthen his leadership skills in the Jenks Leadership Program and wants to make an impact on his community at BC and at home.
Casey Johnston ‘26
Casey was raised in London, England, and is a double major in Economics and Political Science at the Morrissey College of Arts and Sciences. Before coming to BC, she attended the American School in London, where she played varsity soccer, basketball, and softball. She also volunteered at her local soup kitchen and played softball for the Great Britain national team. At BC, she loves playing intramural sports, running for the Campus School, and volunteering at Boston Green Academy and Angell Animal Hospital. She loves playing sports with friends, spending time with family, and traveling in her free time. Jenks Leadership Program has allowed her to connect with diverse people who share common passions for service, leadership, and hope for a brighter future.
Laila Kiwanuka ’27
Laila is studying finance with an interest in accounting at the Carroll School of Management. She is from Indianapolis, IN, where she attended Brebeuf Jesuit Preparatory School. There, she found her love for sports management and promoting mental health while continuing her passions of volunteering and running track and field. Outside of Jenks, Laila is a BC Women's Basketball manager, a part of the FACES Council (BC's only anti-racist club), and a Career Bridge mentor. In her free time, she enjoys hanging out with friends and family, Zumba, cooking, and listening to music. Laila is excited to develop her leadership and personal skills to not only benefit her BC and local community but to think big and help on a larger scale.
Cami Kulbieda ‘27
Cami is pursuing degrees in elementary education and applied psychology and human development (with a concentration in policy, advocacy, and community change) at the Lynch School of Education and Human Development. Additionally, she has picked up a minor in General Business at the Carroll School of Management. Cami was born and raised in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, with her dad, mom, and three younger sisters, and graduated from Oakland Catholic High School. There, she organized, recruited for, and led multiple service trips working with The Pittsburgh Project, a local organization that partnered with vulnerable homeowners in the Pittsburgh area. While at Boston College, Cami has served her community via many outlets, her favorite being as a UGBC Senate's Academic Affairs Committee senator. She loves to spend any spare moment surrounded by family and friends but also enjoys going on walks, journaling, and reading. Cami is thrilled to be a part of the Jenks Leadership Program to continue to pursue her passion for servant leadership.
Brianna Liu ‘27
Brianna is studying chemistry in the Morrissey College of Arts and Sciences.
Cristina Marban ‘27
Cristina is pursuing an International Studies and Economics degree at the Morrissey College of Arts and Sciences. She is from San Diego, California, and attended La Jolla Country Day School. In high school, Cristina was the Founder and President of the Peer Counselor Program, served as the Vice President of the Madrigals Ensemble, and was involved in Model United Nations. Additionally, she was inducted into the Cum Laude and Tri-M Honors Societies. At BC, Cristina is involved in 4Boston, University Chorale, and the Student Admissions Program, along with Jenk's. In her free time, Cristina loves to explore Boston, visit history museums, and sing karaoke with friends.
Dan Nguyen ‘27
Dan is from Dorchester, Massachusetts. He attended the John D. O'Bryant School of Mathematics and Science. During his four years in high school, Dan participated in several enrichment programs that fostered his commitment to serving marginalized communities. He served as the captain of his tennis team, ambassador for Thrive Scholars, and interned for the Vietnamese American Initiative for Development and the Food Project. Dan is concentrating in Finance and Accounting at the Carroll School of Management. In addition to Jenks, Dan is involved in the Fulton Leadership Society and the Southeast Asian Culture Club. In his free time, Dan enjoys watching the Celtics prevail, watching mukbangs, and wearing shorts. Dan looks forward to developing personally and professionally, simultaneously making a tangible impact.
Christine Onyia ‘27
Christine is studying biology in the Morrissey College of Arts and College.
Angelina Orduña ‘25
Angelina hails from East Setauket, NY, and is currently pursuing a degree in Communications at the Morrissey College of Arts and Sciences, with a minor in Managing For Social Impact through the Carroll School of Management. On a pre-law trajectory, she's set to intern for Blackstone’s Legal and Compliance team this summer. Angelina joined the Jenks Class of 2025 in her Junior year after transferring to BC as a sophomore. She continues to pursue her passions for people, culture, and service through her advocacy work for veterans and immigrants. Outside of her commitments, Angelina enjoys spending time with her family and friends, traveling, and working out. Angelina is extremely grateful to be a part of the Jenks Leadership Program and looks forward to further developing her leadership skills.
Pratham Patel ‘27
Pratham is pursuing a double major in Neuroscience and Philosophy on the Pre-med Track at the Morrissey College of Arts & Sciences. He was raised in Plymouth Meeting, PA. He attended La Salle College High School, where he was involved in wrestling and badminton, leading the robotics team as an engineer and Vice President of Public Relations, holding positions at many levels in Student government, etc. Pratham lives by the phrase, “Be impacted or go forth to be the impact,” continuing to gain a deeper understanding of leadership and social civility at BC as a member of leadership programs such as ELP, Stride, and Jenks. He puts these teachings into action, serving the BC community and the public as a volunteer of BC BIGS and APPA, the treasurer for the BC Mixed Asians Student Association (MASA), and the Public Health Club. Pratham enjoys playing badminton, hiking, watching volleyball, and exploring Boston in his free time. Pratham is prepared to take the leadership skills gained from Jenks into his personal life and career to enrich meaningful interactions with the people around him.
Veronica Pierce ‘27
Ronnie is studying International Studies in the Morrissey College of Arts and Sciences.
Ella Ramchand ‘27
Ella is pursuing a double major in Art History (with a concentration in Museum Studies) and Economics and a minor in Management and Leadership. She is from Northern Virginia, outside DC, and went to the National Cathedral School. In high school, Ella had leadership roles in the yearbook, school newspaper, and varsity indoor climbing team. She also conducted an independent research project on cultural property repatriation, which inspired her interest in art history and museum studies. At BC, Ella is involved in various clubs and is excited to be the Managing Editor of the Sub Turri yearbook next year. Outside of school, she enjoys exploring Boston, traveling, reading, rock climbing, and spending time with friends.
Jonah Renz ‘27
Jonah is from Milton, Massachusetts, a suburb about 30 minutes south of Boston. He attended Milton Academy where he spent time playing sports (particularly basketball) and providing acts of service in the Milton and greater Boston community. At Boston College, he is dual-concentrating in Accounting and Business Analytics with a minor in Managing for Social Impact. Jonah has continued his passion for sports and service and is often found playing basketball in the campus rec center, running around the res, and volunteering at various on-campus clubs and events.
Emma Rooney ’27
Emma Rooney is on the pre-dental track at the Morrissey College of Arts and Sciences. Emma grew up in Mahopac, NY, and attended Mahopac High School, where she was involved in the science research program and competed on the field hockey and track and field teams. At Boston College, Emma is involved in 4Boston, where she tutors students at Boston Children's Hospital. Additionally, she is involved in the Appalachian Volunteers program and the Pre-Dental Society. Emma enjoys spending time with family, running, traveling, and exploring Boston with friends. Emma is extremely grateful to be part of the Jenks Leadership Program. She looks forward to creating meaningful connections and being able to utilize the skillsets gained through Jenks in the field of dentistry.
Allison Sen ’27
Allison (Allie) Senn is a double major in MCAS for Political Science and Environmental Studies with a concentration in Justice and Policy. Besides Jenks, she is also involved in the Bellarmine Law Society and Eco-Pledge Activism. Outside of school, she also enjoys hiking, movies, and volunteering.
Camille Shepherd ’25
Camille is pursuing a degree in Psychology.
Lennox Silvestro-Dias ’27
Lennox is in the Carroll School of Management.
Brett Stievater ’25
Brett is studying International Studies at the Morrissey College of Arts and Sciences.
Connor Toronto ’27
Connor is in the Carroll School of Management.
Sahaj Vaghasia ’27
Sahaj is pursuing a dual Finance and Business Analytics concentration at the Carroll School of Management. He grew up in Norwood, NJ, and attended Northern Valley Regional High School at Old Tappan. Throughout high school, Sahaj was involved in varsity soccer, an Eagle Scout, and the founder of a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, United Orphans. In college, Sahaj has continued to expand his interests by being an analyst in the Investment Club and being a member of the South Asian Student Association, Scholars of Finance, and Start@Shea. Outside of academics and extracurricular involvement, Sahaj enjoys go-kart racing, watching soccer and Formula 1, traveling, and hanging out with friends and family. Sahaj is extremely grateful to be a part of the Jenks Leadership Program and looks forward to furthering his development of leadership skills.
Natalie Westermann '27
Natalie is studying Economics at the Morrissey College of Arts and Sciences. She grew up in Menlo Park, California, and attended Menlo High School. She was captain of the tennis team and participated in Model UN, community tutoring, and track. She also served on her city’s youth council and assisted in Parkinson’s research at The Xinnan Wang Lab at Stanford. At BC, Natalie is in PULSE and the Partners in Health Engage and Investment Club. In her free time, Natalie enjoys running and playing tennis, exploring Boston with her friends, and spending time with her sisters. Natalie is incredibly grateful to participate in the Jenks Leadership Program and looks forward to improving her leadership ability and serving local communities.
Class of 2024
George Andary '26
Lillian Beagan '26
Elizabeth Birmingham '26
Michael Bowen ‘24
Kyle Butler ‘26
Dylan Carollo ‘25
Peter Coquillette ‘26
Luis Cordon ‘26
Sinead Doyle ‘26
Matthew Fioretti ’25
Julia Franco ’26
Elizaveta Frolova ’26
Katherine Garrigan ’25
Luke Gueriera ’26
Anna Jee '24
Andrew Kamionek '25
Caroline Kane '26
Terrence King '26
William Knowles '26
Brooke Leeman '24
Kelly Mach '25
Anthony Marie '26
Jordan Paul '26
Jessica Rose '24
Suhana Singh ’24
Akhil Vennam ’26
Student Directors
Dylan Breen ‘24
Meghan Heckelman ’25
Class of 2023
Panayoti Athineos ‘25
Dylan Breen ‘24
Chloe Chen ‘24
Ryan Childs ‘24
Carter Crocker ‘25
Margot Curry ‘25
Matthew Danik ‘23
Akshay Desai ’23
Antonio Ferre ‘23
Abigail Gallant ‘24
Daniel Garcia ‘24
Meghan Heckelman ’25
Megan Henehan ‘25
Lauren Kenny ‘25
Selim Kolat ‘25
Nicholas McDonald ‘25
Mary Moriarty ‘23
Jack Quigley ‘23
Lily Roughneen ‘25
Addison Schmidt ’25
Isabella Sepulveda ’25
Alexis Thomas ’25
Sonia Toloczko ’23
Leah Trichon ’25
Gordon Wayne ’23
Wenqing Xue ’25
Student Directors
Sarah Flynn, '23
Christopher Strohman, '23
Class of 2022
Mabel Bassi ‘23
Emily Browder ‘22
Jack Carroll ‘24
Tyler Doornweerd ‘24
Jack Fenlon ‘23
Sarah Flynn ‘23
Chloe Garber ‘23
Colin Hall ‘22
Sydney Harpole ’24
Isabela James ‘24
Sarah Johnson ‘23
Mehdi Kayi ‘24
Zarah Lakhani '24
Courtenay Lutz ‘24
Victor Moisescu ‘23
Claire Perez ‘22
Kevin Petriello ‘23
Aidan Prior ‘24
Liam Rogan ’22
Kristine Simmons ‘24
Tyler Smith ‘24
Timothy Smyth ‘22
Nicholas Steele ‘22
Nicholas Stratigakis ’22
Xingmi (Charlotte) Wang '23
Nicholas Yustin '24
Student Directors
Tyler Williams, '22
Victoria Wittgen, '22
Class of 2021
Meaghan Downey ‘21
Charlie Fackler ‘23
Jack Gambello ‘23
Megan Harder ‘23
Kayla Hernandez ‘23
Sydney Hill ‘23
Corey Ippolito ‘22
Rhea Jajoo ‘23
Christina Lee ’23
Stephanie Li ‘21
Xinyu (Annie) Li ‘23
Olivia McDonald ‘23
Shane Mullen '23
Salvador Norton de Matos ‘21
Mikayla Sanchez ‘23
Anthony Schreder ‘23
Yan (Stella) Si ‘23
Christopher Strohman ‘23
Stephanie Wang ’22
Tyler Williams ‘22
Erin Wordelman ‘22
Andrew Yang ‘21
Lila Zarrella ‘23
Megan Zona ’21
Student Directors
Marcello Garber, '21
Claire Greydanus, '21
Class of 2020
Macy Amos '22
Sheri Astorino '20
Anna Cartasegna '20
Troy Ciccarelli '21
Elizabeth Coughlin '20
John Dempsey '22
Gianna DePalma '20
Max Figura '22
Marcello Garber '21
Olivia Hermanspan '22
Jason Kauper '21
Caitlin Kirschbaum '21
Julia Landwehr '22
Steven LeGere '21
Zhipei (Matt) Liu '21
Connor Oxenhorn '22
Natalie Repole '22
Julia Sandquist '20
Bijoy Shah '22
Lauren Wachtel '22
Abigail White '22
Ivana Wijedasa '22
Victoria Wittgen '22
Larry Zhang '22
Student Directors
Matthew Davis, '20
Morgan Gamble, '20
The Student Advisory and Networking Council
The Student Advisory and Networking Council was created for Jenks alumni who are still enrolled at Boston College. This is an opportunity for students to remain engaged in the Jenks program through graduation. Members of the council serve as ambassadors for the program and promote it to new students, serve as unofficial mentors to current Jenks students, and contribute overall to the program development.
Lily Beagan '26
Carroll School of Management
Megan Henehan '25
Morrissey College of Arts & Sciences
Caroline Kane '26
Morrissey College of Arts & Sciences
Isabella Sepulveda ’25 (Alumni & Networking Director)
Morrissey College of Arts & Sciences
Addison Schmidt '25
Carroll School of Management
Margaret Andersen, MCAS '19
Andrew Cappel, CSOM ’21
Jack Carroll, MCAS '24
Chloe Chen, CSOM '24
Ryan Childs, CSOM '24
Jeesoo Chung, MCAS ’20
Aiden Clarke, MCAS ’19
Philip Collins, CSOM ’19
John Dempsey, MCAS '22
Tom DiBella, CSOM '18
Patrick Dunne, MCAS '18
Charlie Fackler, CSOM '23
Caitlin Ferris, CSOM '19
Meaghan Gallagher, MCAS '18
Ashton Gillespie, CSOM '18
Claire Greydanus, MCAS '21
Megan Harder, MCAS '23
Kayla Hernandez, MCAS '23
Patrick Hunter, CSOM ’19
Jason Kauper, MCAS '21
Michael Kim, CSOM '18
Julia Landwehr, MCAS '22
Annie Li, CSOM '23
Megan Li, MCAS '19
Daniel Martin, CSOM '19
Jeeval Mehta, MCAS '21
Maria Meyer, CSON '19
Shane Mullen, MCAS '23
Thomas O'Hare, CSOM ’20
Kevin Petriello, CSOM '23
Mikayla Sanchez, MCAS '23
Czar Sepe, MCAS '21
Bijoy Shah, CSOM '22
Jasleen Singh, CSOM ’20
Tyler Smith, MCAS '20
James Tallis, MCAS '19
Lauren Wachtel, MCAS '22
Abigail White, MCAS '22
Elizabeth Wollan, MCAS '19
NIck Yustin, CSOM '24
Joseph G. Bonito Servant Leadership Award
The Joseph G. Bonito Servant Leadership Award is presented to a Jenks graduating student who is unanimously selected by the student directors as the person who best exemplifies the Jenks program's motto “learning for leadership and leadership for service.”
Joe Bonito
Joe Bonito '79 is the Senior Vice President, Learning & Leadership Development Executive at Bank of America. He holds a BA from Boston College, an MS from the University of Pennsylvania, and an Executive Masters in Human Resource Leadership from Rutgers University. Joe also holds a DBA from Temple University. As an undergraduate student, Joe participated in what was then the Paraprofessional Leader Group (PLG) and later served as a student director. Dubbed by Sandy Jenks as a "rough gem," Joe admired and emulated Sandy and, since he graduated from BC, has continued to give back to the program by leading workshops year after year. In the words of one student who benefited from Joe's tutelage, "Joe has been an invaluable foundation and glue to Jenks and the PLG before that. His unselfish commitment and service to this organization have been exemplary and in the true spirit of Sandy Jenks." Joe has given more than four decades of service to the Jenks Leadership Program, and when we marked the 50th anniversary of the Jenks program, the Joseph G. Bonito Servant Leadership Award was created in his honor.
2024 Recipient
Dylan Carollo '25
Speech by Meghan Heckelman ’25, Jenks Student Director
Every year, the Joseph G. Bonito Servant Leadership Award is presented to a graduating member of the Jenks Leadership Program who best exemplifies the Jenks motto of “learning for leadership and leadership for service.” I am incredibly proud to present this year’s award to one of the most authentic and kind-hearted people I have met at Boston College.
Dylan and I vividly remember this person’s interview in the fall of 2022. This individual captured our attention even during a 15-minute time slot in the hustle and bustle of the Rat at lunchtime. We listened to his every word as he told us about his passion for radio. He humbly shared his incredible pandemic accomplishment: raising over $30,000 for frontline workers through his radio station, D100.
For the past three semesters, this individual has learned, grown, and perfectly encapsulated the tenets of the program we love. It is my great honor to present this award to Dylan Carollo.
In recognizing Dylan, it is imperative to highlight his remarkable leadership style characterized by quiet strength and impactful action. Through his understated yet powerful demeanor, Dylan has inspired me. As you might recall from the “What is Leadership?” workshop in our first semester, many people associate leadership with formal management positions and noisy theatrics. Dylan’s approach is characterized by neither. Instead, he leads by example, demonstrating integrity, empathy, and dedication in every endeavor.
Through his thoughtful and witty contributions to our workshops and small group activities, Dylan fostered a culture of collaboration and reminded us that true leadership is not about being the loudest voice in the room. It is about making an impact and brightening someone’s day through genuine and intentional actions.
Dylan is the model of Ikigai in action. He has consistently demonstrated a keen ability to leverage his talents and interests in the service of others. I often run into Dylan on our way in and out of Carney Hall. In a teeny tiny studio in the basement, Dylan records weekly episodes of Discover Boston College, a podcast highlighting student experiences and accomplishments. He invites the guests, coordinates the schedule, hosts the conversations, and edits the episodes before publication. His service project group spearheaded an initiative to recognize our unsung campus heroes, including an interview spotlight component. You would never know all this, though, because Dylan is the epitome of humbleness. He is one of those people who never looks for a pat on the back – he does what he does to make people smile.
I have learned so much by watching Dylan for the past three semesters. His commitment to serving as a man for and with others sets him apart as an outstanding leader, friend, and person. When he makes it big one day, I can’t wait to say I knew Dylan. Congratulations!
2023: Isabella Sepulveda '25
2022: Mehdi Kayi '24
2021: Kayla Hernandez '23
2020: Jason Kauper '21
2019: Claire Greydanus '21
2018: Susan Kurtis '18
2017: Ashton Gillespie '18
Photo Gallery
Weston M. "Sandy" Jenks
Weston M. "Sandy" Jenks founded the Leadership Training Group in 1967 to prepare students for leadership roles in groups and organizations. This group was soon rebranded as the Paraprofessional Leader Group (PLG). Jenks was strongly influenced by the work of Robert Greenleaf (Servant Leadership) and John Gardner (author, presidential advisor, and founder of Common Cause). In 1992, on the occasion of the PLG's 25th anniversary, the program was renamed the Jenks Leadership Program in his honor. The focus today continues to be on leadership in service to others.
Jenks founded the Office of Counseling Services at Boston College and served as its Director for 21 years. He was a counselor and confidante to scores of Boston College students during a career that spanned 47 years, beginning when he arrived as a freshman at age 16, in 1941.
Farewell to a BC legend
Jack Thomas,The Boston Globe
June 2, 1988
The most passionate event is death, and the least emotional writing, ironically, is the obituary, so that when Weston Jenks died in his sleep of cancer a few weeks ago at 64, it was reported matter-of-factly that he was a native of Waterbury, Conn., that his 40-year career at Boston College had begun as a freshman at age 16, that he had earned three degrees, commanded an attack boat in the South Pacific during World War II, and returned to BC, where he taught poetry and composition and founded the College Writer's Workshop and a counseling office of 10 psychologists who help thousands of students each year.
But there was more to Jenks, or "Sandy," as he was known to friends and colleagues who gathered after his funeral at St. Ignatius Church, and than again a few days later to dedicate a library in his name at Gasson Hall, for he was, by unanimous agreement, an exceptional teacher of intellect, imagination, energy and, above all, compassion. He devoted most of his attention to students learning to write - among them George V. Higgins and Ed Hannibal - or those who were troubled emotionally. Oddly, he never wrote for publication, for although devoted to the written word, he found creative writing, even the composing of a memo, to be devilishly difficult. "He was so acutely aware of the weight of each word and the need to craft it," said a friend, Dr. David John Smith, "that he was sometimes not able to sit down and write a letter."
He loved literature, conversation, political cartoons, Noel Coward and E.B. White. He enjoyed the funny pages, vacations at Boothbay Harbor, browsing in bookstores or antique shops, and puns, which he considered a clever use of the language. He was a swimmer, sailor and sports fan, with season tickets to BC football, basketball and hockey. He was partial to Rob Roys, backyard barbecues and Athens Olympia restaurant.
In clothing, he was traditional, and, at Symphony Hall or a Celtics game, favored suits. In the '60s, when neckties were thought of as politically hostile, Sandy resisted a temptation to win the favor of students by dressing down, and it was common, even in rebellious years, to see him in a three-piece suit in conversation with a campus radical in hippie dress. Sandy was not a man to blow with the wind, and students buffeted by confusion and contradiction saw him as an anchor, particularly during the social hurricanes of the '60s.
He was never on time, and students who saw him racing across campus would laugh in knowledge Sandy was late again. Alumni who invited him home learned it was imprudent to begin cooking until he arrived. He lived longer than doctors expected, not as long as his friends hoped. He was a man of deep faith, and from diagnosis until death in May, he went through the denial, anger, and finally an acceptance of death, although never resignation. Told there was no point in further treatment, that it was time to go home and die, he said he was prepared, but not in a hurry, and when it came, it would be OK, because he had lived a full life.
Next September, students will have to find someone else to ease homesickness, interpret Yeats, explain Vivaldi, define gerunds and teach Midwesterners how to eat lobster. Someone else will have to straighten out resumes and applications for grad school, and students on drugs will have to look elsewhere for help, which is too bad, for Sandy Jenks would have made it easier.