Jenks Leadership Program
Jenks turns 50
Founded in 1967 as the Leadership Training Group by Weston “Sandy” Jenks '47, the Jenks Leadership Program celebrated its 50th anniversary. Connecticut governor and Jenks alumnus Dannel Malloy '77 delivered the keynote address at the celebratory dinner. Bob Winston '60, benefactor of the Winston Center, served as the evening’s emcee and Rev. Leo Shea '60 delivered the invocation. Joe Bonito '79, a senior vice president at Bank of America, who has given almost 40 years of service to the Jenks program as a participant, student director, and workshop facilitator, was presented with the Jenks Servant Leadership Award for his dedication. In Joe’s honor, the first annual Joseph G. Bonito Servant Leadership Award was presented to Ashton Gillespie '18. Ashton was unanimously chosen by Jenks class of 2017 student directors Kathleen Larkin '17, Ryan Marti '17, and Carson Truesdell '17 for her drive, passion, and commitment to the program. Alumni from Jenks classes in the 70s, 80s, 90s, 00s, and 10s attended the event and shared memories of Sandy and offered reflections about their time in the program and the impact it has had on their personal and professional lives.
Class of 2017 Projects: The 5K Long for BC Strong project brought awareness of the lack of accessibility and the challenges that students with disabilities face while navigating the campus terrain. Proceeds from the road race benefited the Boston College Strong Scholarship Fund, which was created to honor Patrick Downes '05, a survivor of the Boston Marathon bombing. The BC Nourishes St. Columbkille project engaged and educated 3rd and 4th graders on issues of health, nutrition, and overall wellness through a series of nutrition workshops and physical activities. The Giving Garden project entailed the building of a sustainable garden at the East Boston Early Education Center to inspire and foster the connection between community and nature. Meals for Others brought global awareness to poverty and nutrition in rural areas. Proceeds from the dinner and a cappella show benefited Landesa, an organization that seeks land rights for the rural poor around the world. Putt for Veterans raised awareness and funds to benefit American military veterans who are overcoming disabilities and major injuries. Proceeds from the mini golf tournament and other activities benefited Soldier Strong, an organization dedicated to improving the lives of veterans. Click here for more details about the 2017 projects.
In January, student directors (class of 2017) Kathleen Larkin '17, Ryan Marti '17, and Carson Truesdell '17 attended the 2017 Leadership Conference at the United States Naval Academy. The conference, titled “Forging Team Spirit: Sharing the Vision,” featured speakers who talked about the importance of being a participatory leader and the necessity for diverse and inclusive teams.