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.
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.
Class of 2026
Module II
Wednesday, September 3
6:00 PM - 7:00 PM, Fulton 515
Welcome Back Mixer
Saturday, September 13
10:00 AM – 2:00 PM, Fulton 515
Leadership Improvisation
Saturday, October 4
10:00 AM – 5:15 PM, Fulton 515
Build With Impact
Sunday, October 19
8:00 AM – 2:00 PM, Moraine Farm
Ropes Course Team Building
Saturday, October 25
10:00 AM – 12:00 PM, Fulton 515
Project Planning
Sunday, November 2
1:00 PM – 4:00 PM, Fulton 515
Conflict Resolution
Thursday, November 14
5:30 PM – 7:30 PM, Fulton 515
Crisis Management
Jenks 2025
Operation Thank You: To support veterans and active-duty military personnel by organizing care packages, letter-writing campaigns, and raising awareness about mental health, veteran suicide, and homelessness.
BC Builders: To build a sustainable and enriching garden space at the Boston Renaissance Charter Public School, promoting hands-on learning, environmental stewardship, and community connection.
Menstrual Rights for Incarcerated Women: To restore self-respect and dignity to incarcerated women by providing care packages of menstrual products to support them during their periods.
Admission Academy: To help make college more accessible for students at The English High School by offering current juniors a crash course guide to the Common Application and college essay writing process.
CuraCare Kits: To raise awareness about the challenges of caregiving and advocate for more inclusive support systems at the BC Campus School by providing self-care baskets that nurture the holistic well-being of families.
This program is open to all Boston College freshmen, sophomores, and juniors. The next application period will be in fall 2025.
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
Lynn Benali ‘26
Kyle Butler '26
Kyle is studying Economics in the Morrissey College of Arts and Sciences. Originally from San Jose, California, he spent his high school years competing for the cross country and track and field teams, while also volunteering with the Boys and Girls Club of the Peninsula. At Boston College, Kyle serves on the executive board of the Ignatian Society and will begin working with Campus Recreation this fall. When not in the classroom, Kyle can be found running through the Newton hills, exploring Boston with friends, or questioning his beloved San Francisco Giants' every move. He is grateful for the opportunity to return to Jenks as a Student Director and is looking forward to the year ahead.
Terrence King '26
Owen Amir-Arjomand ‘28
Owen is studying Finance and Accounting at the Carroll School of Management. Originally from Chicago, he attended Northside College Preparatory High School, where he served as varsity basketball captain and president of the Investment Club. Owen attributes much of his strong work ethic to his experience working as a dishwasher and food runner at a local restaurant throughout high school. At Boston College, Owen is involved in several organizations, including the Business Analytics Academy (where he is co-president) and the VIP Latin Dance Team. He joined Jenks to deepen his involvement in community service, strengthen his leadership abilities, and take part in engaging workshops alongside like-minded peers. When free, Owen likes to spend his time working out, watching the Chicago Bulls, or eating Mediterranean food.
Olivia Azevedo '27
Natalie Bly '28
Natalie is double majoring in Finance and Psychology. Originally from Danville, California, she was actively involved in her high school community as a varsity tennis player, a student ambassador, and the CFO of Carondelet Ventures, a student-run business club. These roles helped her develop meaningful leadership, communication, and organizational skills that continue to shape her experiences today. At Boston College, Natalie is involved in the Women in Business Club and the Ascend Program, where she enjoys engaging with the community and learning more about business. Outside school, she loves spending time outdoors—snow skiing, water skiing, or playing tennis. Natalie joined the Jenks Leadership Program because it brings together two of her greatest passions: building community and helping others, doing so in the upcoming service project. Jenks has already helped her reflect on what it truly means to be a Boston College student who is for and with others, and she looks forward to continuing that journey.
Santiago Cervantes ‘26
Santiago is pursuing a degree in Economics with a minor in Philosophy. Originally from Mexico City, Mexico, he distinguished himself early on as a competitive golfer, ultimately earning a spot on the Mexican National Golf Team. Beyond athletics, he remained committed to community engagement, launching two service projects to support rural communities in the state of Hidalgo. At Boston College, Santiago is an active member of the Latin American Business Club, the Philosophical Association, and the Economics Association - organizations where he explores diverse perspectives on philosophy, society, and economic thought. In his free time, he enjoys reading, dancing, meditating, and studying languages, with a particular interest in French and German. For Santiago, Jenks represents an extraordinary opportunity to engage in thoughtful conversation and grow alongside a community of servant leaders.
Bronwyn Chesner '26
Bronwyn is studying Economics and Theology. She went to high school in Great Falls, Virginia, but grew up in the mountains of Colorado. She loves playing sports and running. In high school, she ran track and cross country, played lacrosse, and competed in ski races. Bronwyn loves the outdoors and trying new things. At Boston College, Bronwyn is a tour guide and panelist as well as being a part of the class of 2026 Jenks Leadership Program. Bronwyn joined the program in order to connect with other like-minded students who have a passion for leadership. She is excited to continue the program and grow with her fellow peers and hopes to make an impact by the end of her time with Jenks.
Casey Clark ‘28
Casey is studying Economics and English on the pre-law track. She is from Chatham, New Jersey, where she swam on the varsity swim team, played in her high school’s wind ensemble, served on the executive board of her high school’s peer leadership council, and discovered her passion for service through volunteering as a swimming instructor for children with special needs. At BC, Casey is involved in the Mixed Asian Student Association, BC Splash, BC Economics Association, and is a volunteer at the Watertown Boys & Girls Club. Casey joined the Jenks Leadership Program to grow as a values-driven leader and develop the skills to lead with purpose, integrity, and collaboration through community service efforts.
Jigmey Dorgee '28
Sem Ferguson '28
Sem is a Finance major, minoring in Philosophy and Theology. He is originally from Arlington, MA, and enjoys playing and watching sports, especially soccer. Sem loves spending time with friends and family. On campus, he is involved in several clubs, including the Jenks Leadership Program, and is passionate about growing as a leader and dedicated to learning how to better serve others.
Claire Fontenot '27
Ania Gradzki ‘26
Ania is pursuing a degree in Political Science with minors in Applied Psychology and International Studies, on the pre-law track. She is from Cromwell, Connecticut, where she found her passion for service and community, particularly through her work with a small non-profit that raises money for children with brain cancer. Currently, she is dedicated to advocating for refugee and immigrant communities through her work at Elena's Light, where she provides legal support to asylum seekers. At Boston College, she is involved with Slavic Club, the Bellarmine Law Society, and the Student Admissions Program. Outside of school, she enjoys spending time with her friends and family, playing tennis, and traveling. Ania looks forward to developing her leadership skills and making an impact on the community through her participation in the Jenks Leadership Program.
Effie Hatzopoulos ‘28
Effie was born in the suburbs of Chicago, where she developed a love for cooking, spending time experiencing and learning about nature, and finding ways to be creative. Overall, she strives for personal growth, a sentiment whose seeds were sown in middle school. The discipline and transformation demanded by various experiences, from concert band to a competitive robotics team, positively influenced her outlook on individual development and proved to herself that any of her attributes can be improved upon with persistence and hard work. Her growth mindset and aforementioned interests are channeled into the study of biochemistry on the pre-med track. Aside from Jenks, she involves herself in Chi Alpha and in the University Wind Ensemble as a clarinet player. Jenks is an opportunity for her to grow as a community member through collaboration with and service of others.
Madison Herrero '28
James Keenan '28
Alexander Lehman ‘27
Alex is studying Finance and Computer Science and minoring in Mathematics. He is from East Longmeadow, Massachusetts, and attended high school at Loomis Chaffee, where he served as a Peer Tutor Leader at the quantitative resource center, founded The Account, a finance, business, and politics on-paper publication, and contributed to the soccer program as a player and official assistant coach. At BC, Alex has enjoyed being involved in the Outdoor Adventures club as a trip leader, the investment club, and various intramural sports. He values working closely with others, vulnerability, empathy, and supporting those around him, principles he has found to be deeply emphasized in the Jenks Leadership Program. In his free time, he likes to spend time outside, exercise through sports and the gym, try different cuisines, and learn about STEM.
Cara McKenna '28
Cara is a double major in Engineering and Psychology at Boston College, with aspirations to pursue a career in biomedical engineering. Originally from Cleveland, Ohio, Cara developed a strong commitment to leadership and service early on, serving as senior class president, member of the Kiwanis club, varsity soccer captain, robotics team captain, and president of the broadcasting club during her high school career. At Boston College, she continues to cultivate her passion for community engagement and leadership. Outside of her academic pursuits, Cara is actively involved in Campus Activities Board, the Society of Women Engineers, and serves as president of Boston College’s chapter of Special Olympics. Cara joined the Jenks Leadership Program to deepen her understanding of the Boston College community through the lens of servant leadership and to give back to the institution that has so profoundly shaped her growth as a human being.
Zayn Moselhy ‘28
Zayn is currently studying Economics and Finance. He is passionate about helping the community as well as developing personal growth through service. Zayn values working with others, meaningful conversations, and building connections with those around him. In his spare time, he enjoys playing pick-up basketball, bowling, as well as trying different kinds of food. Zayn is excited to continue his personal growth as a leader and benefit from the people around him in the communities that he is part of.
Andrew Nester ‘28
Andrew is a Political Science and Economics student on the pre-law track at the Morrissey College of Arts and Sciences. Living in Boston, he immigrated to the U.S. from Berlin, Germany, hailing from Kharkiv, Ukraine. Living independently since age 16, he has held diverse roles — including ESL teacher, IT project manager, high school paraprofessional educator, and airport operations crew member. At Boston College, Andrew is involved in the Debating and Consulting Clubs, Model UN, and serves on the e-board of the German Club. He values growth, intellect, independence, and depth. Andrew joined Jenks to deepen his passion for leadership and service while growing personally alongside driven individuals. When free, he enjoys getting out around the city, working out, watching hockey, and engaging in meaningful conversations with friends.
Sanjana Pillai '27
Sanjana is a transfer student from UMass Amherst, now pursuing a major in Finance and a minor in Economics at Boston College. Originally from the Boston area and raised in Seattle, WA, she brings a diverse background and a strong passion for community-driven leadership. At BC, Sanjana serves as the Finance Co-Lead for Entrepreneurs for Social Impact (ESI), performs with Musical Theater Cabaret, and mentors youth through Big Brothers Big Sisters. A lifelong lover of music and fitness, she has trained in jazz and musical theater and is currently preparing for her first half marathon. Sanjana is thrilled to be part of the Jenks Leadership Program as she continues to grow as a leader and channel her skills toward making a meaningful difference in the lives of others.
Trip Rizzo '28
Trip is studying Economics with a minor in Finance at Boston College. He is from Madison, CT, and attended Daniel Hand High School. While there, he played hockey and lacrosse. He also participated in the Habitat for Humanity club, the student government, and was a student representative on the board of a local community service organization. He also had a TEDx Talk. Trip has played the piano since he was a little kid. At Boston College, he serves as a tour guide and is part of the SAP program. In his first year, he participated in the Freshman League and got involved with intramural sports by putting together teams. Trip looks forward to blending the world of leadership and service in Jenks. His background in volunteering has inspired him to always work for the betterment of others, and he will continue to do that during his time at Jenks.
Andrew Sears ’26
Andrew is studying business analytics and finance and is originally from Stow, Massachusetts. He is an Eagle Scout and was the leader of Stow's scout troop, a referee for his local youth soccer program, and a teen board member for Celiac Kids' Connection at Boston Children's Hospital. In college, he helps teach English in night classes at the Jackson-Mann community center. These organizations had a profound influence on his values, fostered his appreciation for service and community, and taught him the importance of giving back to those who've impacted him. In his free time, Andrew loves board games, Boston sports teams, and spending time with family and friends. Andrew is excited to have the opportunity to join the Jenks Leadership Program, and serve the Boston community while further developing his leadership skills.
Yash Shah ’28
Lauren Thomas ’28
Andrew is studying business analytics and finance and is originally from Stow, Massachusetts. He is an Eagle Scout and was the leader of Stow's scout troop, a referee for his local youth soccer program, and a teen board member for Celiac Kids' Connection at Boston Children's Hospital. In college, he helps teach English in night classes at the Jackson-Mann community center. These organizations had a profound influence on his values, fostered his appreciation for service and community, and taught him the importance of giving back to those who've impacted him. In his free time, Andrew loves board games, Boston sports teams, and spending time with family and friends. Andrew is excited to have the opportunity to join the Jenks Leadership Program, and serve the Boston community while further developing his leadership skills.
Fabian Ugalde '28
Fabian is a finance and accounting student at the Carroll School of Management at Boston College. He lives in Brookline, Massachusetts, he graduated from Brookline High School, where he served as a calculus teaching assistant, a student government representative, and a student ambassador, organizing events and initiatives for the school community. These formative experiences helped him develop strong collaborative and organizational skills. At Boston College, Fabian has continued to stay engaged beyond the classroom. He has contributed to the finance team for the TEDxBC club, participated in the Chi Alpha community, and supported MAS, a Latin American student association. His involvement reflects his commitment to both professional growth and community-building. Outside of academics, Fabian enjoys traveling, watching basketball and football, listening to music, and spending time with friends and family. He is grateful to be part of the Jenks Leadership Program and looks forward to learning from, contributing to, and growing within this inspiring community.
Grace Vengco ’28
Grace is studying Finance and Business Analytics at the Carroll School of Management. She is from Longmeadow, Massachusetts, where she played varsity soccer and was a part of her high school's jazz band, Women in STEM Club, and Girls Who Code Club. Grace also found her love for service here through her school's Key Club and her church's volunteer program, where she taught music lessons to underprivileged elementary school students. Grace accredits her passion for service, hard work, and dedication to her father, whose work in data inspired her to pursue her current majors. At Boston College, Grace is involved in BC bOp!, The Emerging Leaders Program, BC Bigs, Ever To Excel's AMDG Program, and The Philippine Society of Boston College (in which she takes an executive role as the club's secretary). In her free time, Grace enjoys skiing, snowboarding, spending time with friends and family, and playing music, whether that involves playing the drums, guitar, or piano. Grace joined Jenks to continue fulfilling her passion for service while strengthening her skills as a leader and community servant, hoping to follow in her parents' footsteps who are both BC and Jenks alumni.
Griffin Weiss '28
Angie Wu '28
Elaine Zheng '26
Elaine is majoring in Finance and Business Analytics with a minor in Math. She went to high school in Rockville, Maryland, but grew up in Tampa Bay, Florida. As part of the Class of 2026 Jenks Leadership Program at Boston College, Elaine is passionate about finding ways to lead with purpose and create a positive impact in her community. She joined the program to challenge herself, build meaningful relationships, and explore what effective leadership looks like in practice. Elaine is excited to apply what she learns to initiatives she cares about and help strengthen the sense of community at Boston College.
Class of 2025
Lynn Benali ‘26
Jason Dominguez ‘27
Gavin Evans '25
Andre Ferreira ‘26
Natalie Garayeva ‘27
Curtis Idemudia ‘26
Casey Johnston ‘26
Laila Kiwanuka ’27
Cami Kulbieda ‘27
Brianna Liu ‘27
Cristina Marban ‘27
Dan Nguyen ‘27
Christine Onyia ‘27
Angelina Orduña ‘25
Pratham Patel ‘27
Veronica Pierce ‘27
Ella Ramchand ‘27
Jonah Renz ‘27
Emma Rooney ’27
Allison Sen ’27
Camille Shepherd ’25
Lennox Silvestro-Dias ’27
Brett Stievater ’25
Connor Toronto ’27
Natalie Westermann '27
Student Directors
Katherine Garrigan ‘25
Nicholas McDonald '25
Alexis Thomas ’25
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 (Alumni & Networking co-director)
Carroll School of Management
Sinead Doyle '26
Morrissey College of Arts & Sciences
Caroline Kane '26
Morrissey College of Arts & Sciences
Anthony Marie '26
Carroll School of Management
Ella Ramchand ’27 (Alumni & Networking co-director)
Morrissey College of Arts & Sciences
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
Megan Henehan, MCAS '25
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
Addison Schmidt, CSOM '25
Czar Sepe, MCAS '21
Isabella Sepulveda, MCAS ’25
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 '19NIck 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.
Emma Rooney '27 (left) and director, Katie Garrigan '25
2025 Recipient
Emma Rooney '27
Speech by Katie Garrigan ’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.” It is an honor to present this year’s award to someone who embodies these values through every action, conversation, and commitment she makes—Emma Rooney.
Nick, Alexis, and I have recognized Emma’s commitment from the moment she joined the program. Emma has shown up fully, authentically, and consistently as a leader in Jenks. She is always the first one there in Fulton 515 and has been an active participant in every workshop throughout the program. That dedication speaks volumes, but Emma’s impact goes far beyond her attendance.
She was a cornerstone of her Jenks service project group, offering structure, clarity, and steady support that helped bring the group’s vision for “BC Builders” to life. She approaches teamwork with a selfless mindset, asking, How can I support others? What does the community need? That mindset reflects not just her leadership, but her heart.
Emma brings that same passion and purpose to everything she does, especially when it comes to preparing for her future. She is driven by a love for learning and a deep desire to help others, with plans to pursue a career in dentistry or orthodontics. Whether it is here at Boston College or back home in New York, Emma’s commitment to serving her community shines through. She is thoughtful, intelligent, and grounded in values that will carry her far, making a real difference along the way.
Emma represents the very best of Jenks. She is curious, compassionate, and committed to becoming a leader who serves with integrity. She reminds us that leadership does not always have to be loud to be powerful and that often, the strongest leaders are those who lead by example, with humility and quiet conviction.
Emma, thank you for all the ways you have shown up, not just for your group, but for this program, and for everyone lucky enough to learn from you. It is my joy to present the 2025 Joseph G. Bonito Servant Leadership Award to you. Congratulations!
2024: Dylan Carollo '25
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.