BU is a big place. This probably isn’t news to anyone. With 18,000 undergraduates BU is the fourth-largest private university in the country. This can be an overwhelming and a scary concept to incoming students – take it from someone who joined the class of 2011 from a high school class of 196. However, if you ask current students many will agree BU gets small pretty fast and it’s easy to find your niche by getting involved in student organizations and campus activities that interest you, which can help shape your BU identity.
Certain individuals have made themselves known to the entire BU community just by being themselves and sharing their passions with the rest of the student body. Whether they’re students, faculty members, or alumni, bringing up these individuals’ names are sure to result in entertaining dining hall conversation.
Learn more about some of these BU community standouts -
DEAN ELMORE
Dean of Students Kenn Elmore is by far the coolest dean you’ll ever meet. Dean Elmore is passionate about getting students involved on campus and making BU feel like a second home. He takes the time to develop relationships with students by attending a variety of BU sponsored events. He uses social media such as Twitter - @DeanElmore, his blog - http://www.bu.edu/dos, and even appears in promotional videos to engage with members of the BU community. He’s always open for discussion with students - especially each Friday at weekly Coffee and Conversation in the Howard Thurman Center where students are invited to discuss current issues with him. Once on campus make sure to say hi to the King of Student Life at BU.
THE HOT DOG AND JESUS
Sadly, these two Dog Pound members graduated in 2010 but their legacy lives on. Brian Fadem and Ross Lichtenberg showed their BU pride by attending a variety of athletic events from men’s hockey to women’s lacrosse games during their four years in Boston. What’s unique about these two Terriers is that they attended each event dressed as a hot dog and Jesus to show Terrier pride and create a sense of enthusiasm in the student section. Hot Dog and Jesus inadvertently created a following and encouraged other students to share their BU pride in creative and unique ways. Section 118 at Agganis Arena is filled with students sporting anything from masks to capes thanks to the leadership of a yummy snack and one of the world’s most influential figures.
THE COMM. AVE. RUNNER
Although not officially affiliated with BU, this feisty warrior is known by all students who travel across Comm Ave. on a daily basis. Through rain, sleet, and sometimes snow, this mysterious man can be seen trekking across Commonwealth Avenue wearing arm and leg weights, a do-rag, a wife beater, and shorts at anytime of day. It is the mystery of this guy that makes him so well known. Why and what is he running for? Students have many theories and speculations about this mysterious figure that can be viewed in the video below.
Like these stand outs, the BU community is made up of diverse figures from sports lovers to theater enthusiasts. And although BU is a big place, there are plenty of characters that stand out from the crowd. Each day these individuals are sharing their interests and passions across campus in unique ways.
How will you shape and share your BU identity?
