Where Everybody Knows Your Name

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?

Welcome Class of 2015!

So acceptance e-mails and envelopes have been sent out and the newest Terriers have been invited to join the BU Family as the Class of 2015! For the insight scoop on all things BU check out my latest posts and newest links including a guide to BU Acronyms, a Directory of offices and resources on campus, and a personal biography. Is there something specific you'd like me to blog about? Just let me know! Congrats Class of 2015! Go Terriers! 

Spring Break

One of the biggest events college students look forward to every year is Spring Break. Though out the month of March thousands of students travel to their hometowns, exotic beaches, and some decide to take part in community service work across the country. Regardless of what you choose to do on spring break you are sure to encounter adventures, excitement, and much needed relaxation. Here’s my guide to choosing the right spring break for you.

Homeward Bound: A majority of students decide to take a week retreat home. Going home for spring break is a chance to spend time with family and friends without having to worry about those three tests and a paper you have due. If you’re looking for an affordable vacation in which you can relax and enjoy the comforts of home, this spring break is right for you.

Spring Break: Spring Break not only refers to the week off from classes, it also refers to an exotic get-a-way to a tropical paradise. Many students decide to travel to locations such as Florida, Mexico, or the Caribbean Islands. Students often find package deals with specific college spring break travel groups such as StudentUniverse, StudentCity, and Student Travel Services. (I found a great deal to Cancun on Expedia during my junior year.) A lot of these packages are all-inclusive and include cost of flight, hotel, food, and drinks. If you are going to go the “Spring Break” route definitely check out all-inclusive deals. This option is appealing in many obvious ways – warm weather, beaches and pools, and partying with your friends. I believe every college student should experience Spring Break at least once. After working hard all semester what better way to reward yourself than by splurging for a spring break trip with your friends?




Alternative Spring Break: We are fortunate enough to attend a university that has an amazing Alternative Spring Break program through the Community Service Center. Last week over 400 BU students and staff members traveled to 36 locations across the country from San Juan to Seattle to serve the less fortunate in diverse ways. This is not only a great volunteer experience but also a unique way to form relationships with BU students you wouldn’t otherwise meet. I met one of my best friends participating in ASB sophomore year. For those students who are looking to spend their break meeting new friends and helping to serve others this is a great opportunity to do so. Check out the ASB 2011 blog to find out more information about this program. 

Whether looking for a week retreat home, a relaxing vacation in the sun, or an opportunity to do service, college students look forward to Spring Break every year as a break from the stress of academics and the harsh New England winters.  What would your ultimate Spring Break be? 

Dancing

(This song has been stuck in my head for the past three days.)

Need I say more? I'm pretty sure these pictures capture it all. 

On Saturday, Coach Chambers and his crew proved it isn't over till it's over. With just 2.4 seconds left in the second half, John Holland sank two free throw shots, giving BU its first lead in the game and a championship win for the Terriers. 

After being crowned the America East Champions, the men's basketball team will travel to Tulsa, OK to face the University of Kansas Jayhawks on Friday, March 18 during the NCAA Tournament. 

After only two seasons as head coach, Pat Chambers is working hard to put BU basketball on the March Madness map. 

I can't wait to see more crowds like the one at Agganis on Saturday afternoon.  Future Terriers, you have a lot to look forward to in BU basketball!

Comm. Ave Craziness

March marks one of the most exciting events in college athletics – March Madness. While ACC, Atlantic 10 and Big East schools battle it out for spots in the NCAA basketball tournament, Boston University will be taking part in its own championship tournaments. With an abundance of athletic events occurring on campus, this weekend will be a Terrier sports-lover’s dream. The BU men’s hockey, men’s basketball and women’s basketball teams will be facing-off and tipping-off at Agganis Arena and at the Case Center for a chance at conference titles.

 

Terrier sports fans will start off the weekend Thursday evening at Agganis Arena to cheer on the #3 Hockey East men’s hockey team during the first quarterfinal game of the Hockey East tournament against the #5 Northeastern Huskies. The second game will be held Friday evening and if necessary, a third game will be played on Sunday.

On Saturday March 12, both basketball programs will host the America East Championship games. After beating #7 New Hampshire and #6 Hartford in the quarterfinals and semifinals, the #2 men’s team will host #5 Stony Brook at noon at Agganis Arena. The #2 women’s team will then host #4 Hartford at Case Gym for a chance at the America East Championship at 7pm.

 

Attending BU Athletic events has been one of my favorite social activities on campus. Although I haven’t witnessed March Madness appearances during my fours years at BU, I have been fortunate enough to be part of some great moments in BU Athletic history. One of these great memories was witnessing the 2009 men’s hockey team win the National Championship. A championship parade complete with duck boats was a great way for the student body to celebrate this victory.

 

While my cheering legacy ends, new Terriers can feel confident to get ready to celebrate future wins. There is strong potential for both the BU hockey and basketball programs. With only one senior graduating, students are sure to see some great hockey victories from the rising seniors and the rest of the squad. The addition of basketball head coach Pat Chambers has put the men’s basketball program on the road to success and sports fans are sure to see great things from this team in the near future.

My spring break will be off to a busy start as I put on my BU gear and cheer for the Terriers throughout the weekend. And hopefully I will get the opportunity to experience a few more title championships before graduating!

New Terriers – what BU athletic events are you most excited to attend? Click this link to see highlights from the 2009 National Championship Parade

Highlights from the 2009-2010 BU Athletic Season