Positive Trends Seen in BCSSW Rwanda Family Program
BY SEAN SMITH CHRONICLE EDITOR
A recently published article in The Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry describes the successful outcomes of a Boston College School of Social Work trial in Rwanda that reached thousands of impoverished families and delivered an intervention aimed at reducing family violence and promoting early childhood development (ECD).
Created as a response to intergenerational violence, which in Rwanda is linked to trauma and loss stemming from the 1994 genocide, the family home-visiting intervention is integrated with the social protection system serving families in extreme poverty. Sugira Muryango (SM), or “Strengthen the Family,” was delivered by a cadre of child protection volunteers who provide active coaching to build the skill of male and female caregivers in interaction with their young children, encourage learning through play, and ensure a safe and healthy environment.
The project is the work of BCSSW’s Research Program on Children and Adversity (RPCA), seven of whose members authored the paper, including Salem Professor in Global Practice and RPCA Director Theresa Betancourt. RPCA developed SM in collaboration with both national and local Rwandan government, the University of Rwanda, and local nonprofit FXB Rwanda; the Rwandan National Child Development Agency works with the volunteers, known as Inshuti Z’Umuryango (IZU), “Friends of the Family.”
Through an implementation strategy known as PLAY Collaborative, 2,608 IZUs were trained for SM, and 2,461 in total actively delivered the intervention, reaching 19,548 caregivers and 9,483 children in
On April 23, Boston College celebrated its second annual Digital Wellness Day to help students become more intentional with technology and set boundaries with social media. Organized by the Murray Center for Student Wellness, the initiative raises awareness of and celebrates digital wellness, encouraging students to “disconnect to connect.”
The constant presence of technology can affect physical, social, and emotional health, but easy strategies can help people engage with technology more mindfully, noted Murray Center Director Jeannine Kremer. Digital Wellness Day, she explained, offers suggestions like putting phones aside during dinners with friends and, for faculty, implementing a nophones-in-class policy.
Kremer said students were happy to engage with the wellness coaches and noted that some have shared positive reactions when faculty request phones be put away in class.
“I’ve implemented no-phone policies in my classes and have seen the students coming together as a community very quickly, and they’re more engaged,” she said. “There was definitely a buzz around the day.”
8,745 households. To evaluate the effectiveness of the intervention during scaling, the RPCA study focused on 538 households across three districts, including 778 caregivers and 555 children.
“SM’s holistic home-visiting approach engages both male and female caregivers in playful parenting and content to promote ECD and prevent violence,” the researchers reported in the journal article. “Caregivers receiving SM increased ECD stimulation (e.g. playing, singing with children); improved stimulating home environments by providing more learning materials and engaging children in daily activities; increased children’s dietary diversity; and reducing deprivation-based harsh discipline.
“Moreover, in-home visits facilitated father and other caregiver participation in SM, strengthening father engagement in caregiving decisions and improving
overall mental health as well as depression symptoms for male and female caregivers. Household hygiene practices improved, particularly with respect to water storage and treatment.”
Last year, the SM initiative received a five-year, $2.9 million National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) grant enabling RPCA and its collaborators to develop and test tools for the Rwandan government to use in ensuring continued quality in delivering SM. This grant is enabling the team to expand delivery beyond the original three districts described in the journal article while testing a user-friendly digital dashboard that summarizes key metrics and enables easier tracking of quality, reach, referrals, and other critical processes.
While the journal article focuses on the period prior to the awarding of the grant, and does not take into account activity since
For people who want to disconnect regularly, the Murray Center suggests three tips: be intentional with technology use— calling someone instead of texting; turning off technology at least 30 minutes before bed; and setting boundaries with social media use, like scrolling limits.
More resources and upcoming events can be found at bc.edu/student-wellness.
—Ellen Seaward is a senior digital content writer in the Office of University Communications
then, lead writer RPCA Research Scientist Candace Black said the paper provides critical evidence about maintaining intervention impact in the context of scaling.
“The importance of early childhood development, and of preventing family violence, is widely acknowledged—all the more so in settings that have limited resources to provide the services and means,” explained Black. “With the publication of this paper, we are saying that we have demonstrated evidence of a successful intervention and the means to scale it effectively on a wider basis.
“The challenge is to sustain that success while transitioning from a smaller, more controlled setting into a larger one with often complex and dynamic situations. Evidence shows that a successful implementation strategy relies on an engaged government and local stakeholders. Fortunately, we have excellent partners in the Rwandan government and a good infrastructure that enables the IZU volunteers to deliver the intervention.”
A key element of SM to be examined is a Digital Dashboard tool developed by the University of Rwanda and other partners to support scaling the intervention with quality. The Dashboard streamlines collection of data on the intervention, improves the visibility and searchability of implementation data, facilitates caregiver mental health and social services and follow-up, and serves as a training platform for interventionists.
Recent and ongoing uncertainty over federal funding for overseas work has complicated this phase, but the study—while smaller in scale than envisioned—will move forward, according to RPCA.
For more about the Research Program on Children and Adversity, see bc.edu/rpca
Volunteers known as Inshuti Z’Umuryango (IZU)—“Friends of the Family”—are a vital part of the Sugira Muryango (“Strengthen the Family”) intervention being tested in Rwanda by the Boston College School of Social Work Research Program on Children and Adversity.
photo courtesy of research program on children and adversity
Digital Wellness Day encouraged students to “disconnect to connect”— take time off from phones and other technology.
photos by caitlin cunningham
SENIORS TO REMEMBER
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Abby Duffy Woods College of Advancing Studies
Hometown: Wellesley, Mass.
Major: Criminal and Social Justice
Mentors: David Goodman (Woods College); John Michalcyzk (Art, Art History, and Film); Susan Michalcyzk and Elizabeth Shlala (Morrissey College of Arts and Sciences).
Notable Activities/Achievements: Marching Band Executive Board; Symphonic Band; University Chorale; BC Film Society president; Dean’s List Scholar; Carroll School of Management part-time administrative assistant; film production intern, VAGRANTS, Somerville, Mass.; director, “Feeding Hearts: A Village Table Wellesley Story” documentary; Wellesley Public Schools substitute teacher. Post-graduate plans: Law school
Duffy immigrated from Ireland as a child and embraced the challenge of navigating new systems and perspectives—experiences that fuel her commitment to advocacy, education, and community impact. Early on she knew she wanted to help people, and chose the Woods College Criminal and Social Justice program to facilitate that goal. Her time at
Meghan Heckelman
Lynch School of Education and Human Development
Hometown: Mineola, NY
Majors: Applied Psychology and Human Development, Political Science; minor in Management and Leadership
Notable Activities/Achievements: Undergraduate Government of Boston College president (2024-2025) and vice president (2023-2024); director of student initiatives (2022-2023); orientation leader; United States House of Representatives intern; Appalachia Volunteers student leader; Jenks Leadership Program co-director; 48 Hours leader; John Marshall Project; campus ambassador, Gift of Life Marrow Registry.
Mentors: Shawna Cooper Whitehead and Colleen Dallavalle (Student Affairs); Roatha Kong, Abby Black, and Christine Burke (Office of Student Involvement); Jack Dunn (University Communications); Jeannine Kremer (Murray Center for Student Wellness); Chris Darcy, Matt Razek, and Emily Rayball (Office of First Year Experience); Jake Blicharz (Campus Ministry); Thomas Wesner (Carroll School of Management); Alice Behnegar (Political Science).
Post-Graduation Plans: Likely studying or working in Boston.
Heckelman characterizes her BC experience as a lab for her development as a servant
Boston College has been defined by growth, resilience, and a desire to make a difference; she is grateful for the experiences that have shaped her personally and professionally. As a young college student, she welcomed opportunities to grow as a leader, give back to the community, and prepare academically for a future in law. Her undergraduate years have prepared her for post-graduation pursuits: this fall, she will enroll in the University of California Irvine School of Law.
What experiences at BC had the most significant impact on you, and why?
I’ve had so many memorable and impactful experiences during my time at Boston College, but one stands out: The Boston College “Screaming Eagles” Marching Band. When I decided to major in criminal and social justice, I knew I would be able to learn the skills necessary to enact change and continue to stand up for what is right. These skills led me to be elected to the executive board of the band, where I continued my 13-year journey of playing the trumpet. In this role, I worked closely with different organizations to give back to the community by hosting Boston-area events. For one, I spearheaded an instrument “petting zoo” for a local elementary school, through which the children experienced the impact of music. In addition to giving back, being part of this team allowed me to experience once-in-a-lifetime moments, such as performing during half-
leader. She was elected the 56th president of the Undergraduate Government of Boston College after a term as vice president the previous year. In addition to her stints as an orientation leader and Appalachia Volunteers program student leader, she served for three years as a campus ambassador for the Gift of Life Marrow Registry, inspiring students to help those with blood cancer.
How has BC made a difference in your life?
I vividly remember one sunny spring afternoon during the pandemic, when I opened my mailbox and pulled out a Boston College admissions booklet. As an ambitious, high-achieving student, I was considering a long list of colleges. But as I flipped through the pages of the publication, something about [Theology Professor] Fr. Michael Himes’ three questions—What are you good at? What do you love? What does the world need you to be?—stuck with me. I ran to tell my dad that the Jesuit school up in Boston was now a contender. My family made countless sacrifices to send me to Boston College, and now I cannot imagine my life without these four years. Living, learning, and leading at BC taught me that my purpose in life is to be the woman people know they can turn to.
What sparked your interest in student government?
Coming from a small hometown where everyone knew everyone, the first few weeks of my first year felt particularly lonely. As I searched for some semblance of community, I saw an email about applying for UGBC.
Members of the Class of 2025 reflect on their Boston College experience
time shows for the Boston Celtics and the New England Patriots.
Serving on the executive board and participating as a trumpet player enhanced my abilities to collaborate, solve problems quickly, and support others in reaching their potential—skills that have shaped my life.
How has your passion for film and advocacy complemented your social justice studies?
Whether I’m in a classroom or behind a camera, my focus is on influencing positive change. Through my work on film sets in Boston and at BC, I’ve facilitated initiatives—both on and off-campus—to explore the role of film in society. These experiences have underscored my commitment to social justice.
I directed an award-winning documentary, “Feeding Hearts: A Village Table Wellesley Story” (2024), which brought attention to a local food relief organization, and the lives and experiences of the hardworking people involved. A series of interviews and interactive footage captured the essence of Village Table: a community built on mutual support, dedication, and a shared commitment to making a difference in the Greater Boston area. As I screened the documentary for over 200 attendees at the premiere, I couldn’t help but notice how many members of the Boston College community were in attendance. As I stood on stage and delivered my opening
After participating in student government throughout high school, it felt like a natural fit. As I progressed in the organization, I was terrified to put myself out there and run for vice president. However, it was a few upper-class mentors who trusted and believed in me and who inspired me to take the risk. When you are in a position of power, whether you are older or simply more experienced, you can make all the difference for somebody. The best part of my role now is paying that forward by uplifting and advocating for students on the margins. What is your proudest accomplishment as president of UGBC?
During my term, we wanted to shift our approach: Rather than promising to generate sweeping change, we would chip away at long standing issues by taking small, pragmatic steps. Context is everything. Before tackling a problem, we had to diagnose it. We researched the history and connected with our peers at other Jesuit schools to learn about their strategies. We asked questions and partnered with administrators to devise solutions that would reach students with diverse needs. Many of our ideas and eventual wins—from academic advising improvements to practicum transportation funding to student printers in residence halls—came from conversations with our peers in dining halls and dorm rooms. Graduating and turning over the reins is bittersweet, but the organization is the strongest it has been because of our members who show up every day and genuinely care about bettering their peers’ experiences.
PHIL GLOUDEMANS
remarks, I was reminded that I have been immersed in a community that is inherently giving in nature, and that is reflected in its faculty and student body. This event represented my commitment to fighting for the greater good—a dedication I bring to every story I tell and every cause I champion.
What advice would you give to incoming Woods College students, and why?
In high school, I decided that I wanted to pursue a degree in criminal and social justice at Boston College, but not in the conventional way of so many 18-year-old Americans. Woods College has allowed me to achieve my academic goals as an undergraduate student while being able to work and experience the world beyond my college campus. Over the past four years, I’ve attended classes almost every weekday evening, enjoying the company of peers my age as well as those 40 years my senior.
I would advise incoming students to immerse themselves in their new community as well as to reach out to their classmates, so that they may learn from them and grow both personally and academically. These connections will open them to new ideas and perspectives, enriching their college journey and creating a strong support system that will serve them well throughout their time in school and beyond.
ROSANNE PELLEGRINI
Joshua DeSouza
Carroll School of Management
Hometown: Stamford, Ct.
Major: Finance and Accounting for Finance & Consulting
Notable Activities/Achievements: President, Scholars of Finance (BC chapter); treasurer, South Asian Student Association; CSOM Peer Advisor; director of AHANA Management Academy; Investment Banking Association mentee; Senior Commencement Award recipient; Chocolate Bar barista; Student Admission Program.
Mentors: Madeline Cortes (Career Services), Rachel Spooner, Erica Graf, Ethan Sullivan and Edward Chazen (CSOM), Jess Hartley (CSOM Career Services), Adam Schadt ’23, Matthew Katz ’23, Katie Ford ’24, Sarah Wong ’24.
Post-Graduation Plans: Accepted offer as an investment banking analyst at UBS in their Healthcare Group.
De Souza is graduating as a leader who succeeds because he prioritizes every voice and every goal within a community. Whether reanimating a club to support each other or finding joy in seeing a mentee succeed, through his time at BC, he’s found that leadership isn’t about having all the answers—it’s about listening, empowering others, and cre-
Messina Community Savors Inaugural Year
Continued from page 1
thing that falls in a long tradition of BC’s history and its own legacy. We are leveraging that strength and BC’s resources, to deliver a high-quality and rigorous education.”
Messina College is part of the University’s $100 million Pine Manor Institute for Student Success initiative to enhance educational opportunity for underrepresented, first-generation students, and marks the first time BC has offered an associate’s degree. When joined by the second class this summer, Messina will enroll approximately 200 students who live in dormitories on the campus.
Aligned with BC’s Undergraduate Core Curriculum, Messina offers the majors of applied data science, applied psychology and human development, general business, and health sciences. With their degrees, students can apply to earn their bachelor’s degrees at BC or other four-year colleges and universities, or go on to other programs focused on specialized skills, careers, or public service.
The inaugural class, drawn largely from Boston, other gateway cities in Massachusetts, as well as from some additional states across the country, started in early July for a six-week First Year Discovery Seminar, a focal point similar to other University programs to prepare students for the workload, expectations, and transitions they will encounter.
Students engaged with the Chestnut Hill campus, joining student groups and clubs, playing intramural sports, going to the gym, attending concerts and athletic events. During the spring vacation, some participated in service trips to Appalachia and Jamaica. They’ve had a chance to hear from the business community through a “lunch and learn” series that has featured executives from PricewaterhouseCoopers, Morgan Stanley, Commonwealth Financial Group, the state Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, and others.
Fr. Berrelleza said the first year has solidified in his mind the importance of Messina’s residential experience.
“I don’t think you can do formative education in a commuter model,” Fr. Berrelleza said. “There are a lot of other pressures. Students have to decide what hours to be on campus, and what kinds of things they’ll be able to participate in because of their commute, or work obligations, or the pull of family. I think formative education needs to be done in a residential setting and I’m grateful that the University is committed to providing that experience to students.”
The second class isn’t far behind, Fr. Berrelleza said. He and Messina admission administrators are in the midst of filling the second cohort. He looks forward to the roles first-year students will play during the summer term.
“I tell this group they’re going to be great leaders and mentors for this next class,” Fr. Berrelleza said. “These students naturally want to create a community.
I’m certain they’re going to be welcoming to them and bring them in. I always tell them, ‘You’re the trailblazers.’ They will be mentors and help the next class transition here.”
Among students, the first year was marked by a lot of work, but moments to enjoy the Boston College experience and to build friendships with students and relationships with faculty and staff.
Armand Pierre, a general business major from Boston’s Dorchester neighborhood, was quick to cite Welcome Week as the highlight of the year. “It was a week just full of activities where I met all the people I know from the main campus. There were a bunch of great activities and that made a difference in connecting with a lot of people.”
Yasir Vargas of Dorchester said his most memorable event was the football team’s comeback win against Michigan State University in the annual Red Bandanna Game.
“It was pouring and I was soaked,” said Vargas, an applied psychology and human development major. “I thought about leaving, but my friends and I stayed and we watched the entire game, and yeah, it was like magic. You could definitely feel this school’s spirit there.”
Other students appreciated the quieter moments of connection.
“That first month, we’re all getting to know each other and a bunch of us would go up to the field and just kick around a soccer ball,” said Bryan Rosa of Allston, who is studying applied psychology and human development. “It was a lot of fun.”
Worcester native Rafaella Souza, who is studying applied psychology and human development, sought out activities and clubs wherever she could find them. The musician joined the marching band, took part in Campus Ministry programs, and helped to create a Theater Club and a Women’s Club.
“It is very exciting for me to be here—it is a privilege,” said Souza, citing her statistics class with Assistant Professor of the Practice Professor Jill Mastrocola as her favorite. “Until I heard about Messina College, I never thought I was going to go to college. Here I have two communities to grow with and also study psychology, which is something that I love. I’ve met a lot of people, had the opportunity to make new friends. For me, it is so exciting.”
Dani Parkinson of Lynn, an applied psychology and human development major, said her first year has made a distinct impression.
“I have enjoyed all my friends, my roommates, and the people that I’ve met in passing and the experiences that I’ve had so far. I feel like I’ve grown and they’ve grounded me as an individual, and helped me think about what I want to do with my life in the future,” said Parkinson, who thinks she might one day like to attend law school. “The first year really showed me what college has in store for me.”
Scenes from Messina College’s first year: Top, Messina College Dean Erick Berrelleza, S.J., welcomed students on Move In Day in July; middle, Messina students participated in the First Flight Procession prior to the September 5 First Year Academic Convocation in Conte Forum; bottom, relaxing and socializing with friends was a vital part of campus life. Said one Messina student: “I have enjoyed all my friends, my roommates, and the people that I’ve met in passing and the experiences that I’ve had so far. I feel like I’ve grown and they’ve grounded me as an individual, and helped me think about what I want to do with my life in the future.”
photos by frank curran, caitlin cunningham, and lee pellegrini
Career Center, Student Affairs Team Up on Elevate
Continued from page 1
by Management Development Perspectives and the Ignatian Leadership Development programs, and created by working closely with colleagues in University Mission and Ministry and Human Resources’ Office of Employment Development, builds leadership capacity while fostering reflection, community, and mission-driven practices.
The initiative includes new practices for integrating new employees, mentoring opportunities, and mid-career advancement pathways.
“This effort recognizes that supporting the development of our professionals is essential to fostering a thriving, missionaligned campus culture,” he said. “Cura apostolica—care for the work—plays a significant role in the program. If our staff feels greater alignment with the University, it will translate into the work they do.”
“Part of the impetus for establishing the program was that our division is large and we cannot get all staff into Management Development Perspectives or the Ignational Leadership Development Program, both offered by Human Resources,” said Vice President for Student Affairs Shawna Cooper Whitehead. “If we demonstrate our commitment to our staff, we hope it trickles down to our student experience.”
“I’m so grateful for Elevate! This program has blown my expectations out of the water,” said Assistant Dean for Student Conduct Kylie Windecker, resident director at Walsh Hall. “I applied to the program hoping to become more connected by meeting new people, obtaining mentorship outside of my department, and to learn and grow as a professional. All the sessions left me with a lot to reflect on but feeling more connected to Jesuit principles and my own values. The connections I’ve made with division peers and leadership are invaluable to me.”
The program’s objectives are four-fold: strengthen leadership skills through structured learning and mentorship; deepen the understanding of Jesuit values and studentcentered work; foster collaboration and community among emerging leaders in Student Affairs; and promote professional growth through practical application and reflection.
The program kicked off last July with the New Heights Retreat, a two-day, offcampus getaway that included workshops on self-awareness, reflection, and personal leadership style; community-building exercises to establish trust and camaraderie within the group; and guided discussions on integrating purpose, vocation, and leadership within a Jesuit framework. The initial cohort included 17 participants, each selected through supervisor nominations or direct applications.
“More than just a program launch, this immersive retreat exemplifies our broader commitment to reflective practice and community building,” said Du Pont. “By offering staff the time and space to engage in deep contemplation, explore their vocational identity, and build relationships across departments, New Heights served as a model for the formative experiences we
aim to expand throughout the division.”
“Every time we run a module, have another experience, or even host the retreat we learn something,” said Associate Vice President for Student Engagement and Formation Colleen Dallavalle, who cofacilitated the program with Du Pont. “I’m excited to reflect on this year and continue to work with campus partners to innovate, design and enhance our program so it can continue to support the University’s priorities and prepare our Student Affairs professionals to be leaders in Jesuit higher education.”
Between September and May, monthly interactive sessions—rooted in BC’s mission and focused on topics such as managing teams, navigating change, and fostering
“This effort recognizes that supporting the development of our professionals is essential to fostering a thriving, missionaligned campus culture,” says Associate Vice President for Career Services and Integrated Learning Joseph Du Pont.
inclusive leadership—were held, each one a two-hour session facilitated by internal and external experts.
Each participant was paired with a mentor from Student Affairs for ongoing monthly meetings focused on career development, leadership reflection, and mission integration. Participants were encouraged to meet with other cohort members to deepen their respective relationships and motivate peer-to-peer learning.
The program wraps up with a capstone presentation by each participant, focused on how the knowledge gained through the program has or will be applied, as well as their personal reflections on its impact on their leadership development, followed by a celebratory gathering among participants and mentors. Participant observations were overwhelmingly positive.
Participant Kristina Green Equi, associate director of sports medicine at the Murray Center for Student Wellness, was impressed with the New Heights Retreat.
“I thought the opening retreat was imperative for the development and growth that I experienced in this program,” she said. “Without it, the foundation for this program would have been lost. I also feel that the monthly interactive sessions allowed the space for us to break down retreat themes and practice these skills in smaller sections over time. Plus, mentorship was the component that allowed me the chance to talk through real-world applications of these skills and cemented my overall learning.”
Peter Kwiatek, assistant dean in the Office of the Dean of Students, lauded the coaching aspect.
“One of the most valuable aspects of the Elevate experience was the opportunity for mentorship,” he said. “Spending intentional time with a senior leader from the division allowed me to learn from their experiences, seek guidance, and have thoughtful conversations about leadership development.”
In addition to Elevate and the New Heights Retreat, two other complementary initiatives are shaping the overall program’s vision. The first, Purposeful Advising, was created by Student Affairs in partnership with Academic Affairs, and in collaboration with Lynch School of Education and Human Development Professor and Ascione Faculty Fellow Belle Liang, founder of the Purpose Lab—which focuses on cultivating purpose and belonging in schools and workplaces—to train Student Affairs professionals in the principles of purposecentered advising.
“Purposeful Advising equips staff with the tools and language to guide students not only toward career readiness but toward lives of meaning, contribution and impact—essential to the Jesuit mission,” Du Pont said. “The synergy between this
work and Elevate deepens our shared commitments to assisting both students and staff to reflect on who they are, and what is their calling.”
Shatoya White-Gay, a fiscal and operations specialist in the Student Affairs Business Service Center, praised Liang’s session on “The Art of Reflection and Discernment.”
“She encouraged me to pause and explore how my values shape my leadership in subtle and visible ways,” she said. “Her use of the Examina framework gave me language to better understand the ‘why’ behind my decisions. My mentorship experience also stood out, and it created space to process these insights in real time with someone who understood the nuances of the Elevate journey. Together, these elements grounded my leadership in reflection and relationship.”
The Vice President for Student Affairs Professional Development Signature Series, launched in 2023-2024, offers speakers and monthly workshops that gather national thought leaders, BC faculty, and staff to explore timely and critical issues in higher education such as mental health, free expression, identity, and leadership in complex times.
“Elevate, Purposeful Advising, the Signature Series, and the New Heights Retreat form a robust, mission-driven ecosystem of staff development,” said Du Pont.
He noted that Student Affairs was invited to share their staff development and community-building model at the National Association of Student Personnel Administrators annual meeting in March, and have been requested to present at the National Association of Colleges and Employers conference and Jesuit Association of Student Personnel Administrators FiveYear Institute, both in June.
On April 29, the
provide financial support to undergraduate nursing students with demonstrated need, as well as a new learning specialist to oversee student success programming, and an emergency fund for students.
photo by lee pellegrini
Connell School of Nursing hosted Bill Conway Jr. (second from left), who co-founded the Bedford Falls Foundation with his late wife, Joanne Barkett Conway. During his visit, Conway and Bedford Falls Foundation CEO and General Counsel Elizabeth Carrott Minnigh toured the school and met with Connell School administrators, faculty, and first-year students. Last fall, the foundation awarded the school a $1.8 million grant to establish the Joanne and William Conway Nursing Scholarship to
photo by michael manning
Alumna TV Host Relishes Opportunity to Tell People’s Stories
BY ALIX HACKETT SPECIAL TO THE CHRONICLE
Kwani Lunis ’15 grew up in New Jersey, but she’s spent the last decade becoming an expert on all things Boston, from its sports teams to its restaurant scene. Now, as co-host of “The Hub Today,” a lifestyle show airing weekday mornings on NBC10 Boston, Lunis is introducing thousands of viewers to the people, places, and events that make her adopted city unique: from an underwater puppet show to an awardwinning Afghani eatery in Brighton.
“Boston’s a very transient city; a lot of people aren’t from here,” she explained. “Our goal is to tell stories that make it less intimidating for people to go out to eat or find a fun group activity with friends.”
Lunis has always loved being on camera—she filmed her first demo reel when she was a senior studying communication at Boston College—but this is her first on-air position at NBC since she was hired by the broadcast giant in 2016. Five days a week, she and co-host Hannah Donnelly welcome new guests to the studio for conversations ranging from the lighthearted (how to plan the perfect picnic) to the serious (how to recognize signs of heart disease), with plenty of witty banter in between. Recent guests include the founder of Boston’s first sake bar, a Yale professor of French and African Diaspora Studies, and Nelly, an American bulldog mix up for adoption at the Animal Rescue League of Boston.
“It’s so fun,” Lunis said. “I’m already a people person in general, but my job allows
me to meet people I probably wouldn’t cross paths with otherwise—and not only meet them, but learn their stories.”
Being a television host is Lunis’s career dream come true, but if you had asked her nine years ago what topics she’d be covering now, her answer would not have included the words “espresso martini.” At the time, Lunis was focused on building her reputation as a sports journalist, covering the Boston Celtics as a social media coordinator for NBC Sports Boston. She spent hours at TD Garden, interviewing players and capturing behind-the-scenes footage to engage the network’s thousands of followers. As a lifelong basketball fan and former manager of the BC women’s basketball team, the sport was where she
Humor and Theology? It’s No Joke.
BY ALIX HACKETT SPECIAL TO THE CHRONICLE
Humor and theology may seem like opposing concepts, but many ministers and chaplains find humor can be a valuable tool for connecting with congregants and administering comfort. For Bel Thurston, a third-year student in the Clough School of Theology and Ministry (CSTM) Master of Divinity program and owner of Goofs Comedy Club in Somerville, the two are inextricably linked.
“People need joy, especially when they’re feeling spiritually low, and so God gives us the gift of finding humor, laughing, and experiencing joy,” she explained. “I see that as a spiritual support that we receive— something that is a gift from God.”
On a Wednesday evening last month, Thurston led a 90-minute workshop for 10 CSTM students on the intersection between humor and theology, specifically in preaching and spiritual life. For her opening presentation, Thurston was joined by doctoral student Kayla August, who is studying humor and preaching and has taken two stand-up comedy classes at Goofs. Then Thurston and her fiancé Ryan led participants in a joke-writing exercise,
felt comfortable.
But in 2020, a social media role opened up at NBC10, and Lunis’s mentor encouraged her to give hard news a shot. She took his advice, and landed the role just as the COVID-19 pandemic was shutting down live sporting events across the country. Still, looking back, “it was scary leaving sports, because I had put so much of my work identity into being a woman in that industry,” Lunis recalled. “I had to remind myself that I could still have sports; it’s not like basketball is going anywhere, the Celtics are still at the Garden.”
Lunis’s breakthrough came in 2021 after she launched the NBC digital series “Kwani has Questions,” where she honed her interview skills while sitting across from local politicians, athletes, and entertainers. Her ability to put guests at ease while eliciting powerful stories got the attention of The Hub Today’s producers, who broadcast her interview with congresswoman Ayanna Pressley. Soon, she became a correspondent for the show, filming segments on location and becoming more confident on and off camera. By the time she was named co-host earlier this year, Lunis was comfortable letting her personality shine on air—love of dad jokes and all.
“When I first started, I was very shy because I didn’t understand my place in this industry, but over the years I’ve come to understand that I do belong here, I’m good at my job, and there’s space for me at the table,” she said. “To this day I wonder why I ever let myself get intimidated by the industry so much that I felt the need not to
be myself.”
These days, Lunis’s co-hosting duties also extend to a side gig she started in 2020 with veteran sports reporter (and former NBC colleague) A. Sherrod Blakely. The pair, along with Boston Globe reporter Gary Washburn, produce “The Big 3 NBA Podcast” every week, breaking down the latest Celtics games and discussing headlines from across the NBA. Earlier this year, “The Big 3” was shortlisted for Best Basketball Podcast by the Sport Podcast Awards.
She finds other ways to stay involved with her local team as well, like serving as a judge for a recent youth cooking competition put on by the Celtics and YMCA of Greater Boston.
“This is my third time judging the event & every year I leave with more boos than an NBA ref,” she wrote jokingly in the caption of her Instagram video.
Being part of the community she covers matters to Lunis, as well as staying true to herself whether she’s interviewing a Hall of Fame point guard or an aspiring artist. It hasn’t always been easy being a Black woman in the media (Lunis is first-generation Haitian American), but finding her own voice professionally has allowed her to stand out from the crowd, and project genuine curiosity and enthusiasm that can be felt by viewers and listeners alike.
“I think being yourself is actually the best way to be successful, because if everyone’s trying to be Oprah, it gets played out,” she said. “That’s the biggest thing for me—just being authentic.”
Alix Hackett is a senior digital content writer in the Office of University Communications
starting with two simple instructions: Write down something you think is funny, then say it out loud.
“It was a lot of fun, and people definitely got into it,” Thurston said. “There are always one or two people who want a formula, and I get that, but once we started going around and sharing, I could see the people who wanted structure getting more comfortable.”
The workshop was part of a weekly event series organized by the CSTM Theology Arts Collective, which serves as an artistic hub for the Clough School community. Past sessions have introduced students to painting, the work of Shakespeare, and even button-making, while exploring each art form’s connections to theology.
“To me, my theology and my artistry are interconnected—I simply cannot have one without the other,” explained Calista Robledo, a second-year student in the M.Div. program who co-founded the collective. “They inform each other in my life through how I study, explore my vocation, and move and exist in the world.”
Thurston only discovered her love of stand-up comedy three years ago, when she was looking for an artistic outlet as a newly minted graduate student. Since then,
she’s become acutely aware of the way that humor is used in society, in particular as a coping mechanism for people experiencing grief or loss. During a chaplain intensive program inside the long-term cancer unit at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Thurston was surprised at the frequency with which patients were using humor to understand and come to terms with their disease.
“To see how often people reached for that to make sense of their situation and communicate with God—that was really moving to me,” she recalled. “I would never lead with humor as a chaplain, but whenever someone opened that door, I was
Clough School of Theology and Ministry student Bel Thurston performing at her comedy club: “People need joy, especially when they’re feeling spiritually low, and so God gives us the gift of finding humor, laughing, and experiencing joy.”
comfortable with it, I was ready to go.”
Theologian Karl Rahner was once quoted as saying, “If humor doesn’t come to you naturally, don’t labor over it,” which Thurston finds hilarious and also appropriate advice. For some of her classmates who attended her workshop, jokes will never be how they connect with congregants or patients, and that’s perfectly okay.
“As a chaplain, I’ve seen people who really don’t need levity. That’s not what they’re looking for and it would actually be harmful,” she said. “So it makes me happy that just as there is diversity among spiritual needs, there’s that same diversity among ministers that are being formed at CSTM.”
