Proud to BU

Mary Shelley with a Guitar | Mary Timony (CAS’92)

Mary Timony (CFA’92) is a luminary of indie rock, renowned for her distinctive guitar style and innovative approach to music-making. Named among Rolling Stone’s top 250 guitarists of all time, Timony has left her distinctive mark on contemporary music as a singer-songwriter, as well as a member of bands Ex-Hex, Autoclave, Helium, and Wild Flag.
In this episode, Timony explores her musical path from classical guitar to DC hardcore to indie rock trailblazer, and how she has navigated the delicate balance between creative expression and the practicalities of making a living amidst personal pain and a rapidly evolving music industry.
Mary Timony’s latest solo album, Untame the Tiger, can be found at an independent record store near you or on your favorite music streaming platform.
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Want to see this episode in full video or with captions? Watch on the Proud to BU website or subscribe to the BU Alumni YouTube channel. 
Proud to BU is produced by Boston University Alumni Relations and our partners 5 Tool Productions, a BU alumni-owned company, specializing in video production, livestreaming, and content marketing. 
Are you Proud to BU? Support the BU causes that are meaningful to you by making a gift at bu.edu/give. 

Breaking and Editing | Saba Hamedy (COM’13, CAS’13)

As the former editor in chief of the Daily Free Press, journalist Saba Hamedy (COM’13, CAS’13) was responsible for publishing a daily newspaper and managing a crew of students, all while completing a full-time dual-degree program at BU.
On this episode, learn about Saba’s career journey from FreeP to covering entertainment, politics, and culture at news outlets such as the LA Times, Huffington Post, CNN, and her current role as culture & trends editor for NBC News Digital.
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Want to see this episode in full video or with captions? Watch on the Proud to BU website or subscribe to the BU Alumni YouTube channel. 
Proud to BU is produced by Boston University Alumni Relations and our partners 5 Tool Productions, a BU alumni-owned company, specializing in video production, livestreaming, and content marketing. 
Are you Proud to BU? Support the BU causes that are meaningful to you by making a gift at bu.edu/give. 

Beyond the Finish Line | Mary McManus (COM'76)

For Mary McManus (COM’76) contracting polio in Kindergarten was just one of the many challenges she faced throughout her childhood. Despite her difficult upbringing, Mary went on to have a long career in social work until, in her early-50s, she was diagnosed with post-polio syndrome, a neuromuscular disease that doctors said could cause Mary to lose her mobility.
In this episode, hear how this devastating diagnosis inspired Mary to defy the odds and complete the unlikely goal of running the Boston Marathon, and how she has channeled her health struggles and personal trauma into a successful second career as a poet, author, and motivational speaker.  Her 7th book, "A Most Unlikely Runner: Inspiration From The Heart of a Warrior" will be released on May 25, 2024. Find details on her website at http://www.marymcmanus.com/mostunlikelyrunner and don’t miss the profile of Mary in Bostonia Magazine.
Please note: this episode includes a discussion of a family member’s suicide. If you are dealing with thoughts of suicide, call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
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Want to see this episode in full video or with captions? Watch on the Proud to BU website or subscribe to the BU Alumni YouTube channel. 
Proud to BU is produced by Boston University Alumni Relations and our partners 5 Tool Productions, a BU alumni-owned company, specializing in video production, livestreaming, and content marketing. 
Are you Proud to BU? Support the BU causes that are meaningful to you by making a gift at bu.edu/give. 

Public Servants & Digital Citizens | Marcelo Garcia (Pardee’96)

Over more than two decades in media and politics, Marcelo Garcia (Pardee’96) has become a foremost expert and grassroots organizer in digital leadership, fighting the rising scourge of online disinformation and digital violence.
In this episode, hear how Marcelo’s creation of the BU Mexican Students Association lit the political spark which eventually led him to a position in the Mexican Congress, and how his role as the Co-Founder of the Academia Política Digital empowers him to bridge the digital transformation gap and train the public leaders of the future with the tools to excel in our evolving digital world.  
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Want to see this episode in full video or with captions? Watch on the Proud to BU website or subscribe to the BU Alumni YouTube channel. 
Proud to BU is produced by Boston University Alumni Relations and our partners 5 Tool Productions, a BU alumni-owned company, specializing in video production, livestreaming, and content marketing. 
Are you Proud to BU? Support the BU causes that are meaningful to you by making a gift at bu.edu/give. 

Composing Connection | Kendall Ramseur (CFA’12)

As a cello performance grad student, Kendall Ramseur (CFA’12) was thrust into the spotlight when his BU student quartet Sons of Serendip became a national sensation on hit competition show “America’s Got Talent.”
On this episode, hear about Kendall’s incredible musical journey of emotional healing and connection -- from performing for Dr. Maya Angelou to touring across the world with Sons of Serendip to composing solo and symphonic work for various media – and about his latest venture as Co-Founder and Music Director for the upcoming Sound Grove Community Studios in Malden, MA.
Listen to Kendall’s music and learn more about his work at https://www.kendallramseur.com/.
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Want to see this episode in full video or with captions? Watch on the Proud to BU website or subscribe to the BU Alumni YouTube channel. 
Proud to BU is produced by Boston University Alumni Relations and our partners 5 Tool Productions, a BU alumni-owned company, specializing in video production, livestreaming, and content marketing. 
Are you Proud to BU? Support the BU causes that are meaningful to you by making a gift at bu.edu/give. 

Building a Major League Soccer Champion | Larry Freedman (Questrom’85)

After an early career practicing law, Larry Freedman (Questrom’85) took a leap toward his first love of professional sports and moved to Hollywood to manage a portfolio of minor league baseball teams across the country. When his business partner entered the ownership group of the nascent Los Angeles Football Club in 2014, Larry became instrumental in creating the brand new MLS team – from designing a stadium to building corporate partners to cultivating a loyal and passionate fanbase. 
On this episode of Proud to BU, hear about Larry’s path from aspiring pro athlete to becoming the Co-President and Chief Business Officer for the championship-winning LAFC that, against all odds, has become the most valuable franchise in Major League Soccer. 
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Want to see this episode in full video or with captions? Watch on the Proud to BU website or subscribe to the BU Alumni YouTube channel.  
Proud to BU is produced by Boston University Alumni Relations and our partners 5 Tool Productions, a BU alumni-owned company, specializing in video production, livestreaming, and content marketing.  
Are you Proud to BU? Support the BU causes that are meaningful to you by making a gift at bu.edu/give.  

Looking Back and Moving Forward | Dr. Jenny Gruber (ENG’99, ‘99) and Anthony Harrison (COM’81)

It’s been five years since we spoke with NASA Engineer Dr. Jenny Gruber (ENG’99 ‘99) and former Facebook media relations executive Anthony Harrison (COM'81), and a lot has changed! On this episode, Jenny and Anthony come together to discuss the joys & disappointments they’ve experienced these past five years, the hard decisions they’ve made in their professional lives, and what really matters to them as they enter new stages in their lives.  
As the current and most recent Presidents of the BU Alumni Association, Jenny and Anthony also discuss the creation of the Alumni Association Scholarship and their vision of support that alumni can offer to the next generation of BU students. If you want to help future alums achieve their academic dreams, contribute now to the BU Alumni Association Scholarship. 
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Subscribe to the Proud to BU newsletter to be entered into giveaways for BU merch!  
Want to see this episode in full video or with captions? Watch on the Proud to BU website or subscribe to the BU Alumni YouTube channel. 
Proud to BU is produced by Boston University Alumni Relations and our partners 5 Tool Productions, a BU alumni-owned company, specializing in video production, livestreaming, and content marketing.  
Are you Proud to BU? Support the BU causes that are meaningful to you by making a gift at bu.edu/give.  
 

Reinventing the Red Carpet | Jeremy Lowe (CGS’12, Questrom’14)

As the VP of Talent and Partnerships for legendary entertainment company Dick Clark Productions, Jeremy Lowe (CGS’12, Questrom’14) manages relationships with entertainers, creators, and brands for numerous dcp shows, including The Golden Globes, Academy of Country Music Awards, and New Year’s Rockin’ Eve. On this episode, Jeremy tells us about the qualities it takes to be successful in Hollywood and about how his BU student experience (both inside and outside the classroom) taught him the leadership, marketing, and communication skills that have propelled his career toward the stars.  
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Subscribe to the Proud to BU newsletter to be entered into giveaways for BU merch!  
Want to see this episode in full video or with captions? Watch on the Proud to BU website or subscribe to the BU Alumni YouTube channel. 
Proud to BU is produced by Boston University Alumni Relations and our partners 5 Tool Productions, a BU alumni-owned company, specializing in video production, livestreaming, and content marketing. 
Are you Proud to BU? Support the BU causes that are meaningful to you by making a gift at bu.edu/give.  

The Presidents’ Photographer Stands Up | Pete Souza (COM’76)

As Official White House Photographer for Presidents Barack Obama and Ronald Reagan, and a respected photojournalist for numerous news organizations, Pete Souza (COM’76) has spent decades on the front lines of history; but it was as a junior at BU that his journey into photography began. On this episode, hear about Pete’s experience working closely with two of the most iconic Democrat and Republican presidents in modern times, his thoughts on the importance of authenticity in journalism, especially in the dawning age of AI, and about using his platform to speak out where he saw wrong.
See more of Pete’s work at https://www.petesouza.com/ or follow him on Instagram @petesouza.
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Want to see this episode in full video or with captions? Watch on the Proud to BU website or subscribe to the BU Alumni YouTube channel. 
Proud to BU is produced by Boston University Alumni Relations and our partners 5 Tool Productions, a BU alumni-owned company, specializing in video production, livestreaming, and content marketing. 
Are you Proud to BU? Support the BU causes that are meaningful to you by making a gift at bu.edu/give. 

Combatting Racism and Antisemitism with Education and Philanthropy | Ayele Shakur (Questrom’87)

When family concerns led Ayele Shakur (Questrom’87) to change her trajectory from aspiring screenwriter to a business degree, she set in motion a career that’s just as inspiring as any Hollywood biopic. On this episode, hear how Ayele went from being a teacher in Compton to the CEO of BUILD, a national nonprofit supporting students from under-resourced communities, and what brought her to her current role as President of the Redstone Family Foundation where she provides funding for organizations that are creating innovative programs to end racism and antisemitism. 
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Want to see this episode in full video or with captions? Watch on the Proud to BU website or subscribe to the BU Alumni YouTube channel. 
Proud to BU is produced by Boston University Alumni Relations and our partners 5 Tool Productions, a BU alumni-owned company, specializing in video production, livestreaming, and content marketing. 
Are you Proud to BU? Support the BU causes that are meaningful to you by making a gift at bu.edu/give. 

The Innovator Behind Your Favorite Beers | Robert Vail (SHA’85)

Robert Vail (SHA’85) first developed a love for the intersection of food, culture, and hospitality as a kid, traveling the globe on his dad’s business trips. Upon completing BU’s Hotel and Food Administration Program and after several years working to open a chain of restaurants around New England, Robert was looking for a new opportunity in the food and beverage industry. When he interviewed to join a small team at the scrappy brewery behind Sam Adams Boston Lager, he didn’t realize he would be embarking on a three-decade career with the company. On this episode, hear about Robert’s journey to Head of Innovation at The Boston Beer Company, and how his philosophy of “science and music” drives his pursuit for new products, new flavors, and new ways to give the people what they really want.  
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Want to see this episode in full video or with captions? Watch on the Proud to BU website or subscribe to the BU Alumni YouTube channel. 
Proud to BU is produced by Boston University Alumni Relations and our partners 5 Tool Productions, a BU alumni-owned company, specializing in video production, livestreaming, and content marketing. 
Are you Proud to BU? Support the BU causes that are meaningful to you by making a gift at bu.edu/give. 

Turning Chronic Disease Into Startup Success | Hannah Olson (SHA’17)

When Hannah Olson (SHA’17) contracted Lyme disease as a sophomore Hospitality Administration major, her life was thrown into a difficult world of hospital visits, IVs, and other health challenges. But from that illness came the idea for Chronically Capable, an online platform connecting people with chronic illnesses to supportive businesses. Next, she launched Disclo, an HR tech software startup that streamlines the process of workplace disclosures and accommodations.  
Hannah spoke with us about her growth as a leader and how she transformed personal adversity into innovation and advocacy for the disability community. Shortly after our recording, Hannah was named on the Forbes 30 Under 30 list for 2024. 
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Subscribe to the Proud to BU newsletter to be entered into giveaways for BU merch! 
Want to see this episode in full video or with captions? Watch on the Proud to BU website or subscribe to the BU Alumni YouTube channel. 
Proud to BU is produced by Boston University Alumni Relations and our partners 5Tool Productions, a BU alumni-owned company, specializing in video production, livestreaming, and content marketing. 
Are you Proud to BU? Support the BU causes that are meaningful to you by making a gift at bu.edu/give. 

Fashion icon doing GOOD for families in need | Mary Alice Stephenson (CGS’88, COM’90)

Mary Alice Stephenson (CGS'88, COM’90) spent years at the height of haute couture -- from fashion director for publications such as Vogue, Allure, and Harper’s Bazaar to beauty consultant for major celebrities and style commentator across popular television and news. On this episode, hear how Mary Alice’s drive toward service, inspired by lessons she learned from her parents and as a BU student, led her to create GLAM4GOOD, a nonprofit organization facilitating the donation of millions of dollars of clothing and personal care items to families in need.
Season 3, Episode 3
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Want to see this episode in full video or with captions? Watch on the Proud to BU website or subscribe to the BU Alumni YouTube channel.
Proud to BU is produced by Boston University Alumni Relations and our partners 5Tool Productions, a BU alumni-owned company, specializing in video production, livestreaming, and content marketing.
Are you Proud to BU? Support the BU causes that are meaningful to you by making a gift at bu.edu/give.

Transforming Education through the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation | Dr. Archie Cubarrubia (Sargent’01, Wheelock’02)

Archie Cubarrubia (Sargent’01, Wheelock’02) knew he wanted to work in higher education from his days as a student leader at BU, but it was through an internship with the US Department of Education that he first began to understand the breadth and impact of higher education for students across the country. After receiving his doctorate from George Washington University and leading institutional effectiveness for Miami Dade College, Archie was recruited to the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, where he now oversees catalytic investments that help remove barriers to college success for lower-income and underrepresented students.  
Season 3, Episode 2
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Want to see this episode in full video or with captions? Watch on the Proud to BU website or subscribe to the BU Alumni YouTube channel.
Proud to BU is produced by Boston University Alumni Relations and our partners 5Tool Productions, a BU alumni-owned company, specializing in video production, livestreaming, and content marketing.
Are you Proud to BU? Support the BU causes that are meaningful to you by making a gift at bu.edu/give.

From Pre-Med to Celebrity Chef | Priyanka Naik (CAS’10)

Priyanka Naik (CAS’10) is a celebrated vegan chef, Food Network champion, and author of cookbook THE MODERN TIFFIN. A first-generation Indian American, Priyanka's path took her from pre-med and economics to a career in media & tech, including several years as an executive at X (formerly Twitter), before launching full-time into the culinary world, merging Eastern traditions with Western culinary techniques.
Priyanka joined us to discuss her unconventional path and how she embraced her cultural identity and spirit of entrepreneurship to turn her culinary interests into a thriving career.
Season 3, Episode 1
Chef Priyanka's Upcoming Events: • February 15: Williams Sonoma Book Signing & Cooking Demo (Columbus Circle NYC) - Get tickets here. • February 23 - 25: South Beach Wine & Food Festival (SOBE) (Miami, FL) - Get tickets here. 
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Want to see this episode in full video or with captions? Watch on the Proud to BU website or subscribe to the BU Alumni YouTube channel.
Proud to BU is produced by Boston University Alumni Relations and our partners 5Tool Productions, a BU alumni-owned company, specializing in video production, livestreaming, and content marketing.
Are you Proud to BU? Support the BU causes that are meaningful to you by making a gift at bu.edu/give.

Proud to BU Season 3 Coming Soon!

The BU Alumni Podcast Returns!
Season 3 of Proud to BU showcases the career journeys of some of Boston University’s most interesting and accomplished alumni. Inspiring BU grads share the highs, the lows, and the challenges they’ve overcome along the way.
Watch for new episodes coming soon! Upcoming alumni guests include a celebrity chef, a fashion philanthropist, a Forbes 30 under 30 CEO, a Boston beer innovator, and more!
Access video and closed-captioned versions of each episode at www.bu.edu/proudtobu/ and subscribe to our newsletter to get an email whenever a new episode drops. Plus you'll be automatically entered in giveaways!
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Crime Specialist Busts Common Myths Surrounding Her Profession | Andrea Feldman (Sargent’06, MED’09)

What’s the best part of being a crime scene specialist? For Andrea Feldman (Sargent’06, MED’09), nothing compares to the instant gratification when her forensic evidence helps bring the ‘bad guys’ to justice. As an undergraduate at BU, Andrea earned a degree in health studies from Sargent College and she went on to earn a master’s in biomedical forensic sciences at the School of Medicine. While she may not have followed the path she expected, pursuing her life’s work has brought Andrea tremendous satisfaction.
Recorded March 2019

HBO Executive on the Importance of Staying Hungry | Jay Roewe (COM’79)

Leaving the field to take a corporate job at HBO wasn’t an easy decision for Jay Roewe (COM’79). Looking back on it today, he says it was one of the best decisions he’s ever made. Jay graduated from BU’s College of Communication in 1979 with a degree in television. Today, he serves as Senior Vice President for West Coast Productions at HBO and is a driving force behind some of the network’s most groundbreaking and successful shows. On this episode of the podcast, Jay sits down with Rukia Magege (COM’20) to talk shop and explore the future of the entertainment industry.
Recorded May 2020

Learning to be ”Lit on Purpose” as a Social Entrepreneur | Ivellisse Morales (COM’12)

Ivellisse Morales (COM’12) is on a mission to build a national network of creatives who can help illuminate the important issues that need attention and action in America. She is the founder and CEO of bombilla, a branding and design firm with an intentional focus on reimagining the creative agency model and embodying representative storytelling to advance social change. After earning her bachelor’s degree from the College of Communication in 2012, Ivi honed her skills at world-renowned firms and organizations like IDEO, Year Up, Cone Communications, and Ogilvy. Two years ago, she launched her own firm and has been making waves in the world of social entrepreneurship ever since.
On this episode of the podcast, Ivi walks us through her unique journey to entrepreneurship and she shares her vision for a future in which bombilla scales up to become a socially-conscious creative enterprise celebrated as “a Pixar for progress, an IDEO for inclusion”.
Please note, this interview was recorded in May 2020 prior to the nationwide demonstrations in support of the Black Lives Matter movement. If you’d like to learn more about bombilla, visit their website, bombilla.co. As you’ll hear, this episode of the podcast is hosted by Dan Gardiner (Questrom’20) from the alumni career programs team.
Recorded May 2020

Licensing Consumer Connections for BTS | Hyeji Byun (Pardee’11)

Hyeji Byun (Pardee’11) is a licensing project manager at Big Hit IP. One aspect of her dynamic job is to find meaningful ways to bring the South Korean boy band sensation, BTS, closer to their fans. From animated characters to pop-up stores around the world, there is no shortage of opportunities to expand the reach of this cultural phenomenon. On this episode of the podcast, Hyeji shares her story and identifies the common threads between her current career and her childhood dream of becoming a Korean diplomat.
Recorded April 2020