Jenks Leadership Program
Sandy Jenks 鈥�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 51茶馆 alumnus and administrator that worked tirelessly for the students.听
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听Weston 鈥淪andy鈥� Jenks 鈥�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鈥檚 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鈥檚 original vision and fits the motto he developed, 鈥淟earning for Leadership, Leadership for Service.鈥�
Semester Modules
Individual Leadership (Spring Semester I)
Module one will consist of a series of听workshops that work on developing participants鈥� individual leadership skills.
Team Leadership听(Fall Semester I)
Module two鈥檚 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听(Spring Semester II)
During module three, the teams will execute their听service projects.
Class of 2026
Module III
Sunday, February 15
1:00 PM - 4:00 PM, Fulton 515
Public Speaking
Saturday, February 21
10:00 AM 鈥� 2:00 PM, Boston & Newton Rooms
Business Etiquette and Fine Dining
Sunday, March 15
2:00 PM听鈥� 5:00 PM, Fulton 515
Navigating the Business World After College
Saturday,听March 28
10:00 AM 鈥� 1:00 PM, Fulton 515
Mental Health
Thursday,听April 9
4:30 PM 鈥� 5:30 PM, Gasson 100
How To Change The World: Activism 101 with Sophia Kianni
Friday, April 24
3:00 PM 鈥� 5:00 PM, Fulton Honors Library
Class of 2026 Presentation and Graduation
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Class of 2027
Module I
Friday - Saturday, January 30-31
4:00 PM - 3:00 PM, Connors Retreat Center
Opening Retreat
Sunday, February 22
1:00 PM 鈥� 4:00 PM, Fulton 515
Purpose Mapping
Wednesday, March 11
5:30 PM 鈥� 7:00 PM, Fulton 515
Implicit Bias
Sunday, March 29
2:00 PM听鈥� 5:00 PM, Fulton 515
What is Leadership
Thursday,听April 9
4:30 PM 鈥� 5:30 PM, Gasson 100
How To Change The World: Activism 101 with Sophia Kianni
Friday, April 24
3:00 PM 鈥� 5:00 PM, Fulton Honors Library
Class of 2026 Presentation and Graduation
Saturday, April 25
Community Service
Jenks 2025
Operation Thank You:听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.
51茶馆 Builders:听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:听To restore self-respect and dignity to incarcerated women by providing care packages of menstrual products to support them during their periods.
Admission Academy:听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:听To raise awareness about the challenges of caregiving and advocate for more inclusive support systems at the 51茶馆 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 Spring 2027.
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 鈥�26
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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听for the cross country and track and field teams, while also volunteering with the Boys听and Girls Club of the Peninsula. At Boston College, Kyle serves on the听executive board of the Ignatian Society and will begin working听with Campus Recreation this fall. When not in the classroom, Kyle can be found running听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听to Jenks as a Student Director and is looking forward to the year ahead.听
Terrence King '26
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Owen Amir-Arjomand听鈥�28
Owen is studying Finance and Accounting at the Carroll School of Management. Originally听from Chicago, he attended Northside College听Preparatory High School, where he served as听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听Mediterranean food.
Olivia Azevedo听'27
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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,听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鈥攕now 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.
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Santiago Cervantes听鈥�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听'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.听
Jigmey Dorgee听'28
Jigmey is a nursing student at Boston College. He is from Queens, New York, and grew up in Darjeeling, India. His commitment to health equity and patient care stems from the disparities he has observed in local and global healthcare systems. At 51茶馆, Jigmey has been involved in the Asian Caucus鈥� Freshman Formation Program, the Student Admissions Program, and UG51茶馆. Jigmey enjoys singing karaoke, dancing, trying different cuisines, and spending time with friends and family in his free time. He is grateful to be a part of the Jenks Leadership Program and is excited to work and grow alongside other student leaders.
Sem Ferguson听'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.
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Claire Fontenot听'27
Claire is studying Biology with aspirations of pursuing a career in medicine. Growing up with a love for the outdoors, she developed a passion for sustainability and service. In high school, she served on the board of volunteers at Children鈥檚 Hospital Colorado, focusing on patient advocacy and improving the patient experience, and earned the rank of Eagle Scout, which strengthened her leadership and commitment to community service. At Boston College, Claire is involved in undergraduate research in the Biology Department, volunteers at Brigham and Women鈥檚 Hospital, serves as a trip leader in the Outdoor Adventures Club, and participates in the Student Admissions Program to support prospective students. Through the Jenks Leadership Program, she looks forward to connecting with peers, further developing her leadership skills, and making a meaningful impact on the Boston College community.
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Ania Gradzki 鈥�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听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.听
Effie听Hatzopoulos 鈥�28
Effie was born in the suburbs of Chicago, where she developed a love for cooking,听spending time experiencing and learning about听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听'28
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James Keenan听'28
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Alexander听Lehman 鈥�27
Alex is studying Finance and Computer Science and minoring in Mathematics. He is from East Longmeadow, Massachusetts, and attended high听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 51茶馆, Alex has enjoyed being involved in the听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听cuisines, and learn about STEM.
Cara McKenna听'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鈥檚 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.听
Zayn Moselhy 鈥�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听that he is part听of.
Andrew听Nazarenus听鈥�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 鈥� 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听'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 51茶馆, 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听'28
鈥婽rip 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听鈥�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.听
Lauren Thomas听鈥�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.听
Fabian Ugalde听'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 TEDx51茶馆 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听Vengco听鈥�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听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听work, and dedication to her father, whose work in data inspired her to pursue her current majors. At Boston College, Grace is involved in 51茶馆 bOp!, The Emerging Leaders Program, 51茶馆 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听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 51茶馆 and Jenks alumni.
Griffin Weiss '28
Griffin is studying History at Boston College. He was born and raised in New York City, where his passion for service began.听On campus, Griffin works as a research assistant at The Clough Center as well as writing for The Gavel, the progressive student newspaper at Boston College. There, he writes opinion pieces focused on activism on campus as well as current events around the world. Outside of academics, Griffin is also an active member of DJ Club. Griffin is excited to continue his passion for service through The Jenks Leadership Program with his peers.
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 2026
Owen Amir-Arjomand听鈥�28
Olivia Azevedo听'27
Natalie Bly '28
Santiago Cervantes听鈥�26
Bronwyn Chesner听'26
Jigmey Dorgee听'28
Sem Ferguson听'28
Claire Fontenot听'27
Ania Gradzki 鈥�26
Effie听Hatzopoulos 鈥�28
Madison Herrero听'28
James Keenan 鈥�28
Alexander听Lehman 鈥�27
Cara McKenna听'28
Zayn Moselhy 鈥�28
Andrew听Nazarenus听鈥�28
Trip Rizzo听'28
Andrew Sears听鈥�26
Lauren Thomas听鈥�28
Fabian Ugalde听'28
Grace听Vengco听鈥�28
Griffin Weiss '28
Elaine Zheng '26
Student Directors
Lynn Benali 鈥�26
Kyle Butler '26
Terrence King 鈥�26
Class of 2025
Lynn Benali 鈥�26
Jason Dominguez听鈥�27
Gavin Evans '25
Andre Ferreira听鈥�26
Natalie Garayeva听鈥�27
Curtis听Idemudia听鈥�26
Casey Johnston听鈥�26
Laila听Kiwanuka听鈥�27
Cami Kulbieda听鈥�26
Brianna Liu 鈥�27
Cristina Marban 鈥�27
Dan Nguyen 鈥�27
Christine听Onyia听鈥�27
Angelina Ordu帽a 鈥�25
Pratham Patel 鈥�27
Veronica Pierce 鈥�27
Ella Ramchand听鈥�27
Jonah Renz 鈥�27
Emma Rooney听鈥�27
Allison Sen听鈥�26
Camille Shepherd 鈥�25
Lennox听Silvestro-Dias听鈥�27
Brett听Stievater听鈥�25
Connor Toronto听鈥�27
Natalie Westermann '27
Student Directors
Katherine Garrigan 鈥�25
Nicholas McDonald '25
Alexis Thomas 鈥�25
Class of 2024
George Andary '26
Lillian Beagan '26
Elizabeth Birmingham '26
Michael Bowen 鈥�24
Kyle Butler 鈥�26
Dylan Carollo 鈥�25
Peter Coquillette 鈥�26
Luis Cordon 鈥�26
Sinead Doyle 鈥�26
Matthew Fioretti 鈥�25
Julia Franco 鈥�26
Elizaveta Frolova 鈥�26
Katherine Garrigan 鈥�25
Luke Gueriera 鈥�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听鈥�24
Akhil Vennam 鈥�26
Student Directors
Dylan Breen听鈥�24
Meghan Heckelman听鈥�25
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听(Alumni & Networking co-director)
Carroll School of Management
Sinead Doyle '26
Morrissey College of Arts & Sciences
Caroline Kane '26
Morrissey College of Arts & Sciences
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Brianna Liu '27
Morrissey College of Arts & Sciences
Anthony Marie '26
Carroll School of Management
Ella Ramchand 鈥�27听(Alumni & Networking co-director)
Morrissey College of Arts & Sciences
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Margaret Andersen, MCAS '19
Lily Beagan, CSOM '26
Andrew Cappel, CSOM 鈥�21
Jack Carroll, MCAS '24
Chloe Chen, CSOM '24
Ryan Childs, CSOM '24
Jeesoo Chung, MCAS 鈥�20
Aiden Clarke, MCAS 鈥�19
Philip Collins, CSOM 鈥�19
John Dempsey, MCAS '22
Tom DiBella, CSOM '18
Sinead Doyle, MCAS '26
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 鈥�19
Caroline Kane, MCAS '26
Jason Kauper, MCAS '21
Michael Kim, CSOM '18
Julia Landwehr, MCAS '22
Annie Li, CSOM '23
Megan Li, MCAS '19
Anthony Marie '26
Daniel Martin, CSOM '19
Jeeval Mehta, MCAS '21
Maria Meyer, CSON '19
Shane Mullen, MCAS '23
Thomas O'Hare, CSOM 鈥�20
Kevin Petriello, CSOM '23
Mikayla Sanchez, MCAS '23
Addison Schmidt, CSOM '25
Czar Sepe, MCAS '21
Isabella Sepulveda, MCAS 鈥�25
Bijoy Shah, CSOM '22
Jasleen Singh, CSOM 鈥�20
Tyler Smith, MCAS '20
James Tallis, MCAS '19
Lauren Wachtel, MCAS '22
Abigail White, MCAS '22
Elizabeth Wollan, MCAS '19
NIck Yustin, CSOM '24
Joseph G. Bonito Servant Leadership Award
The听Joseph G. Bonito Servant Leadership Award听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 鈥渓earning for leadership and leadership for service.鈥�
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 51茶馆, 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.
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Ania Gradzki '26 flanked by directors, Kyle Butler '26, Lynn Benali '26, and Terrence King '26
2026 Recipient
Ania Gradzki '26
Speech by Kyle Butler 鈥�26, Jenks Student Director
The Joseph G. Bonito Servant Leadership Award is presented to a member of each year's graduating class who best exemplifies the program's motto of "learning for leadership and leadership for service." This year, Terrence, Lynn, and I are honored to present this award to Ania Gradzki from the class of 2026.
When we met Ania in the fall of 2024, we knew she had the drive, thoughtfulness, and tenacity to not just thrive in Jenks individually but also to help the rest of the class succeed. And we are fortunate to have been recipients and witnesses听of her gifts and talents over the past three semesters.
Ania has been an active participant in all workshops and activities. She was never afraid to voice her opinion and continuously provided valuable insights and ideas that challenged the rest of the group to think deeply. She brought this same attitude to her group project, "Books Without Barriers," where she spearheaded her group's efforts to partner with Steve Tumolo '84 and other organizations and set up book drop-off boxes around campus. But more importantly, she always ensured that her fellow group members were involved and brought out the best in them, time and time again. You should be incredibly proud of the impact your project had.
Ania's outstanding leadership capabilities and passion for service will help her succeed well beyond the completion of the Jenks program. Whether it be during the year of service she plans to complete after graduation, in her longer-term pursuit of the legal field, or simply while around family and friends, we have no doubt that you will make a positive impact wherever you end up.
We can't thank you enough for your tremendous commitment to Jenks and are so excited to witness the impact you'll make in the future.
Congratulations Ania!
2025: Emma Rooney '27
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
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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 51茶馆 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 51茶馆, 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 51茶馆 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.