Boston College - Woods College of Advancing Studies

🌟 Then & Now: Abby Duffy, ’25 🌟

Then: Abby began shaping her path pursuing a degree in Criminal and Social Justice after graduating high school. Woods allowed her to work and take classes in the evenings, where she learned how to navigate different perspectives as one of the youngest students.

“Woods pushed me outside my comfort zone, broadened my perspective, and gave me the skills and confidence to succeed.”

Now: A rising 2L at UC Irvine School of Law, Abby balances leadership roles, pro bono advocacy, legal research, and hands-on trial experience. She even founded UCI Law's first Celtic Law Society, all while building a new life on the West Coast.

Reflecting on her journey, Abby defines success as creating a life that balances purpose and well-being. “Woods gave me the flexibility to create a college experience that worked for me. Woods taught me that success and well-being are not mutually exclusive.”

Join us July 15 from 12 to 1 p.m. for our next virtual info session to learn about the flexible, industry-informed Woods College graduate programs:

– M.A. in Writing & the Human Condition
– Master of Healthcare Administration (M.H.A.)
– M.S. in Applied Analytics
– M.S. in Applied Economics
– M.S. in Health Analytics
– M.S. in Leadership
– M.S. in Sports Administration
– M.S. in Sports Analytics

Register to attend ➡️ https://apply.bc.edu/register/JULYINFO

Boston 25 News congratulates coach and corporate engagement director Mike Heaney and the BC Women's Club Basketball team on their victory in this year's National Club Basketball Association Championship! 🦅🏆

Boston 25 Butch Stearns story on 2026 BC Women's Club Basketball team winning the National Title Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube.

From Buenos Aires to the Heights ❤️💛

Congratulations to Samantha Akers ’26, who graduates summa cm laude with a 4.0 GPA, earned the Marty Walsh Award, and was selected to carry the Woods banner at Commencement on Monday.

After first discovering Boston College while working in the U.S. as an au pair, Samantha pursued her dream of a four-year degree through Woods as a transfer student from Bunker Hill Community College. While balancing full-time work, she embraced every part of the BC experience through service, academics, and campus life. She shared, “Everybody's super supportive, and not just at Woods, but all across BC.”

We are proud to celebrate Samantha’s remarkable journey and all she has contributed to the Woods community. Read more about her journey in the Senior Reflections article in the link below.



https://www.bc.edu/bc-web/sites/bc-news/articles/2026/spring/senior-reflections/samantha-akers.html

The Woods College community recently gathered to celebrate the accomplishments of students and faculty at the annual Woods College Awards Ceremony.

This year's ceremony featured remarks by Dean David Goodman and Robert F. Sullivan, who served as mayor of Brockton from 2019–2025.

Honorees included Samantha Denise Akers, Mason Ayotte, Hannah Benson, Ryan Flaherty, Magno Garcia, Evanthia A. Gounalakis, Cullen Healey, Amanda Love, Abigail Mancuso, Gina Occhipinti, Joseph Parry, Kalina Parusheva, Michael Paul, Eric Severson, Arvind Sharma, Derek Lee Silva, Basel Tarab, Tess Twiss, Steven VanOmmeren, Kruti Vyas, and Jianshan Ye.

“You’ve worked hard for this—harder than most,” as Dean Goodman reminded us. Today we celebrate your dedication, resilience, and achievement. Congratulations, Class of 2026! Now go forth and set the world on fire! 🔥🦅

The big day is almost here! Please check the Woods Commencement logistics page for timelines, transportation information, assembly points, and much more.
bc.edu/woodscommencement

Boston College’s M.S. in Applied Economics at the Woods College of Advancing Studies ranks among the top three online programs nationwide—combining rigorous training, real-world application, and industry-leading career outcomes.

Read more here: https://ow.ly/iKbs50YY9Z2

The countdown has begun! Please check the Woods Commencement logistics page for all the details about the big day, including timelines, parking and campus transportation, assembly points, and much more.

Important reminders will be posted on our stories in the week to follow!
bc.edu/woodscommencement