Volunteer Spotlight

What inspired you to get involved as a volunteer for Babson?
Babson was truly a turning point in my life. From my very first day on campus, I realized how fortunate I was to be part of such a forward-thinking institution with an incredible community. The support, education, and entrepreneurial mindset I gained at Babson have shaped both my professional path and personal life.

During my time at Babson, I faced one of the toughest challenges of my life: a stage IV Hodgkin’s Disease diagnosis in my sophomore year. The unwavering support from classmates, professors, and the broader Babson community allowed me not only to continue but also to graduate on time with my class. That experience showed me the strength of the Babson network in a way I will never forget.

Babson also gave me my wife, Isabella Cagnazzo ’97, which is yet another reason the school holds such a special place in my life.
For more than 25 years, I’ve dedicated my career to helping young people in Central America pursue international opportunities and entrepreneurial ambitions, largely through my work in international education. Babson was central to inspiring that mission. Volunteering allows me to stay connected to the school, to give back to the community that gave me so much, and to continue spreading the entrepreneurial mindset that Babson embodies.

What has been the most rewarding part of your experience as a volunteer for Babson?
One of the most rewarding experiences has been being invited to help implement the EPIC curriculum at Lincoln School and to witness firsthand how Babson’s entrepreneurial mindset is shaping the next generation. Coincidentally, my two sons study there, which makes it even more meaningful to see them and their peers benefit from this approach. Even more inspiring is that the program has reached beyond Lincoln, impacting students in several public schools as well.

Another highlight was the honor of organizing Babson’s 100-year celebration in Costa Rica, which brought our community together and showcased the strength of our alumni network. To this day, the EPIC curriculum continues to grow and influence more schools, and being part of that journey has been incredibly fulfilling.

If you serve in a volunteer leadership role at Babson (e.g. Alumni Club President, Affinity Group, etc.), what motivated you to take on this leadership role?
As Co-President of the Babson Alumni Club of Costa Rica, I was motivated by the unique opportunity we have in such a small country with such a large and active Babson alumni base—the second largest in Central America. It’s inspiring to see how many stories and experiences our community holds, and I truly enjoy connecting with alumni and learning from each of them. My goal has been to strengthen those connections, foster a sense of belonging, and keep the essence of Babson alive here—especially the power of our network and the entrepreneurial spirit that unites us.

Why is it important to you to give back?
Because Babson changed my life—personally, academically, and professionally. From overcoming challenges with the support of the community, to meeting my wife, to shaping a career dedicated to helping young people pursue international and entrepreneurial opportunities, Babson has been at the core. Giving back is my way of honoring that impact, staying connected, and ensuring future generations experience the same life-changing opportunities.

What inspired you to get involved as a volunteer for Babson?
Being so engaged on campus as a student (CAB, RA, Biz, Foundry Manager, CREATE, AKPsi, CAA, and more), it felt so natural to continue to stay involved and give back to Babson! I also love being able to continue relationships I created with fellow alumni and staff while collaborating on different initiatives and projects.

What has been the most rewarding part of your experience as a volunteer for Babson?
I love getting to reconnect with friends and classmates at events and during different outreach campaigns! I'm always excited to invite friends to the next B.O.L.D. happy hour or Babson games at Fenway and share in the fun at each event. Additionally, the support of the Alumni Engagement team is unmatched, and I always look forward to working with them on the next project!

Why is it important to you to give back?
Volunteerism and giving back has always been a part of who I am. I love immersing myself in my community and getting to make new friends and connections as I go. I am so grateful for all the friendships and experiences I gained during my time at Babson. I want to continue my own engagement while also lending my time and resources to the next generation of Beavers so they can benefit from the Babson experience the same way I did.

What inspired you to get involved as a volunteer for Babson?
Babson has always been more than a school to me, it’s a community. Volunteering allows me to stay connected beyond the four years I spent there as a student and to give back to a place that has played such an important role in shaping my journey and life pursuits.

What has been the most rewarding part of your experience as a volunteer for Babson?
Meeting fellow alumni, parents, and students has been the most rewarding part of staying involved. As an alumni club based in Charlotte, one of the fastest-growing cities in the country, we often meet alumni who have recently relocated and are looking to connect locally. It’s wonderful to know our group provides them with a welcoming network of peers. I also love connecting with Charlotte-based families whose college freshmen are heading to Boston and reassuring them that their students are joining a vibrant, supportive community at Babson.

If you serve in a volunteer leadership role at Babson (e.g. Alumni Club President, Affinity Group), what motivated you to take on the leadership role?
As alumni, we’re all proud of Babson’s continued growth and success. While that success depends on strong school leadership, alumni play a vital role too. Serving in a local leadership role has been a fun and meaningful way to help strengthen Babson’s presence in the Southeast while also building connections and community here in Charlotte.

Why is it important to you to give back?
I'm grateful for the ways that Babson helped shape who I am today, and giving back feels like the most natural way to express that gratitude. As William Arthur Ward once said, “Feeling gratitude and not expressing it is like wrapping a present and not giving it.”

What inspired you to get involved as a volunteer for Babson?
I was inspired to volunteer for Babson because of the incredible impact the community had on me as a student. The entrepreneurial spirit, supportive network, and hands-on learning experiences shaped both my personal and professional growth. I wanted to give back to the institution that gave me so much—whether by mentoring students, supporting alumni initiatives, or helping prospective students see the value of a Babson education. It's rewarding to stay connected and contribute to the same culture of innovation and collaboration that helped launch my own journey.

What has been the most rewarding part of your experience as a volunteer for Babson?
The most rewarding part of volunteering for Babson has been seeing the direct impact I can have on students and the broader community—whether it's mentoring a student, speaking with prospective applicants, or helping with alumni initiatives. But honestly, it’s benefited me just as much, if not more. Staying engaged has helped me grow personally and professionally, expand my network, and stay inspired by the creativity and drive of the Babson community. It’s a great reminder of why I chose Babson in the first place and how much it continues to shape my journey.

If you serve in a volunteer leadership role at Babson (e.g. Alumni Club President, Affinity Group, etc.) what motivated you to take on that responsibility?
What motivated me to take on leadership roles with the B.O.L.D. Board and the Babson Alumni Advisory Board was the opportunity to help shape the alumni experience for both recent graduates and the broader Babson community. As a relatively recent alum myself, I understand the unique challenges and transitions that come after graduation, and I wanted to make sure voices from our generation were heard and represented. Serving in these roles has allowed me to advocate for meaningful engagement opportunities, support alumni programming, and help keep the Babson spirit alive beyond campus. It’s a way to give back, but also to stay connected, grow as a leader, and contribute to something bigger than myself.

Why is it important to you to give back?
None of us achieve success alone—it takes a village.

What inspired you to get involved as a volunteer for Babson?
I am proud and honored to be a Babson alumna and take joy in uniting our alumni community and spreading Babson pride to future students. Many of us entered Babson as natural leaders with several titles to showcase from our high school years. I entered Babson focused on academics and never fully felt I had the opportunity to be involved while on campus. I’m often reminded, “The future depends on what you do today” and as life, work and distance always make it harder to stay connected, even the smallest steps to bring the Babson community together can make a different collectively.

What has been the most rewarding part of your experience as a volunteer for Babson?
The most rewarding experience was my involvement planning our 20-year reunion … it felt like 10 years in the making, as we missed our “official” 15 year [reunion] due to Covid. In the months leading up to the event, it was exciting to reconnect with old friends and familiar faces on the planning committee. I enjoyed showcasing my marketing research expertise to field a survey to gather input from classmates on [class party] location. And the night of the event, it was incredible to see the turnout (over 100 guests!) and reconnections as if no time had passed over the 20 years since graduation. It was like reconnecting with distant family but never skipping a beat. It reinvigorated my pride and honor to be a Babson alumna and I left with an intention to continue to leverage my Babson network whether personally (local alumni I didn't realize we’re ‘neighbors’) or professionally.

Why is it important to you to give back?
My experience at Babson was invaluable—the education, friendships, job opportunities and experiences have shaped me personally and professionally. I appreciate the opportunities I had at Babson, and my volunteerism is a way for me to give Back to Babson and continue to expand my network.

What about Babson inspires you?
If I were to boil it down, simply put, Babson teaches you how to solve problems with people from around the world. There is no skill more crucial and necessary, especially in our current climate, than being able to work with people of different backgrounds to help solve some of the most difficult challenges we are facing today. Business is great, but what we learned while at Babson translates beyond the office which is why I am still driven by their mission. Diversity and inclusion isn’t encouraged, it’s required while at Babson, like it or not (you should love it). Empathetic, well rounded, smart go getters and problem solvers will always be in strong demand.

Favorite Babson memory (either as student or alum)
Hard to ever point one out, but the whole experience is something I really miss. I made an incredibly diverse friend group, surrounded myself with amazing people every day, lived in an environment where I got to learn everything from Extremism to FME (Foundations of Management & Entrepreneurship) and had time to explore passions and hobbies like BDE (Babson Dance Ensemble) or just hooping in the gym. Just scratching the surface but it’s impossible to pick out one favorite. I will say, watching my little brother create his own path and walk the stage at Babson graduation 8 years after me was really special, that one will stick with me.

What inspired you to get involved as a volunteer for Babson?
After graduation, I moved on from Babson and, for a time, didn’t look back. Like many young alumni, I was focused on launching my career and building a life—Babson gradually became an afterthought. It wasn’t that I didn’t value the experience; I just hadn’t realized how deeply it had shaped me until much later.

That changed in 2015, when I attended Babson Connect: Worldwide in Cartagena. It was a turning point. From the very first event, I was struck by the strength of the Babson community—the warmth, the energy, and the shared ambition that seemed to radiate from everyone there. Conversations flowed easily, and I felt an instant sense of belonging. It reminded me of who I was when I first came to Babson, and how the people and ideas there had laid the foundation for everything I’d achieved since.

What I experienced in Cartagena sparked something in me: a deep desire to re-engage and give back. The power of the Babson network isn’t just in its reach—it’s in the authenticity of the relationships and the collective drive to make an impact. I knew then that I needed to be part of that momentum again.

What has been the most rewarding part of your experience as a volunteer for Babson?
One of the most rewarding aspects of my volunteer experience has been seeing firsthand how the College evolves and thrives through our collective efforts. Contributing ideas, providing feedback, and helping shape initiatives—and then watching them take root and flourish—has been incredibly fulfilling.

Even more powerful, though, is witnessing the real impact we have on people. Whether it’s a student finding their path, an alum reconnecting with the community, or a faculty member benefiting from our support, seeing the faces of those we serve is a reminder of why we do this. It’s in those moments—often small, but deeply meaningful—that the value of volunteering truly comes to life.

If you serve in a volunteer leadership role at Babson (e.g. Alumni Club President, Affinity Group), what motivated you to take on the responsibility?
I currently have the privilege of serving as Chair of the Alumni Advisory Board and as a Trustee of the College. While it’s been an honor to hold these roles and contribute to Babson’s continued growth, the role I’m most proud of is being a Babson parent. Watching my child thrive at the same institution that shaped my own journey has been the most meaningful chapter yet. It’s been a full-circle experience—deeply personal, profoundly rewarding, and one I would begin again without hesitation.

Why is it important to you to give back?
Giving back to Babson is important because it helps ensure that future generations have the same—or even better—opportunities to grow, lead, and make a meaningful impact on the world.

Philanthropy and volunteerism sustain the very essence of the Babson experience: small classes, innovative programs, a powerful global network, and a community rooted in action. Every gift—whether time, talent, or resources—directly contributes to expanding access to education, enriching student life, and advancing the College’s mission to educate entrepreneurial leaders who create economic and social value everywhere.

Giving back isn’t just about gratitude; it’s about stewardship. As alumni and supporters, we’re not only beneficiaries of Babson’s impact—we’re also responsible for shaping its future.

What inspired you to get involved as a volunteer for Babson?
I was inspired by the opportunity to give back to a community that values entrepreneurship as a force for good. Babson’s focus on innovation, leadership, and social impact has always resonated with me. Through mentoring women at the Frank & Eileen™ Center for Women’s Entrepreneurial Leadership and supporting students at the Kerry Murphy Healey (KMH) Center for Health Innovation and Entrepreneurship, I’ve been able to connect my professional experience with the broader purpose of empowering the next generation of changemakers. Volunteering allows me to watch students grow in their ideas, leadership, and sense of purpose, which is an incredibly rewarding experience.

What has been the most rewarding part of your experience as a volunteer for Babson?
The most rewarding part has been seeing students grow in confidence, clarity, and courage. Mentoring at the Frank & Eileen™ Center and supporting innovation through the KMH Center allows me to help students refine their ideas and step into leadership roles. Moderating a panel for the Babson Black Alumni Alliance, at this year's Back to Babson celebration, further reinforced the power of representation and shared experience. Ultimately, it’s the students’ creativity, resilience, and drive that keep me inspired. I may come to mentor, but I always leave having learned something new.

If you serve in a volunteer leadership role at Babson (e.g. Alumni Club President, Affinity Group), what motivated you to take on the leadership role?
I’m motivated by the opportunity to shape meaningful conversations and create pathways for others. Leadership, to me, is about influencing with intention by using my experience and voice to open doors for students as they explore their potential. Through my roles at the Frank & Eileen™ Center and the KMH Center, I connect my passion for business strategy, healthcare, innovation and mentorship with the next generation of entrepreneurial leaders. That alignment of purpose is what drives me to take on leadership responsibilities.

Why is it important to you to give back?
Giving back is important because I’ve benefited from mentors, guidance, and opportunities that shaped my own journey. Volunteering allows me to create similar pathways for others by helping them grow with confidence, explore new ideas, and realize their potential. Beyond individual growth, giving back strengthens the broader community by fostering meaningful connections and a more inclusive entrepreneurial ecosystem. It’s a way to translate personal experience into social impact while empowering the next generation of leaders.

What inspired you to take on a volunteer leadership role at Babson?
When I moved to Los Angeles 15 years ago one of the first things I did was reach out to local Babson alumni. I was new to the area and didn’t know anyone so I wanted to build my professional and personal network. I started by emailing 40 alumni to see if they’d be open to connecting over a cup of coffee or a phone call. I didn’t know what type of response I’d get but almost every one of them responded! Some of them were on the Babson LA Alumni Committee and I started regularly attending planning meetings and Babson events. I have been on the Babson Alumni Committee ever since.

Has being a Babson volunteer made a difference in your life? If so, how?
Being on the Babson LA Alumni Committee and attending local Babson events has created so many rewarding personal and business relationships. The relationship I am most proud of is my good friend Elissa Kalver ’09 who I met at a Babson event shortly after I moved to LA. We are always supporting each other’s businesses. Elissa started a wonderful non-profit called We Got This which is the world’s first registry for cancer patients. I founded a benefit corporation called Cerca Cultivation which ships vegetable seedlings nationwide and we donate our extra seedlings to local charities and underserved communities. Elissa and We Got This hosted this year’s Babson LA Day of Service and I donated seedlings from Cerca Cultivation that we potted up during the event and We Got This delivered to cancer patients at local hospitals. I am proud of the power of the Babson network and how we can make an impact on the world together.

What inspired you to get involved as a volunteer for Babson?
I was afforded myriad opportunities to learn and grow while I was at Babson. As a student, I was able to lean into various courses and experiences that helped me identify what excited me both personally and professionally. The Babson community has a strong, supportive spirit and I wanted to ensure I helped maintain that upon graduating.

What has been the most rewarding part of your experience as a volunteer for Babson?
I've found that there's an opportunity to make a direct, tangible impact on the community by volunteering. Babson has changed quite a bit since I attended; however, its spirit and drive remain the same. Its culture is truly unique and the community it has fostered over time is powered by both students and volunteers alike. I enjoy being able to support the College as it continues to cultivate that spirit that has enabled it to grow and thrive over time.

Why is it important to you to give back?
I would not have been able to attend Babson without scholarship. My experience as a student was truly special and afforded me the opportunity to pursue my own dreams. Babson helped open doors for me upon graduation, and I am grateful to everyone in the community that gave me their time, counsel and support. As a result, I will always look to pay it forward and support others within the Babson community.

What inspired you to get involved as a volunteer for Babson?
Babson has given me so much, not just in terms of education but in shaping how I think, work, and lead out. The entrepreneurial mindset I developed at Babson continues to guide me every day. Because of that, I feel a strong responsibility to give back in any way I can. Volunteering is my way of sharing the excitement I still feel for Babson and its philosophy, and of supporting the next generation of students who are just beginning their journey.

What has been the most rewarding part of your experience as a volunteer for Babson?
Helping craft and shape alumni experiences, especially as we plan our upcoming reunion, has been incredibly rewarding. It’s meaningful to create moments that bring our community back together, reflect on how far we’ve come, and celebrate the shared foundation that started at Babson. Seeing the excitement and pride people feel when they reconnect reminds me why staying involved matters.

If you serve in a volunteer leadership role at Babson (e.g. Alumni Club President, Affinity Group, etc.) what motivated you to take on this responsibility?
I felt motivated to stay connected to the Babson community and give back in a meaningful way. Taking on a leadership role felt like a natural extension of that. It allows me to offer my time, ideas, and energy to help strengthen the alumni experience and support a place that has given me so much.

Why is it important to you to give back?
Because if you don’t give back, the future is never certain. Giving back helps create opportunities, build momentum, and ensure that the community continues to grow and thrive. It’s a way of investing in something bigger than yourself and making sure others have the same support and foundation I was lucky to receive.

What inspired you to get involved as a volunteer for Babson?
I really enjoyed my time at Babson, and it played a pivotal role in opening doors throughout my career, which is why I wanted to give back. With the support of the Career Development Office and dedicated alumni, I secured my first role after undergrad in Fleet Bank’s corporate banker training program. Later, after completing my Babson MBA, I joined FTI Consulting; again thanks to alumni who chose to recruit at Babson. Their guidance and generosity inspired me to get involved and support others, just as I was helped.

I’ve learned that the power of Babson begins in the classroom but extends far beyond, shaping careers, friendships, and professional relationships. The key is to get involved and make the most of the opportunities the community offers.

Also, for me, Babson is also a family tradition. I attended alongside my older brother, Eduardo ’98, and later my younger sister, Daniela ’02, during undergrad. I always knew the next generation would be part of Babson, and I wanted to stay involved and contribute to the school. Today, my niece Sofía is entering her senior year, her sister Elisa will be a freshman, and I hope that one day my oldest son will follow in our footsteps when it’s his turn to choose a college.

What has been the most rewarding part of your experience as a volunteer for Babson?
For me, the most rewarding part has been staying connected with classmates, strengthening relationships, and meeting new alumni through the Miami network. I’ve also greatly valued working with the Alumni Office to organize events for the Babson community in South Florida. Over the years, I’ve been fortunate to attend countless events and student send-offs, help organize both undergraduate and MBA reunions, and plan events for the Miami Alumni Club, including the annual Ellen S. Solomita Day of Service.

I’ve learned that the more you put in, the more you get out of it. I love that the school offers so many opportunities for anyone who wants to stay involved.

If you serve in a volunteer leadership role at Babson (e.g. Alumni Club President, Affinity Group), what motivated you to take on this role?
As both an undergraduate and graduate alumni, I have invested a lot of time at Babson and want to see the school thrive. Having grown up in Miami, and with the city home to one of the largest alumni networks, it was a natural fit for me to get involved when I moved back. I’ve especially enjoyed promoting the school to local high schools and staying connected with fellow alumni.

Spending time with the Miami Alumni Club and serving alongside fellow board members has been one of the most rewarding aspects of my involvement with Babson. These are passionate alumni who share a common goal: strengthening the school and enriching the alumni experience.

Why is it important to you to give back?
I believe Babson’s continued success is driven in part by the active engagement and accomplishments of its alumni. Our goal as alumni should be to help strengthen the school and its network for the next generation.

Over the years, we’ve had outstanding local presidents and board members in Miami. I value these relationships in addition to working closely with the wonderful Babson team that has supported Miami over the years, including Professor Bob Turner, Anjali Wali, Marta Figueroa Toro, Adrienne Ramsey, and Colleen Penkala. They are the reasons I’ve stayed engaged, and I would not have built these relationships had I not gotten involved.

I want graduating students to understand that Babson can give you so much more than just the years spent on campus, but to really benefit, you have to get involved.

Please share the different ways you volunteer with Babson.
I am part of Babson’s Alumni Club of Boston Board and on the Babson Real Estate Affinity Network Board. I also am a field hockey alumna and support the team and players where I can.

What about Babson inspires you?
I am inspired by how the College continues to innovate and grow. It is so impressive to see all the work the College is doing for the students and alumni community to make it a premier institution and offer so many one-of-a-kind learning opportunities unique to Babson. The hands-on, practical business education is so applicable to the real world which makes it easy for students to immediately be productive in the workforce. The Babson education allows alumni the ability to grow and start incredible companies or be amazing leaders at their firms.

Has being a Babson volunteer made a difference in your life? If so, how?
Volunteering has been a great way for me to meet other alumni and build my network. It’s great to give back and stay connected to the College, but it’s also been an amazing opportunity to connect with other Babson alumni to build my client network, meet prospective hires for my firm, and have a network of other executives to bounce ideas off of.

What is your favorite Babson memory (either as a student or an alum)?
So many of my favorite memories come from my time playing field hockey at Babson. Being part of the team was an amazing experience and has built some of my closest friendships.

What was your favorite Babson class or who was your favorite professor?
I had so many wonderful professors at Babson. However, two professors in particular were so impactful on my career path—Professor Shay Blanchette encouraged me to apply for EY’s internship program which led to my first job out of college and Professor Michael Harrity who was my real estate professor gave me the skills to be successful when I switched careers to join my family’s commercial real estate firm.

Why is it important to you to give back?
Giving back to communities that helped to shape our experiences has always been a cornerstone of my upbringing, having first been taught the lesson on my way to becoming an Eagle Scout in the Boy Scouts of America. There's certainly some personal fulfillment in volunteering, but more so, I think it can help to build stronger, more interconnected, communities, giving others a greater sense of belonging.

Favorite class or professor
Coincidentally, some of my favorite professors were also the same professors in my favorite class; FME! Both Professor Yasuhiro Yamakawa and the late Professor Ted “Swoops” Grossman were transformational in becoming who I am today. Professor Yamakawa taught me about leadership and how it's not always about telling someone what to do, but about inspiring others to your cause; leadership without authority. It's how I try to approach my work life today, and how I've structured research and subsequent thought leadership that I have written. Professor Swoops, as his closest friends would call him, opened my eyes to the possibility of data and how much of it is around us completely unharnessed (which then drove me to my first careers). In one of our classes, he showed us what types of information could be accessed just by swiping a credit card e.g., the first digit tells you what credit card company issued the card, etc. Without being cliche, I think it was these experiences, and other conversations that I had, with him that helped me to see the world less linearly and more openly, as I do to this day.

Please share the different ways you volunteer with Babson.
I have previously served as a Coach and Coordinator for the Coaching for Leadership and Teamwork Program for several years immediately following my graduation in 2013. However now I operate as the Vice President of the Babson Alumni Regional Club in Chicago, which I have been supporting now for 4+ years. The Club has allowed me to meet alumni in the Chicagoland area, host events, and otherwise continue to build the Babson community outside of Boston and in the Midwest! It has led me to sit in on admitted students’ panels to offer my perspective of Babson, introduced me to potential incoming students as an interviewer, and has kept me connected to the College despite the geographical distance and general changes to the curriculum and campus.

What about Babson inspires you?
‘Tiny Babson College’ has always punched above its weight, producing wave after wave of new business leaders. Babson has an outsized impact in the business world and in board rooms. The school’s recognitions, the achievements of its students, and the success of its athletics has been a source of pride. It’s a great lesson about staying focused on purpose, committing to goals, and adapting to change as the world evolves.

Why is it important to you to give back?
I am blessed to have found my closest friends in this world during my time at Babson. The academics were challenging, and campus life was engaging, but the most impactful experience was when we created the Babson Rugby Club. We worked hard to learn the game, battled other experienced teams, and within a couple years had established a formidable program competitive with Division 1 schools throughout the Northeast. I have stayed engaged with the rugby program since graduation and have always wanted others to enjoy the same positive experience I was afforded, finding their closest friends, and taking those strengths into adulthood.

Favorite Babson memory (either as student or alum) 
Helping to start the Rugby Club and becoming the first President after Founder Tim DeMello graduated, felt like running a startup business. It had all the enthusiasm of an entrepreneurial endeavor. I loved waking up on campus and embracing the challenges and opportunities of each day. There was always so much to do and friends to do it with. We had to balance our academic obligations and responsibilities to the college, and we made some mistakes, but we learned, recovered and moved forward. That is life and I’m thankful we had the college’s support to continue forward. The Club of today and especially the past decade is light years ahead of those early years and I couldn’t be prouder of the organization they have become. From National Collegiate Rugby (NCR) All-Americans Players to NCR Scholastic All-Americans, to twice National Division 3 Champions, to a National ‘Premier Division’ 3rd Place Finish this spring, Babson Rugby is a model program, proudly representing Babson at the highest level.  

Favorite class or professor
Hands down, Professor John ‘Duke’ McKenzie is the faculty member who I was closest to and most appreciative of. He was a long-time professor of statistics, and the Babson Rugby Faculty Advisor from the start of the club in 1979. After playing at Amherst and the University of Michigan, John played a critical role in our rugby education. He schooled us on rules and techniques and refereed many of our games in the first few years. In addition to representing Babson at the Regional Conference, John was a historian and preserved every piece of Babson Rugby information for decades. These archives served as the foundational information for our Alumni history. John has been a tireless advocate for the program at Babson and was inducted into our first Hall of Fame class at the Club’s 25th Anniversary Celebration.

Please share the different ways you volunteer with Babson.
I have never thought of my support for the rugby program as volunteering. I remained engaged with Alumni Games and donated annually to the club through the 80’s and 90’s. When our teammate Charlie Harrington ’83 died in 1996, I started documenting the history of the club. In 2003, when we gathered to dedicate the pitch in Charlie’s honor, the donations increased, and I took on the mantle as head of Rugby Alumni. In 2004, with the help of others, I organized the 25th Anniversary Celebration and Hall of Fame Banquet. Every 5 years since then, we do another Anniversary Celebration, and this year is our 45th Anniversary. In 2016, with the support of 145 Alumni, we created the Spring Break Travel Fund so that the club can develop the camaraderie with an annual warm weather trip, the first of which I lead to Bermuda in 1982. With the help of my son Kenny, we created the Babson Rugby Alumni website where I continue to record the history of the club (both Men and Women). I maintain an email list of all alumni, both men and women, and send out regular messaging to Alumni to inform everyone of important events, schedules, scores and fundraising campaigns as needed. I collaborate with the Men’s Coach and help facilitate his vision for the advancement of the club. The commitment put in from the coaches and players is inspiring and I take great joy in seeing their success. Most importantly, I see the confidence they’ve created, the friendships developed, and the pride in their experience at having succeeded at Babson in the classroom and on the pitch.

What inspired you to take on a volunteer leadership role at Babson?
I support Babson Rugby because it needs alumni support to continue forward. The ‘Club’ label has been a two-edged sword and limits the support it garners at most colleges and universities. Coupled with the fact that USA Rugby isn’t governed by NCAA and not regarded as ‘Varsity’, it has both the advantage and obligation of self-governance. Financial and advisory support is the most valuable contribution alumni can make until such time as our endowments fully fund operations, or until the sport is embraced under athletics as a varsity endeavor. I see both of those outcomes possible in the years ahead, and yet the fraternal connection that I enjoy with the program is unlikely to change regardless of how the governance aspect evolves.

Has being a Babson volunteer made a difference in your life? If so, how?
Participating in the club from an alumni perspective is both a fraternal connection and a hobby. I have a sense of obligation to support the team because I know how passionate and committed to success they are. I engage with each generation of players, leaders, coaches, parents and alumni. It is a friendship based on a common bond and I am blessed with a large, supportive group. I am also extremely encouraged with the caliber of young men and women I meet who play rugby at Babson and I take comfort in knowing Babson continues to develop high quality individuals for each successive generation.

What about Babson inspires you?
What inspires me most about Babson is the grind and ambition of everyone on campus. There’s such a huge return on investment in your efforts on campus—in the way that what you put in Babson is what you get out. By forcing myself outside of my comfort zone, not only did I make valuable connections with staff and faculty, but I also was given the grand opportunity to experiment careers. In my short four years at Babson, I was committed to building the network that helped me land the role I currently work in. I started as an SGA senator, then I joined eTower as the recruiting chair; I was president of the Johnson House, and senior year in track we broke a 4x1 relay school record that still stands today. In four years, I was able to experiment being an entrepreneur, a curriculum designer, a board member, an athlete, and president of an organization. These are invaluable experiences that you cannot get anywhere else.

Favorite Babson memory (either as student or alum).
My favorite Babson memory is studying abroad in Brazil. I spent 10 days with students from nearly every ethnic background on campus, and we went to the rural northeast of Brazil to implement entrepreneurial innovations for a trauma hospital with patients who are losing their vision. Applying Babson’s entrepreneurship curriculum to make a real impact in the world is something you can’t put a price tag on, and I’m forever grateful for that experience through the Glavin office.

What about Babson inspires you?
The quality and the enthusiasm of the students that I've met is truly amazing. They feel so fortunate that they were accepted and loved their Babson experience. I have had the opportunity to invest in several Babson start-up ventures and couldn't be more pleased with their intellect and entrepreneurial spirit.

Favorite Babson memory:
On Founders Day in the Fall of 1963, Roger Babson (age 88 at the time) came to campus and delivered a most inspirational speech in Knight Auditorium on his hopes for the future of the graduates of the College. He illustrated (as best as I can paraphrase) his hope by showing a kernel of corn and then he held up a 6 foot corn stalk and said "this tiny kernel of corn is like a freshman student and the full size corn stalk is what we hope he will become". Classmate Bob Weissman reminded me some years back when recalling that story that Mr. Babson handed out corn kernels to students as they left Knight Auditorium. Full disclosure: I have used this same kernel to corn stalk story more than once to illustrate a point!

Favorite Class or Professor:
We were blessed with amazing professors who took a keen interest in students. Dr. Genovese, who was a favorite professor, often invited us to his home for "Italian Spaghetti Night." Dr. Mors would have students over on Friday nights for a BBQ, and Peter Black who lived on campus often had students over for conversations on every subject under the sun!

Why is it important to give back?
Every successful organization like Babson depends on their ‘customers' to continue to buy their products or services on a recurring basis. Supporting Babson after graduation is vital to the sustainability and success of the College. Our family has been fortunate to have been able to underwrite several important investments including the Glavin Chapel, the Library, and the Weissman Foundry. In addition, we have established a named endowment to provide scholarships to worthy students. What a thrill to meet the recipients of these scholarships. I urge everyone to be thoughtful in making donations to the College. It truly is a gift that keeps on giving.

Please share the different ways you volunteer with Babson:
Volunteering for Babson has been a truly wonderful and learning experience. Specifically, for over 40 years I have been an active member of the Board of Trustees and now serve as an honorary trustee. I've recruited students, have hired many Babson students at our company, coached at the Coaching for Leadership Program, served as a judge for the Philip Charm Entrepreneurial Prize, volunteered in several capital campaigns, chaired numerous trustee committees, and am currently helping plan 1964’s 60th Reunion. Lasting friendships and great personal satisfaction resulted from these kinds of volunteer activities.

Has being a Babson Volunteer made a difference in your life? If so, how?
I can hardly count the many ways volunteering has made a difference. Several lasting and rewarding friendships were born of connecting with alums, students, faculty, and College leadership. I humbly confess that several significant clients came to our firm through Babson volunteering. A number of venture investments that I have made were the result of Babson connections, be they faculty or graduates. My personal life (and portfolio!) has been greatly enhanced because of my active involvement with like-minded Babson connections.

Please share the different ways you volunteer with Babson.
Volunteering with Babson is a meaningful way to stay connected with the Babson community and help grow the next generation of Babson Beavers. I help cultivate the Babson ecosystem by serving as an admission ambassador to find students who will embody Babson’s entrepreneurial spirit. I foster alumni connections by serving on the Babson Alumni Advisory Board which works with the Office of Alumni Engagement to plan events and lifelong learning initiatives for alumni. I am also on the Beavers of the Last Decade (BOLD) committee which focuses on engaging alumni who have graduated within the last 10 years. Lastly, I strive to empower the Babson community everywhere I go by connecting with global alumni when I travel, networking with Babson alumni at work, planning events in my hometown, and planning events for groups I was a part of while at Babson. There is a little something for everyone when it comes to volunteering with Babson!

Your favorite Babson memory (either as a student or an alum)
My time at Babson and volunteering with Babson has been filled with many special moments but my favorite so far was at the 2024 Babson Connect Worldwide (BCW) in Singapore! The 3-day conference was filled with exploring Singapore’s rich culture, hearing from industry specialists about emerging trends across multiple sectors and inspiring conversation. Connecting with old classmates and teachers and becoming instant best friends with people I just met all because we have Babson in common was a definite highlight. BCW showed me that a love for Babson is a powerful force that makes it seemingly effortless to connect with any alumnus regardless of graduation year, country of origin, or sector!

What inspired you to get involved as a volunteer for Babson?

Babson is my second home! I'm the Seventh in my family to graduate and would love to be involved.

What has been the most rewarding part of your experience as a volunteer for Babson?

Uniting the community to create value in Colombia.

If you serve in a volunteer leadership role at Babson (e.g. Alumni Club President, Affinity Group), what motivated you to take on this leadership responsibility?

Firmly believe that Babson is a family that could always be there for all the community and would love to be part of it.

Why is it important to you to give back?

Being in a position to help is also a responsibility and duty.

Giving Back to Babson College and Volunteering
Giving back to Babson is important to us due to the exceptional education and support we received, which significantly shaped our careers and personal lives. We want future students to have the same opportunities we had, and by contributing to Babson, we can help provide resources, scholarships, and mentorship that empower others to thrive. This reflects our gratitude for the transformative impact the college has had on us and fosters success for many more students.

Volunteering as alumni allows us to stay connected to Babson while giving back in meaningful ways. We help organize and mobilize Puerto Rico’s alumni to attend local networking events and support Alumni Association initiatives. Additionally, we’ve hosted events in both business and personal venues and actively promote fundraising drives. Contributing to these efforts helps raise essential funds for scholarships, campus projects, and specific programs. Ultimately, giving back is one of the greatest sources of happiness, and we encourage everyone to practice it as often as possible.

Our commitment to giving back extends beyond traditional volunteering; it has led us to collaborate on educational initiatives. Though we’re both from Puerto Rico, we attended Babson at different times. Our work in the Babson Alumni Club brought us together and inspired us to volunteer in new ways, particularly through education and partnerships.

As members of the Albizu University Board of Trustees, we participated in the first exchange program between Albizu and Babson Academy. We believe the entrepreneurial mindset we gained at Babson can benefit other educators, especially in the Social Sciences and Health fields, as exemplified by Albizu University.

The Puerto Rico Department of Education awarded Albizu University $220,500 to host the Symposium for Entrepreneurial Academic Leadership with Babson College, focusing on entrepreneurship and innovation skills. A total of 116 leaders from the Department of Education and 12 from Albizu University benefited from this training, which was led by Babson’s professors Beth Goldstein, MBA, EdD and Vincent (Vini) Onyemah.

Along with the two of us, the training was inaugurated by Dr. Yanira Raíces, Secretary of the Puerto Rico Department of Education, and Dr. Nelson Soto, President of Albizu University. We are hopeful that this project marks the beginning of a partnership between Babson, Albizu University, and the Puerto Rico Department of Education to promote academic entrepreneurship and innovation.

What inspired you to get involved as a volunteer for Babson?
Babson shaped who I am in countless ways—it gave me the skills to create impact, a network of friends and collaborators who always have my back, and even the love of my life. It’s been a source of inspiration, so stepping up as a volunteer felt like a natural way to stay connected and help others benefit from the same transformative experience.

What has been the most rewarding part of your experience as a volunteer for Babson?
The most rewarding part is giving back to a place that has given me so much—and keeps on giving. I’ve loved meeting professors, staff, incoming students, and alumni from all over the world. There are innumerable rewarding experiences from helping with admissions, talking to incoming students, evaluating B.E.T.A. Challenge proposals to my most recent one –Babson Connect Worldwide in Tuscany. Each of these experiences made me appreciate our global and special Babson community. Every interaction leaves me energized and proud to be part of it.

If you serve in a volunteer leadership role at Babson (e.g. Alumni Club President, Affinity Group, etc.), what motivated you to take on the leadership role?
As Vice Chair of the Babson Alumni Advisory Board, I saw the opportunity to help shape alumni engagement on a broader scale. I wanted to be part of guiding the community’s growth, building bridges between alumni and the school, and ensuring that Babson continues to be a resource and inspiration for graduates at every stage of life. Your Babson experience doesn’t end at graduation; Babson is your lifelong learning partner.

Why is it important to you to give back?
Because Babson is more than an institution, it is a community and a mindset. It taught me to think entrepreneurially, act with purpose, and embrace lifelong learning. Giving back means helping future students gain those same tools, relationships, and opportunities. It’s my way of honoring the gift Babson has been in my life and ensuring its impact continues for generations to come.

Favorite Babson memory (either as student or alum)?
Favorite student memory is the summer I spent in London with the Honors Program. I did not want to study abroad and even asked if I could go home the first week there, but it turned out to be one of the best experiences of my life. Favorite alumni memory would be participating in the alumni dance for the 20th reunion of the Babson Dance Ensemble (BDE). It was so fun to get together with other alums across 20 years of the organization to relive our BDE experience and perform in the show. The support of the current students was amazing—they were cheering so loud we could barely hear the music.

Why is it important to you to give back?
I loved my Babson experience and am grateful for all the opportunities I had during my time on campus, especially through programs like the Honors Program. I see giving back as a way to say thank you to Babson and to help ensure that current and future students have similar and even greater opportunities than I had.

Please share the different ways you volunteer with Babson.
Class reunion committee for our 10th, 15th and now upcoming 20th reunion and helped plan the 25th anniversary of the Honors Program. I was a Class Agent for a number of years and served two terms on the board of the Babson Alumni Association(BAA) (now the Babson Alumni Advisory Board [BAAB]). I also try to participate in recruiting events at Babson on behalf of KPMG (where I've worked since graduating from Babson) whenever I can so that we can bring more amazing Babson students into the firm.

Has being a Babson volunteer made a difference in your life? If so, how?
Absolutely! Volunteering for Babson has helped me stay connected to Babson staff and faculty, and especially through the BAA, built my Babson network well beyond those who were at Babson while I was a student.

What inspired you to get involved as a volunteer for Babson?
I truly cherished my time at Babson and remain incredibly grateful for the people I met, the experiences I had and the opportunities that have continued well beyond graduation. I knew early on that I wanted to stay connected and give back to the community that gave me so much. When I was introduced to Nicole Denver and became involved with Beavers of the Last Decade (BOLD), I felt an immediate sense of fulfillment. Through BOLD, I have been able to reconnect with fellow alumni, help plan meaningful events, and support fundraising initiatives that directly contribute to Babson’s continued growth and success. It’s been a wonderful way to stay engaged and ensure future generations of Babson Beavers can enjoy the same transformative experience I did.

What has been the most rewarding part of your experience as a volunteer for Babson?
The most rewarding part of volunteering has been the opportunity to bring alumni together, from different class years, backgrounds, and locations around the world. Even though we’ve moved on from our days on campus, the Babson bond remains strong. It’s incredibly fulfilling to see how our collective efforts can make a lasting impact on the future of the college and its students. Volunteering has truly brought things full circle for me. I always knew I wanted to stay involved post graduation, and being a part of this community in a meaningful way has been one of the most rewarding experiences!

If you serve in a volunteer leadership role at Babson (e.g. Alumni Club President, Affinity Group), what motivated you to take on that responsibility?
During my time at Babson, I was fortunate to serve in several leadership roles, one of the most meaningful being a Peer Mentor. I had an incredible mentor myself (Gaia Prete), along with an inspiring First Year Seminar professor (Rob Major), who both played a major role in shaping my Babson journey. Their guidance motivated me to pay it forward and become a supportive resource for incoming students. As a Peer Mentor, you have the chance to make a real difference in someone’s college experience, from that first “Going on a Picnic” icebreaker during orientation to being a consistent presence throughout their journey. That spirit of mentorship and community is what continues to drive my involvement with Babson today, even years after graduation.

Why is it important to you to give back?
Giving back to Babson is a way to ensure the school continues to thrive and evolve. Every contribution, whether it’s time, energy, or resources, helps create more opportunities for future students to learn, grow, and lead. I often think back to my 18 year old self moving onto campus, excited and hopeful. Much of the success and joy I’ve experienced since then can be traced back to the support of the Babson community, especially the alumni and volunteers who gave their time to help students like me. Giving back is both a way of showing gratitude and a commitment to making sure Babson remains a place where new leaders and changemakers are born.

What inspired you to get involved as a volunteer for Babson?
Babson has made a strong impact on my career, friendships, and other volunteer opportunities I have been involved in.

What has been the most rewarding part of your experience as a volunteer for Babson?
Connecting with my fellow Babson alumni and making new connections with the students.

If you serve in a volunteer leadership role at Babson (e.g. Alumni Club President, Affinity Group), what motivated you to take on the leadership role?
Theta Chi was a critical part of my Babson experience. I serve as President of Eta Delta at Babson College Alumni Corporation. Theta Chi’s creed focuses on the “Helping Hand.” I enjoy making an impact through the Theta Chi Stem Cell Drive, Volunteering at Rosi’s Place, and mentoring the brothers of the chapter on campus.

Why is it important to you to give back?
Giving back has always been a core part of my life. Making a difference by participating in organizations that are important to me makes me feel whole.

What about Babson inspires you?
Babson has such a unique culture compared to other top schools. The entrepreneurial focus and case study method fosters a true sense of collaboration and camaraderie, instead of just cutthroat competition. That is the "secret sauce" of what makes the school special. The end result of four years of team building is the production of graduates that consistently go out of their way to help each other succeed, for decades after they've left the College.

Favorite Babson memory (either as student or alum).
There are so many to choose from. We were lucky enough to go around the world on amazing trips with the Swim & Dive team, spend many hours with professors and administrators that took personal interest in our lives, and performed on stage in front of the whole campus. Ultimately, we're truly grateful for the many friends that we made at Babson, and the fact that we continue to make new Babson memories year after year with them.

Why is it important to you to give back?
Babson was a foundational cornerstone to our lives. We give back because the school gave so much to us, that volunteering is a labor of love.

Volunteer Activities:

• Fundraising. From the Chris Falvey alumni phonathons in the 2000s, to ongoing Make Your Marks & Barefoot Athletic Challenges and Class Days of Giving, to being a BRAC (now Len Green Recreation & Athletic Complex) donor.
• Spearheaded the Sigma Phi Epsilon "Balanced Man" Scholarship back in the 2000s (via Babson Alumni Office, as a one-time student scholarship)
• Served a Coaching for Leadership & Teamwork Program (CLTP) volunteers for many years, both for the first-year students and seniors
• Volunteered as the Sigma Phi Epsilon Alumni Chapter Counselor
• Supported the Admissions Office by serving as an alumni interview volunteer
• Featured alumni speaker for 2006 Orientation
• Served on the Swim Team Alumni Council and a speaker for Swim/Athletic Career Panels
• Volunteered as a Real Estate Club alumni panelist and Case Study creator/presenter
• Undergraduate student Private Equity/Real Estate career advising
• Hosted 2024 Summer Reception in Marblehead
• Volunteered for our Reunion Committees and as Class Agents
• We are consecutive donors and have never missed coming back for Homecoming; for the past 31 years straight (including 2020, during Covid!)

What inspired you to get involved as a volunteer for Babson?
My Babson experience was an incredible uplifting four years that definitely defined much of the rest of my life. Between the friends that I made and still keep today, Richard Bruno, Drinkwater and too many great mentors and educators to mention in a one-page narrative, needless to say it would hard to imagine what my life would have been like without the Babson experience. So, in that regard I was taught and wholeheartedly believe that it is our responsibility to give back, and I have been honored to give back and serve on the alumni committee with many of my former classmates. Wouldn’t want to have it any other way.

What has been the most rewarding part of your experience as a volunteer for Babson?
There is a lot I could say and refer to here, but just the chance to reconnect with everyone and work with the OUTSTANDING staff at Babson makes the commitment more than worthwhile. You hear about testimonials that volunteers indicate they receive more than they contribute when asked about their volunteer efforts; that is definitely the way I feel to be involved with the College and the alumni at “tiny Babson College.”

If you serve in a volunteer leadership role at Babson (e.g. Alumni Club President, Affinity Group), what motivated you to take on a volunteer leadership role?
I have volunteered on a few non-profit boards. As a CPA, I get tapped to be treasurer more often than not and I honestly believe I learn from every volunteer position that I have been involved with, but to give back to the College is a special opportunity and with the time I can give I gladly give it as helping Babson thrive is reward in itself and thrive it has.

Why is it important to you to give back?
I just believe it is just the right thing to do. We are only here for a short time, and I believe what we can do to help others as we have been helped is our obligation.