The Thea Bowman AHANA and Intercultural Center seeks to form students of conscience, excellence, competence, and compassion who will make a difference in the world.

Alfred Feliciano and Valerie Lewis Award
To the student who made extraordinary contributions to further the ideals of the AHANA (African-American, Hispanic, Asian, and Native American) acronym, and who provided leadership to help the Boston College community actualize the AHANA concept. Awarded by the Thea Bowman AHANA and Intercultural Center.
Dr. Donald Brown Award
The Dr. Donald Brown Award was established in honor of the former director of the Office of AHANA Student Programs, now the Thea Bowman AHANA and Intercultural Center. Every year the Award honors a senior who throughout his/her undergraduate career has made extraordinary contributions to the greater Boston College campus, particularly with the AHANA community, in the areas of leadership, service, and academic development.
Dr. Donald Brown was the director of the Office of AHANA Student programs from 1978 to 2005. Under his leadership, the name of the office was changed from "Office of Minority Student Programs" to the Office of AHANA Student Programs. He was also credited with initiating the following programs: the Options Through Education Transitional Summer Program (OTE), the Thea Bowman Scholars Program, and the Benjamin Elijah Mays Mentoring Program, among others. He was instrumental in the development of many University-wide initiatives including the Martin Luther King, Jr. Committee and the Affiliates Program.
Winners of the Dr. Brown Award reflect the character and integrity that Dr. Brown brought to the Boston College community. The focus of the Award is the recognition of student engagement on campus, particularly with the AHANA community, over all four years of a student’s undergraduate career. In addition to a strong academic performance, nominees should have demonstrated significant initiative and leadership in the larger University community.
2020 Winners
- Omonosagiagbon Owens
- Jeffrey Xie
2021 Winner
Berlindyne Elie
2022 Winner
Darnell Fils
Karen Campbell Severin Book Award
Karen Campbell Severin CSOM '80
The first mark of servanthood is the ability to put others ahead of yourself and personal desires. It is more than being willing to put your agenda on hold. It means intentionally being aware of your people’s needs, availability to help them, and able to accept their desires as important.
The above statement personified the late Karen Campbell Severin ’80. As an undergraduate in the Carroll School of Management, and later as an alumna, Karen gave unselfishly of her time to make a difference for others. Nowhere was that clearer than in the many roles she served: Board of Directors for the Boston College Alumni Association; BC Alumni Association 5-Year Strategic Planning Committee; Chair of the AHANA Chapter of the BC Alumni Association. Outside of Boston College, Karen was a member of the Board of Directors for the Urban League of Rochester and was active in the Greater Boston YMCA.
As Chair of the AHANA Chapter of the BC Alumni Association, Karen not only met with fellow alumni, she also met with university administrators to advocate for the well-being of AHANA undergraduates. Karen’s efforts as a member of the Alumni Association mirrored her commitment and the contributions she made as an undergraduate at Boston College: she faithfully served as a servant leader in organizations such as the Black Student Forum, the NAACP and the Voices of Imani.
Premier among Karen’s qualities was her capacity to bring joy to others. Those who knew her attest that her warm smile and ability to listen and empathize lightened up difficult situations. The Thea Bowman AHANA and Intercultural Center and the entire AHANA community have lost one of its strongest champions: our friend Karen Campbell Severin. Though no longer with us, Karen’s legacy lives on through an annual book award that will be given in her name. (Dr. Donald Brown)
Each fall and spring semester, the Karen Campbell Severin Book Award helps students by providing them with assistance to obtain their textbooks. Please note this is not a cash award. Applications will be reviewed by a committee overseen by the Thea Bowman AHANA and Intercultural Center.
In order to apply for the Book Award, students must have experience with community service, demonstrate financial need and submit the following:
- Applicants should highlight their experience in community service and volunteerism
- Statement of Financial Need: Preference is given to applicants with demonstrated financial need. Please explain your financial situation. Please also state if you anticipate receiving any additional support/funding to purchase your books.
- Resume: Please include your updated resume.
- List of Itemized Expenditures: Applicants must itemize their anticipated book expenses, e.g., name and cost of the books, corresponding course numbers and instructor names.
Spring 2021
Abel Yohannes
Amarylis Valentin
Andrew Naguib
Ava Satterwhite
Darnell Fils
Diane Yoon
Emma Schmiege
Hoa Bui
Jennifer Lozano
Jianyi Guan
Katherine Montas
Kaylee Arzu
Kevin Nicholson
Nicole Primero
Opal Polynice
Pamela Samuel
Urwa Hameed
Fall 2020
- A. Ezekiel Coleman
- Abel Yohannes
- Dallas Dent
- Darnell Fills
- Diane Yoon
- Sophia Shieh
- Whitney Nguyen
- Zarah Lakhani
- Urwa Hameed
Spring 2019
- Kandance Nguyen
- Chisom Amadi
- Isabella De Palo Garcia Perez
- Fuka Reale
Fall 2018
- Thair Brown
- Paula Sanchez
Spring 2018
- Naya Joseph
- Minh Le
Fall 2017
- Hyein Nam
- Chantal Sanchez
Spring 2017
- Paula Assou
- Franchesca Araujo
- Laura Demezieux
- Ciarra Duffy
- Sasha Nieves
Fall 2016
- Chantal Sanchez
- Pierre Leconte
- Elaine Lee
- Christina Agudelo
Spring 2016
- Luis Torres
- Sasha Nieves
Fall 2015
- John Gabelus
- Judy Kim
Spring 2015
- Loic Assobmo
- Julia Biango
Fall 2014
- Quinn Coughlin
- Maria Vasquez
Spring 2014
- Yanyi Weng
- Ricardo Alberto
Fall 2013
- Susanne Cho
- Karlie Wong
Spring 2013
- Lyz Alexandre
- Ha Rim Kim
Fall 2012
- Annie Jihyo Park
- Kayla Mendoca
Spring 2011
- Mary Sheehy
- Narinthohn Luangrath
Fall 2010
- Clifton James
- Grace Lee
Fall 2009
- Susan Cho
- Sofia Mohammed
Spring 2009
- Eneida Miranda
- Angela Vastey
Fall 2008
- Perusi Namulwa
- Su-In Park
Spring 2008
- Amanda Buescher
- Irene Jeon
Fall 2007
- Alice Yaun
- Ashley Galvez
Spring 2007
- Rose Chou
- Kevin Rubottom
Fall 2006
- John Marti
- Morgan Wilson
Spring 2006
- Cynthia Loesch
- Lauren Tran
Fall 2005
- Matthew Caldwell
- Kuong Ly
Request for Assistance
BAIC hopes to foster an environment of care. Students are encouraged to use this form only if they find themselves in financial distress/ emergency situations. Please be advised that assistance is based on the discretion of the review committee. Requests must be made at least 3 weeks in advance.
Scholarships
MLK scholarship
Oscar Romero Scholarship
Amanda Houstin Traveling Fellowship
Benigno and Corazon Aquino Scholarship