2023 Arts Award Recipients and Presenters
Arts Council Awards
Each year, the Boston College Arts Council recognizes alumni, faculty members, and students for their accomplishments and contributions to the arts in various disciplines. Alumni and faculty award recipients serve as role models, inspiring and guiding developing young artists in the BC community.
2024 Alumni Arts Award Winners
Shannon Riley '08
Shannon Riley is the CEO and founder of Building 180, a full-service art production and consulting agency that curates and produces uniquely complex art installations from conception to completion. She loves working within her community and believes in building confidence through creative efforts.
Shannon previously worked in Business Development and Sales for Fortune 500 companies and a handful of small tech start-ups. In 2015 Shannon embarked on a new adventure to start Building 180 and follow her passion as an entrepreneur, artist, and designer.
Shelagh Abate '97
Shelagh Abate is an internationally renowned horn player and educator with a passion for pushing boundaries and making music that transcends genres. Shelagh has firmly established herself as a leading figure in the demanding New York freelance world and beyond with versatile artistry in the classical, contemporary, commercial, and jazz idioms. A dynamic educator, her style is enthusiastic and authentic. She maintains an insatiable curiosity, knowing that those who teach are in the best position to learn.
The J. Robert Barth, S.J., Award for Excellence in the Arts
The Morrissey College of Arts and Sciences has established an annual award in honor of former Dean J. Robert Barth, S.J., and his support for the arts. The J. Robert Barth, S.J., Award for Excellence in the Arts is given each year at Commencement to a senior who has made an outstanding contribution to Boston College in the fine or performing arts, such as music, theater, dance, film or other visual media throughout their college career.
Fr. Barth is credited with revitalizing the arts at Boston College. He first came to the University as the Thomas I. Gasson Professor in 1985. As dean, he established the Music and Theatre departments, oversaw the opening of the McMullen Museum of Art, and was the first chair of the Boston College Arts Council.
Barth Award Recipients
Jonathan Kaczorowski '02
Daniel Sanez '03
Katherine Weiss '04
Lindsay Albert '05
Anthony & William Nunziata '06
Patricia Noonan '07
Jeff Augustin '08
Daniel Gostin '09
Sarah Lang '10
Steven Bass '11
John Delfino '12
Rachel Butler '13
Jonathan Mott '14
Sophia Gorgens '15
Caitlin Mason '16
Audra Hampsch '17
Annie Kim '18
Taylor Badoyen '19
Emma Hardy '20
Allison Lardner '21
Devyn Itula '22
Arts Awards Nomination Criteria
The Boston College Arts Council recognizes alumni who have achieved a level of distinction in their artistic professions. Candidates must be working professionals in the performing, visual, or literary arts, or related disciplines. Candidates should have received public recognition for outstanding contributions to their art form.
Nomination Process
Members of the Boston College community may nominate alumni for recognition, including faculty, staff, and alumni. This nomination process is a rolling submission, and candidates can be nominated throughout the year. The Awards subcommittee of the Arts Council will consider, evaluate, and select the award recipient.
The Boston College Arts Council recognizes faculty who have made an outstanding contribution to the arts at Boston College through scholarship, the presentation of artistic work, teaching, and/or community engagement.
- Candidates can be full or part time faculty and University staff/administrators.
- Candidates may receive the award only once for an ongoing contribution.
Nomination Process
Members of the Boston College community may nominate alumni for recognition, including faculty, staff, and alumni. This nomination process is a rolling submission, and candidates can be nominated throughout the year. The Awards subcommittee of the Arts Council will consider, evaluate, and select the award recipient.
The Boston College Arts Council recognizes students who have made an outstanding contribution to the arts by fostering, expanding or participating in the arts on campus or in the community.
- Candidates become eligible in their junior year.
- Candidates may receive the award only once for an ongoing contribution.
- Student Arts Groups are also eligible for the award.
- Student Arts Groups may receive the award only once every 5 years.
Nomination Process
Nominators may be faculty or staff and should have some direct connection or supervisory role with the student being nominated.
The Student Award nominations process begins in December and closes in mid-February. The Awards subcommittee of the Arts Council will consider, evaluate, and select the award recipient. Award recipients will be announced before the Annual Boston College Arts Festival.