Photo of Kenneth Suen Kenneth Suen Kenneth Suen

Kenneth Suen

MBA ’18

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With my new role as a government consultant with Deloitte, I have had various opportunities to apply my military experience. This includes utilizing explicit applications such as advising clients on the government contracting process, as well as indirect applications through key project aspects such as team leadership, ambiguity management, and driving work products forward. In addition to various importable skills, I am thankful I have been able to continue my role in government service, now in an overall support and advisory role, rather than direct action.

Service

U.S. Air Force

I spent seven years with the Air Force and had many positive experiences. During my first tour, I had the opportunity to conduct missile analysis and train fighter pilots on weapons tactics as an AIM-9 SME. From then on, I changed roles to government contracting to gain more business-oriented skills, providing me the opportunity to interface with multiple force support disciplines and broker a variety of contract support deals. I also had a short tour in Afghanistan. 

Describe Your BC Experience

During my time at BC, I was witness to the creation of the Student Veterans Association by fellow graduate students and was glad to be a supporting member. Since joining Deloitte, I have led Deloitte hiring from the Boston area, including Boston College as a target school, and provided additional review/mentorship of BC veteran candidates as they pursue consulting. Finally, I also continue to support the local FourBlock chapter that assists veterans, including BC students, in transitioning, familiarizing and networking with various companies, and ultimately applying for and securing new roles.

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Philip Landrigan '63

Professor and Director of the Program for Global Public Health and the Common Good, Department of Biology

Photo of Philip Landrigan '63

In the USPHS and the US Navy I learned preventive medicine and public health. Those skills form the core of my current work at Boston College.

Service

U.S. Navy

I served for 43 years as a pediatrician, epidemiologist, and preventive medicine officer in the U.S. Public Health Service (USPHS), and then in the U.S. Naval Reserve and the New York Naval Militia.  I have done tours all over the world, including London, Singapore, Korea, Ghana, El Salvador, and Nigeria, where I participated in the Global Campaign for the Eradication of Smallpox.

Describe Your BC Experience

I am just beginning to engage with the veterans community at BC, and it is exciting to meet others who have served and get to know their contributions to the University.

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Mike Dunford

CSOM '82

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Following my 21+ years of service in the US Marine Corps I was able to effectively leverage the many lessons I had learned about leadership into a successful career in human resources leading global HR teams supporting a fast growth medical device company. Over the course of my career I learned and applied how to leverage the expertise and experience of the people on my team, to communicate clearly and concisely in order to ensure engagement of my team, and to prioritize and organize the work I was leading, empowering my team to be successful.

Service

U.S. Marine Corps Reserves

I served for seven years on active duty and the balance of 21 years in the Marine Corps Reserves, retiring as a Lt. Colonel. My service included work as a combat engineer and with motor transport and logistics. I am a veteran of the Beirut Multinational Peacekeeping Force (1983-84) and a veteran of Desert Shield/Desert Storm, MCAS Cherry Point, NC (1991)

Describe Your BC Experience

The BC Community, and in particular the veteran's community, is a powerful network of talented and accomplished people who stand ready to help others who have served and who believe in all that Boston College taught us about being people for others.

Through my membership on the BC Veterans Alumni Network, I have routinely leveraged my experiences in career counseling and human resources with BC veteran alumni who may be transitioning from active service, or simply interested in understanding their next best civilian career move.

Photo of David J. Cote David J. Cote David J. Cote

David J. Cote

MBA ’19

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As a Vice President in Finance at State Street, I find that my military service has helped with the intangibles of leadership, including management soft skills, motivating others, staying organized, working with diverse teams, doing more with less, and remaining agile and adaptable while facing adversity and uncertainty. I also gained many technical skills which include data analysis and operations research specialties during my USMC career. I will forever be a math nerd.

Service

US Marine Corps

I am a US Marine Corps veteran and served for 20 years as a Commissioned Officer in the USMC/USMCR. In the Active Component, I most recently served as an Operations Research Analyst in the Pentagon helping the Marine Corps make resource allocation decisions. In the Reserve Component, I served as a workforce transition consultant in the Marine For Life program and also served as a Regimental Staff Officer of a 4000+ member Reserve infantry regiment. In 2015, I founded The Summit Project, a living memorial that has fundamentally changed the way the citizens of Maine pay tribute to their post 9/11 fallen heroes.

Describe Your BC Experience

It's a true honor to serve on the BCVAN Executive Committee and serve our communities and each other as BC veteran alum. It was also a very special privilege to serve as the Student Veteran Association President and Chair of the BC Veterans Advisory Group during my time as a student at BC. We are really proud of the work we did to increase yellow ribbon funding for student veterans at BC, secure the first-ever student veteran lounge and set the groundwork for a full-time veteran resource officer for our student veterans. We also had a great partnership with BC athletics and were able to spotlight our real military veterans during sporting events so everyone could recognize the service and sacrifice they made, along with their families. It's been so great to see student veteran numbers rise across undergrad and grad programs and from all service branches, and to see BC become a veteran-friendly school across many metrics.

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Maxwell Palumbo

MBA’18

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I am an operations manager in defense manufacturing and lead diverse teams. The leadership skills I learned in the military have proved invaluable in my civilian career. The importance of communicating an actionable plan with clear goals is the same whether you are talking to soldiers or employees.

Service

U.S. Army

Some of the highlights of my military service include serving as an Infantry Platoon Leader with the 1st Cavalry Division in Mosul, Iraq during OIF 08-09, Detachment Leader in III Corps Long Range Surveillance Company and Executive Officer of HHT, 2-38 CAV in RC South during OEF 11-12, Infantry Company Commander in the 101st Airborne Division in RC East during OEF 14, Company Commander in the 4th Ranger Training Battalion, and Battalion Commander of 2-310th in the U.S. Army Reserve.

Describe Your BC Experience

The Boston College community values the experience veterans bring to the campus and classroom. I enjoy the many in-person networking events held by BC veteran organizations as an opportunity to reconnect with fellow veterans and classmates.

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Anthony Sears

U.S. Coast Guard; WCAS '22

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I chose BC for its Jesuit values of service, rich history, and academic rigor supported by the G.I. Bill Yellow Ribbon Program.

Service

U.S. Coast Guard

As Petty Officer Second Class I served as a maritime search and rescue coxswain and icebreaking ship engineer.

Describe Your BC Experience

Clubs such as the Student Veteran Organization and the Collegiate Warrior Athlete Initiative make BC's campus an easy place to find fellow veterans. Each semester I've shared classes with Army, Marine Corps, and Navy veterans. Our countless experiences bring a unique perspective to the classroom.

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Erik Avagyan

U.S. Marine Corps; WCAS '22

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At BC I found immense potential for self betterment, both academically and professionally.

Service

U.S. Marine Corps

I served as 0311 Infantry Team Leader in the Marines and really relate to Ernest Hemingway’s statement that “there’s nothing noble in being superior to your fellow man; true nobility is being superior to your former self.”

Describe your BC Experience

At BC I found immense potential for self betterment. BC supports student veterans by providing a setting in which every employee is willing to work with and help student veterans, from advisors to professors. Everyone is on board with the same goal in mind: to help veterans succeed.

 

Photo of Mike Lorenz WCAS’21 Mike Lorenz WCAS’21 Mike Lorenz

Mike Lorenz WCAS’21

Assistant Director for Veteran Programs & Services, Office of the Executive Vice President

Photo of Mike Lorenz WCAS’21

The military taught me to be decisive and make informed, calculated decisions in the moment. This skill has been very helpful in my career because it has enabled me be confident in taking action, as well as making me think about what is best for the organization as a whole.

Service

U.S. Air National Guard

I served in the Air National Guard from 1999-2009 as a Weapons Loader on A-10's, with several deployments to the middle east including Kuwait, Iraq, and Afghanistan.

Describe Your BC Experience

I have seen a strong progression from the BC Community to engage with and honor the sacrifices of our veterans. There is also a deep drive to understand the experiences of those who have served in order to connect and offer support where needed.

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Jon W. Kerbs

Senior Lecturer, Assistant Department Chair, Marketing, CSOM

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I am a Senior Lecturer in Marketing at the Carroll School and I think to be an effective teacher, you need to be strong in three areas: critical thinking, leadership, and attention to detail. I developed these skills in the military, as they are core competencies for success.

Service

U.S. Army

In three tours of duty (1978-1985) I served in a series of increasing command and staff assignments as a Tactical Intelligence Officer. First, serving in the 3d Armored Cavalry Regiment, I was a Platoon Leader in the Regiment’s combat surveillance unit. Next, I was stationed in Germany with the 3d Infantry Division and served as a staff officer supporting the Second Mechanized Infantry Brigade. Following that assignment, I was promoted to Captain and made Company Commander of the Division’s 82-man combat surveillance company. My final assignment was serving at the Pentagon in an interagency strategic intelligence position.

Describe Your BC Experience

I am the Faculty Advisor of the Student Veterans Association and very excited to be part of the organization. When I reflect on my transition from being a soldier to a civilian, I now realize how much I was on my own in terms of advice, mentoring and resources. The Veterans Association is targeting these exact areas by helping student veterans in their transition to a successful career outside of the military. I enjoy working with veterans as they begin the same journey I took.

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Dong Joo Lee

MCAS ’07

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The military has reinforced my passion for serving others and giving a voice to the voiceless. Additionally, it has taught me to have honor, courage, and commitment, in all aspects of life. These are core values that I carry with me as a civilian attorney, and also as a parent at home.

Service

U.S. Navy, JAG Corps

I served on active duty in the Navy JAG Corps for six years. As a JAG I had the privilege of supporting our warfighters who keep us safe, day in and day out. Specifically, I served as a staff judge advocate advising commanders on various legal issues, including rules of engagement, administrative law, and ethics. I also had the honor of defending sailors, marines, and coast guardsmen as a defense counsel when they needed guidance in disciplinary or criminal matters. I also represented the United States as a military prosecutor in two separate tours.

Describe Your BC Experience

The BC veteran community has been great in providing a network of like-minded persons and opportunities to serve the greater BC community. When I was transitioning out of active duty, the members of BCVAN were vital in providing me with potential job opportunities and directing me to senior people who were willing to share their experience and advice. I currently serve as a member of BCVAN's executive committee.

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Rev. James Hairston

Campus Minister for Multi-Faith Programs; MCAS ‘04

Photo of Rev. James Hairston

My military experience has taught me a skill that I utilize daily, which is the practice of creating several courses of action for any given scenario.

Service

U.S. Army National Guard

I serve as a Chaplain in the U.S. Army National Guard. Currently, I am the Deputy State Chaplain in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. I've deployed to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, and several domestic response operations. My most recent domestic operations are Operation COVID-19 Mitigation & Response and Operation Capitol Response. 

Describe Your BC Experience

I am a past member of the BCVAN’s (BC Veteran Alumni Network) Executive Board. Connecting with Veteran alumni who joined the service independent of Boston College is a joyous endeavor. I also enjoy being able to connect with students who are discerning a call to military service without having to postpone their civilian aspirations. My friends across the university, and my colleagues in Campus Ministry, and University Mission and Ministry are incredibly supportive of my service to God and Country.

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Riley Odams

B.A., Class of 2021, BC Law 2024

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Sometimes the path's a little uncertain when you leave the military. A lot of veterans get out and want to immediately jump into the workforce, and that can be limiting because you start thinking you don’t have time, or don’t need, a degree. In my opinion, the liberal arts is a really valuable thing to have for your own enrichment. The military sets you up for success, but then you need to make that jump and get into education. The hardest part is starting.

Service

U.S. Army National Guard

I joined the Army National Guard after high school and worked as an intelligence analyst for the government.

Describe Your BC Experience

The Woods College worked for me because I got to attend high quality, small classes taught by incredible professors while I kept working during the day. It made a BC degree possible when I thought I could never have one. 

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Lisa Burns Smith

SSW’18

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The military taught me to always be flexible and think on my feet. It has helped me navigate the challenges of working as a social worker and with Team Rubicon that deploys volunteers to natural disasters. The military also taught me how to lead, but also how to follow.

Service

U.S. Air Force

I spent four years in the U.S. Air Force as a security forces leader stationed in Cheyenne, Wyoming and was assigned to guard nuclear missiles.

Describe Your BC Experience

Being a nontraditional-aged student, I felt at home with my fellow student veterans. We were able to relate to and rely on each other as we started our post-military life. I couldn’t be more grateful for the support of fellow veterans and the veteran network at BC.

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Erin (Flaherty) Shea

CSON '10, MSN '12, PhD '20

Photo of Erin (Flaherty) Shea

I am currently a nurse practitioner at the VA and rely on my background everyday when working with my patients to achieve their health goals. My leadership experience from the military is also invaluable leading my clinical team.

Service

U.S. Air Force

I served on active duty from 2012-2015 at MacDill AFB, Tampa, FL, in the 6th Medical Group. As a Primary Care Manager in the Medical Group, I served as Disaster Team Chief and held various clinical leadership roles. I also represented the Air Force in the All Armed Forces Tournament of the All Air Force Volleyball Team.

Describe Your BC Experience

It has been amazing to witness BC veteran support grow over the past several years. The various networking events from BCVAN throughout the year truly help to bring the community together and create a new sense of community on campus.

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Amy Azevedo

US Air Force; CGSON '22

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When I was having difficulty with an ethics class, they realized I needed more than what they could provide me. They called upon their military counterparts from the University of Colorado and various military installations throughout the world to help me through a class that did not make much sense in my veteran mind. 

Service

U.S. Air Force

My grandmother was a member of the Navy WAVES in WWII and my father was an army infantry radioman in Vietnam. It was because of them that I enlisted in the Air Force at age 20. I was a utilities systems journeyman, which is a fancy term for ‘plumber,’ and a Rapid Runway Repair team leader in a rapidly-deployable worldwide support Prime BEEF (Base Engineer Emergency Force) squadron. I owe a debt of gratitude to my superiors who instilled resourcefulness, integrity, leadership and a never-give-up attitude in me during those years.

Describe Your BC Experience

I completed the fulltime DNP (Doctorate of Nursing Practice) program, concentrating in the AGNP track (Adult/Gerontology Nurse Practitioner) and the Apprenticeship for College Teaching certificate program at BC and the post-graduate Military and Veteran Health Care certificate program at University of Colorado. I chose Boston College for my graduate studies because I needed to be surrounded by a community of people with the same values. Although I am not Catholic, I still relish time within St. Ignatius Church where I can reflect deeply about who I am, how I want to live my life and how I want to use my talents for the greater good. Boston College lives up to its national reputation of providing graduate students with the tools it takes to turn their potential into a tangible skillset.

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William (Bill) Kelley

MBA ’18

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My military experience taught me commitment to the people in my organizations and those we serve, and developed my approach to working as a team. Whether working as a loan officer or a firefighter, commitment and teamwork are essential to providing quality services.

Service

U.S. Marine Corps

I served in the Infantry of the United States Marine Corps from 2005 to 2013. Tours of duty included Fallujah, Iraq in 2005 and Jalalabad, Afghanistan in 2011.

Describe Your BC Experience

I've gained a lot of value out of the veteran community at Boston College, both personally and professionally. The support BC shows its veterans, students and alumni, provides the opportunity to build out a broad professional network. As a Co-Chair of the BCVAN, I now tend to engage with our veteran community at BC more personally and look for ways to help make connections that will be mutually beneficial to our members.

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Vanessa Flick

B.A., Class of 2022

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Obtaining my degree will be an accomplishment I never thought I would complete. Thankfully, I am extraordinarily lucky to have the support of my family, especially my partner who was the motivation I needed to take this step. Not only will my degree be helpful in the next phase of my career path, the experience of going through the process is showing me how hard work and dedication help your personal development.

Service

U.S. Coast Guard Reserves

Describe Your BC Experience

Being employed full time, the Woods College has really provided a platform to complete my education while developing professionally. Balancing a full time job and a full time class load can be challenging, but with Woods, classes are timed with consideration so I can continue to learn and complete my studies.

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Ray Berube

RADM SC U..S Navy (ret.)

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During my Navy career I gained extensive experience in many business management and strategic planning functions, managing thousands of personnel and billions of dollars in resources which I applied in industry and as a member of a national non-profit board.

Service

U.S. Navy

I served 33 years in the United States Navy as a Supply Corps Officer. Highlights include three ship assignments (aircraft carrier, guided missile frigate and an amphibious assault ship), Washington D.C. / Pentagon tours, and three assignments as a Flag Officer (two in Command) providing supply chain, logistics and financial management business services to all Navy ships, submarines and Navy / Marine Corps aircraft.

Describe Your BC Experience

I serve as a member of the BC Veterans Alumni Network (BCVAN) Executive Committee and I have been gratified to see a wide array of support initiatives for BC veterans and ROTC students from the BC community.

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Seth Parker

U.S. Marine Corps; WCAS '21

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I appreciate the intellectual, open-minded debate and discourse at BC, examined through philosophy and ethics.

Service

U.S. Marine Corps

I joined the Marine Corps when I graduated from high school and served for six years, including a deployment to Al Anbar Province, Iraq/OIF 2007.

Describe Your BC Experience

At BC, my past experiences and unique perspectives have been both appreciated and vital to my academic achievement.

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Brian Manning

MBA '23

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The greatest skill I learned from my service that I currently use at Boston College is working with people from varying backgrounds. The Army is an extremely diverse work-force. Additionally, I have had the opportunity to partner with different militaries. All of those experiences of working with others from different cultures and militaries has greatly helped me as I started the MBA program.

Service

U.S. Army

I was an Army Officer (CPT). I served six years as an active duty Army Officer as part of the Armor and Signal communities. I spent a majority of my six years at Fort Riley, KS with the 1st Infantry Division. I participated in three rotational deployments to South Korea and Eastern Europe. A highlight of my service was serving as an Aide-de-Camp to a General Officer.

Describe Your BC Experience

The Boston College Veteran Community is an extremely close knit group and the school has made improvements over the past two year to emphasize benefits for Veterans. The greatest impact I have felt has been the increase of Yellow Ribbon funding which creates an expense-free learning experience for those who qualify.

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Shane Riley

U.S. Navy Reserve; MBA ’21

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Time and time again, I have found the community support networks to be strong, and faculty and staff willing to accommodate me as transitioning student veteran and a Navy Reserve officer.

Service

U.S. Navy Reserve

I graduated from Maine Maritime Academy with a B.S. in Marine Engineering and United States Coast Guard Third Assistant Marine Engineer's license. Upon graduation, I was commissioned into the U.S. Navy Reserve as a Strategic Sealift Officer. Before attending Boston College, I spent five years working at sea as a marine engineer and several years on active duty stationed in Norfolk, VA, on a headquarters staff.

Describe Your BC Experience

I chose an MBA because I wanted to gain business acumen that would complement my engineering and military background. The Boston College MBA stood out to me due to its tight-knit community, global recognition, and rigorous academics. Boston College offers an ideal environment for self-reflection and career transition. All members of the greater B.C. community ranging from students, faculty, staff, and alumni welcomed me as a whole person, not just as a veteran. Time and time again, I have found the community support networks to be strong, and faculty and staff willing to accommodate me as transitioning student veteran and a Navy Reserve officer.

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Milton Rodriguez

WCAS ‘22

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“The military taught me how to pay attention to details, persevere through difficult situations, and gave me a unique global perspective after having visited and lived in over 20 countries.”

Service:
 U.S. Air ForceI was a crew chief on F-16’s, based in South Korea and then in the 480th Fighter Squadron in Spangdahlem, Germany, tasked with being the Global Response Force during my time there.Describe

Your BC Experience:
At Boston College I have enjoyed talking to other veterans on campus because we can relate to things outside of school. I have also engaged with other vets during the football tailgates and other campus events.

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Bob Avalle

Associate Vice President, Facilities Services

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“I have learned that leading and caring for people in any job is no different than doing so in the Army.”

Service:
U.S. Army
I was an infantry officer for 21 years, stationed in Washington, Italy, Louisiana, and Missouri.  I also went to school at West Point, with graduate studies at the University of Michigan.

Describe Your BC Experience:
The BC Veteran community is one of the most comprehensive and effective veteran's programs I have ever seen at a university. I am an active member and engage in social events and periodically connect with the ROTC program.

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Brendan Cullen

WCAS '25

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Mental fortitude and self-awareness are two skill I took from the military that I do my best to utilize every day.

Service

U.S. Coast Guard 

I worked in Search & Rescue/Law Enforcement, spending a long time based out of New York City.  In my years of service, one situation stands out where I rescued an actress from my favorite TV show at the time when her seaplane was taking on water.

Describe Your BC Experience:

I've had the pleasure to serve as the Vice President for BC's Student Veterans Association for the past few years. Time and time again, I've seen the veterans, both students and faculty, and allies at the university bend over backwards to help us receive the support we need to thrive. Whether it's solving a complex tuition issue or a simple buddy check, you feel cared for and appreciated at Boston College. GO EAGLES!!