Discover Boston College notable alumni who have shaped history, entertainment, sports, and business. From the halls of this Jesuit university in Newton, Massachusetts, famous graduates of Boston College have risen to prominence, including political powerhouses like Tip O'Neill and sports icons like Doug Flutie. Whether you're a student weighing options, faculty seeking inspiration, or a job seeker eyeing higher ed jobs in the United States, Boston College's legacy offers unparalleled motivation. The Eagles' storied athletics, top-tier rankings, and $3.68 billion endowment underscore its excellence. Dive into academic jobs in Massachusetts or university jobs in Newton, and see how alumni networks fuel success. Explore Academic Jobs in United States today and connect with opportunities near Boston College.
Boston College notable alumni span politics, where figures like Tip O'Neill influenced national policy, to sports with Heisman winner Doug Flutie, and entertainment stars like Amy Poehler. These notable alumni from Boston College highlight the university's impact on global leadership. With strong rankings in the top 40 nationally and a vibrant ACC sports scene, Boston College fosters influential leaders. Job seekers can leverage this prestige in faculty jobs or explore professor insights via Rate My Professor for Boston College.
Explore Boston College celebrities and leaders across fields.
Tip O'Neill's folksy wisdom defined bipartisan politics, while Doug Flutie's 1984 Hail Mary pass remains one of college football's greatest moments. Amy Poehler credits her BC theater training for her comedic breakthrough. These stories from notable alumni from Boston College inspire current Eagles. Check Rate My Professor at Boston College for student takes on the legacy.
Boston College boasts a $3.68 billion endowment, fueling top-40 U.S. News rankings and cutting-edge research. Its ACC sports teams, especially football and basketball, draw massive crowds. Diversity thrives with 46% students of color and global programs. Cultural depictions in films highlight its Newton campus prestige. Explore Ivy League alternatives like BC.
| Alumnus | Field | Key Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Tip O'Neill | Politics | Social Security expansions 🏛️ |
| Doug Flutie | Sports | Heisman legacy, CFL success |
| Amy Poehler | Entertainment | Emmy-winning comedy |
| Matt Ryan | Sports | NFL records, MVP 🏆 |
Boston College alumni excel across domains, inspiring students and faculty alike.
These ratings reflect profound legacies that motivate pursuits in higher ed career advice. Students often cite them in reviews on Rate My Professor.
The endowment supports scholarships, easing costs amid $65K tuition. Alumni networks open doors to professor jobs and beyond. Benefits include mentorship from influential leaders Boston College.
With diverse alumni like global journalists and athletes, BC promotes inclusion. Eagles football features in media, symbolizing resilience. Access resources via scholarships pages.
Students rave about how Boston College alumni legacies fuel ambition, from politics to sports. Many discuss how figures like Tip O'Neill motivate public service, while Doug Flutie's grit inspires athletes. Read real student reviews on Rate My Professor at Boston College, where professor ratings alongside alumni tales shape career paths. These insights pair perfectly with university salaries data.
Job seekers, pair this with higher ed jobs in Massachusetts.
Boston College alumni have made their mark in entertainment, spanning actors, comedians, and musicians who have influenced film, television, and performing arts through compelling performances and creative contributions that resonate worldwide. Categories include Actors, Comedians, Musicians, and Composers, showcasing the university's role in nurturing talents who entertain and inspire diverse audiences.
| Name | Job Title | Discipline | Class Year | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Neal McDonough | Actor | Theatre | 1988 | Recognized for his role as Lt. Spec Hershel in Band of Brothers and as Robert Quarles in Justified, with appearances in Yellowstone. |
| Scott Wolf | Actor | Film Studies | 1989 | Best known for portraying Bailey Salinger's brother-in-law Jake in Party of Five and Dr. Chad Barry in Everwood. |
| Doug Allen | Screenwriter and Producer | 1983 | Screenwriter and producer known for work on The Sopranos and other television series. | |
| John Karlen | Actor | 1953 | Emmy-nominated actor best remembered for roles as Willie Loomis and Victor Collins on Dark Shadows. | |
| Amy Carlson | Actress | unknown | Portrayed Dr. Lindsey Everly on Third Watch and Linda Reagan on Blue Bloods. | |
| John Shea | Actor | 1968 | Known for starring in the soap opera Paper Dolls and as Miles Drentell in thirtysomething. | |
| Lenny Clarke | Comedian | unknown | Stand-up comedian and actor featured in Rescue Me, It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia, and as Uncle Eddie on The Job. | |
| Michael Moriarty | Actor and Composer | 1963 | Golden Globe and Emmy winner for his portrayal of Executive Assistant D.A. Ben Stone on Law & Order, also a noted jazz pianist and composer. | |
| Ann Dowd | Actress | 1978 | Primetime Emmy Award-winning actress famous for Aunt Lydia in The Handmaid's Tale and Patti Levin in The Leftovers. |
Sports figures from Boston College encompass athletes across disciplines like football, ice hockey, basketball, and track and field; these alumni have excelled in professional leagues such as the NFL and NHL, Olympic competitions, and coaching, highlighting the Eagles' legacy of athletic excellence and competitive spirit in NCAA Division I sports.
| Name | Job Title | Discipline | Class Year | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Frank Dancewicz | NFL Quarterback | unknown | 1945 | First overall pick in 1946 NFL Draft by the Boston Yanks. |
| Bill Swiacki | NFL End | unknown | 1947 | Caught the game-winning touchdown in the 1947 Cotton Bowl for national championship. |
| Scott Young | NHL Forward | unknown | 1989 | Played 18 NHL seasons, winning Olympic gold in 2002 and Stanley Cup in 2006. |
| Jeremy Roenick | NHL Center | unknown | unknown | Attended one year before turning pro; NHL All-Star with over 500 goals across 20 seasons. |
| David Binn | NFL Long Snapper | unknown | 1994 | Longest-tenured player in San Diego Chargers history with 258 consecutive games. |
| Roman Phifer | NFL Linebacker | unknown | 1991 | Played 13 NFL seasons, including stints with the Los Angeles Rams and New York Jets. |
| Mike Ruth | NFL Defensive Tackle | unknown | 1987 | Outland Trophy winner and first-round NFL draft pick by the Philadelphia Eagles. |
| Will Blackmon | NFL Cornerback | unknown | 2006 | Played 10 NFL seasons with teams including the Green Bay Packers and Jacksonville Jaguars, winning Super Bowl XLV. |
| Rich Gannon | NFL Quarterback | Accounting | 1987 | Four-time Pro Bowler and 2002 NFL MVP who led the Oakland Raiders to Super Bowl XXXVII. |
| Marty Turco | NHL Goaltender | unknown | 1999 | Led NCAA in save percentage multiple times and enjoyed a 11-year NHL career with the Dallas Stars and others. |
| Mike Mamula | NFL Defensive End | Economics | 1995 | Pioneered the NFL Combine training approach, selected by the Philadelphia Eagles and known for his workout warrior status. |
| Dana Barros | NBA Guard | unknown | 1991 | Three-time NBA All-Star who played 14 seasons in the league, primarily with the Boston Celtics, and later became a broadcaster. |
| Johnny Gaudreau | NHL Forward | unknown | 2012 | Hobey Baker Award winner and NHL All-Star who played for the Calgary Flames and Columbus Blue Jackets, renowned for his skill and speed. |
| Troy Brown | NFL Wide Receiver | Criminal Justice | 1993 | Key contributor to three New England Patriots Super Bowl victories, known for versatility as a receiver, return specialist, and later wide receivers coach. |
| Matt Ryan | NFL Quarterback | Management | 2007 | 2016 NFL MVP and Super Bowl LI participant who set numerous passing records with the Atlanta Falcons before joining the Indianapolis Colts. |
| Doug Flutie | NFL Quarterback | Communication Studies | 1984 | 1984 Heisman Trophy winner famous for the 'Hail Flutie' Hail Mary pass against Miami, later starring in the NFL, CFL, and USFL. |
| Olivia Smoliga | Olympic Swimmer | Communication | 2017 | Gold medalist in 4x100m medley relay at 2016 Rio Olympics and multiple-time NCAA champion in backstroke. |
Boston College alumni have made significant impacts in U.S. politics, including roles in Congress, governorships, mayors' offices, and federal positions, shaping policy on labor, housing, energy, and public service; categories include U.S. leaders with no notable international or royalty/nobility figures.
| Name | Job Title | Discipline | Class Year | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Martin Walsh | U.S. Secretary of Labor; former Mayor of Boston | English | 1989 | Served as U.S. Secretary of Labor from 2021-2023 and Mayor of Boston from 2014-2021, championing workers' rights, housing affordability, and economic recovery. |
| Ray Jordan | Former Massachusetts State Representative | unknown | 1955 | Long-serving state representative committed to public service in Massachusetts politics. |
| Kevin J. Harrington | Former Massachusetts State Senator | unknown | 1962 | Served in the Massachusetts Senate, advocating for local government and community issues. |
| Chris Doherty | Former Mayor of Scranton, Pennsylvania | Communication | 1993 | Mayor from 2006-2014, focused on revitalizing Scranton's economy through development projects and fiscal management. |
| Paul Cellucci | Former Governor of Massachusetts | Law | 1973 | Governor from 1999-2001 and U.S. Ambassador to Canada, known for fiscal conservatism and education reforms. |
| Joseph P. Kennedy III | Former U.S. Representative (MA-4); U.S. Special Envoy to Northern Ireland | Political Science | 2003 | Served in Congress from 2013-2021 focusing on veterans and education, later appointed Special Envoy in 2022 advancing U.S.-Ireland relations. |
| Joseph P. Kennedy II | Former U.S. Representative (MA-8) | Government | 1976 | Represented Massachusetts's 8th district from 1987-1999, founded Citizens Energy to provide affordable fuel to low-income families. |
| Maura Healey | Governor of Massachusetts | Law | 1998 | First woman and openly lesbian governor of Massachusetts since 2023, previously Attorney General from 2015-2023 where she tackled corporate fraud and opioid epidemic. |
Boston College alumni have achieved remarkable financial success in business, finance, and related fields, demonstrating the impact of the university's rigorous programs in fostering entrepreneurial leaders and executives who drive economic growth and innovation across major industries.
| Name | Job Title | Discipline | Class Year | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Robert Unanue | Chairman and CEO of Goya Foods | Law | 1976 | Billionaire leader of the largest Hispanic-owned food company in the U.S., known for expanding Goya Foods into a multinational powerhouse. |
| Brian Moynihan | CEO of Bank of America | Law | 1983 | Influential banking executive steering one of the world's largest financial institutions through major economic shifts. |
| Scott Boras | Sports Agent | Economics | 1976 | Prominent MLB player agent representing top athletes and negotiating record-breaking contracts worth billions. |
Boston College, primarily known for its academic excellence and positive alumni achievements, has a limited number of individuals associated with criminal notoriety, often linked to organized crime in the Boston area.
| Name | Job Title | Discipline | Class Year | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| James 'Whitey' Bulger | Leader of the Winter Hill Gang | unknown | Infamous Irish-American mobster who headed the Winter Hill Gang in South Boston and acted as an FBI informant for over two decades before fleeing and being captured in 2011. |
