Boston University (BU), a private research university located in the heart of Boston, Massachusetts, boasts an impressive roster of notable alumni from Boston University who have left indelible marks on global stages. These famous graduates of Boston University exemplify the institution's commitment to fostering innovation, leadership, and excellence across diverse fields, making BU a compelling choice for students, faculty, parents, and job seekers eyeing opportunities in higher education.
In entertainment, BU shines brightly with Academy Award winners like Geena Davis (BA in communications, 1979), known for her roles in The Accidental Tourist and Thelma & Louise, and Julianne Moore (BA in theater, 1983), celebrated for films such as Still Alice. These Boston University celebrities highlight the strength of BU's College of Communication and School of Theatre, contributing to over 100 Oscar nominations from film alumni. For a deeper dive, explore the entertainment figures list.
In science, Nobel laureate Sheldon Glashow (PhD in physics, 1959) revolutionized particle physics with his electroweak theory, earning the 1979 Nobel Prize. This underscores BU's research prowess, with alumni driving breakthroughs that influence policy and industry worldwide.
Politics features former Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick (JD, 1982), who broke barriers as the state's first Black governor and later ran for president. Sports icons include Mike Eruzione (BA, 1977), captain of the 1980 'Miracle on Ice' U.S. hockey team. Business leaders like Robert Kraft (JD, 1966), owner of the New England Patriots, showcase BU's impact on sports management and entrepreneurship, with alumni founding Fortune 500 companies.
With over 360,000 alumni worldwide, BU's network amplifies career prospects, particularly in Boston's thriving ecosystem of tech, finance, and media. This legacy inspires current students—check Rate My Professor for BU faculty insights—and job seekers via higher ed jobs or academic jobs in Boston. The implications are profound: BU graduates not only achieve personal success but also shape society, from policy reforms to cultural narratives. Learn more from BU's Alumni Association or the detailed list of notable alumni. For career advice, visit higher ed career advice.
Boston University (BU) boasts an impressive array of notable alumni who have made waves across entertainment, sports, politics, business, and science. From Oscar-winning actors captivating global audiences to political trailblazers shaping policy and sports heroes etching Olympic history, BU's famous graduates inspire current students and job seekers eyeing higher ed opportunities. Discover entertaining highlights of top talents in key categories, proving the Terrier network's powerhouse impact. For full lists, check the entertainment figures, sports figures, politics, millionaires and billionaires, or Nobel laureates sections.
BU's silver screen stars dominate Hollywood with grit and glamour, turning Charles River views into blockbuster dreams. These alumni blend acting prowess with activism, racking up Oscars and Emmys while advocating for change.
BU athletes turned pro legends, delivering miracle moments and NBA slams that echo through arenas worldwide.
BU grads lead with vision, from governorships to congressional fights, tackling civil rights and policy head-on.
From hedge fund empires to retail revolutions, BU moguls build fortunes with Terrier tenacity.
BU scholars unlock scientific frontiers, earning ultimate accolades.
These stars highlight why BU draws global talent—check BU's official notable alumni page for more. Aspiring Terriers, rate BU faculty on Rate My Professor and snag higher ed jobs in Boston. Career advice awaits!
Boston University notable alumni have left an indelible mark across entertainment, journalism, and public life, turning their Terrier experiences into launchpads for stardom and influence. Imagine honing your craft in BU's College of Fine Arts (CFA), surrounded by Boston's vibrant arts scene, much like Oscar-winning actress Julianne Moore did when she earned her BFA in theater in 1983. Moore, famous for breakout roles in Boogie Nights and four Academy Award nominations (one win for Still Alice), often credits BU's rigorous training for her chameleon-like versatility on screen. Fun fact: she was discovered during an off-Broadway play while still a student, proving BU grads seize opportunities early.
Similarly, Geena Davis, another CFA alum with a BA in drama (1979), skyrocketed to fame with The Accidental Tourist, snagging a Best Supporting Actress Oscar in 1989. As a trailblazer, she founded the Geena Davis Institute on Gender in Media to boost female representation in film—a cause BU students can champion today through campus advocacy groups. Ginnifer Goodwin, BA in theater (2001), charmed audiences in HBO's Big Love and Disney's Once Upon a Time, embodying the entrepreneurial spirit BU fosters. These famous graduates of Boston University showcase how the university's hands-on programs spark breakthroughs.
Beyond Hollywood, broadcast journalism icon Christiane Amanpour (BA 1983) transformed global reporting at CNN, earning multiple Emmys for fearless coverage from war zones. Her BU School of Communication roots equipped her with storytelling skills vital for today's media landscape. For aspiring Terriers, explore Rate My Professor reviews of BU's media faculty to find mentors who nurture such talents. Check out BU's official alumni highlights at BU Notable Alumni for more inspiration.
These stories entertain while highlighting BU's role in producing influential leaders. Whether eyeing acting, journalism, or entertainment figures, BU alumni prove the value of its global network. Job seekers, leverage this legacy in higher ed jobs or media roles—many grads thrive there. Parents and students in Boston academic jobs will appreciate how BU's achievements draw top talent worldwide. Dive deeper via career advice on academic CVs to follow their path.
Discovering Boston University notable alumni can ignite your own ambitions, whether you're a student eyeing fame, a job seeker aiming for leadership, or faculty mentoring the next generation. Boston University (BU), located in vibrant Boston, Massachusetts, boasts a legacy of trailblazers whose achievements span entertainment, politics, science, and more. These star ratings evaluate alumni impact based on global recognition, innovation, and societal contributions from trusted sources like BU's official records and US News rankings. Each category includes real examples of famous graduates of Boston University, plus actionable advice to channel their success into your path. Explore further in detailed lists like entertainment figures, Nobel laureates, or politics.
These ratings reflect BU's diverse triumphs, motivating you amid rivalries like with Harvard. Parents, note BU's global appeal for career launches. Job seekers, BU alumni networks boost faculty positions. Aim high—your Terrier spirit could join these ranks! 💡
Boston University boasts a rich legacy in entertainment, with alumni excelling as actors, musicians, composers, gamers, and chess masters who have shaped Hollywood, Broadway, music scenes, and competitive arenas. These figures highlight BU's strong College of Fine Arts programs and their global cultural influence through acclaimed performances and innovations.
| Name | Job Title | Discipline | Class Year | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Geena Davis | Actress | Fine Arts | unknown | Oscar winner for The Accidental Tourist and star of Thelma & Louise; attended Boston University College of Fine Arts. |
| Julianne Moore | Actress | Theatre | 1983 | Academy Award-winning actress renowned for roles in Still Alice, The Hours, and Boogie Nights. |
| Reed Birney | Actor | Theatre | unknown | Tony Award winner for The People in the Trees. |
| Michaela Watkins | Actress | unknown | Comedic actress in Saturday Night Live, Casual, and Glow. | |
| Michelle Hurd | Actress | unknown | Appears in Blindspot, Star Trek: Picard, and Law & Order: SVU. | |
| Russell Hornsby | Actor | unknown | Featured in The Hate U Give, Mike, and Fences. | |
| Kim Raver | Actress | unknown | Known for roles in Grey's Anatomy and 24. | |
| Hong Chau | Actress | unknown | Academy Award nominee for The Whale and star of The Night Agent. | |
| Emily Deschanel | Actress | Film | unknown | Lead in the long-running series Bones. |
| Alfre Woodard | Actress | unknown | Emmy and Golden Globe-winning actress in films like Cross Creek and TV's Desperate Housewives. | |
| Michael Chiklis | Actor | Communications | 1985 | Emmy Award winner for The Shield and Fantastic Four films. |
| Jason Alexander | Actor | Theatre | unknown | Beloved for playing George Costanza on Seinfeld. |
| Olympia Dukakis | Actress | unknown | Academy Award winner for her role in Moonstruck. | |
| Leonard Nimoy | Actor | unknown | Iconic portrayer of Spock in the Star Trek franchise. | |
| Faye Dunaway | Actress | unknown | Two-time Academy Award winner for Bonnie and Clyde and Network. | |
| Marisa Tomei | Actress | Theatre | unknown | Academy Award winner for My Cousin Vinny and prominent in Spider-Man films. |
Boston University alumni have made significant marks in professional sports, particularly in athletics like hockey, basketball, baseball, and swimming; these athletes exemplify the Terrier spirit through Olympic medals, NHL Stanley Cups, and NBA All-Star appearances, inspiring current students with their dedication and achievements.
| Name | Job Title | Discipline | Class Year | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ulf Samuelsson | NHL Defenseman | unknown | Stanley Cup winner with Pittsburgh in 1991, known for physical play during BU career. | |
| Travis Roy | Inspirational Hockey Figure | unknown | BU hockey player paralyzed 11 seconds into his college debut, became advocate for spinal cord injury research. | |
| Bobby Orr | NHL Hall of Fame Defenseman | unknown | Legendary hockey player who attended BU briefly, revolutionized the position with eight consecutive Norris Trophies and two Stanley Cups with the Bruins. | |
| Matt Gilroy | NHL Defenseman | 2009 | Winner of the Hobey Baker Award as top US college hockey player in 2009 while at BU. | |
| Angela Ruggiero | Olympic Hockey Player | 2004 | Four-time Olympian and gold medalist in 2002, first woman to play men's pro hockey in North America. | |
| Nick Bonino | NHL Forward | unknown | Stanley Cup winner with Pittsburgh in 2016 and 2017, played three seasons for BU Terriers. | |
| Jack Eichel | NHL Center | unknown | Former BU standout who became the second overall pick in the 2015 NHL Draft and now plays for the Vegas Golden Knights. | |
| David Krejci | NHL Center | unknown | Three-time Stanley Cup champion with the Boston Bruins, attended BU before turning pro. | |
| Charlie McAvoy | NHL Defenseman | unknown | Boston Bruins defenseman who won gold at the 2017 World Championships after two standout seasons with BU hockey. | |
| Olivia Smoliga | Olympic Swimmer | Health Science | 2017 | Gold medalist in the 4x100m medley relay at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics and multiple-time world champion in backstroke events. |
| Lou Merloni | MLB Player and Analyst | Psychology | 1993 | Played seven MLB seasons for teams including the Red Sox and Athletics before becoming a sports radio host and analyst. |
| Vin Baker | NBA All-Star Player | Communications | 1993 | Four-time NBA All-Star who played 13 seasons in the league with teams like the Bucks and SuperSonics, earning All-NBA Second Team honors in 1998. |
Boston University alumni have made significant contributions to politics, particularly in U.S. governance through roles in Congress, governorships, and federal leadership, alongside select international figures; their achievements highlight impacts on national policy, economic regulation, and state administration without regard to royalty or nobility.
| Name | Job Title | Discipline | Class Year | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Michael Dukakis | Governor of Massachusetts | Law | 1960 | Served two terms as Governor of Massachusetts from 1983 to 1991 and was the Democratic presidential nominee in 1988. |
| Barney Frank | U.S. Representative | Law | 1973 | Represented Massachusetts's 4th district in the U.S. House of Representatives from 1981 to 2013 and chaired the Financial Services Committee during the 2008 financial crisis. |
| Chris Murphy | U.S. Senator | Law | 2002 | Serves as the junior U.S. Senator from Connecticut since 2013, focusing on gun violence prevention and mental health policy. |
| Paul Cellucci | Governor of Massachusetts | Government | 1970 | Served as Governor of Massachusetts from 1999 to 2001 and later as U.S. Ambassador to Canada under President George W. Bush. |
Boston University alumni have made significant impacts across various fields, though a small number have gained notoriety through involvement in organized crime and related activities. This list features verified individuals linked to the university who became known for criminal enterprises, drawing from reliable sources like the university's notable people compilations.
| Name | Job Title | Discipline | Class Year | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| James 'Whitey' Bulger | Crime boss | business administration | 1950s (did not graduate) | Leader of the Winter Hill Gang in South Boston, longtime FBI informant who evaded capture for 16 years while on the FBI's Ten Most Wanted Fugitives list, captured in 2011 and sentenced to multiple life terms. |
Boston University boasts several Nobel Laureates among its alumni and faculty, recognized for transformative contributions in fields like peace and physics that continue to influence global society and scientific advancement. These laureates highlight BU's legacy of fostering groundbreaking research and humanitarian leadership.
| Name | Job Title | Discipline | Class Year | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Martin Luther King Jr. | Civil Rights Leader | Systematic Theology | PhD 1955 | Awarded the 1964 Nobel Peace Prize for his nonviolent resistance to racial injustice and leadership in the civil rights movement. |
| Elie Wiesel | Professor Emeritus of Humanities | Humanities | Faculty | Received the 1986 Nobel Peace Prize for serving as a messenger to humanity on the Holocaust and advancing human rights globally. |
| Daniel Tsui | Research Professor of Electrical & Computer Engineering | Physics | Faculty (2011-2013) | Shared the 1998 Nobel Prize in Physics for the discovery of a new form of quantum fluid with fractionally charged excitations. |
