On Thursday, April 11, 2024, Metropolitan College held its 13th Annual City of Boston Scholar Recognition Event at the city’s historic Parkman House. Metropolitan College Dean Tanya Zlateva welcomed the 25 students being recognized, followed by a keynote and congratulations by Boston Mayor Michelle Wu.
BU’s City of Boston scholarship program empowers metropolitan employees to take graduate courses towards a degree or certificate in an area of study related to their work. Balancing commitments can pose a steep challenge, but it is one that City of Boston scholars embrace.
Mayor Michelle Wu thanked the city employee students in attendance for the examples they set with both their professionalism and their academic achievement. “You all juggle so much,” Mayor Wu said. “Whether you’re in public works or at the public library, emergency services or Age Strong, housing or human services, the work that you do keeps our city going.”
“Pursuing advanced education while managing a full-time job in municipal government is no easy feat,” said Alex Lawrence, who as Boston’s first-ever chief people officer is tasked with guiding the city’s workforce to evolve to meet modern demands. Addressing the students in attendance, she added, “I’m so inspired by your resilience and determination and most importantly your commitment to your personal growth and civic duty.”
Ana Calderone, who works within the Boston City Council and is graduating this May with a Master of Urban Affairs, drew a line between her studies and the impact she can make daily as a civil servant.
“Receiving this scholarship has allowed me to delve deeper into crucial community issues that directly impact residents,” she said. “Through studying topics such as transportation, affordable housing, and land use regulations, I have gained valuable insights and tools to contribute to meaningful change in the city and beyond.”
As Alex Lawrence put it, the accomplishments of these students serve a greater good.
“Together, we’re not just building careers—we’re forging a stronger Boston,” Lawrence said.