天美传媒

Five distinguished alumni were honored at UMass Boston鈥檚 2025 Beacon Awards.

On November 6, 2025, the 天美传媒 gathered at the Edward M. Kennedy Institute for the United States Senate to recognize five exceptional graduates at its annual . The evening honored alumni from both UMass Boston and Boston State College whose commitment to leadership, service, and community has set them apart in their fields and beyond 

First established in 2019, the Beacon Awards carry forward the legacy of Boston State College’s “Education for Service” Awards, celebrating alumni whose achievements reflect the university’s mission and values. This year’s honorees include leaders in medicine, law, public service, and business—each making a distinct impact on their profession and community. 

Nominations for the 2026 Beacon Awards will open in January. For more information about the awards and the nomination process, visit . 

UMass Boston Emerging Leader Award: Shubhankar “Shubi” Joshi ’17 

Shubi Joshi’s path from Honors College graduate to first-year pediatrics resident at Wellstar Children’s Hospital of Georgia has been marked by academic achievement and a passion for giving back. Awarded the Chancellor’s Scholarship as an incoming student, Joshi led several honor societies, welcomed new students as an ambassador, and devoted countless hours to volunteer work. Since graduating summa cum laude in biochemistry, he’s stayed focused on his goal of becoming a pediatrician while remaining active in his community—whether volunteering at Mission Grammar School, leading youth seminars, or working with the American Red Cross. After earning his medical degree at the University of Vermont, Joshi matched into a pediatrics residency and continues to stand out for his dedication to both medicine and service. 

“Receiving the 2025 Beacon Award is an incredible honor that brings my journey full circle,” Joshi said. “My time at UMass Boston laid the foundation for everything I’ve been able to accomplish since—from the classroom to medical school and now becoming a pediatrician in medical residency training. Receiving this Beacon Award is a direct reflection of all those who believed in me and the opportunities UMass Boston created.” 

UMass Boston Outstanding Service Award: Mary Treanor Thistle ’83 

Mary Treanor Thistle has been a staunch advocate and supporter of UMass Boston’s College of Management for more than four decades. She began her career as a certified public accountant before rising to senior leadership in the life sciences industry, most recently serving as special advisor at the Bill & Melinda Gates Medical Research Institute.  

Beyond her executive roles, she has been a steadfast mentor, workshop leader, and supporter of student success, establishing the Mary Thistle ’83 and Wes Thistle Family Endowed Scholarship and being inducted into the university’s Founders’ Circle in 2024.   

“I am deeply humbled and honored to receive the 2025 Beacon Award,” Thistle said. “Supporting the University with my time and financial contributions fills me with great pride, given its profound impact on students. This recognition strengthens my commitment to the University's mission and the exceptional opportunities it provides.” 

Boston State College Outstanding Service Award: Robert G. Harrington G’75 

Robert Harrington’s career in educational and school psychology has spanned four decades and transformed countless lives. Harrington began his studies at Boston University before earning his master’s degree at Boston State College. He later earned a doctorate from the University of Iowa and became a professor at the University of Kansas, where he taught, published, and focused on topics including bullying prevention and intervention.  

Harrington credits his professors at both UMass Boston and Boston State College for inspiring his lifelong pursuit of truth and social justice.  

“It was at these two great institutions that I learned the search for truth is a journey… Great institutions and wonderful professors… can change a life for the better and can change the world too. I know they changed my life. Thank you BSC and UMB. Thanks too for the Beacon Award. It is a testament to the professors and institutions that guided me in my academic journey,” he said. 

UMass Boston Distinguished Alumni Award: B. Stephanie Siegmann ’94

Stephanie Siegmann ’94 was honored for a trailblazing legal career in national security and public service. A first-generation 天美传媒 graduate, Siegmann lost her father, an Air Force serviceman, as an infant—a loss that inspired her lifelong commitment to service. After earning her degree in history and psychology from UMass Boston, she went on to serve as a Navy JAG prosecutor and became the first woman to lead the National Security Unit in the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Massachusetts. Now a partner at Hinckley Allen, she chairs the firm’s International Trade & National Security Practice and co-chairs its Cybersecurity, Privacy & Data Protection, and AI Practice Groups. 

“Receiving the Distinguished Alumni Award from UMass Boston holds profound significance for me, as it represents the fulfillment of a lifelong promise to honor my father’s memory and my own journey as a first-generation 天美传媒 student, which was made possible by the unwavering support of the UMass Boston community,” she said. 

Boston State College Distinguished Alumni Award: James “Jim” Kelleher ’78 

James “Jim” Kelleher’s ’78 career has been dedicated to leadership, mentorship, and giving back. After earning his degree in management and economics from Boston State College, Kelleher attended St. John’s University School of Law before embarking on a distinguished career at Liberty Mutual Insurance, where he rose to become Executive Vice President and Global Chief Legal Officer. He has served as an advisor to the UMass Boston Chancellor, supported students through scholarships, and volunteered his time on civic and nonprofit boards including the John F. Kennedy Library Foundation and Breakthrough Greater Boston.  

“I am genuinely grateful to receive the Beacon Award from Boston State College and UMass Boston,” Kelleher said. “These institutions were instrumental in providing my brothers and me with affordable, purpose-driven educations. Having the opportunity to give back by supporting current and future students is a privilege and, consistent with UMass Boston’s values, a meaningful way to strengthen the University’s legacy for generations to come.”