Thank You for Joining Us
The 2026 Annual Celebration was filled with joy, inspiration, and a deep sense of community. Thanks to the generosity of our donors, we raised $234,000—supporting the journey and celebrating the stories of Scholars. We are grateful for all who continue to show up for Wily.
The Wily Network Annual Celebration
Support the Journey. Celebrate the Stories.
Moments from Wily’s Annual Celebration.
The Wily Network
Annual Celebration
Thursday October 29, 2026
Support the Journey. Celebrate the Stories.
Featuring an inspiring conversation with Wily Alums.
Success is rarely achieved alone. Join us as we celebrate the power of community in the lives of local students navigating college on their own.
Featuring an inspiring conversation with Wily Alums.
Leadership Reception
Reception
Dinner and Program
Dessert Reception
Success is rarely achieved alone. Join us as we
celebrate the power of community in the lives of
local students navigating college on their own—featuring an inspiring conversation with Wily Alums.
Event Parking
Soldiers Field Parking Garage
Parking for Wily’s event is in the Soldiers Field Parking Garage (accessible via Kresge Way) located at 111 Western Ave, Boston, MA 02163. Pay by credit card at the attended station inside the garage and anytime using the ZipBy App.
Driving Directions to Soldiers Field Parking Garage
- Turn onto Kresge Way at 111 Western Avenue
- Do not stop at the security booth on the left
- Stay in the far right lane and follow the Event Parking signs (the overhead sign will read “Parking Permit Required”)
- Go straight up the ramp inside the garage
- Turn to the right and get your ticket from the parking attendant
If you will be using ZipBy, we recommend downloading the app and setting up your payment information ahead of time to make arrival as smooth as possible! Avoid surface lots and permit-restricted areas that may result in ticketing or towing.
Hosted by Dr. Laura De Veau
Laura De Veau, (she/her) is an Assistant Professor of the Practice in the Education Leadership and Higher Education department of the Lynch School of Education and Human Development at Boston College. Dr. De Veau brings over 30 years of experience within the Student Affairs Administration profession to the classroom. With extensive expertise in the functional areas of Residence Life, Student Conduct, Student Engagement & Leadership, Intercollegiate Athletics, and the like, Dr. De Veau’s campus experience includes this broad range of institutions: Boston University, Indiana University of Pennsylvania (IUP), Babson College, Endicott College and Mount Ida College, where she served as Vice President for Student Affairs.
A Conversation with Wily Alumni: Meet the Panelists
It is one thing to read about what we do, but it is entirely different to listen to the stories and experiences firsthand from Scholars. In a conversation moderated by Bonnie Yezukevich, Director of Scholar Engagement, Wily alums put into words what is made possible by the power of community.
Introducing Asstou M. Bance
Pronouns: She/Her
School: UMass Boston, Class of 2024
Major: B.S Information Technology
Job: Security Specialist
Location: Boston, MA
“My favorite Wily memory is my first Community Day. I was still new to Wily and still learning to accept help without feeling guilty and/or as if I am a burden. I remember my first Community Day—I met some Scholars with similar hardships and listened to a few alums share their stories and their experience at Wily. I remember in that moment the heaviness of feeling like a burden dropped. I don’t know how to fully express that feeling through words, but at that moment I truly knew I wasn’t alone.”
Introducing Janice Perez-Gomez
Pronouns: She/Her
School: Suffolk University, Class of 2025
Major: BSBA in International Business & Finance
Job: Alternative Investment Solutions and International Fund Services at State Street Global Services
Location: Quincy, MA
“One of my favorite Wily memories is the sense of community and the opportunity to connect with people from different backgrounds while growing personally and professionally. I especially enjoyed the experiences that brought people together, created lasting friendships, and encouraged me to step outside of my comfort zone.”
Introducing Miguel Chacon
Pronouns: He/Him
School: MIT, Class of 2025
Major: Computer Science and Engineering
Job: Software Engineer at DoorDash
Location: New York, NY
“My favorite Wily memory is the 2025 grad celebration*. I don’t normally, or at least I didn’t used to, celebrate stuff, but that was the time it clicked in my head that I had achieved something pretty big despite many barriers that most students don’t face and I should be proud of that.”
*[Wily gathers all graduating Scholars for a celebratory dinner each spring, which includes a featured speaker and a Wily Alum sharing wisdom and encouragement.]
Co-Hosts and Sponsors
Community Champions
Katie and Don Bramley
Hilary and Langley Steinert
Journey Partners
Cindy and Seth Lawry
Pam and Andy Martin
Amy Schectman
and Mitchell Rosenberg
Story Builders
AIS
Deloitte
Eric Enge and Beth Dill
Erin and Mark Epker
Judi Alperin King
and Tim King
Mary Beth and Eric Lisman
Cara and Arthur Maxwell
Sara Miller Blanc
and Jonathan Blanc
Andrea and Dick Patton
Jennifer and Michael
Skoler
Nancy Solomon
Scott and Ursula Steele
Irene and Chris Todd
Circle Builders
Commonwealth Cares
Renee and Steven Finn
Packmates
Danyel and Stuart Ablon
Stephen G. Barber
Donna Bonaparte
Abby and Kenn Elmore
Lauren and Mark Faga
Solomon Rosenberg
and Aliza Berger
Kris Schaefer and Lisa
Chapnick
Sean and Jayme Wilder
Event Committee
Danyel Barnard Ablon, Co-chair
Mary Beth Lisman, Co-chair
Joy Denomme
Marianne Folino
Terrie Hallal
Cara Maxwell
Amy Mueller
Hilary Steinert
Irene Todd
The 2026 Event Committee at Wily’s Annual Celebration.
Purchase Your Tickets Below!
COMMUNITY CHAMPION | $15,000
Actively driving a growing movement that recognizes the importance of community as a vital component of student success.
16 event tickets (2 reserved tables)
Invitation to the pre-event reception
Premier recognition during the event
Prominent recognition in event materials and on the event website
JOURNEY PARTNER | $10,000
Supporting the relationships, resources, and opportunities that help Scholars persist, graduate, and thrive.
10 event tickets (1 reserved table)
Invitation to the pre-event reception
Recognition during the event
Recognition in event materials and on the event website
STORY BUILDER | $5,000
Investing in the journeys that become stories of resilience, achievement, and possibility.
8 Event Tickets (1 reserved table)
Recognition during the event
Recognition in event materials and on the event website
CIRCLE BUILDER | $2,500
Expanding the community that stands beside Scholars throughout their college journeys.
6 event tickets
Recognition in event materials and on the event website
PACKMATE | $1,000
Joining a community committed to ensuring that every student has a trusted adult they can rely on.
4 event tickets
Recognition in event materials and on the event website
*All co-hosts will be listed online and in the event program.
Co-Host gifts may be dedicated as a tribute.
