Dec. 20, 2011

Boston University's Athletic Department spread holiday cheer through their 15th Annual Holiday Reading Program, which brought Boston University student-athletes into Boston Public Schools to read to school children. In conjunction with BU's Government and Community Affairs Department, the athletes read to elementary school children and then presented each student with a book purchased by Boston University. Elementary students were also be presented with BU Athletics posters and vouchers for tickets to BU athletics events.

The event, held this year on Dec. 9, 13, 14 and 15, took place at schools in Allston/Brighton, Chinatown, South End and Roxbury. Over 250 Terrier varsity and club student-athletes participated in the program and interacted with more than 1,000 youngsters whose schools neighbor the university's Charles River and Medical campuses.

"The BU student athlete holiday reading program brings over 300 of our BU best and brightest out to the community in the role of mentor and role model", said Joe Walsh, Director of Community Relations at BU. "It is my hope that the program inspires all of the Boston school children to emulate the wonderful success and caring for others that the BU student athletes demonstrate."

In addition to each student receiving a book, each classroom was also given a book donated by BU for the teacher's permanent collection. In all, student-athletes from all of Boston University's 23 teams participated this year along with BU's mascot Rhett.