Chatting with President’s Cup Recipient Michael Keiran Leary ’25

Michael Keiran Leary ’25 received this year’s President’s Cup at Stonehill College’s Student Life Awards, held in the Sally Blair Ames Sports Complex on Sunday, April 27. This award is given to a graduating senior who displays a deep dedication to intellectual excellence and service.

A marketing major and data analytics minor from Newton, Massachusetts, Leary has been heavily involved at Stonehill since transferring to the institution during the second semester of his first year of college. His resume includes his service as an ambassador for the Office of Undergraduate Admission and the Career Development team. Additionally, Leary is president of both the club baseball team and Stonehill’s Distributed Education Clubs of America (DECA) chapter, as well as vice president of Student Alumni Association, ceremony chair for the Beta Gamma Sigma honor society, and member of the Lambda Epsilon Sigma honor society.

“Being named this year’s President’s Cup recipient is such an honor,” Leary said. “I’ve put in a lot of time to enhance the student organizations I’m involved with, so receiving this recognition means the world to me.”

While preparing to receive his diploma at Commencement on Sunday, May 18, Leary recently sat down with us for an interview about his college experience. Read on to learn what he had to say about his time at Stonehill. 

Why did you choose Stonehill?

I transferred here because I wanted to go to a school where I could really build connections with professors and classmates. And I could tell that the community here would help me become the best version of myself. 

How has your time at Stonehill helped you grow as a person?

I would say my time here has helped me grow in every possible way—professionally, academically, socially. I can say I am a happier and more confident person. Stonehill has been a huge part of that.

I also think I’ve figured out how to use my potential to fuel my vision. For example, when I took over as president of DECA, the chapter was already reputable on campus, but I knew I wanted to help it grow even more because of all that the club has done for me. This year, our chapter was ranked among the top 10 internationally. We were also recognized as Student Government Association’s Organization of the Year. It’s been great to be part of that evolution.  

Who are the people who have had the greatest impact on you at Stonehill?

The professors here are amazing. I’ve built so many amazing connections with faculty, particularly in the Meehan School of Business. They care so much about my professional development. Professor Michael Salé and Renee Bernier from the Career Development team have been such great role models. I’ve had Professor Salé for multiple classes and I’ve really enjoyed working with him and Renee through DECA. 

On the flipside, what impact do you think you’ve had on others at Stonehill?

As a peer mentor, I hope that I’ve been able to help students realize what Stonehill has to offer and enable them to realize their own potential. 

At Stonehill, we talk a lot about the concept of “leading with heart.” What does that idea mean to you?

That’s a concept I try to live by every day. I’ve always been a passionate person. I try to give things my all. Sometimes, people ask me how I juggle my participation in extracurricular activities with going to class and having a social life. It comes down to heart and the passion I have for the things I’m doing. 

What are your plans after graduation?

I’ll be working at TJX Companies as a planning and allocation analyst. I interned with TJX for two summers, and I lined up a job with them before my senior year even started. I’ve had nothing but amazing experiences there, and I really feel like Stonehill has prepared me to thrive in that career. 

Any closing thoughts?

I just want to thank everyone who helped me on my journey. I wouldn’t have been able to accomplish what I have at Stonehill if it wasn’t for the people surrounding me, including my friends, my family, my advisors, and my fellow student organization executive board members. There are so many people on this campus who believe in me. I’m grateful for them.