Ambassador Program Feature 2026
While the majority of students at Boston College are recovering from their weekend plans on Sunday at noon, Olaf Minnich (CSOM ‘27, Finance & Business Analytics) can be found clocking in for his shift at the McMullen Museum of Art. On his walk over, Olaf listens to Lake Effect (Darryl Rahn) and Tooth and Claw (Animals as Leaders). A friendly face at the front desk, Olaf spends his Sunday shift working on tasks for the Digital Humanities and Marketing committees, both of which support essential museum functions at the McMullen.
The atmosphere at the museum, especially on Sundays, varies. Yet, that is what Olaf expresses he likes most about the McMullen: “The atmosphere. Whether it be a rainy or sunny day, the McMullen provides a peaceful escape. At the McMullen, you find yourself surrounded by stories told through beautiful pieces of art, through the architecture, my coworkers, and through the visitors. The Museum is global; people have visited from all over the world, and are able to find themselves represented there.”
Emily Barnabas (MCAS ‘26, Neuroscience & Medical Humanities) usually arrives a few minutes after Olaf for her noon shift. The soundtrack to her Sunday morning includes Reputation (Ravyn Lenae and Dominic Fike) and Have Fun! (CMAT).
With a tote bag filled to the brim (usually of homework, snacks, and a Celsius for dance practice later), she sits in the third-floor conference space to prepare for her weekly Publications committee meeting. As a co-lead of Publications, Emily collaborates on the coordination and editing efforts for The Terrace, the museum’s student-run online publication (yes, this very site). Managing digital media content spanning from museum events (In Case You Missed It), community art, style, and controversial works (Problematic Visual Culture), Emily remarks on the exposure to a breadth of opportunity at the McMullen: “My favorite part about working at the McMullen is how you can truly make the experience your own! Whether it is marveling at renowned works by Picasso or Rivera in the permanent collection, spending an evening at Art After Dark, or soaking up the sun on the terrace, the McMullen is the perfect third space at Boston College. The McMullen is more than a campus art museum: it is a place of community connection where creativity, diversity, and culture is celebrated!”
Right before the first docent tour starts, Shania Pinkney (MCAS ‘27, International Studies & Marketing) can be seen walking through the front doors with her headphones on, probably listening to Bleed (Malcom Todd & Omar Apollo) or Stateside (Pink Pantheress).
Shania, one of the leads of the Marketing committee, collaborates with other student ambassadors to create promotional materials as well as content for the museum’s social media platforms. From highlighting museum events to engaging in outreach to those in the greater Boston area and beyond, the community at the McMullen is one of Shania’s favorite aspects about the museum: “Everyone, from the staff to the security guards, is incredibly kind and welcoming, which makes every shift really enjoyable. I enjoy interacting with visitors and getting the chance to share information about our new exhibits. After visitors finish viewing the exhibits and return to the front desk, I enjoy hearing about their favorite pieces and the perspectives they share on the art.”
You, too, could be spending your Sundays (or any other day of the week!) at the McMullen Museum of Art as part of the Student Ambassador Program. Applications to become a paid 2026–2027 McMullen Student Ambassador are now open through Monday, April 20, 2026. Please follow the link below to complete an application. All majors are encouraged to apply. Applicants must be undergraduate students enrolled at Boston College in fall 2026. Please direct any questions to Rachel Chamberlain (rachel.chamberlain@bc.edu).
