A Heartfelt Reunion Weekend at Tufts celebrating 13+ Years of the CJ Saraceno Internship Scholarship
- Jun 9
- 2 min read
Updated: 8 minutes ago
June 2026
The Tufts Film and Media Studies (FMS) community recently experienced an unforgettable and invigorating reunion event, bringing together a network of students, alumni, faculty, and supporters.
Gathering in Barnum LL26 for a special affinity event, attendees celebrated the care and dedication that have fueled the FMS CJ Saraceno Internship program for more than 13 years. What began in 2011 - when a dedicated crew of roommates cobbled together their post-graduation savings to kickstart the internship - has blossomed into a deeply connected community including scholarship founders Rosanna Xia (A11), Nancy Shrodes (A11), and William Warwo, CJ’s friends and family, and Tufts faculty and staff.
Celebrating Growth and Legacy
The event offered an opportunity to reflect on how far the FMS program has come and to share the profound impact of the CJ scholarship. Recent scholarship recipient Odessa Gaines (A25) was on-hand to speak about her 2025 summer internship at Bona Fide Productions in Los Angeles, the annual opportunity supported by Tufts alumni Albert Berger (A79) and Ron Yerxa. Her experience highlighted the enduring strength of the program, which complimented the short video presentation celebrating the program with excerpts from other past recipients. Returning alumni were thrilled to see FMS's physical growth on campus—prompting a lighthearted observation from a math-major alumnus who noticed the program's prominent new home in Barnum Hall and remarked, “Whoa, the film classes made it on to THE quad!”
The gathering was also a deeply meaningful time of remembrance. Several of CJ’s close friends, who have been critical to the inception and longevity of the program, were in attendance, along with FMS alum and Professor of the Practice Don Schechter (A01). The space allowed everyone to collectively acknowledge the program's impact, sharing both laughter and tears in memory of a dear friend who remains central to this community's heart.
Deep Gratitude for the FMS Community
Organizers Rosanna and Nancy expressed overwhelming gratitude for the love, time, energy, and brainpower that the community continues to dedicate to keeping this program thriving. Despite braving the rain (and a memorable meteor explosion!), the warmth in the room was undeniable. Special thanks go to FMS’s Malcolm Turvey for welcoming the crowd, and to Howard Woolf, whose thoughtful and touching toast moved many in the room to tears - with a additional gratitude toward Tufts' Hannah Clifford, Matt Scheck, Serenity Belo, and Sean Devendorf for continued support and their assistance in making the event happen.
Photos: Sarah Maggiacomo