I met Larry in the spring of 2003. As with so many others, Larry made a major impact on me, and changed the course of my life. We met at an Emerson College trustees meeting. As student government president, I’d been asked to attend and to give a speech. I was the only student at the meeting, surrounded by an impressive set of heavy hitters. Larry was warm, friendly, and very intentional about helping me feel both welcomed and included.

After we met, Larry reached out and asked what I wanted to do in my professional life after graduating. Nobody had asked me that before. I did not have an answer. He asked me what I was most passionate about. The Boston Red Sox, I said. A conversation on baseball and politics followed. I was working two gig jobs at the time, and a few days later, he arranged my first ‘professional’ job interview. It was at Fenway Park with the Boson Red Sox.

I didn’t own a suit, so he told me where to get one. I didn’t know what to say, so he prepped me. That interview coordinated by Larry would jumpstart my career in sports marketing, which later transitioned to politics, during which he was similarly helpful. Years later, after founding my own agency, I had a chance to tell Larry directly what an incredible difference he’d made in my life – something he did with no agenda other than helpfulness, mentorship, and a commitment to the Emerson community.

I am very thankful for the opportunity to share this one ripple among the many. It is a small ripple compared to the waves of good that Larry created in our city and beyond, but it made a world of difference for me and for my family. My sincerest condolences go out to Will, to Larry’s entire family, and to all those mourning the loss of a remarkable man who helped and meant so much to so many.