John Ruggieri-Lam is already a professional, entering his 20th year as a principal dancer with the Boston Ballet. He is a filmmaker, choreographer, producer, actor, teacher, husband, and father who is juggling a demanding career while pursuing his Masters of Nonprofit Management degree at Northeastern. He is, in a word, amazing.
“We are all learners at heart,” John says. “Northeastern has sparked my love to lead and inspire others to succeed.” Northeastern’s CPS program and Boston Ballet partnership gives professional ballet dancers the opportunity to study for a degree while maintaining their rigorous dance schedules. “I continue to empower other dancers to take advantage and invest in their future through CPS, as dance is never a forever career,” John says. “I lead by example—at work and in my commitment in my studies.”
A major achievement for John has been committing himself fully to his academic journey. He formed a support group to help empower Boston Ballet students in the CPS program to be as successful as possible. His most significant achievement has been acceptance into graduate school. The “juggling act” to balance, work, school, and family is an ongoing accomplishment.
John, a first-generation Vietnamese-American who is also nominated for Huntington 100 recognition, embraces a diversity of cultures and identities. He has traveled the world with Boston Ballet, giving him the opportunity to engage with people of other cultures and learn their traditions. “This influence has led me to become more mindful and see our world through a wider, more inclusive, and more equitable lens.”
He believes that although ballet became part of his life early on, it took the right people and right programs to get him to where he is today. “Being a Husky allowed me to realize that it is possible to achieve a world-class education while fulfilling my dream to dance with a world-renowned ballet company.”
As a result of his professional career, John has been featured in many magazines and on television, and has received numerous awards such as the Princess Grace Award in recognition of young and emerging talent, and Best Dance Performance-Pentacle for his performance in Balanchine Prodigal Son. He is on the dance faculty of Harvard and has also taught in Honolulu, Providence, and San Diego.
Dean of the College of Professional Studies Radhika Seshan says, “John epitomizes the very best of Northeastern University, embodying strength, resilience, energy, professionalism, commitment and a sense of fun. John’s impact extends beyond the workplace, as he inspires and uplifts the communities he touches, serving as a role model and source of motivation for others to emulate.”
John epitomizes the very best of Northeastern University, embodying strength, resilience, energy, professionalism, commitment and a sense of fun. John’s impact extends beyond the workplace, as he inspires and uplifts the communities he touches, serving as a role model and source of motivation for others to emulate.”
Radhika Seshan, Dean of the College of Professional Studies