I Was in the 1988 ‘Girls of B.U.’ Calendar with Carolyn Bessette and She Was Cooler Than All of Us Combined (Exclusive)

Boston University alumni reflect on their college years with the late Carolyn Bessette Kennedy, who became a fashion icon and the wife of John F. Kennedy Jr., in a nostalgic look back at the 1988 “Girls of B.U.” calendar. Among those reminiscing is Dawn Klavon, whose daughter recently began binge-watching a documentary series about the high-profile couple. Klavon, surprised that her daughter hadn’t known of her connection to Bessette, dug into her attic and found mementoes of their shared university days.

Klavan recalled her time at Boston University in the same era as Bessette, highlighting that the pair were featured together in both a poster and a calendar produced by students from the university. At the time, Bessette was already garnering attention for her striking beauty, even without the benefit of social media that would later explode with their lives and love stories.

The “Girls of B.U.” calendar was largely a fun student-led endeavour. Conceptualised by Matt Muzio, a business student at the time, the project was more about camaraderie than financial gain. Muzio and his roommate, Steve Clark, invested their savings into making the calendar a reality, chasing down students like Bessette on Commonwealth Avenue to invite them to take part. Muzio fondly remembers their brief friendships that emerged during this project, showcasing the youthful spirit and carefree energy typical of college life.

Klavon and other alumni recalled their impressions of Bessette as a notable figure on campus. MariaElena Scotto, who appeared in the calendar as “Miss January,” described her fellow student as “untouchable” and possessing an air of mystery. Even before she became a household name, Bessette was known amongst students for her beauty and presence. Scotto noted that everyone seemed aware of her, particularly because she was linked with the university’s star ice hockey player.

Jenny Syquia, known as “Miss May,” also had fond memories of Bessette, recalling an unforgettable first encounter. Syquia, who later pursued a career in modelling and acting, shared a humorous anecdote about a date she was on when her companion pointed out Bessette’s beauty. Syquia reflected on a time years later, while working at Vogue and encountering Bessette again at a Calvin Klein event. She noted how Bessette had a talent for making anyone feel special in her presence.

Britta Hjelt, “Miss June,” echoed similar sentiments, recalling her admiration for Bessette’s beauty during college days. She appreciated being included in the calendar alongside such an icon, noting the popularity and glamour that surrounded their group.

As for Klavon, she reflected on how Bessette’s distinct style set her apart, often wearing more laid-back attire than her peers. Klavon felt a sense of admiration, often trying to reconcile her own preppy attire with Bessette’s effortless coolness.

Years later, following the tragic accident that claimed Bessette’s life, those who knew her during her university years reflected on how ordinary their college memories felt against the backdrop of what Bessette later became. It serves as a poignant reminder of a time before fame transformed their lives, encapsulating a moment when all those involved were simply navigating their way through university life.

Looking back, Scotto mused on the calendar itself as a quaint piece of their shared history, reflecting on the innocence of their college years. The calendar offered a glimpse into a time where they all had promising futures ahead of them, and none could have predicted the trajectory that Bessette’s life would take.

In a small way, those glimpses into their shared past have turned to time capsules, evoking emotions of nostalgia and reflection on a chapter of life filled with potential and youthful aspirations. As Klavon carefully returned the calendar to her closet, she recognised it as a vessel of memories that highlight Bessette not merely as a cultural icon, but as a vibrant young woman among friends at Boston University, with dreams not yet realised.