Selected writings, messages and addresses from President Ross.
Dear Members of the Emmanuel College Community,
Today we witnessed history from Rome as the cardinals of the Catholic Church emerged from their conclave to proclaim “habemus papam” —we have a pope!
Making the moment even more remarkable was the news that the cardinals, for the first time, had elected an American to serve as pontiff.
In his first remarks from the central loggia of St. Peter’s Basilica, Cardinal Robert Prevost—now known as Pope Leo XIV—spoke of “a united church, always seeking peace and justice.”
Emmanuel College joins with people around the globe in celebrating the elevation of Pope Leo to the Holy See, and send him every good wish and blessing as he begins his pontificate.
Beth Ross, Ed.D.
President
Dear Members of the Emmanuel College Community,
We unite with the whole Catholic Church, and with people of every tradition the world over, in mourning the passing of Pope Francis.
At 3:00 p.m. today, the bells of Emmanuel College will toll 88 times in solemn tribute to the Holy Father and his 88 years of life. This Wednesday, April 23rd, at 12:30 p.m., we will hold a special Mass in the College Chapel in memory of Pope Francis and in prayerful thanksgiving for his unwavering witness to the Gospel.
Throughout his 12-year pontificate, the Pope sought consistently to shine a light on the plight of those living on the peripheries of our global society, especially migrants, the poor, and those suffering from the persistent scourges of war and oppression. In doing so, he not only gave voice to the powerless, but also gave powerful expression to the love and compassion that are at the heart of the Beatitudes, and of Christ himself.
From the beginning, the Holy Father affirmed the Church as open, inviting, and trustful of the wisdom of the People of God. His emphasis on listening to and accompanying the faithful was manifest in his commitment to Synodality, which—along with his extensive body of encyclicals, apostolic exhortations, and many other writings—will shape the universal Church for years to come.
Together, let us pray that the Holy Spirit will continue to guide the Church through this period of sorrow, remembrance, and papal transition. And let us join in offering gratitude for Pope Francis and for the example of courageous leadership and tender encouragement he provided to people everywhere.
Beth Ross, Ed.D.
President
Dear Members of the Emmanuel College Community,
Twenty years after her martyrdom in Brazil, Sister Dorothy Stang, SNDdeN, continues to inspire the Emmanuel community and people worldwide by her example of a life dedicated to courageous, faith-filled advocacy on behalf of those suffering from exclusion and injustice.
As a tribute to Sister Dorothy’s moving legacy—and to live still more fully the values that animate Emmanuel’s Catholic educational mission—I am pleased to announce the establishment of the Sister Dorothy Stang Center for Community Engagement.
Rooted in the tenets of Catholic social teaching, the Stang Center serves to unite and elevate Emmanuel’s foundational commitments to academic excellence, civic engagement, social justice, and a strong sense of belonging. Rather than a new office or physical space, the Stang Center acts as a dynamic hub of existing efforts across our campus to form students as compassionate, informed, and active participants in a global society. A key aim is to align, strengthen, and build synergies among ongoing initiatives ranging from volunteer service to inclusive pedagogy to community-engaged scholarship.
The Stang Center will be collaboratively supported by the newly established Office of Community Engagement and the Cardinal Seán O’Malley Center for Mission and Ministry, among other areas, reinforcing our collective dedication to the common good.
In his new role as Vice President of Community Engagement, Dr. Keith Lezama ’07 fosters collaboration across departments to assure a welcoming campus culture, advance equitable policies, and strengthen student and faculty success. Moreover, Dr. Lezama leads efforts to position Emmanuel as a focal point for community collaboration and advocacy throughout Greater Boston. Fillette Lovaincy, in her new position as Director of Student Success and Community Engagement, plays a pivotal role in continuing to advance social justice priorities and student support through a range of opportunities.
As always, the Cardinal Seán O’Malley Center for Mission and Ministry, under the leadership of Vice President Susan Benzie, continues to support all students as they discern their roles in civic leadership and action; deepen their understanding of their faith and vocation; and grow in spirit, connection, and commitment.
This Wednesday, April 16th, from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m., we will hold a coffee and conversation in the Jean Yawkey Center for Community Leadership Conference Room (first floor, JYC), providing community members an opportunity to learn more about the Stang Center and offer input on how to support the Offices of Community Engagement and Mission & Ministry in advancing the Center’s vision and impact. In the new academic year, we will be forming an advisory group consisting of students, faculty, and staff to provide recommendations for the naming of the new Office of Community Engagement. Additionally, we look forward to offering further learning opportunities regarding Sister Dorothy’s life and her enduring witness to the power of a life lived, and sacrificed, for others.
It is important to underscore that the College’s decision to establish the Stang Center is emblematic of our resolve to see today’s shifting federal policy environment as an opportunity to reaffirm who we are as a Catholic institution rooted in the charism of the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur. Still, we are aware of the questions and concerns arising in this time of uncertainty and remain dedicated to providing students with the fact-based information and comprehensive support they need to navigate the evolving landscape with confidence and hope. As one part of this commitment, we are providing answers to Frequently Asked Questions covering recent Executive Actions and their implications for the Emmanuel community.
As we enter Holy Week, I ask our entire community to join in bringing to life the vision and potential of the Sister Dorothy Stang Center for Community Engagement—a new step in our pursuit of a more just, inclusive, and hopeful future.
Beth Ross, Ed.D.
President
Dear Members of the Emmanuel College Community,
I am deeply saddened to share the news that Maureen Murphy Wilkens—a graduate of the Emmanuel College Class of 1956 and a historic figure in the flourishing of our students, programs, and Catholic educational mission over the past quarter-century—passed away earlier this week at Cape Cod Hospital.
Emmanuel’s contemporary campus, and especially the state-of-the-art spaces for learning and discovery that bear her name, reflect the transformational impact of Maureen’s philanthropic leadership.
In 2009, in recognition of the magnificent generosity of Maureen and her late spouse, Frank, the College dedicated its newly constructed science center in her honor. With its 14 fully equipped laboratories for instruction and research in biology, chemistry, physics, biochemistry, and neuroscience, the Maureen Murphy Wilkens Science Center has played a pivotal role in advancing the scope and distinction of Emmanuel’s programs in the sciences in the 21st century.
Maureen’s deep-seated commitment to her alma mater was manifest again in 2019—the College’s Centennial Year—when she lent significant support to the College’s nursing programs. Today, the Maureen Murphy Wilkens School of Nursing & Clinical Sciences encompasses Emmanuel’s broad range of thriving nursing education programs, including master’s degrees and certificates in nursing administration, our RN-to-BSN program, and our four-year undergraduate Bachelor of Science in Nursing program, established in 2018. The school includes modern clinical-care simulation spaces where students acquire hands-on skills from superb professors while learning to care for the whole patient in body, mind, and spirit.
Additional symbols of Maureen’s grand dedication to the Emmanuel community include the Maureen Murphy Wilkens Atrium in the Jean Yawkey Center, along with the Wilkens Endowed Scholarship, which since 1997 has helped make an Emmanuel education financially feasible for scores of deserving students from Cape Cod.
President Emerita Sister Janet Eisner, SNDdeN, once noted that Maureen envisioned her philanthropic role “not simply in terms of brick and mortar, but in the ways it could impact our students.” I am especially moved that Sister Janet and College Treasurer Sister Anne M. Donovan, SNDdeN, were at Maureen’s side in her final hours.
The full and fascinating story of Maureen’s life—along with details regarding visiting hours and a memorial service this weekend on Cape Cod—is available in this obituary. At Emmanuel, we will remember Maureen at a special Mass in the College Chapel (details to come).
Now and in the days ahead, I invite you to join me in praying for the Wilkens family and in offering gratitude for the profound part that Maureen, with her most generous heart, has played in the story of Emmanuel College.
Beth Ross, Ed.D.
President
President Beth Ross was recently a featured guest on “Inside the Corner Office,” a podcast hosted by Jim Brett, President and CEO of the New England Council.
During the discussion, Dr. Ross described Emmanuel’s transformation over the last quarter-century, along with the innovative ways the College continues to bring its mission to life for current and future students. In addition, she underscored the College’s enduring commitment to educational access and empowerment—and the contributions Emmanuel graduates are making to organizations and communities throughout Greater Boston and beyond.
Interview highlights:
1:10: Dr. Ross’s path to the presidency
5:48: Highlights of the first year in office
8:25: Emmanuel’s evolution since 2000
12:40: The magic of Emmanuel’s Fenway/Longwood location
14:28: The rapid growth of the Maureen Murphy Wilkens School of Nursing & Clinical Sciences
16:35: The Emmanuel Business Collaborative: benefiting both students and local businesses
18:14: The career-igniting impact of internships and other on-site learning experiences
20:22: Why Dr. Ross is bullish on Emmanuel
22:42: Educational access and affordability and the ongoing importance of federal student assistance
Dear Members of the Emmanuel Community,
Each year with the arrival of Spring Break, I remind myself that the pulsing energy of our campus community hasn’t been put on pause. It’s gone on the road.
That’s particularly true this year as students, faculty, and staff fan out across the country and overseas for exceptional experiences in service, growth, and discovery.
I’m thinking especially of those who will be traveling to Phoenix, Atlanta, Brooklyn, and Worcester to participate in volunteer and social justice programs offered through our Center for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion and Center for Mission & Ministry. Others of you are off to Ireland for an immersive encounter with Irish art and history, while a number of Nursing students are headed to Italy to visit and serve in clinical-care settings in Florence, Lucca, Pisa, and Rome. In addition, members of our Softball and Men’s and Women’s Lacrosse teams will be in Florida, gearing up for exciting springtime intercollegiate competition.
To those who will be traveling, or spending time at home with family, I hope that, first, you have a safe and enriching break. Second, please know how grateful I am for the unique ways each of you acts as an ambassador of the values and spirit of Emmanuel. The polarized times we are experiencing bring into marked relief your example of goodness, commitment, and compassion.
To that point: I remain deeply aware of the concern that members of our community have about the significant policy changes and directives that the federal government has issued over the last month—and what they may mean for Emmanuel. I look forward to having opportunities after the break to come together to address these important issues. While this is a challenging moment, I trust that it will serve as a catalyst for further understanding and a still greater embrace of the convictions that define Emmanuel.
Meantime, enjoy these days to come; I can’t wait to hear about them!
Beth Ross, Ed.D.
President
Dear Members of the Emmanuel College Community,
I am pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Peter Cahn as Emmanuel College’s next Vice President of Academic Affairs (Chief Academic Officer).
A respected educator, scholar, and academic leader, Dr. Cahn is dedicated to—and exemplifies—values that align with Emmanuel’s Catholic educational mission. Among these are commitments to intellectual inquiry and integrity, to the liberal arts and sciences, and to creating holistic learning experiences that accelerate student success.
Moreover, he brings a track record of impact in areas including curricular innovation, faculty support, and strategic partnerships. His expertise in these and other areas will further position the College to make the most of the unique opportunities arising from its Boston location and to excel in a dynamic higher education landscape.
Dr. Cahn joins Emmanuel from the MGH Institute of Health Professions, where for 12 years he has served as Associate Provost for Academic Affairs and Professor of Health Professions Education. As a senior academic leader, he has maintained oversight of a broad portfolio of administrative operations, including faculty professional development, curricular integration and assessment, accreditation, library services, and institutional research and effectiveness. Throughout his tenure, he has conceived and implemented interdisciplinary initiatives and forged new pathways for both students and faculty to thrive, demonstrating outstanding strategic foresight and agility.
Dr. Cahn, who will begin at Emmanuel on June 1st, is an anthropologist with a Ph.D. from the University of California, Berkeley, a master’s from the University of Cambridge, and a bachelor’s from Harvard University. In addition to his distinguished academic background, he brings a deep commitment to collegiality, inclusion, and service to others.
Once again, I would like to express my sincere thanks to our Interim Chief Academic Officer, Dr. Diane Shea, for her ongoing leadership in this time of transition. In addition, I am most grateful to all the members of the VPAA Search Committee*—including Co-Chairs Dr. Monique-Adelle Callahan, Associate Professor of English, and Cindy O’Callaghan, Chief Strategist and Special Assistant to the President—for conducting a timely and transparent search process that engaged voices across the College. Finally, I wish to thank the myriad students, faculty, and staff who provided valuable input and support throughout this important effort.
I look forward to joining with you in June as we warmly welcome Dr. Peter Cahn to the Emmanuel community.
Beth Ross, Ed.D.
President
* VPAA Search Committee Members
Maureen Ashburn, Executive Director, McCafferty Career Center
Dr. Kelly Basile, Associate Professor of Management
Dr. Monique-Adelle Callahan, Associate Professor of English
Dr. Melanie Leussis, Associate Professor of Psychology and Neuroscience, Chair of Department Chairs
Dr. Keith C. Lezama, Jr., Vice President of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
Erin Farmer Noonan, Vice President of Human Resources
Cindy O’Callaghan, Chief Strategist and Special Assistant to the President
Andrea Thomas, Project Manager, Academic Affairs
Dr. Petros Vamvakas, Associate Professor of Political Science, Chair of Faculty Senate
Dear Members of the Emmanuel College Community,
The early days of the Trump Administration have been marked by a rapid succession of executive orders. These actions have established new policies in areas including immigration enforcement; diversity, equity, and inclusion; federal financial assistance; and the enforcement of Title IX. Understandably, a number of these federal directives have been a source of confusion and concern among the public, including members of the Emmanuel community.
We are committed to providing students, faculty, and staff with fact-based guidance on this changing landscape. To that end, the College’s Senior Leadership Team is regularly and closely assessing the sweep of policy and programmatic changes emerging from Washington, as well as their potential impact on our community and on higher education. This group will continue to monitor developments and will provide timely updates.
Emmanuel remains dedicated to providing caring support to those experiencing anxiety as a result of these issues or for any other reason. Students, please know that compassionate assistance is always available through staff in Residence Life; the Dean of Students Office; Mission and Ministry; the Center for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (CDEI); and many others. You can also reach a licensed counselor at any time of day or night by calling 617-735-9920.
Support for faculty and staff is available via the College’s Employee Assistance Program, offered through AllOne Health. This is a free 24/7 service, with licensed clinicians reachable at 1-800-451-1834. You may also visit the AllOne Health Resources website at www.allonehealtheap.com.
As I noted in a message to the community in late January, it is times such as these that bring to the fore our collective strength and resilience, as well as our culture of care and mutual support. This is a moment, too, to underscore the commitment to social justice that lies at the core of our Catholic educational mission. Along with the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur and the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, we affirm the fundamental belief that every person, regardless of identity, circumstance, or legal status, possesses an inherent dignity deserving of our utmost respect and reverence.
Beth Ross, Ed.D.
President
Good morning, and welcome. What a privilege to join with colleagues from throughout the Colleges of the Fenway in celebrating the life, example, and dream of the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
A special welcome to my fellow COF presidents who are here today: Mary Grant of MassArt; Rick Lessard of MCPHS; and Lynn Wooten from Simmons. It’s so good to have you here at Emmanuel. Welcome, too, to Claire Ramsbottom who, along with her team, does so much to bring this amazing event to life year after year.
“All we say to America is: Be true to what you said on paper.”
That’s a quote from Dr. King’s very last speech, which he gave in Memphis the night of April 3rd, 1968. If you’ve seen the video, you know what an incredibly moving oration this was, shot through with biblical imagery and delivered in King’s signature cadences.
In his message that night, King echoed the theme of his “I Have a Dream” speech five years earlier. “Be true to what you said on paper” is a plea to America to actually live up to the vision put forth in our very own founding documents.
Doing that work – that is, extending true justice, equality, and inalienable rights to all – this is the through-line of the nearly 250-year-old American story. That story, that struggle, is far from over, and we very much continue to see it unfold in these early days of 2025.
Now, as in every era, the work of effecting positive, systemic change is inextricably connected to our own individual willingness to listen to others, to understand their experiences, and to be open to seeing the world through their eyes.
Dorothy Day, the co-founder of the Catholic Worker Movement, wrote that “the greatest challenge of the day is: how to bring about a revolution of the heart.”
So the work goes on, and it starts with each one of us. Yet gatherings such as this show that we don’t do it alone. In fact, we have a community of extraordinary richness from which to draw strength, support, and a deep sense of connection.
We at Emmanuel College are most honored to host this 27th annual MLK Breakfast. Thank you for your presence, and I hope you enjoy this morning’s thoughtful and uplifting program.
Dear Members of the Emmanuel College Community,
Recently I was reminded of a quote by an illustrious Emmanuel graduate, the late Mary Beatty Muse of the Class of 1941. A Suffolk County judge who served as an intelligence officer with the U.S. Navy during World War II, Mary maintained a remarkably positive outlook throughout her life, leading her to wake up each morning and say, “I wonder what’s going to happen today.”
That same sense of anticipation is very much with me in these days as I imagine what will unfold in the course of this spring semester. What understandings will students gain—about the world and themselves—as they join with faculty in exploring everything from international migration to financial forecasting to nursing ethics?
Considering the amazing spirit and intellectual energy that pulsed through our community last semester—and the full array of events, traditions, and celebrations planned for the months ahead—I have the highest of hopes for a semester of growth, discovery, and wonder.
At the same time, I am deeply mindful of concerns regarding the policies of the new Trump Administration and the impact that they may have on higher education and other aspects of civil society. We will continue to closely monitor these federal actions, especially those that may affect our community.
We have experienced uncertainty in our external environment before. Often, it is times such as these that bring to the fore our collective strength and resilience, as well as our culture of care and mutual support.
With steadfast commitment,
Beth Ross, Ed.D.
President
Members of the Board of Trustees;
Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur;
College and university presidents and delegates;
honored dignitaries and community partners from throughout our neighborhood and city;
Emmanuel College graduates from across the decades;
faculty, staff, students, parents;
and dear friends and family:
I am profoundly grateful to you for joining today in this celebration of Emmanuel College’s mission, legacy, and boundless potential.
***
“Ah how good is the good God!”
Soon after arriving at Emmanuel in 2000, I became familiar with this quote by St. Julie Billiart, who established the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur in 1804. I would see this phrase whenever I entered the Chapel – there it was on a banner hanging from the pulpit – and I would often hear it from the Sisters themselves on occasions such as Founders’ Day, the Mass of the Holy Spirit, and Commencement.
And then, over the next 24 years, I noticed a subtle change. That saying -- “Ah how good is the good God” – went from being something I saw and heard to something that in one form or another I thought to myself, over and over again. I thought it every time I saw this college make a quantum advance in its programs and campus resources, and as I watched our faculty grow in number and distinction. I thought it every time I witnessed young people achieving beyond what they thought possible, moving semester by semester toward realities that once existed only in their dreams. Our Alma Mater, which we’ll hear in just a few moments, includes the line “Thy glorious deeds untold!” – pitch-perfect in its summation of our past, and prophetic of what is still to come....
God is good indeed. Father Oscar says it all the time. And I can attest to it too.
I can also attest that God is full of surprises.
Never in my most outlandish dreams did I imagine that I would be at this podium today. And yet...Surprise!
So on this most unexpected yet most joyful of days, I would like to take a moment to express my heartfelt gratitude to a number of people who have played an especially vital role in my journey.
First, I am deeply grateful to the Board of Trustees for your trust in me and your unwavering commitment to Emmanuel College. It is an honor to work alongside such dedicated individuals. A special thanks to Board Chair Margaret McKenna for your exceptional guidance and support.
To my parents – thank you for instilling in me the values of hard work, positivity, humor, and curiosity. Your boundless love and support have been my greatest strength and inspiration. I am deeply grateful for your sacrifices.
To my brothers – my passionate, loyal, and hilarious supporters – thank you for helping me find my voice and develop a thick skin. I am incredibly lucky and proud to be your sister.
To my extended family and dear friends – your presence here today means the world to me. I am forever thankful for each one of you.
To my colleagues – you have mentored, supported, and taught me so much. I am incredibly proud to be a member of this community and I look forward to accomplishing even more meaningful work together.
And finally, to my husband – thank you for your patience, understanding, and unwavering belief in me. You are my rock, and I am endlessly grateful for your love and partnership.
Additionally, I want to thank Emmanuel College students past and present. Students, I am so glad to see so many of you here because everything we do – including this Investiture – is directed toward a singular goal, which is to provide you the foundation to flourish in every respect. The presidency itself is not an end in itself – far from it. Rather, it is an opportunity to find ever greater and more innovative ways to unleash your potential, uplift you, and, yes, elevate you.
All of you have my solemn promise that I will work tirelessly to honor this sacred trust.
***
I thought for some time about what I most wanted to speak about today. In gathering my ideas, I was aware of how important it is in our modern discourse and media environment not to bury the lede.
So what is the lede?
The lede is love.
Like so many of you here today, and like members of the Emmanuel family spread throughout the world, I love Emmanuel College.
Why do I love it? How long do you have?
Truly, I could give a thousand reasons. But really, for me, the magic of Emmanuel can be summed up in in two phrases: all that converges here, and all that radiates out from here.
Sometimes I wonder: Did the Sisters who purchased this acreage at 400 The Fenway over a century ago have any inkling that in 2024 it would be in the heart of the best college city in the U.S. – or that 400 The Fenway itself would be regarded as the number-one college location in America? Probably not. But what they did know intuitively was that a providential spirit was close at hand, guiding and animating them. And that’s why they named this institution “God with us” – that is, Emmanuel.
Today, we are an integral part of a 400-year-old city that never gets old. In fact, the energy of the New Boston is very much a part of us. And this is what I mean when I talk about all that comes together here. This beautiful, modern 17-acre campus is all that meets the eye – and far more. In fact, it is a grand, one-of-a-kind confluence. This is where the liberal arts and sciences meet high-impact career preparation; where small classrooms and close student-faculty mentoring connections meet opportunities normally found at large universities. This is where inspiring individual achievements meet an authentically warm, unified, and inclusive community. And this is where the age-old Catholic intellectual tradition engages the most complex national and global issues of the 21st century. This isn’t just the best college location in the country; it’s the intersection of everything.
To spend my days in this nexus of ideas and striving – in this swirl of learning, service, creativity, kindness, and laughter – this has been the privilege of my life. And I do love it all.
Yet it is equally moving to think of all that flows out from Emmanuel.
Take, for example, the substantial additions that our faculty make to the body of knowledge in an array of fields through their original research and scholarship. They don’t only convey knowledge; they create it. And increasingly this discovery is funded by supporters such as the NIH, the National Science Foundation, and other prestigious grant-making organizations. Throughout the academic year, and all through the summer, our undergraduate students collaborate directly with faculty to advance projects in the lab and elsewhere, gaining experience that at many institutions is available only to graduate students.
Still, our greatest contribution? Our graduates. Since we opened our doors in 1919, our alumni have gone on to distinguished careers in fields ranging from international diplomacy to astrophysics, from early childhood education to high finance. Members of our most recent graduating Class of 2024 proceeded directly into full-time positions with organizations such as Brigham and Women’s Hospital, KPMG, and the Office of Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey. Others moved into graduate programs at institutions such as Boston College, Georgetown, Yale, and Harvard’s T.H. Chan School of Public Health. And once again, a graduating senior was selected for a Fulbright fellowship, becoming our 15th Fulbright winner since 2011.
As they fan out across businesses and nonprofits – and as they create companies of their own – our graduates bring more than work-ready skills. They bring the values and spirit of our community.
Because of them, Emmanuel is everywhere.
***
Now, I know full well the headwinds that Emmanuel, like many institutions, faces in today’s higher education landscape. I was a Chief Data Officer. Data and facts are the air I breathe. I am well versed in current trends in demographics and in the economy. Jack Welch, longtime CEO of General Electric, once said, “Face the world as it is, not as it was, or as you wish it to be.” I believe that to my core.
Throughout my time at Emmanuel, I have devoted myself to continual institutional renewal based on ever greater insights into data and the effective leveraging of that data. Yet, data doesn’t make decisions. Data informs decisions. In fact, when it comes to decision-making, often the most decisive factor is conviction – that is, the ability to believe it before you can see it.
This is the Emmanuel story. From the beginning, our leaders have been alive to the signs of the times – and committed to anticipating and adapting to evolving student interests and the needs of an ever-changing career marketplace.
And I cannot think of anyone, in any field, who embodies this spirit of agility and boldness more brilliantly than our President Emerita, Sister Janet Eisner. Sister Janet, thank you for your historic presidency, and for giving me a decades-long master class in what it is to lead with grace and an unswerving dedication to mission.
Sister Janet and her predecessors had the foresight to see the future of Emmanuel – and the daring to create it.
Do we dare?
It’s said that timing is everything, and I believe it is crucial that we understand the moment we’re in now. Two things I constantly want to shout from the bell tower are: “Look at where we are!” and “Look at when we are!” Right now, just steps from here, some of the world’s brightest minds are using AI and other leading-edge tools to drive a revolution in human health and well-being. Our city and region are booming with investment and growth. And our diverse city has never been so dynamic and united.
Moreover, as even a quick scan of the headlines suggests, demand for Emmanuel graduates is acute –and growing. More than ever, our workplaces, democratic institutions, and our culture cry out for the broad-minded, ethical, and effective leaders who walk across our Commencement stage each May.
In short, the conditions are in place for Emmanuel and for all of us – students, faculty, and staff – to thrive as never before. Through bold, persistent experimentation – and, increasingly, through partnerships with organizations throughout our city and beyond – we will bring our mission to life in magnificent new ways.
What will we do especially well? Two verbs to remember: accelerate and elevate.
Emmanuel has always been a potent accelerator of promise and talent. Our students, many the first in their families to attend college, engage complex ideas by broadening and deepening their knowledge and by sharpening their intellectual skills. Through these learning experiences, and by applying theory to practice in real-world settings, they often discover strengths they didn’t know they had and pathways to careers they hadn’t imagined. Going forward, we will continue to hone the College as an engine of possibility, accelerating young people toward futures that surpass expectations.
At the same time, we will elevate our students by immersing them in a remarkably welcoming and caring environment – really a “second home” – and by offering transcendent experiences in friendship, beauty, and discovery. Further, we will continue to engage students in thoughtful discussions of what it means to lead a purposeful and rewarding life. Inspired by the tenets of Catholic social teaching and by the charism of the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur, we will continue to cultivate a deep sense of personal, social, and civic responsibility. Through lively classroom discussions, and through direct service to individuals living on the margins of our contemporary society, students will contemplate the unique role they will play in breaking down structures of exclusion and inequality – and in building up a civilization that reveres the inherent dignity of every human person.
The more we accelerate and elevate, the more we will become known as a clear and compelling choice among prospective students and families, and among employers seeking the next generation of doers, problem-solvers, and difference-makers.
What’s more, we will tell our story with ever greater reach and resonance. “Thy glorious deeds untold” will have a new corollary: “Thy glorious deeds well told.” “Boston’s best-kept secret” will morph into “Best of Boston,” and we will continue our ascent among the nation’s very best liberal arts colleges.
And so, friends, with esteem for our past and confidence in what’s to come, let us embrace what’s next.
Together, let’s create a strong, sustainable, and inspiring future for Emmanuel, and do something beautiful for our students and for our world.
And now and forever, may our infinitely good and loving God bless this community, so that we may have life and have it to the full.
Thank you.
Good morning.
This exquisite chapel is a place I have adored since my arrival at Emmanuel over two decades ago. So it is especially moving to see gathered here so many beloved family members and friends, along with peers I have collaborated with and come to know so well over the years. You all mean more to me than I could possibly express, and for your presence here on this day I thank you from the depths of my heart.
I want to offer gratitude in a special way to our celebrants, Father Federico Cinocca and Father Oscar Pratt, as well as to the students and long-cherished colleagues who are lending their gifts to this liturgy as lectors, altar servers, gift bearers, and musicians. Thanks to you all.
At the formal Investiture ceremony later this morning, I will offer thoughts on what lies ahead for Emmanuel’s Catholic educational mission as we continue to make the most of the unique possibilities of this place and time.
For now, I would simply say that to be formally entrusted with the symbols of the presidency of Emmanuel College represents an honor – and responsibility – beyond measure.
Accordingly, I would ask all of you to join with me during this Mass in entrusting my presidency to the Holy Spirit – and in placing the College, as always, in the care of the One Who makes all things new: Emmanuel, our God with us.
Now, with trusting and grateful hearts, let us continue our celebration.
Good afternoon, students, faculty, staff, and friends, and welcome to our 2024 Mass of the Holy Spirit. What a privilege to join with you in this liturgy, a tradition at Emmanuel reaching back to our founding over a century ago, and an annual observance at Catholic colleges and universities the world over.
I am especially grateful to Father Federico Cinocca, from our Center for Mission and Ministry, for leading us in worship. Welcome, Father.
“The glory of God is a human being fully alive.”
This quote by St. Irenaeus, an early Christian bishop, has echoed down the centuries and continues to resound in our modern world.
It’s an idea that certainly inspired the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur to open Emmanuel in 1919. They believed then, as we do today, that an integrated liberal arts and sciences education has the power to elevate students to futures commensurate with their talents—and in every way to become fully alive.
In the Nicene Creed we call the Holy Spirit “giver of life.” And so it is natural that we gather at the beginning of this academic year to ask the Spirit to animate our inquiry, illuminate our intellects, ignite our creativity, enrich our collaborations and friendships, and make us ever more alive to the possibilities of this time and place.
Now, with gratitude, let us continue our celebration, open to the workings of the Spirit in our hearts and in the mission and life of our College community.
Good afternoon to you all. What a privilege it is to be a part of this annual gathering of alumni from across the decades. So often we think of Emmanuel in terms of our beautiful campus in the heart of Boston. Yet Emmanuel, unmistakably, is here, as it is anywhere and anytime two or more of us are gathered. You might even say that Emmanuel is everywhere, given the way each of you carries the values and spirit of our community into all the places where you live, work, volunteer, and make a difference.
For your presence here today, and for all the ways you exemplify the lifelong impact of an Emmanuel education, thank you.
I’d like to take a moment to recognize two members of Emmanuel’s Board of Trustees who are with us today: Nancy Kleniewski of the Class of 1970 and Pat Tobin ’72. Nancy and Pat, would you give a wave?
In addition, I am so glad to be joined today by several members of the College’s senior academic administration, including:
Padriag Deighan, Dean of the School of Science and Health. Padraig, would you also give a wave?
Anne Marie Pasquale, Dean of the School of Business & Management.
Lisa Stepanski, Dean of the School of Humanities and Social Sciences.
And finally, Diane Shea, Dean of the School of Nursing & Clinical Sciences, who currently is serving as our interim Chief Academic Officer.
I know our deans are excited to connect with many of you personally to share some of the amazing advances taking place at Emmanuel in learning and discovery.
As some of you may know, this Thursday, August 1st, will mark one full year since the Board of Trustees asked me take up the mantle of the presidency. It was an invitation that, suffice it to say, I had not anticipated, and the 12 months then since have, for me, been a full-scale immersion in the new—new people, new experiences, new challenges to be sure, and new joys beyond anything I’d imagined. To offer a recounting would be impossible in the time we have—and above all I want to be sure to leave plenty of time today for you to connect with one another.
Instead, I’d like to take this opportunity to briefly share a key realization I’ve had over the past year. Or, as we Catholics are apt to say, an epiphany. It’s an insight that I trust will resonate with you and give you a sense of the importance and potential of Emmanuel in its second century.
But first, allow me to take you back in time for just a moment.
Prior last summer’s appointment, I’d served the mission and students of Emmanuel for 23 years in a series of roles, starting out as Registrar and proceeding through to Dean of Institutional Effectiveness and Chief Data Officer. Along the way, I became deeply involved in reaccreditation efforts, in the course of which I gained an in-depth grasp of virtually all facets of the College, from the General Education Program to Athletics, and from the Career Center to the Cardinal Cushing Library. What’s more, I became well versed in the trends and issues at work in the higher education ecosystem in which Emmanuel lives and moves.
So going in, at least seemingly, I had the advantage of knowing Emmanuel. Perhaps more vitally, I loved it. Coming to know students in the course of Alternative Spring Break volunteer projects, or singing alongside them in the Chapel Choir—and then watching them grow in achievement, commitment, and deep goodness—these have been among the most moving and rewarding experiences of my life.
Which is why it was the honor of my life to be called in by the Trustees last summer. I know it was reassuring to them – and to me! – that for over two decades I had essentially taken a master class in leadership from President. now President Emerita, Sister Janet Eisner.
And as I say, I knew the place, through and through.
And yet.
And yet, as I now know, there’s just something about the view from the President’s Office. It’s like looking at Google Maps and switching from Street-Level View to Satellite View. Whereas previously you saw people, programs, and pursuits from a particular angle, now you look out across—and are engaged in—the entire scene. You comprehend the whole.
And then, for a full year...
You watch students land internships with nearby powerhouses in biomedicine, business, education, finance, media, and technology.
You see them collaborate with faculty mentors on groundbreaking research and scholarship.
You share meals with them in the dining hall and learn about their families, interests, and dreams for the future.
You attend athletic competitions and see remarkable displays of teamwork, skill, and heart.
You hand diplomas to hundreds of graduates, knowing that many are moving directly into full-time positions at organizations such as Brigham and Women’s Hospital, KPMG, and the Office of Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey. And you know that others are off to graduate programs at institutions such as Boston College, Georgetown, Yale, and Harvard’s T.H. Chan School of Public Health.
And you talk with graduates of different eras who serve as leading lights in an array of fields, and who consistently emphasize the pivotal role Emmanuel played in their journeys.
You spend your days taking all of this in, and over time it has a profound cumulative effect on you. And then something unexpected happens. Or at least it did for me. You realize: this College, this community, is more extraordinary, more relevant, and more needed than even I had understood.
And you want to shout it from the bell tower because you feel intensely the gap between the magic of Emmanuel and the world’s awareness of it. You think, Here we are at 400 The Fenway, among the best addresses in all higher education, and we seem to be hiding in plain sight!
You realize – and here is the epiphany – you realize that what has long been said about Emmanuel is quite true: We are a hidden gem. We are Boston’s best-kept secret.
That’s the ultimate good-news-bad-news proposition, isn’t it?
Of course, the first impulse is to run away from that label. But I can tell you that over the last year we have embraced it. More than that, we have made it a galvanizing call to action. This is evident in the 10-year Strategic Plan we completed this past year, copies of which are distributed on your tables. As you’ll see, one of our four top strategic goals is to make Emmanuel a “clear choice for prospective students and their families.”
Already we have put this goal into action through a new visibility campaign in and around the city, as well as a stronger presence and reach on social media.
We will continue to press on this and other key fronts in the years ahead, because here is another realization—perhaps it’s a corollary of the first: If Emmanuel’s present is greater than many understand, so is its future.
I am unreservedly bullish on Emmanuel. Think of the incomparable integration the College represents: It’s where the liberal arts and sciences meet real-world know-how. Where small classrooms meet world-class research. Where a close and inclusive community meets the excitement of Boston. And where the Catholic intellectual tradition meets the critical issues of our time.
There is no place like us. And as even a quick scan of the headlines suggests, demand for Emmanuel graduates is acute—and growing. More than ever, our professions, our democratic institutions, and our culture cry out for the broad-minded, ethical, and effective leaders who walk across our Commencement stage each May.
Boston’s best-kept secret? Perhaps—for now. But in the months and years to come, we are determined—with your ongoing support—to simply become known as Boston’s best secret. And in time, we will drop the “secret” altogether—and bring the founding vision of the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur to life in magnificent new ways for future generations of young people and for our society.
I am so grateful for your generous welcome, and look forward to speaking with more of you during our time together.
Thank you, and may Emmanuel, our God with us, continue to bless you all.
Dear Members of the Emmanuel College Community,
Earlier today we received the sad news of the loss of a longtime friend and champion of Emmanuel. Jack Connors, Jr.—two-time Trustee, honorary degree recipient, generous benefactor, and 2024 Commencement Speaker—passed away at his home in Brookline.
With his unwavering commitment and wise counsel, Jack played an important role in ensuring the vibrancy of Emmanuel’s Catholic educational mission in changing times. Most recently, as Chair of the Board of Trustees’ Development Committee and as Co-Chair of the Campaign for Our Second Century, Jack set in motion the planning, collaboration, and momentum that led ultimately to our success in surpassing the campaign’s $50 million goal.
Jack’s strategic vision and big-hearted dedication will long be felt in the lives of current and former Emmanuel students—as well as in the life of the city he loved. Indeed, Boston’s growing recognition on the world stage is a testament to Jack’s determination to advance our city’s institutions and to empower its people and communities.
Even before he achieved legendary business success as founding partner of Hill, Holliday, Connors, Cosmopulos, Jack displayed a strong impulse for giving back and a flair for connecting people and organizations. For years he served on an array of boards, including terms as Chair of the Board of Partners HealthCare, now Mass General Brigham, and Chair of the Board of his alma mater, Boston College. As Chair of the Campaign for Catholic Schools, Jack brought critical educational and growth opportunities to children from the city’s poorest neighborhoods. In addition, in 2007 he established Camp Harbor View, which provides summer recreation, leadership training, and year-round family support services to youth from lower-income backgrounds—all at no cost.
What an honor it was, just two months ago, to welcome Jack to campus and to hear his Commencement address to the Class of 2024. With characteristic insight and humor, he invited our graduates to see their diploma as a “ticket to the future” and to become the architects of their own destinies. Moreover, he encouraged us all to play a role in addressing inequities in our city and throughout the world. “If you find success,” he said, “bring someone with you. Help them become successful, too. The joy of helping others is quite real.”
On behalf of the entire Emmanuel community, I express sincerest condolences to Jack’s beloved wife, Eileen, and to his children and grandchildren. And I invite all of us to offer prayers of gratitude for Jack’s inspiring example of leadership and kindness—and for all he did to make a hope-filled future quite real at Emmanuel and far beyond.
Beth Ross, Ed.D.
President
Dear Members of the Emmanuel College Community,
The College is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Rev. John P. Spencer, S.J., former College Chaplain and leader of our Cardinal Seán O’Malley Center for Mission and Ministry from 2011 to 2020.
Father John died early this morning at Campion Center, a Jesuit community in Weston, MA, where he had resided for the past several years.
An ordained Jesuit priest with extensive experience as a social worker and educator, Father John brought to our community an extraordinary combination of scholarly insight and pastoral skill—along with a warm, joyful spirit. During his tenure he was appointed to roles of increasing responsibility, including Vice President of Mission and Ministry, which he assumed in 2015.
Our heartfelt prayers go out to Father John’s family and to his confreres in the Society of Jesus.
We will follow up with details regarding funeral arrangements when they become available.
Beth Ross, Ed.D.
President
Good morning to you all. I’m so glad and grateful to gather with you and to be part of this longstanding Emmanuel – St. Patrick’s Day tradition. It’s fun, too, to be swimming in this sea of green. I know that to mix this much green you need a lot of blue and gold! So first and foremost, thank you for your strong and steadfast love of Emmanuel.
As [Board Chair Margaret L. McKenna ’83] mentioned, I have been serving the College and our students for over two decades, and I am pleased to report that there is a particularly positive and hopeful energy at Emmanuel right now. At the heart of it is a sense of convergence—that is, an ever-greater match between what the world needs most and what Emmanuel does best, and we are committed to making the most of that powerful synergy. More on that in a moment.
First, I’d like to offer a very special word of gratitude to Joanne and Anthony Migliaro for once again hosting these festivities. Would the two of you give a wave? Joanne and Anthony, your commitment to the vibrancy of the broader Emmanuel community, here in Florida and beyond, is truly inspiring. And your impact on Emmanuel is beyond measure.
On behalf of the College and all of us here, thank you for your superb generosity.
We are also privileged to be joined this morning by Emmanuel Trustees, including the woman who preceded me at this podium, Board Chair Margaret McKenna, and Pat Tobin of the Class of ’72.
A number of former Trustees are with us as well, including Paula Carroll of the Class of ’72, Mike Daley, Candy Race, Mary Jo Rogers of the Class of ’77, and the aforementioned Joanne Migliaro of the Class of ’88. Welcome to you all.
Our Alumni Association Board plays a vital role in keeping graduates united and engaged in the life of Emmanuel. With us today is Alumni Board representative Nancy Bunch, Class of ’74, and former Alumni Board President Gretel Schneider, Class of ’77.
It is such a privilege this morning to connect with you, to learn more about the formative role Emmanuel has played in your journeys, and to hear your hopes for the College in the years ahead. Since entering the President’s Office last August, I have had the honor of speaking with individuals throughout our community, as well as with leaders from sectors ranging from healthcare and science to business and education. Again and again, these discussions turn to a central question, namely: Who will advance our professions and communities, enrich our culture, and safeguard our civic and democratic institutions in the 21st century?
I can tell you that those future leaders—the leaders our world needs most—are at Emmanuel today. And they will continue to come to Emmanuel because they will understand the magic of our address. All around 400 The Fenway, some of the world’s best minds are quite literally creating the future in a breadth of fields, and opportunities abound for our students to be a part of that dynamism through internships, practica, and research experiences—plus rewarding full-time positions after graduation.
Those of you who have been to campus recently are familiar with the explosive growth in our Longwood-Fenway neighborhood. Never has our location pulsed with greater possibility.
Yet our campus itself represents an extraordinary confluence. There, amid our modern spaces for living and discovery, flows the wisdom of the Catholic intellectual tradition; the rigor of the liberal arts and sciences; the warmth of an authentically caring, diverse, and welcoming community; and the example of the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur and their global ministry of making known God’s goodness.
All these currents come together in a way that makes Emmanuel utterly unique in American higher education. And this is reflected in our students and graduates. Throughout my 23 years at Emmanuel, I have never ceased to be impressed by their striving spirit and by their curiosity, creativity, and kindness. Often their stories are downright astonishing.
Consider Kira Glasmacher, a member of this year’s senior class and a scholarship recipient, who was just accepted into Yale's Ph.D. program in Computational Biology and Bioinformatics.
Or Cameron Howard of the Class of 2025, who has served as an intern in the U.S. Senate and in the Massachusetts U.S. Attorney’s Office—all in pursuit of his dream of becoming a constitutional lawyer.
Then there’s Cara Martin, a senior Nursing major who spent last summer “scrubbing in” to operating rooms at Massachusetts General Hospital, where she assisted and learned from some of the most eminent surgeons in the world.
It is stories like these, in large measure, that make us bullish on Emmanuel. That optimism for the future is reflected in our forthcoming Strategic Plan. Titled “Together We Thrive,” the plan serves as a roadmap for harnessing the immense potential of this time and place and for supercharging Emmanuel as a source of empowerment and inspiration for current and future generations.
Our success will depend on our ability to advance the ethos of innovation that has distinguished Emmanuel from the beginning. You might say it’s in our DNA. It’s evident in leading-edge academic programs we offer in fields such as Biotechnology, Data Analytics, Elementary Education, Finance, and Global and Public Health, to name a few. Our forward-looking spirit is also reflected in our expansive career preparation programs, and in opportunities our students have to collaborate with faculty on world-class research and scholarship—experiences ordinarily reserved for graduate students at other institutions.
Yet even as we continue to watch the signs of the times and embrace what’s next, we will hold true to our foundational commitments. Emmanuel is now and always will be a place where students cultivate critical and ethical habits of mind and deepen their sense of personal, social and civic responsibility.
Constancy amid change. Rootedness amid reinvention. That is the through-line of the Emmanuel story and it will continue to set us apart in an ever-more competitive higher education marketplace.
To be sure, we face headwinds. Principal among them is the growing tension between competitiveness and affordability. On the one hand, it’s imperative that we develop the academic programs and whole-student educational experiences that make Emmanuel a clear choice in the eyes of prospective students. On the other hand, we are committed to keeping the cost of tuition within families’ financial reach.
Bridging excellence and access is difficult in the best of times, and in today’s economy it’s even more so. That is why I am so profoundly grateful for your ongoing support of the College. By your generosity, you provide the lifeblood that enables us to enroll students of remarkable promise, many of whom represent the first generation in their families to attend college. And through all the ways that you engage with and champion the College, you create the conditions for Emmanuel to excel as never before.
Again, I am so thankful for your presence here today, and I look forward to speaking with more of you as our celebration continues. Your words of support in these early days of my presidency mean so much, and I am moved by your belief in all that the College is capable of in the years to come. After 105 years, the great story of Emmanuel College continues to unfold, and I am so happy and grateful that you are a part of it.
Thank you, and happy St. Patrick’s Day!
Dear Members of the Emmanuel College Community,
It is a profound honor to be appointed the 14th President of Emmanuel College. I embrace this role with excitement for all the possibilities that lie before the College—and for all that we as a community will do to unleash the potential of current and future Emmanuel students. Above all, I enter this office with gratitude for the esteemed legacy of Sister Janet Eisner and the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur, as well as the invaluable contributions of our dedicated Trustees, faculty, staff, students, and alumni.
Since my early days as the College’s Registrar, I have been captivated by Emmanuel’s mission and spirit, evident throughout our campus—on the Quad, in classrooms, labs, and studios, and, in a special way, in the College Chapel. I have witnessed our dedicated faculty and staff and their unwavering commitment to educating students holistically, shaping them for lives of leadership, professional success, global engagement, and profound purpose.
Every day, I find inspiration in our students—whether cheering them on from the sidelines, witnessing their research and scholarship, enjoying a performance, joining them in serving our wider community, or sharing stories in the Muddy River Café.
Our alumni serve as a living testament to the caliber and impact of an Emmanuel education. It is by their remarkable contributions in an array of professions and endeavors—and by the lives they lead—that our Catholic educational mission radiates into our broader society and advances a future of justice and peace.
Today, Emmanuel is ready to flourish as never before. With our superb programs, indomitable spirit, and strategic location in the heart of Boston, we stand at an incomparable crossroads. And our potential is boundless. This forward-looking spirit is captured in our forthcoming Strategic Plan. The result of a community-wide collaborative process, the plan provides a roadmap for fulfilling Emmanuel’s immense promise over the next 10 years.
Guided by our 105-year-old tradition of creativity and boldness, and confident in the goodness of Emmanuel, our God with us, let us write the next great chapter in the College’s history. May our community thrive in vibrancy, unity, and relentless progress as we navigate the future together.
Beth Ross, Ed.D.
President
Dear Members of the Emmanuel College Community,
I am humbled and deeply moved to be asked to serve as Acting President of Emmanuel College. To be granted this opportunity to lead an institution and community I have loved for so long is a profound privilege.
To be sure, this is a transitional moment for Emmanuel. Yet in a sense, change—and a willingness to embrace and adapt to it—has been the through-line of the Emmanuel story since the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur opened our doors in 1919. The bold, creative spirit of Emmanuel’s past leaders is a particular inspiration to me now as I take up the responsibilities of this office.
Now and in the time ahead, it is important to remember that so much of what has always made Emmanuel special remains at the core of our community. Our Catholic educational mission and values, our commitment to excellence, our culture of authentic kindness, inclusion, and warmth—these are our roots, and I know from experience how strong they are and how deep they run.
Moreover, this is a moment of unique possibility for Emmanuel. This is due partly to the remarkable dynamism and innovation we see in our Longwood neighborhood and throughout our city. I look forward to working with all of you—Trustees, faculty, staff, alumni, families, friends, and, above all, students—to make the most of the possibilities of this time and place and to create ever-more extraordinary learning experiences for our students.
I enter this role with immense gratitude for the working relationships and friendships I have developed with so many of you over the past 23 years. Time and again, I have been amazed by your expertise, commitment, and good will—and by what we are capable of achieving together. I ask you now to pray that Emmanuel, our God with us, may afford me the grace and wisdom to serve as an effective steward of our mission, and that this community in the heart of Boston may remain vibrant, unified, and leaning into the future.
Dr. Beth Ross
Acting President