Emerson says goodbye to two longtime colleagues

Farewell receptions were recently held for two beloved Emersonians: Pete Chvany, longtime faculty member, soccer coach, and advisor of Emerson Independent Video (EIV) and the EVVYs, and Grafton Nunes, Dean of the School of the Arts.

Chvany is retiring after more than 20 years at Emerson working in numerous roles, and recruiting and mentoring countless students.

A farewell reception was held May 6 in the Black Box Theater inside Emerson’s Paramount Center. People took turns approaching the mic to make speeches and thank Chvany for his contributions to the College.

In honor of Emerson student Matt Starring who died of Leukemia last fall. Chvany wore red Converse All-Stars to the reception. Starring, a member of the Emerson A-Cappella group Noteworthy was often seen wearing red Converse All-Stars. President Liebergott said the gesture was symbolic of Chvany’s commitment to the Emerson students. “Pete has always cared deeply about the students,” she said.

Another reception and soccer game will be held for Chvany during Emerson’s Alumni Weekend June 4–6. In addition, Emerson has established the Pete Chvany Scholarship to ensure that his legacy lives on by providing financial assistance to students with a commitment to the areas of interest that Chvany championed.

The reception for Nunes was also held in the Black Box Theater on May 10 and a dinner was held on May 11. Nunes has been named president of the Cleveland Institute of Art, and will be leaving Emerson at the end of June. As founding dean of Emerson’s School of the Arts, Nunes established a strong foundation for the School over the past 12 years.

“Grafton has led the School of the Arts with great energy, vision, and dedication,” said Liebergott.