Emerson community welcomes President Pelton

Emerson faculty, staff, Trustees, Overseers, and Boston-area alumni welcomed Emerson College’s new president, Lee Pelton, to campus Wednesday (July 6) at a cookout on Boston Common. More than 350 Emersonians attended the event, which was held under tents adjacent to the Parkman Bandstand.

“We are so pleased to have Lee take the torch…at a momentous time for the College, when Emerson has the chance to become a leader on the national and world stages,” said Co-Vice Chair of the Emerson College Board of Trustees Larry Rasky ’78 as he introduced the president.

“I’m very, very happy to be here to serve as your president,” said Pelton to the gathering. “I’ve watched Emerson’s evolution with great interest and awe, and I will honor the past, while looking forward to the future.”

When attendees weren’t lined up to meet the new president, they were enjoying hamburgers, veggie burgers, barbecued chicken, and pulled pork under sunny skies. Emerson’s student-run radio station, WERS, provided the afternoon’s entertainment.

“I think this is a great opening gesture for Dr. Pelton,” said Jane Pikor, Television, Radio and Film production manager.

“I really look forward to his administration,” said Associate Professor of Communication Studies Ted Hollingworth. “Everything I’ve heard him say, I like.”

Among the alumni leadership in attendance at the cookout were former chair of the Board of Trustees Ted Cutler ’51, Overseer Colette Phillips ’76, Alumni Board member Travis Small ’97, former Alumni Board member Sandi Goldfarb ’78, and Boston Alumni Association President Margie Sullivan Kaplan ’81.

Pelton also told the crowd that the most common question he’s been asked since arriving on campus is, “What should we call you?” His response: “Feel free to call me Lee.”