Focusing on Gratitude

Dear Emersonians,

As we celebrate this season of gratitude, I want to share how thankful I am for each of you. To our faculty and staff, thank you for your dedication to our students and mission. To our students, your support for one another and drive to make Emerson a better place inspire us all.

Thanks also to everyone who participated in the new presidential staff and student advisory groups and contributed to initiatives like EmersonTogether by sharing your ideas to shape our collective future. Your creativity, collaboration, and willingness to engage in meaningful conversations strengthen our community in countless ways.

In the last month, I’ve had the pleasure of experiencing the talent and resilience of our community firsthand — whether at the opening of the fitness center, the Student Government Association oath ceremony, Family Weekend events, or the Southwick Recital. I was honored to participate in the Emerson-Blanquerna Global Communication Summit in Washington, D.C., and the celebration of life for our beloved Board of Trustee Emeritus, Jeff Greenhawt.

We’re making significant progress on this year’s top priorities: growing enrollment, fostering connection, planning for our future, and improving communication. I’m incredibly excited about finalizing our new Strategic Plan to launch in the spring — an essential step toward ensuring Emerson remains extraordinary for years to come.

As we head into the long holiday weekend, I hope we all find time to rest, enjoy time with loved ones, and share thanks for our College and our fellow Emersonians. 

Warmly,
Jay Bernhardt
President