First Joe Knoll Emerson Impact Award Presented at Staff Appreciation Celebration
Desiree Baker was recognized for working at Emerson for 10 years. 
Jackie Yun, AVP of Student Affairs and Kellie Fuller, Manager of Talent Development. 
VP and Chief Human Resources Officer James Montgomery-Hyde 
Shelby Allen was recognized for working at Emerson for five years. 
Many people were recognized for working at Emerson for five years. 
Numerous people were recognized for working at Emerson 10 years. 
A handful of people were recognized for working at Emerson for 15 years. 
Sharon Duffy, Director of Alumni Engagement, with Dr. Jay Bernhardt. Duffy was recognized for her 25 years of working at Emerson.
Photos by Luis Gerardo Del Razo Tamayo, MA ’26
Staff members gathered at the Lion’s Den on June 2 for Emerson’s annual Staff Appreciation event, which celebrated employees reaching milestone work anniversaries, from five to 40 years of service. Additionally, President Jay Bernhardt announced the creation of the inaugural Joe Knoll Emerson Impact Award.
The new award honors the legacy of Joe Knoll, who passed away in 2025 after more than 30 years at Emerson. Beginning his career as a carpenter, Knoll rose through the ranks to become Director of Facilities and was widely admired for his dedication to the College and its community.
In 2024, Knoll received an Emerson Recognition Award (ERA) Award of Distinction, an honor bestowed by students on faculty and staff members who have made an extraordinary impact. His influence on Emerson extended far beyond his role. As Vice President for Government and Community Relations Margaret “Peggy” Ings said at the time, “I think he’s probably the truest Emersonian.”
Fittingly, the first Joe Knoll Emerson Impact Award was presented to Interim Director of Facilities Management Derrek Eno, recognizing his contributions to the College and the Facilities team Knoll once led.
“They lead not through recognition or spotlight, but through steady dedication, generosity, and integrity. Their colleagues know them as someone who can always be counted on and someone who approaches every challenge with professionalism, every interaction with warmth, and every responsibility with care,” said President Dr. Jay Bernhardt about Eno. “Most importantly, they remind us that the true strength of a community comes from people who quietly lift others up every single day.”
The event also recognized staff members celebrating 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, and 30 or more years of service, including Assistant Vice President of Academic Affairs Anne Doyle, MA ’90, whose 40-year career has spanned numerous roles across the College.
“I stayed at Emerson for 40 years because of the support I was always given by co-workers and senior College leadership. I feel very fortunate to have had a job that I love and to have worked with incredible people for so many years,” said Doyle. “The most important work for me was always advising our students and seeing them grow—I have such wonderful memories. As an alum of the Comm Studies Grad Program and a resident of Boston I will continue to support Emerson in any way I am able.”
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