Trustees Ellen Calmas and Robert Miller help President Bernhardt put on his new Emerson regalia and hood.
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Celebrating Emerson

Bywebadmin
  • A woman dances on stage
    A performance during one of Emerson’s longest traditions — Southwick Oratory Recitals. (Photo by Christopher McIntosh)
  • Trustees Ellen Calmas and Robert Miller help President Bernhardt put on his new Emerson regalia and hood.
    Trustees Ellen Calmas and Robert Miller help President Bernhardt put on his new Emerson regalia and hood.
  • Kevin Bright and Dylan Humphrey talk on a stage
    Kevin Bright ’76, LHD ’11, paid tribute to the legendary Norman Lear ’44, LHD ’68, with Dylan Humphrey ’27.
  • Three people perform as part of the Southwick Oratory Recital
    This semester’s edition, Intervals of Horrible Sanity, used original theatrical scenes, music, dance, puppetry, film, narration, and excerpts of the writer’s own work to tell the story of Boston native Edgar Allan Poe. (Photo by Christopher McIntosh)
  • Lee Pelton, Jackie Liebergott, Bill Gilligan and Jay Bernhardt stand together in college robes
    The Inauguration provided a special moment for current President Jay Bernhardt to connect with his three predecessors: Bill Gilligan, interim president from 2021 to 2023 (rightmost); Lee Pelton, president from 2011 to 2021 (left most); and Jackie Liebergott, president from 1992 to 2011.
  • An audience view of the stage
  • George Watsky performs on stage
    George Watsky ’10 performs “Welcome to the Family” at the Investiture Ceremony.
  • Boston Poet Laureate Porsha Olayiwola reads their poem from a lecturn
    Boston Poet Laureate Porsha Olayiwola, MFA ’22, reads from her poem “Sestina” during the Investiture.
  • Audience at an inauguration event
  • Jay Bernhardt talks at a lecturn
    Dr. Jay Bernhardt is Emerson College’s 13th president.

President Jay Bernhardt’s Inauguration in March featured three days of community events, panel sessions, and activities—centered on the theme “Celebrate Emerson.” The events began on March 20 with one of Emerson’s longest-held traditions—the Southwick Recital. This semester’s edition, Intervals of Horrible Sanity, used original theatrical scenes, music, dance, puppetry, film, narration, and excerpts of the writer’s own work to tell the story of Boston native Edgar Allan Poe.

The culmination of Celebrate Emerson was the Investiture Ceremony at the Cutler Majestic Theatre on March 22, which was attended by faculty, staff, students, alumni, Trustees, and friends, including delegates from 38 colleges and universities.

“I’ve heard countless students and alumni say Emerson is where they found their people, their place, and their voice. And that’s precisely how I feel today….In terms of my beliefs, my priorities, and my values, I’ve always been Emersonian. That’s why being here feels like coming home, and I’m so glad to be home.”

President Jay Bernhardt

Celebrate Emerson panel sessions gave a glimpse into the College’s expertise in areas including: the impact of artificial intelligence on the arts and communication industries; analog film; artistic innovation; gender-affirming voice and communication; and more. And on the eve of the Investiture Ceremony, Emersonians came together at the Paramount Center for a comedy show featuring sets from alumni and students.

The Investiture Ceremony marked Jay Bernhardt’s official installation as the 13th president of the College. In his remarks, “Being Emersonian,” President Bernhardt spoke about finding his people and finding his home at Emerson, while laying out initial themes and areas of focus for the College over the coming years.

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