Dear Emersonians,

I hope you had a relaxing and joyful Thanksgiving break. As the fall semester nears its conclusion across our campuses, we can feel the momentum building. Our shared spaces and classrooms light up with study sessions, presentations, and performances fueled by caffeine, adrenaline, and creative expression.

Amid the energy and excitement, the end of another semester is also a time for reflection. Over the past three months, we’ve seen increasing evidence of our shared commitment to creativity, collaboration, and excellence. Your work reminds me of what makes Emerson and Emersonians so extraordinary.  

As students, you learn with intention and imagination, creating innovative work that highlights the value of Emerson’s unique academic programs and hands-on experiences. As faculty, you cultivate and curate an environment where our students flourish. As staff, you apply your expertise and experience to help our institution and community thrive. I am grateful for the work you all do as we prepare future leaders and storytellers in communication, arts, and media. These disciplines are more essential than ever in our changing and challenging world.

Please take a moment to remember these Fall 2025 highlights that showcase Emerson’s vibrant spirit and creativity.

In Los Angeles, during my 11th ELA visit as President, I enjoyed connecting with members of our vibrant and impressive alumni community at a networking event in Larchmont and with Emersonians throughout the week, including one of my childhood heroes, the great Henry Winkler '67. My inspiring conversations with trustees, alumni, parents, faculty, staff, and students reminded me why LA and ELA remain so central to Emerson’s future growth and impact. We must keep working to elevate our profile and reputation across the city and throughout the entertainment industry. 

Building Our UnCommon Community

This semester, I’ve heard from faculty and staff about the many ways you support our students and each other, both in and out of the classroom. At our most recent UnCommon Table gathering in November (formerly known as “Dining & Discourse”), we shared a meal and conversation with about 20 Boston-based faculty and staff.  We discussed progress on Extraordinary Emerson 2030, the use of AI in the classroom and the workforce, our efforts to improve marketing and communications, and the crucial role we all play in student recruitment and retention, among other topics. These informal gatherings are some of my favorite events, and I look forward to seeing more faculty and staff at the UnCommon Tables and many other community events planned for next semester. 

Looking Ahead

Many exciting developments are coming to Emerson this spring semester. We will unveil and launch our updated Emerson branding that better reflects and tells our unique Emerson story. We will announce and open new spaces on our Boston campus where students, faculty, and staff can gather, build community, and spark creativity. We will continue making progress on Extraordinary Emerson 2030, including implementing strategic initiatives and activating our core values.

I’m also pleased to announce that, starting in Fall 2026, Emerson will introduce its first formal Fall Break. This annual short break in the middle of the fall semester will occur over a four-day weekend around Indigenous Peoples’ Day. Next fall, the College will close on Friday, October 9, 2026, and will reopen for classes on Tuesday, October 13, 2026. We hope this annual Fall Break will give members of our Boston and Los Angeles campuses time to rest and recharge for the rest of the semester.