Let us pray.
Good and loving God, whose goodness surpasses all understanding, we lift up our hearts in gratitude for your presence with us in this joyful celebration.
You are in all things and in all moments – Emmanuel, God with us. Through times of abundance – as well as challenge and change – you have been a loving and ever-renewing source of inspiration and creativity.
Loving God, your closeness to our community is manifest in countless ways, from everyday epiphanies in our classrooms, laboratories, and art studios, to the remarkable achievements of our alumni in myriad fields of human endeavor.
Today, we ask you to pour out Your Spirit and blessing upon President Beth Ross. Grant her the foresight to navigate a strategic and steady course for Emmanuel College, and give her the courage to bring our Catholic educational mission to life in ever greater and more innovative ways. May she, in collaboration with our community, continually advance the richness of the Emmanuel experience for the benefit of students and for the promotion of a more compassionate and equitable society.
We ask these blessings through the intercession of St. Julie Billiart and with unwavering confidence in the closeness of Emmanuel, our God with us. Amen.
Fellow alumni and members of the Board of Trustees; college and university presidents and delegates; members of the faculty, administration and staff; parents, students, neighbors and friends of the College – welcome to this Investiture ceremony and to this historic moment in the life of the College.
One of the hallmarks of Emmanuel – some have called it our “superpower” – is the warm, welcoming, and energetic spirit of our community. What a joy it is to see it on full display today as we lift up Dr. Beth Ross and celebrate the past, present, and boundless future of this beloved institution.
Some of you may be familiar with the quote by John Milton that adorns the exterior of Emmanuel’s library, on the side facing Avenue Louis Pasteur. It reads, “A good book is the precious lifeblood of a master spirit.”
The Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur who selected that quote in 1965 knew the power of a good story.
And they knew we were part of one.
That story reaches back to 1919, when our founders, their eyes fixed on the future, opened Emmanuel to prepare promising young people for lives of distinction and purpose.
And they succeeded. For over a century now, Emmanuel has served as an incomparable source of enlightenment, empowerment, global engagement, and lifelong friendship for generations of students – and as a force for progress and peace in our world.
Today, we mark the beginning of the next great chapter in the Emmanuel story.
“Elevation” is an apt theme for this day in light of the Board of Trustees’ unanimous and enthusiastic decision earlier this year to elevate Beth Ross to the presidency following her successful tenure as Acting President. It was evident to the Board – and to the full College community – that her leadership qualities and commitment to mission make her a most worthy successor to the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur who have preceded her in the presidency.
Dr. Ross brings to the office a fervent belief in the importance and potential of Emmanuel in its second century. In particular, she has a profound grasp of the opportunities arising from the convergence of Emmanuel’s mission, values, and people with the explosion of growth and opportunity in our immediate Longwood and Fenway neighborhoods and throughout Boston.
Over the years, she has earned the admiration of the College community for her deep dedication to student success.
And in a larger sense, this is the meaning of “Elevation.”
For Dr. Ross, the uplifting of every student in every dimension – in intellect, skill, body, and soul – this is at the heart of Emmanuel’s calling. And every initiative, investment, and decision is aimed at advancing this supreme goal, with ever heightening impact on the lives of the Emmanuel students of today and of tomorrow.
Dr. Ross has already done much to empower students – and Emmanuel – during her initial year in office, and we look forward to all that is to come under her superb leadership.
Good morning, everyone. Emmanuel College is certainly a prestigious institution right here in the City of Champs, Boston, Massachusetts. But it is also a flagship campus in our small town that is the Home of Champions as well.
As I explored the identity of this college, there are so many parallels between our greater community here in the City of Boston and our campus community.
We work so hard to build a strong workforce that offers endless access to opportunities for our students. And Emmanuel College simply complements that by working in partnership to develop and maintain academic programming that allows for our students to take on those careers.
And speaking of our workforce, we work so hard as a Commonwealth to provide a positive working environment for all our employees. And this college has complemented that by working hard to be a place where staff and faculty are happy to work. You can feel it in the spirit here.
It is clear to me why Emmanuel has been branded the Heart of Boston. But in order to keep Boston’s heart thriving, Emmanuel’s heart must continue to be healthy as well.
Adulthood has shown me that happiness lives at the core of a healthy body. I was recently at a community celebration here in the Fenway at the Rose Garden, and I had the pleasure of being introduced to President Ross by my campus friend – my campus twin, actually – Tracey Clingingsmith. Throughout our conversation, I couldn’t help but notice two things. One, how proud she was of the work and all the things being done on campus. And more importantly, how genuinely happy she was.
Dr. Ross, who you are at heart and your experience are essential parts in keeping the Saints’ heartbeat thriving.
Congratulations on your appointment, and I look forward to working with you and your team to achieve your vision and uphold the legacy of Emmanuel College. Congratulations again.
Good morning, everyone. I was struck walking in today because I saw a picture of my friend Luke Hines (’24), a recent graduate of Emmanuel College and a great colleague at the City of Boston. He’s been leading so many projects and doing so many things, and to see his face walking in here, it just shows that your mission and everything that you’re working on – it’s real. People are serving in the City of Boston and you’re having a real impact, so thank you.
I’m Sharon Durkan, Councilor for District 8, and I am honored to be here today for Dr. Beth Ross’s Investiture and elevation as the 14th President of Emmanuel College. I had the pleasure of meeting with her this past summer. Seeing her enthusiasm for our vibrant community, and her dedication to Emmanuel’s students, it was easy to understand why the Board of Trustees unanimously voted for her appointment.
Dr. Ross has been a pillar of Emmanuel’s community for over 24 years. Throughout all her time and positions within Emmanuel, she has led students and colleagues in the spirit of the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur. Dr. Ross’s focus on education, charitable work, and dedication to Emmanuel’s core values has guided her to build a strong community on campus.
During her tenure as Acting President and afterward, Dr. Ross has already driven a strategic 10-year plan. She understands how to capitalize on the opportunities for Emmanuel College within our Fenway neighborhood, and she is committed to continued academic excellence for students and has expanded internships and partnerships with other area universities. And just this week, she announced that wrestling will be added to the College’s athletic offerings. I can’t wait to come to a match!
Emmanuel College, with its 2,000 enrolled students, sits in my district and is a key part of our vibrant neighborhood. I proudly represent all of the Colleges of the Fenway as Councilor for District 8 and touch 14 other colleges and universities. But I can tell you the spirt in this room is unmatched!
As the Chair of Planning, Development, and Transportation, and as Vice Chair of PILOT Agreements and Institutional and Governmental Relations, I will be working with Dr. Ross a lot, and I truly look forward to our collaboration.
An institution of the Fenway and Greater Boston since its founding in 1919, Emmanuel is part of the heritage of Boston. And I know how a strong college experience can help young people navigate to the next chapter of their lives. I am a first-generation college graduate, and I know you have many that are graduating from this institution, and I am dedicated as their City Councilor to be part of their growth as well.
As Dr. Ross continues her tenure as President in the service of students, faculty, and staff, I am confident that her leadership will be a credit to the Sisters who served before her. In a speech to students at the start of this academic year, Dr. Ross remarked that the College’s founders "believed then, as we do today, that an integrated liberal arts and sciences education has the power to elevate students to futures commensurate with their talents – and in every way to become fully alive." I look forward to continuing to work with Dr. Ross to imagine a future where everyone at this college can become alive and where the College’s partnership with the City of Boston will be stronger than ever. Thank you.
Good afternoon. As a Vatican II Church, we come to know ourselves as sharers in the ministry of Jesus Christ. Over the years, Dr. Ross has exercised ministry to Emmanuel College in different capacities. Now, Beth, as President you are called to take up the mantle and serve as the pastor of this blessed institution.
With the prayerful support of the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur, the guidance of the Board of Trustees, and the assistance of the faculty, staff, administration, and student body, you will lead Emmanuel College in creative ways as it continues to grow as an educational institution and a civic community partner.
St. Katharine Drexel Parish, in the Roxbury and Dorchester neighborhoods of Boston, has benefited tremendously for many years from the fine work of Emmanuel College. Many other schools and organizations in Boston have benefited from similar collaborations. The work of Emmanuel College is not now, nor has it ever been confined to this campus. I know I speak for many community leaders when I say thank you. Thank you for what was accomplished in the past and thank you in anticipation of future endeavors.
In the African American tradition of Kwanza, one of the seven Nguzo Saba principles is “Ujima,” or “collective work and responsibility.” Recognizing the gifts and talents within the people whom you serve and helping them to realize their potential is essential to being an effective pastor. This collaborative style of leadership will bolster you and empower others to ensure that the entire Emmanuel community attains ever greater heights.
President Ross, as you build upon the legacy that reaches back to 1919, our good God will use you to do great things in this portion of the Lord’s vineyard. And, from one pastor to another, I assure you of my prayers as you begin your ministry as President. And I trust that with your guidance Emmanuel College will continue to make manifest to the world that God is with us!
Congratulations. God bless you, and God bless the Emmanuel community!
Good afternoon, members and friends of the Emmanuel community. It is an honor and pleasure to have been invited by President Ross to say a few words as we celebrate this momentous occasion for the institution and to celebrate our College's new leader.
I had the pleasure of first meeting President Ross in 2015, while I was a student. President Ross served as a staff leader during my first, of what later became many, Alternative Spring Break trips to Phoenix, Arizona. Through this shared experience, which included bonding over our enjoyment of ’80s movies and, at the time, preparing for the 30th anniversary showing of “The Breakfast Club,” we were able to start to build the foundations of what I now consider to be a friendship. I am thankful that through this service trip and every moment I have spent with President Ross since, I have been able to experience firsthand the qualities that she continues to carry with her in her new role as President, some of the clearest being kindness, selflessness, dedication, and passion. It is these exact qualities that make her the leader our College not only wants, but needs.
President Ross is a leader and a visionary for Emmanuel. Ours is an institution that is proud of its history and rooted firmly in the Catholic intellectual tradition, and President Ross is someone that upholds and respects these core values while building a bridge to a sustainable and resilient future for Emmanuel. She is the exact person we need at the helm as the College continues to grow and adapt to the needs of the community during this transformative period now that the institution has entered its second century.
Since the announcement of Dr. Ross’s appointment as Acting President and now President of Emmanuel, the number of alumni across the years who have reached out to express how excited and hopeful they are for the College's future is immeasurable. President Ross, although we have already begun our partnership – because you, unsurprisingly, have not missed a beat since assuming your new role – I would like to say, on behalf of the Alumni Association Board of Directors, congratulations and welcome! We are looking forward to continuing to work with you and cannot wait to see what Emmanuel is able to accomplish with you paving the way.
Members and friends of the Emmanuel community, thank you for being here to celebrate Dr. Beth Ross and her investiture as Emmanuel College’s 14th president. I stand before you today as a representative of Emmanuel’s lively student body.
In my three years here, I have had the opportunity to become involved in Model United Nations, Law and Legal Studies, the Institute of Eastern Mediterranean Studies, BSU, Huellas, and even the Biology Club. In my new role as President of the Student Government Association, I have had the absolute honor of serving as a bridge between students and administration with the help of Dr. Ross. However, our relationship began far before I stepped into this role.
I had the privilege of meeting Dr. Ross in the most unexpected of ways – right after ordering chicken at the stir-fry station during freshman move-in day. Despite the chaos of Welcome Weekend, Dr. Ross took the time to come over and introduce herself to me. Immediately we struck up a conversation about seeing both the excitement of new students alongside the sad tears of their families as they left campus. For me, this shows her keen attention to detail, as well as an appreciation for the smaller moments of college life. It was a reminder that leadership is about more than overseeing operations – it's about connection and presence.
This focus on personal connection reflects a deeper truth about the value of higher education itself. In an increasingly transactional and economic-oriented world, families and students constantly question the benefit and value-added of attending college. Practically speaking, there are tons of statistics out there, such as average higher pay, increased networks both socially and professionally, higher career satisfaction, and future family trajectory. All are very compelling arguments. However, I would suggest the goal of higher education is about more than obtaining your bachelor’s degree on Commencement Day in May; it’s about challenging who you thought you were, exploring your spirituality, uncovering new intellectual passions, and debating moral and ethical dilemmas. To provide these intangible benefits, a college must have a clear direction and a resolute commitment to student growth and transformation. Under the guidance of strong leadership, Emmanuel College is on that path to challenge learners and help them excel to the next level.
Dr. Ross steps into this role more than equipped with the tools and experience to continue to elevate Emmanuel College, as well as its students. I am confident that as president she will advance Emmanuel as an academic community that focuses on engagement in and outside of the classroom. I can say on behalf of the students that we are all excited for your vision, President Ross, and cannot wait to see where you lead us. Thank you.
Good afternoon. It is a great pleasure and distinct honor to speak at the coronation ... I mean the inauguration ... I mean the Investiture of my good friend and long-time colleague Beth Ross. Dr. Beth Ross the 14th President of Emmanuel College!
When I was asked to participate in this event, I was very touched and honored to be here, but I realized that I was the default choice, as I was asked in my capacity as the Chair of the Faculty Senate, so I have to make certain that I represent the faculty well.
I am very honored to be here for this occasion, as this presidency is very important in Emmanuel’s long history and is foundational to Emmanuel’s second century. I know that I speak for the entire faculty when I say that we are thrilled with the selection of Beth Ross as the President of Emmanuel and that the faculty will support this presidency and be constructive partners in moving the mission and vision of the College forward while also embracing the global mission of the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur.
Given this opportunity, I want to share with you today a couple of little stories about Beth, which I think are indicative of her leadership style, which balances her steadfast, determined work ethic with empathy and a warm smile. No one will outwork Beth, or care more about her colleagues and students while doing it. Her smile and caring may lead to people underestimate her, but in the end, she knows what is needed and gets there. Beth is caring and genuine, also rare qualities in today’s environment, especially when it comes to leadership.
Here are two anecdotes, which I want to share with you this afternoon. As many of you know, Beth was the Registrar for several years, and as the Registrar her door was always open for everyone, always accessible, always willing to assist. Some of us, however, abused that as her office was the place where you could get all the answers as Beth knew the ins and outs of the College, found solutions to problems and was open to ideas about programs. I think that the biggest culprit in taking advantage of Beth’s largesse was yours truly, but Beth never, ever closed her door to me. I was so bad, that her staff, feeling sorry for Beth, had put up a sign on the edge of the last cubicle that read “Petros, you can’t go beyond this line.”
You think that stopped me? Of course not, I never saw the sign. I had to be shown the sign! And yet continued to go to Beth’s office for solutions, advice and ideas or maybe steal one of her candies. She was always welcoming.
The other story, which I want to share with you is the story of how “Maverick” was born. Many of you don’t know that Beth’s nickname is “Maverick.” About 16 years ago Beth and I were sitting at the same table at a Strategic Planning Retreat at Babson College. I didn’t know Beth that well then, but at that retreat I realized that Beth was a person with leadership abilities, but also a different type of a style, not an audacious bullheaded leader, but someone who was knowledgeable, quiet yet determined. As the discussions were unfolding that afternoon Beth’s ideas were on point and thoughtful, but were sometimes drowned out by other less impressive presenters who were louder and obviously less prepared. After that session, I started calling Beth “Maverick” because even though her ideas were very good, she chose not to directly challenge the louder voices or match their audacity but rather demonstrate her strategic thinking, attention to detail and the strength of conviction. Her calm and measured presentation, done with a smile and quiet confidence, demonstrated her grasp of the issues at hand. Her approach that day at Babson, and as evidenced for the next 15 years, has served her well. Never being tempted to stand out herself, but rather have her work, steadfastness, and commitment to the mission and the vision speak for her. I have to admit the Maverick nickname was created as a way to tease Beth, but the reality is, Beth Ross is a Maverick in this age of empty leadership.
I’m truly honored and very happy to be here in support of my friend Dr. Beth Ross, the 14th President of Emmanuel College. May her door be always open and may that Maverick spirit of staying steadfast to the mission of Emmanuel guide her in her newest assignment at the College!
The Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King once so eloquently said, "There are times when you must take a stand that is neither safe, nor politic, nor popular, but you must do it because it is right."
When I reflect on Dr. King’s words, I think of our own Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur, and I see a common thread woven through their legacy.
Like Dr. King, these Sisters were bold visionaries who sought equality for victims of injustice at a time when securing a future for women did not conform to societal expectations. Yet they still challenged the status quo in pursuit of justice, equity, and doing what is right.
They were radical change agents, and radical change demands courageous leaders.
Our Sisters led with a clear vision and purpose to “work with others to create justice and peace for all.” They taught us the importance of standing with conviction, not just through our rhetoric, but through our deeds.
And they remind me of one of my favorite speeches delivered by James Baldwin, a brilliant writer and civil rights activist.
In the 1960s, during a time of civil unrest and heightened racial tensions, Baldwin spoke to a group of New York teachers, addressing the challenges of education and our society. He issued a powerful call to action, urging educators to confront generations of systemic oppression. Baldwin encouraged those teachers to "go for broke" – to do whatever it takes to address social injustices, even if it means facing "the most fantastic, the most brutal, and the most determined resistance."
Emmanuel was founded by leaders who remained steadfast in the face of resistance – whose values resonate more than ever today and will be carried out by President Ross, who embodies and upholds these principles. A leader who understands that we can’t be silent about the things that matter. Who understands that there is no room for us to simply believe that things will work out on their own. And that we can't just hope for change; we must actively pursue it—boldly, without hesitation, with conviction and courage. And ensure that our actions are equitable, leading with intention and purpose.
We at Emmanuel should never follow a path of what is safe, politically convenient, or popular. We must continue to do what is right, even when our decisions or actions may be met with resistance.
Because that is what our founders would have wanted. They would have wanted us to be radical, to center ourselves in social justice, love, and peace and live out these values not only for our Emmanuel community but for the entire world.
So I leave you with this: We often find ourselves standing in spaces where we have to choose between what is right, what is safe, what is politically advantageous, and what is popular.
I challenge each of you to choose what is right – to live a life without regrets. Be the radical change agents our Sisters were and Dr. King was, and the trailblazer President Ross will be.
In these challenging times, let us not forget our moral responsibility to "go for broke," even when we are met with the most fantastic and brutal resistance.
I thank you for this time, and congratulations, President Ross.
I am honored to extend the congratulations of the Congregational Leadership Team to President Beth Ross and the Emmanuel College community on behalf of Sisters Amarachi, Evalyne, Lorraine, Miriam and myself. In Rome, we received the news of Beth’s appointment with joy.
I had the great privilege of serving on the Emmanuel faculty and working with Beth over the years. It was evident from the beginning of her work as an administrator that Beth was open to receiving the gifts of our Notre Dame charism and Emmanuel’s mission, and was equally willing to share her many talents in the re-founding of the College.
Today Beth leads this institution from the perspective of one who has been nurtured by its graced history and formed by a generation of Sisters and lay colleagues whose vision brought Emmanuel to this day.
Now Beth, in concert with the College community, will lead Emmanuel into the future – steeped in its enduring values, guided by the Catholic Intellectual Tradition, and committed to its historic mission to be a community of conscience.
Last week, Pope Francis again challenged the world. He said: “In this dramatic hour of our history, while the winds of war and the fires of violence continue to devastate entire peoples and nations,” we are reminded of our call to “put ourselves at the service of humanity.’’
To put ourselves at the service of humanity. That is what Emmanuel has done for over 100 years. It is what it will do for the next 100 years and beyond. Its graduates will continue to go around this extraordinary corner and around the entire world to serve the most significant institutions of our day and address the most pressing needs of our time.
Our graduates have done this throughout our history and will do so into the future because they have been educated to be women and men of conscience, and builders and sustainers of community.
On the walls of our motherhouse in Namur, Belgium, are marble plaques dedicated to our Congregations’ ministries in 15 countries on five continents. One plaque reads: “May God bless and increase Emmanuel College.”
I echo that prayer today and I add, May God bless President Beth Ross and her leadership of Emmanuel College for years to come. Thank you.
Good afternoon, everyone! What a joy it is to be among you on this glorious occasion. And what an honor it is for me to introduce my cherished colleague and dear friend Dr. Beth Ross.
Beth and I met in June of 2000. Beth was the new Registrar, and I was the Dean of Students starting my fifth year. Beth and I had offices on what is now the third floor of the Eisner Administration Building. Our paths crossed frequently, and we established an easy and friendly camaraderie.
On what I remember as Beth’s third day on campus, I poked my head into her office to say hello, and found Beth standing in the center of the room, surrounded by her seated staff.
Now, of course, 24 years ago, Beth was a MUCH YOUNGER professional (weren’t we all?)
AND her staff members were senior to her in age and in Emmanuel experience. And YET, there stood Beth, with a bright smile, EXCELLENT posture, holding a stack of stapled handouts.
In that moment, it was clear to me and everyone in that room that Beth Ross was going to lead with skill and grace.
As I quietly backed out of the office, I had two thoughts:
First: Beth is going to EXCEL at Emmanuel!
Followed by: How can someone so relatively young command a room so effectively?
Subsequently, I learned:
That Beth Ross is a first-born child! An eldest daughter. With three younger brothers. Beth’s brothers Tim, Kevin, and Brian are here today as are Beth’s beloved parents, Charlie and Jennie Ross, and Beth’s incredible husband, David Twombly.
Beth was born and raised on the south shore of Boston, in the “City of Presidents,” Quincy, Massachusetts. She grew up in a family with high expectations, where faith was central and in which Gospel teachings were lived.
The Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur charism was familiar to Beth; it aligned with her values and inspired her, and when she came to Emmanuel she joyfully incorporated the mission into her life and work.
Beth joined the Emmanuel community at a critically important time of transition and growth, and she proved to be an invaluable colleague, elevating conversations with emotional intelligence and strengthening decisions with data-informed perspectives. Beth is the rare person whose heart, mind, and spirit operate in unison; she quickly cultivated relationships and influenced outcomes across all constituencies.
Prior to assuming the presidency, Dr. Ross served on, co-chaired, and chaired some of the most important committees at Emmanuel and at the Colleges of the Fenway. Beth held progressively responsible positions at Emmanuel, earning four promotions and attaining the respect of the community by consistently being prepared, open, thoughtful, and engaged.
Very, very engaged.
One of my all-time favorite tag lines is: “At Emmanuel, we don’t sit on the sidelines, we GO ALL IN.” And during her 24 years at the College, Beth has exemplified that spirit of enthusiastic engagement, volunteering her time and offering her talent to support some of the most popular student and mission-centered activities: Alternative Spring Break, the Emmanuel College Dance Marathon, and the Chapel Choir, to name a few.
In my conversations with Dr. Ross, she has expressed repeatedly her deep appreciation for the community of students, alumni, faculty, staff, administrators, trustees, donors, and friends she is privileged to serve at Emmanuel. Further, she is grateful to have had the opportunity to learn from and be inspired by members of the founding order of Emmanuel College, the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur. Beth was privileged to observe daily the visionary leadership of Emmanuel President Emerita Sister Janet Eisner and the financial mastery of Emmanuel Treasurer Sister Anne Mary Donovan. In addition, over the years, Beth has been remarkably blessed by the opportunity to work directly with and learn from 17 other Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur on the Emmanuel Board of Trustees, in the administration, on the faculty, on the staff and in Congregational leadership.
In her address in December to a large group of Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur, Beth shared that she always understood that leadership at Emmanuel included not only adherence to standards of practice, not only data-driven decisions, not only thoughtful management and student-centered polices but, and I quote, “above all the care and stewardship of a sacred trust, a trust rooted in the vision of St. Julie and our founders and carried forth by a line of extraordinary and faith-filled women.”
The Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur have left an indelible mark on Dr. Beth Ross, and she carries forward their influence in her heart, in her mind, and in her spirit on this momentous occasion, as she is officially invested into office as the 14th President of Emmanuel College.
May Emmanuel, our God with us, be with President Ross as she continues to lead Emmanuel College with skill and grace.