Connected and United: A Message from President Sr. Janet Eisner, SNDdeN

Dear Members of the Emmanuel College Community,

Emmanuel is much more than its buildings and Boston location. What makes this College great—what has always made us great—is our people and the relationships among us. Our community is connected less by proximity than by mission, values and genuine care for one another.

This truth has never been more evident than in the past week. As the full impact of the COVID-19 pandemic became clear, we saw numerous members of our community—faculty, administrators, and staff members in campus safety, residence life, dining services and other key areas—provide critical support to students and families. Meanwhile, students themselves demonstrated remarkable resilience and good will as their Spring Break brought unimaginable changes. Years from now, we will remember above all this spirit of creativity and selflessness.

In navigating these times, we are keeping utmost in mind the uncertainties confronting students and their families, particularly those with specific needs. While most students have moved out in recent days, the residence halls continue to accommodate students who must continue living on campus. Additionally, the College is providing pro-rated refunds of room and board fees. As always, students and their well-being remain at the center of all we do.

Today we formally resume our spring semester in an online/remote learning context. Thanks to the talents of our faculty and IT staff—and the College’s investments in leading-edge learning technologies in recent years—our students will continue to engage in Emmanuel’s liberal arts and sciences curriculum with richness and rigor.

Virtual Emmanuel is a reality. Our offices, many operating online, remain fully staffed and are actively responding to student needs and conducting the business of the College. What is more, we are looking to the future. In fact, we regard this fluid time as an opportunity to further propel innovation in the ways we teach, learn and collaborate—and to advance our ability to equip students for success in a fast-moving world.

Emmanuel is no stranger to external challenges. Neither the First World War nor the Influenza Pandemic of 1918 could deter the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur from opening the College in 1919. From their vision and perseverance flowed generations of graduates who have elevated causes, organizations and communities around the world.

Across distances, we remain both connected and united. May we all experience the grace and peace of our God with us, Emmanuel.

Sister Janet Eisner, SNDdeN
President