Emmanuel College Celebrates Investiture of President Beth Ross, Ed.D.

The Emmanuel College community enjoyed a celebration of the College’s past, present and future on October 11th as the Investiture of Beth Ross, Ed.D., marked her elevation into the role as Emmanuel’s 14th president and the next chapter in the Emmanuel story.

Chair of the Emmanuel College Board, Margaret L. McKenna '83 (right) presents the Seal of the College to President Ross.

Before the investiture address, two symbols – the Seal of the College, representing the integration of faith and learning – and a sculpture depicting the cross worn by the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur (SNDdeN) – representing the trust in President Ross to uphold the College’s and the SNDdeN’s mission, were presented to President Ross, officially conferring upon her the responsibilities of the Office of the President at Emmanuel.

President Ross highlighted the College’s role and place in the ever-changing City of Boston, “Where the liberal arts and sciences meet high-impact career preparation. Where small classrooms and close student-faculty mentoring connections meet opportunities normally found at large universities. Where inspiring individual achievements meet an authentically warm, unified and inclusive community.”

Emmanuel College and President Ross received greetings and kind words from the surrounding community as well: The Commonwealth, the City of Boston, the neighborhood, alumni and the current student body. The ceremony featured speakers such as the Honorable Chyna Tyler of the Massachusetts House of Representatives, City Councilor Sharon Durkan and Reverend Oscar J. Pratt II, Pastor of St. Katharine Drexel Parish.

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Speakers touched upon Emmanuel’s “superpower” – “the warm, welcoming and energetic spirit of our community,” as Chair of the College’s Board, Margaret L. McKenna ’83 put it, the pride behind the work that happens on campus, its reach into the surrounding communities and beyond, as well as the College’s dedication to academic excellence. Throughout the celebrations, that spirit was on full display.

“Elevation is an apt theme for this day,” McKenna added, “in light of the Board of Trustees’ unanimous and enthusiastic decision earlier this year to elevate Dr. Beth Ross to the presidency following her successful tenure as Acting President. Her leadership qualities and commitment to the mission make her a most worthy successor to the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur who have preceded her.”

Longtime colleagues of President Ross, Associate Professor of Political Science, Petros Vamvakas and Emmanuel’s Vice President of Diversity and Inclusion/Chief Diversity Officer, Dr. Keith Lezama ’07, shared their support and echoed praise about President Ross and her commitment to the College.

Dr. Vamvakas recalled that during President Ross’ time as Registrar that he frequently found himself in her office – since she was often the person with all of the answers. “She never ever closed her door to me.”

Dr. Lezama reminded attendees that Emmanuel was founded by leaders who remained steadfast in the face of resistance – and whose values resonate more than ever today – which will now be carried out by President Ross.

“I challenge each of you to choose what is right,” he said, “to live a life without regrets. Be the radical change agents that our Sisters were… and the trailblazer that President Ross will be.”

President Beth Ross at the conclusion of the October 11th Investiture Ceremony.

In celebrating her elevation to the presidency, and the College’s elevation of students past, present and future, President Ross left the Emmanuel community with a final thought: “the demand for Emmanuel graduates is acute – and growing. More than ever, our workplaces, democratic institutions, and our culture cry out for the broad minded, ethical and effective leaders who walk across our Commencement stage each May.”

And by nurturing and maintaining the College’s relationship with students, the city and the community, President Ross will continue to move the College forward by accelerating and elevating its students.

“’Boston’s best kept-secret’ will morph into the ‘Best of Boston’ and we will continue our ascent among the nation’s very best liberal arts colleges. Together, let’s create a strong, sustainable, and inspiring future for Emmanuel, and do something beautiful for our students and our world,” she said.