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During this period of uncertainty brought upon by the COVID-19 outbreak, alumnae from the Class of 1970 reached out to the Class of 2020 with a sincere message of hope and support during this difficult time.
In light of the recent postponement of Emmanuel College’s May 16th Commencement Exercises, two members of the Class of 1970 penned a letter to this year’s seniors (below). The spring semester of their senior year was disrupted, much like that of the Class of 2020.
This parallel experience is chronicled in last Sunday's Boston Globe column by Pulitzer Prize-winning writer Thomas Farragher.
Dear Members of the Class of 2020,
How often do we hear the phrase, ‘’unprecedented times?’’ During this period of uncertainty brought upon all of us by the COVID-19 outbreak, we are reaching out as alumnae from the Class of 1970 to you, as seniors, and soon to be graduates of the Class of 2020, with a sincere message of hope and support during this difficult time.
What we encountered in May of 1970, fifty years ago, impacted our final days at Emmanuel, as well. Like you, special events and activities we were looking forward to in our final semester were altered as students across the country went on strike to protest the shootings at Kent State University. This was a very divided time in American history as the country seemed to be coming apart over the Vietnam War. We, too, had our classes cancelled and a non-traditional commencement, as a result. We, too, experienced many of the emotions you are probably feeling these days.
Despite what happened fifty years ago and what is currently facing all of you, the bonds of friendship you’ve made with your classmates will endure. Values instilled at home, reinforced by Emmanuel’s mission and values and its community will guide you. Resilience and agility, traits evident as you’ve navigated the current challenges, will propel you to success!
We are confident that each of you among the Class of 2020, and, first graduating class of Emmanuel’s second century, will achieve and exceed your goals. You will follow your dreams and career plans, making your impact on the world just as we have done for the past fifty years.
On the other side of this pandemic, we all look forward to celebrating your achievements. Have heart, it will happen!
Jane Candito Corr ’70, Class President
Director-at-Large, Nominating Committee Co-chair, Alumni Association
Joanne Quinn Moffatt ’70, Student Government President
Secretary, Communications Committee Chair, Alumni Association