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Emmanuel College officially welcomed a new school year on Sept. 2nd with an Academic Convocation ceremony focused on values, community, and words of advice for the incoming Class of 2029.
“It is so good to join with you at the start of this academic year to reflect on the purpose and meaning of the intellectual endeavors we are about to undertake together,” said President Beth Ross. “We reflect especially on our common aspiration to shape a hopeful future, for not just ourselves, but also for our broader society.”
President Ross explored this theme by discussing how artificial intelligence (AI) is set to dramatically alter how people around the globe live, work, study and collaborate.
The rapidly evolving technology has capabilities that are driving change across a wide range of industries, but it cannot match human potential for critical thinking, connection, and compassion. She invited the newest Saints to lean into those vital strengths, which have always been core values of the Emmanuel experience.
“There have been pivotal moments in Emmanuel’s history when we have adapted to changes in our external environment with openness and agility,” said President Ross. “This is another one of those moments, and we must and will continue to rise to it by embracing AI in ways that enhance—rather than replace— human thinking; ways that advance the search for truth, which is at the heart of the Catholic intellectual tradition; and ways that build our students’ proficiency with the AI tools that are becoming part of the infrastructure of the modern workplace.”
“At the same time, students, what I most want to convey to you today is a challenge—a challenge to deepen those qualities that AI does not—and never will—have; traits that will mark you as relevant and in-demand no matter what transpires in the digital realm,” she added.
Academic convocations are a long-standing tradition in higher education. In welcoming the assembly, Vice President of Academic Affairs Dr. Peter Cahn dubbed the proceedings a rite of passage, a process where participants separate from the past, take-in the new experiences, and then come together with a new status.
Celebration of shared values is a key piece of that process, and Dr. Cahn noted that most students in attendance participated in that earlier in the day, by volunteering their time to help area non-profits through the Emmanuel New Student Day of Service. Commitment to community has always been central to Emmanuel’s educational philosophy, and the new Saints were now part of that tradition.
“This was not just a way to introduce you to Boston, but also to reinforce that what you learn at Emmanuel…goes out of the campus and enhances the common good,” said Dr. Cahn.
The ceremony also featured a trio of convocation speakers who highlighted connections between the work at Emmanuel and the educational philosophy of the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur (SNDdN). The SNDdN founded Emmanuel in 1919 as part of their mission of promoting social justice through education and lifting up those at the margins of society.
Speaking to the assembly, Class of 2026 President Kaleigh Harris, Assistant Professor of Math Education Dr. Miriam Gates, and Associate Professor of Management Dr. Kelly Basile illustrated how those founding principles are still at the core of Emmanuel’s mission.
Harris’ comments focused on practical application of the skills she’s learned at Emmanuel. As a highlight, she cited her experience of working with a first-grade student off-campus, helping them with homework and to develop social skills. It was not always easy, but the student's progress was rewarding, and she urged new Saints to embrace using their gifts to benefit others.
“To the Class of 2029 my advice is this: lean into this community. Explore. Ask questions. Take risks. And don’t be afraid to stumble along the way, said Harris. “The next four years will challenge you, but they will also change you. And you will never walk alone.”
Dr. Gates was the recipient of the 2024-2025 Emmanuel College Faculty Excellence in Teaching Award, and her comments wove together two narratives: one about being open minded when facing new perspectives, and the other about an amazing but often overlooked woman in history. She noted that embracing the gift of diversity is a hallmark of SNDdN learning communities and challenged students to dedicate themselves to better understanding the stories of others.
Dr. Basile was the 2024 recipient of the Emmanuel College Faculty Excellence and Service to the Community Award. Her comments focused on service in the community, and how students at the Emmanuel School of Business & Management work with local entrepreneurs who promote equity and justice. The focus of those is work is on being with people, helping them build sustainable systems for improvement, and taking on challenges to help others in need. The SNDdN often speak of “muddling through” challenges when taking on tall tasks, and Dr. Basile invited the new Saints to do likewise.
“To opening safe houses for women being trafficked, to taking on governments and corporations, and to preserving the environment, the sisters muddle through without letting challenges get the best of them,” said Dr. Basile. “I encourage all of you to muddle through something during your time at Emmanuel.”
