this fully reimagined issue of Expression celebrates the spirit and impact of our extraordinary Emerson community. Across these pages, you will meet alumni whose lives and work reflect one of the College’s founding beliefs: that creative expression is a vital force, one that helps shape a more humane and hopeful world.

The Emersonians featured here have carried what they learned at Emerson into the world in powerful and inspiring ways. They are leaders in the arts, media, communication, business, education, advocacy, and many other fields. Some are just finding their footing; others have reached the top of their professions. What they share is a common drive to move people, challenge assumptions, and make a genuine difference.

Their curiosity and creativity inspire us as Emerson moves boldly toward our 150th year. This has been a year of real progress for the College and for our strategic plan, Extraordinary Emerson 2030. Together, we have advanced work in academic innovation, career readiness, alumni engagement, operations and finance, and the student experience across all of our campuses.

That work matters now more than ever, at a moment when higher education is being tested in ways few of us have seen before.

None of that progress would be possible without our talented faculty and dedicated staff. So many alumni still speak with gratitude about the Emerson professors, mentors, and staff, not to mention fellow alumni, who helped launch their careers and changed the trajectory of their lives. This year, we honored faculty and staff milestones and celebrated colleagues whose service to Emerson spans decades, including some who have given more than 50 years to the College.

The energy and creative possibility I see on our campuses every day come to life in these pages and in every Emersonian story. They were beautifully reflected, too, in the words of our alum Henry Winkler ’67, LHD ’78, who challenged our graduates in his 2026 Commencement address as they joined our global alumni community:

The world needs Emerson. It needs places where imagination is celebrated and collaboration is valued, where students learn to reach one another through ideas, language, performance, media, and story. What sets Emerson apart has never been more relevant than it is today.

With your support and engagement, Emerson will keep preparing the next generation of storytellers, artists, communicators, and leaders and sending them out to share their gifts with a world that is waiting for them.