On Sunday, September 4, Emmanuel College welcomed more than 600 new students to campus, both from the first-year Class of 2026 and transfer students.
The College’s newest students arrived from 26 U.S. states and from countries spanning South America, the Middle East and East Asia, bringing to campus a broad range of experiences and points of view.
Sunday also marked the first new student Move-In Day for the College’s 13th president, Dr. Mary Boyd, who took the helm in August. She assured students at the President’s Welcome they would discover the ins and outs of being newcomers together.
“I know some of you may be feeling anxious today as you navigate unfamiliar waters, and that is perfectly natural,” she said. “All I can say is, come on in, the water’s fine. Beginning now, you will be surrounded by people and resources dedicated to your success and well-being.”
President Boyd encouraged students to engage with professors, advisors, coaches, resident assistants and others throughout their time at Emmanuel. She also encouraged them to engage in the “current” of life on campus and throughout the city of Boston, both in tangible, resume-building ways, but also in ways that will “guide you in shaping a future that aligns with your deepest desires for your own life and the lives of others.”
Students were also encouraged to reach out to their peers and begin to grow the bonds that will unite them during their time at Emmanuel and for decades to come.
“While you can certainly lean on us, I hope you will also lean on each other and lift each other up,” she said. “Remember, no one of us, including me, is good at everything. And that’s a good thing because if each of us were good at everything, we wouldn’t need one another.”
President Boyd closed her remarks by reminding students they were chosen as Emmanuel’s next class because of their gifts and achievements as scholars, student-athletes, volunteers and community leaders.
“Trust yourselves,” she said. “We can’t wait to see how you will contribute to this community, and all the exciting ways your journeys will unfold in the years ahead. Remember that Emmanuel is the heart of Boston, and you are the heart of Emmanuel.”
Dean of Students Dr. Jennifer Forry (left) with President Mary Boyd (right) hold the official class banner with two members of the Class of 2026
When it came time to search for an internship, Philip decided to go big—and looked to the accounting industry’s Big 4 of Deloitte, EY, PwC and KPMG, each of which has a Boston-based office just a few miles from campus.
"If anyone would ask me what to do in college, I would tell them to do everything. Get as much experience as you can. Meet people and do things. Take advantage of all college has to offer."
Jumping into her Emmanuel experience, Shakirah was sure of two things: that what she had planned was going to be a “tall task,” and that she was up for the challenge.
Katherine’s foray into biology might seem an unlikely one for a future dentist.
As a future educator, Jonathan understands there is a lesson to be learned in everything.
For career inspiration, Erin looked no further than her family of first responders and their calling to “help people on their worst days.”
During the Fall 2022 semester, MacDonald and her research team of psychology majors Madeline Bradley ’23 and Matthew Lemansky ’23 (pictured) investigated the lived experiences of participants in an 8-week mindfulness training program.
One transformative high school law class changed Alyssa’s college plans from STEM to political science.
Nick grew up in a family of medical professionals—his mother and grandmother are both nurses and his father is a paramedic. “I’ve always been surrounded with medical jargon and stories of health incidents, crises, and the rewarding benefits of providing care,” he said.
Emmanuel College is one of 140 local nonprofits to receive grants of $100,000 to $500,000 each through the Cummings Foundation’s $25 Million Grant Program.
Counseling & health psychology major Christine came to Emmanuel knowing she wanted to pursue a career in health care, and the College’s opportunities and connections for students interested in the field—as well as a neuroscience course she attended at EC Incoming—made the decision an easy one.
When asking secondary education and biology double major Angela Girodier '22 if she’s more passionate about research or teaching, she quickly and emphatically says “both.”
Emmanuel is a place where students broaden their sense of what’s possible and prepare for inspiring careers in an ever-changing world. Be here.
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