At Emerson College, creativity knows no bounds, and neither does the generosity of our community. Every gift—big or small— helps us to realize the vision of Extraordinary Emerson 2030 and fuels innovation, experiential learning, and inclusivity. This report isn’t just about numbers; it’s about the stories, dreams, and milestones made possible by you. See how your support is shaping the future of Emerson—and the world.
The Ripple Effect: How Giving Supports Emerson
Financial Aid
Scholarship support last year opened doors for talented students from all backgrounds to pursue their passions in communication and the arts. By reducing financial barriers, these gifts empowered students to focus on their academic and creative growth, laying the foundation for future impact in their fields and communities.
"As someone passionate about film studies, I have always dreamed of exploring the art of storytelling through cinema. Because of scholarship support, I can dedicate myself more fully to my studies and develop the skills necessary to achieve my academic and creative aspirations. This opportunity brings me closer to turning my passion for film into a meaningful career.”
—Samaya Watson ’25
Experiential Learning
Through the support of dedicated donors like Andrea Montoni ’78 and others, more students than ever stepped beyond the classroom and into the world—attending premier festivals like South by Southwest (SXSW) and Sundance in person, and gaining international perspectives through the Global Pathways program.
“The [SXSW] experience connected the dots between what I'm learning at Emerson and how things actually work in the industry. I saw firsthand how concepts from my classes translate to real-world applications, which has made me even more excited about the path I'm on.”
—Mafer Tunjar-Cordova ’25
Academic Innovation
Thanks to a generous gift from David Stohl, P ’25, Emerson is expanding game design and development curriculum— merging creativity, technology, and social impact. With a focus on playability and meaningful engagement, students explore the evolving world of interactive media and storytelling, shaping a future where games drive connection, creativity, and change.
“Supporting Emerson College as they expand into gaming and technology is an investment in the future of content creation. This shift will empower students to blend traditional storytelling with the dynamic possibilities of interactive media.”
—David Stohl, P ’25
Creative Cornerstones
WERS, ArtsEmerson, and Ploughshares enrich campus life and expand our creative reach—bringing bold, diverse voices to our community and beyond.
“I’ve always been a huge fan of Ploughshares, and I feel so honored to be on the board and to be involved with one of the best literary magazines in the country. It’s been a total pleasure to fund the Alice Hoffman Prize for Fiction to highlight the work of some of the amazing writers featured in the pages of Ploughshares.”
—Alice Hoffman, Ploughshares Advisory Board Member
Fiscal Year 2025 By the Numbers
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$1.5M
A bequest funded a new research program
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13%
Increase in first-time donors year over year
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39
Consecutive years of giving from our most loyal donor
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2K
Attendees at more than 50 events
Giving Day Highlights
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158K
Total dollars raised for Giving Day 2025
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493
Total donors participated
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28%
Increase in donors compared to 2024
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148
Emerson faculty and staff members participated
The People Behind the Progress
Robert Miller, P ’18, Trustee, and Kathy Klingenstein, P ’18
“As champions of the arts, we believe that talent should never be limited by financial circumstances. Supporting scholarships for musical theatre students at Emerson ensures emerging artists can continue to pursue their passion and share their gifts with the world.”
Kellie Fuller, Emerson Staff Member
“For over 18 years, I have witnessed the passion, joy, and creativity that the Emerson community cultivates in the world. Giving is a way to help ensure that it continues long into the future.”
David and Charmaine Nichols, P ’28
“Emerson provides a truly distinctive experience for its students. It is critical that families and alumni come together to ensure the College’s financial strength for generations to come.”
Raymond J. ’59 and Anneke C. Dempsey
“Making a planned gift was my way of giving back to the place that shaped my future. Emerson provided a path with clear roadmaps, guidance, support, and care, opening doors that allowed me to gain more than I would have thought possible. My wife and I are proud to support the next generation of students who will go on to tell important stories and change the world.”
To everyone who champions Emerson in ways big and small, thank you. I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished together, and I’m excited for what comes next.
