Dr. Karen C. Lassey Named 18th Head of Emma Willard School

This past December Emma Willard School announced the appointment of Dr. Karen C. Lassey as our eighteenth head of school. After a rigorous national search and enthusiastic approval by the Head of School Search Committee and the Board of Trustees, board chair Megan Toohey Scremin ’00 shared the selection with the Emma Willard community. Dr. Lassey will officially join us on Mount Ida on July 1, 2025.

 

 

Prince Botchway to Lead Institutional Equity and Inclusion

In April, we shared that Prince Botchway was appointed as Emma Willard School’s head of institutional equity and inclusion. With deep experience as a diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB) practitioner in independent schools, Mr. Botchway most recently served as the dean of DEIB and associate director of admissions for the Millbrook School in Millbrook, New York. Prince joined the senior leadership team on July 1, 2024.

 

 

Inspiration for the Future: The 210th Commencement

Bright blue skies and sunshine graced Mount Ida as Emma Willard School celebrated the final events of the school year: Baccalaureate and the 210th Commencement. Musical selections, speakers, and citations shared throughout the weekend highlighted the special bond shared by this exceptional class.

 

 

One of 360: Fu Z. ’27

As we head off for the fall break, our One of 360 series continued with Fu Z. ’27 a sophomore boarding student. We heard from Fu about how she discovered Emma, a passion for music, and more!

 

 

Honors Convocation: A Moment of Reflection and Celebration

Emma Willard School celebrated academic excellence and exemplary citizenship at Honors Convocation on Friday, April 19. Families were invited to join the ceremony, both in person and through a live stream, and Grace Smith ’14 gave the convocation address.

 

 

Reliving Reunion 2024

The 4s and 9s returned to Mount Ida in force last weekend for Reunion 2024! Laughter and hugs filled the hallways as over 200 Emma alums reconnected, rediscovered their favorite spots on campus, celebrated one another’s accomplishments, and shared the wonder of Emma Willard School with their families.

 

 

In the Family: In Community at Emma

Judy Price, Tony Holston, and their children Sarah ’20 and Sol ’24 reflect on their life-long connection to the Emma community.

 

 

Construction Update: Wallace Center for the Performing Arts

With an anticipated opening in the Fall of 2024, construction on the Alice Dodge Wallace '38 Center for the Performing Arts is well underway. Follow along for an inside look at the historic renovation and expansion of the Alumnae Chapel into a state-of-the-art hub for the arts at Emma Willard.

 

 

Gargoyles & Grotesques

The great gothic guardians of Emma Willard School. Alum Roux Colacino ’22 shares some of the history of the iconic stone characters on campus. 

 

 

Green at Emma: From Grass Roots to Strategic Vision

At Emma Willard School, grassroots efforts toward sustainable practices and education have been growing for some time. When the school wrote its 2021–2026 strategic plan, Leading with Purpose, sustainability became ingrained in our vision for the future.