A special unveiling ceremony was held during the momentous Wallace Center Grand Opening Celebration weekend. Trustee and Past Chair of the Board (2017–2020) Susie Hunter ’68, Honorary Trustee and Past Chair of the Board (2016–17, 2020–23) Lisa Allen LeFort ’72, current student Renata L. ’26, and current Chair of the Board of Trustees Megan Toohey Scremin ’00 shared remarks honoring Ms. Rao’s remarkable time at the helm of Emma Willard School.

Susie set the expectation for the moment by beginning, “I am here today to tell you that there is no way in the world [a portrait] will capture Jenny’s essence…no two-dimensional medium can capture the explosive personality, heart, and skill set that is Jenny Rao. Four of us here today are going to try to paint that picture of Jenny’s boundless energy, enthusiasm, and warmth with our words and obvious affection.”

Sharing her deep admiration for Jenny’s leadership during the COVID pandemic, Lisa shared, “Jenny has shown us the way, as she modeled how to be steadfast and committed in an uncertain world.” She also shared thoughts from Jenny’s “second act” that resulted in our ambitious Leading with Purpose strategic plan and the historic Infinite Horizon campaign. “Jenny’s openness, honesty, and vulnerability allowed her to connect with alumnae and friends across cultures and generations,” Lisa declared. 

“There’s something magical about Ms. Rao,” Renata shared, “and I don’t just mean the wand she waves to light the holiday tree, though I’ll never forget those moments. I mean the way she makes us feel seen, the way she reminds us that imperfection is not something to hide, but something that adds to our strength….Ms. Rao has shown us what leadership looks like when it’s rooted in empathy, integrity, and humility.”

As current chair of the Board, Megan wrapped up the remarks. “Since joining the Board of Trustees six years ago, I’ve had the privilege of working with Jenny. And what you see is what you get—effervescent, kind, thoughtful, and full of life. Jenny is a natural leader, a mentor, a teacher, and a lifelong learner—and most meaningful to me, a great friend. Jenny, has a way of bringing people together, of helping them feel seen, heard, and valued, and of gently but powerfully moving a community forward with purpose.

“Jenny has poured her energy, her intellect, and her soul into every corner of this school. The Emma Willard of today is not the Emma of a decade ago—and I say that with deep admiration. The traditions and values remain strong, but under Jenny’s forward-thinking leadership, this school has reached new heights. She’s led Emma through times of challenge, transition, and a global pandemic and ushered in a new era of excellence and innovation.”

With the accolades concluded, it was time for the unveiling of the portrait by award-winning artist Susan Boone Durkee.

Jenny ended the dedication ceremony with remarks of her own, especially thanking her Administrative Team, the faculty, staff, students, alumnae, and friends of Emma Willard School, and her parents, sons, and husband. 

—

About the Artist

Susan Boone Durkee has been the artist of choice for the last three commemorative portraits of the heads of Emma Willard School. Susan, who works out of a spacious West Redding, CT, studio called The Lobster Pot (so named by Mark Twain, who owned the property in the early 20th century), has made art a lifelong commitment. She has painted since she was a small child and believes that both her unrelenting determination and intense studies of the Old Masters, particularly Velázquez and John Singer Sargent, have brought her the success she now enjoys. Susan graduated from Greens Farms Academy, attended one year at the School of Fine Arts at Boston University, and received a BA from the University of Vermont. Her work is displayed in private and Institutional collections throughout the country. Susan has won many awards and has participated in prestigious juried national art shows, including The Oil Painters of America, American Women Artists, Catharine Lorillard Wolfe Art Club, Connecticut Portrait Society, National Art Museum of Sport, and Salmagundi Club.