Emory Report
For Students | August 19, 2026
First Day Fest returns to the Quad next Wednesday
Emory’s annual celebration of the first day of classes is back this year with even more activities, entertainment and food. On Wednesday, Aug. 26, from 7-10 p.m., the campus Quadrangle will transform into a carnival-style experience as First Day Fest 2026 welcomes new and returning undergraduate, graduate and professional students.
8 things to know for Emory’s new academic year
The new academic year is just around the corner, which means faculty and staff on Emory’s Atlanta and Oxford College campuses are preparing for students’ arrival. Here are eight things you should know before fall semester begins.
Students help map and excavate ancient city in Italy
A computer science lover and an archeology diehard dove into their passions through summer internships doing fieldwork at the ancient site Selinunte in Sicily, with support from the Emory College Pathways Center.
Emory names Mattie White the university’s next director of athletics and recreation
Mattie White will serve as assistant vice president of Campus Life and Clyde Partin Sr., Director of Athletics and Recreation, effective Sept. 21. She brings more than two decades of experience to the role and will serve on the Campus Life leadership team.
Undergraduate exploration and discovery get the spotlight at research symposium
More than 130 Emory undergraduate students conducted research and built their professional networks with world-renowned researchers and peers across disciplines through the Summer Undergraduate Research Experience program. Students shared their findings during a recent symposium.
Remembering Emory President Emeritus James T. Laney
As president from 1977 to 1993, James Laney led Emory’s “quantum jump … to become one of the great universities of the world.” Learn about his legacy, which includes the transformational Woodruff gift, recruiting leading faculty such as President Jimmy Carter, elevating student life, and much more.
A memorial service will be held on Friday, Aug. 21, at 2 p.m. at Glenn Memorial United Methodist Church, with a reception to follow in Convocation Hall. You can also view the livestream of the service.