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Emerson College’s only independent, student-run newspaper since 1947

The Berkeley Beacon

Emerson College’s only independent, student-run newspaper since 1947

The Berkeley Beacon

Emerson College’s only independent, student-run newspaper since 1947

The Berkeley Beacon

Parker Purifoy

Parker Purifoy, Emerson ’21

Parker served as Managing Editor, News Editor, and Senior Reporter at The Beacon. They graduated from the college with a journalism degree in December 2020. Parker is currently an Associate Reporter with Bloomberg Law. Based in Washington, DC, Parker previously worked for Law360, The Associated Press, and the Boston Globe.

Latest from Parker Purifoy
Explorateur has occupied the corner of Boylston and Tremont for over two years.

Explorateur to be replaced with two Guy Fieri restaurants

By Parker Purifoy, Digital Managing Editor / March 2, 2020

Explorateur will close its doors Monday to be replaced by two new Guy Fieri restaurants, the cafe’s parent company said in a statement. The new restaurants,...

A small memorial for Josh Hamfin took the place of Hamfin's tank after his passing last week.

[Photo] Campus center mourns loss of pet betta fish

By Domenic Conte / February 20, 2020

A small memorial for Josh Hamfin took the place of Hamfin's tank after his passing last week.

A 1967 edition of The Berkeley Beacon, the oldest in the organization's office.

[Photo] Celebrating 73 years of The Berkeley Beacon

By Domenic Conte and Dana Gerber / February 6, 2020

A 1967 edition of The Berkeley Beacon, the oldest in the organization's office.

A faculty assembly meeting in January.

Faculty Assembly addresses departmental concerns over Marlboro college merger

By Parker Purifoy, Digital Managing Editor / January 30, 2020
College administrators faced questions about how the merger with Marlboro College would impact Emerson’s tenure and curriculum processes at Tuesday’s Faculty Assembly meeting, which drew over 100 faculty and staff.
A World Health Organization graphic detailing the number of confirmed cases around the world. Photo credit: World Health Organization

College advises awareness of Coronavirus symptoms

By Chris Van Buskirk and Parker Purifoy / January 25, 2020
In a statement released Friday, the college urged students to be vigilant in recognizing Coronavirus symptoms following two confirmed cases of the disease in the United States.
Faculty Council met in 172 Tremont St. and approved a resolution reaffirming their commitment to shared governance.

[Photo] Faculty Council reaffirms commitment to shared governance

By Parker Purifoy / January 20, 2020

Faculty Council met in 172 Tremont St. and approved a resolution reaffirming their commitment to shared governance.

Affiliated Faculty Union President Barry Marshall whispers to Emerson College's President of the American Association of University Professors Gian Lombardo during Thursday's faculty council meeting.

Union representatives join President’s Council for duration of Marlboro negotiations

By Parker Purifoy / January 20, 2020

President M. Lee Pelton added two faculty union leaders to the President’s Council in December for the duration of the Marlboro merger negotiations following...

The college plans to fill the currently vacant Little Building retail spaces with restaurants.

Taqueria sets spring opening for Little Building location

By Parker Purifoy / January 1, 2020
Maria's Taqueria and Chipotle have a new rival in the Boylston-Tremont area: El Jefe's Taqueria.
Affiliated Faculty Union President Barry Marshall whispers to Emerson College's President of the American Association of University Professors Gian Lombardo during Thursday's faculty council meeting.

Union leaders appeal for representation in Emerson-Marlboro merger talks

By Parker Purifoy, News Editor / December 14, 2019
Tempers flared at Thursday’s faculty council meeting when union leaders demanded representation in Marlboro-Emerson merger talks.
Marlboro College President Kevin Quigley looks on as a speaker addresses an audience of Marlboro College students, alumni, and residents on Dec. 14, 2019.

Challenge to Marlboro College Board of Trustees seeks alternate solution to merger

By Parker Purifoy, News Editor / December 14, 2019
MARLBORO, Vt.—Marlboro College alumni, residents, students, and employees gathered to discuss alternate solutions to the Emerson-Marlboro merger Saturday.
Community members gathered in the Semel Theatre to mourn sophomore Daniel Hollis October 3. 2019

College announces memorial service for Dan Hollis

By Parker Purifoy / December 1, 2019

The college plans to hold a memorial service  on Dec. 6. for Daniel Hollis who died in October after an altercation at a party in Brighton. The memorial...

Beacon Archives

Emerson official expects Marlboro endowment to pay incoming faculty

By Parker Purifoy / November 19, 2019

While most details surrounding Emerson College's acquisition of Marlboro College remain unknown, an administration official said they expect part of the...

Students play soccer at Marlboro college in early November. Beacon Archive.

Merger fuels anxiety among Marlboro students

By Parker Purifoy and Chris Van Buskirk / November 7, 2019

MARLBORO, Vt.—The rumors and talk circulated for years. General anxiety about what would happen to the future and legacy of Marlboro College lingered...

Emerson anticipates massive losses during the 2020-21 fiscal year, ranging from $33 million to $76 million, President M. Lee Pelton said in a letter to faculty Monday.

Emerson to merge with college in Vermont in fall 2020

By Parker Purifoy and Andrew Brinker / November 7, 2019

Audible gasps filled the Cutler Majestic Theatre Wednesday morning as President M. Lee Pelton announced a merger between Emerson and Marlboro College,...

President Lee Pelton announced the merger at a town hall meeting Wednesday. Jakob Menendez / Beacon Staff

Emerson to merge with college in Vermont

By Parker Purifoy / November 6, 2019

Emerson plans to merge with Marlboro College starting in the fall 2020 semester. Marlboro will donate its $30 million endowment and its real estate,...

Junior Camilo Vilaplana created an Emerson chapter of Turning Point USA, a national nonprofit conservative organization. Beacon Archive.

Turning Point invites conservative speaker to campus

By Parker Purifoy / November 4, 2019

Emerson’s Turning Point USA chapter plans to host conservative organizer Gabriel Nadales to give a speech on Nov. 20, according to the organization’s...

Four Boston police cars at Langrange and Tremont St. at approximately 6 p.m. Sam Doran / Beacon Correspondent

Boston Police investigating report of unconscious person on Tamworth St.

By Parker Purifoy / November 4, 2019

Boston Police are investigating an incident on Tamworth Street. after they received a report of an unconscious person at 9:30 a.m. on Monday, according...

Friends and family packed into a Beverly church on Sunday to celebrate the life of Moses Shumow. Jakob Menendez / Beacon Staff

Friends share cherished memories of late journalism professor

By Parker Purifoy / October 29, 2019

Vanessa Ruiz recalled setting Moses Shumow up on a date with his wife Rose. Ruiz said she had to urge her friend to go out on at least one date with Moses,...

Community members gathered in the Semel Theatre to mourn sophomore Daniel Hollis October 3. 2019

No arrests made as investigation into sophomore’s death continues

By Parker Purifoy / October 28, 2019

Police continue to investigate the death of Daniel Hollis almost a month after an altercation in Brighton left the sophomore on life support. Boston...

Moses Shumow was loved by his students and colleagues, a former student of his said. Courtesy of Florida International University

Former students recall professor’s kindness

By Parker Purifoy / October 23, 2019

Updated 10/24/19: This article was updated to include information about a memorial service for Shumow Florida International University senior Bianca...

Moses Shumow taught digital design and joined the college in 2019. Photo: Emerson Today

Community grieves death of journalism professor

By Parker Purifoy / October 22, 2019

Continued Coverage: Former students of Associate Journalism Professor Moses Shumow recall him in the classroom while MBTA Transit Police investigate his...

Mediterranean restaurant Garbanzo opened on Emerson's campus in August.

[Photo] Mediterranean fare to replace grilled cheese and burgers on Boylston

By Anissa Gardizy / October 8, 2019

Mediterranean restaurant Garbanzo opened on Emerson's campus in August.

President M. Lee Pelton addresses students during a Thursday vigil. Chris Van Buskrik / Beacon Staff

Hollis family releases statement on sophomore’s death

By Parker Purifoy / October 4, 2019

The family of Daniel Hollis released a statement on Friday expressing gratitude to the community after the sophomore’s death on Wednesday. “It has...

Daniel Hollis (No. 27) died after an altercation in Brighton. Photo courtesy of Kate Foultz.

Sophomore dies after altercation at party in Brighton

By Parker Purifoy / October 2, 2019

Sophomore Daniel Hollis died on Wednesday at 5:32 p.m. after a Saturday confrontation in Brighton sent him to a local hospital with extensive injuries...

Frances Hui and Katerina Au stood outside the Dining Center to show their support for Hong Kong demonstrators.

[Photo] Students demonstrate support for Hong Kong

By Tomas Gonzalez / October 1, 2019

Frances Hui and Katerina Au stood outside the Dining Center to show their support for Hong Kong demonstrators.

Daniel Hollis (No. 27) died after an altercation in Brighton. Photo courtesy of Kate Foultz.

Sophomore on life support following altercation at party

By Parker Purifoy / September 30, 2019

Updated 10/1/19: The article was updated to include an emailed statement from President Lee Pelton Updated 10/1/19: The article was updated to include...

The college plans to expand the width of the sidewalk between Tremont St. and Boylston Pl.

Boylston Street sidewalk construction continues this week

By Parker Purifoy / September 27, 2019

The college plans to continue an evening construction schedule of the sidewalk until Oct. 5, according to an email sent to the community on Friday.  The...

Resident Assistant Max Straubinger said he has felt disrespected by the administrations treatment of RAs. Jakob Menendez / Beacon Staff

RAs spar with administration over contract changes

By Parker Purifoy / September 25, 2019

Senior Raven Devanney remembers sitting with her fellow resident assistants in a meeting in May 2019 when several college officials were going over new...

Reporters crowd Rep. Joseph Kennedy after he announced his bid for U.S. Senate. Jakob Menendez / Beacon Staff

Rep. Joseph Kennedy kicks off bid for U.S. Senate

By Parker Purifoy / September 21, 2019

Democratic Rep. Joseph Kennedy III announced his primary challenge to Senator Edward Markey on Saturday, surrounded by a small group of family, friends,...

The college plans to expand the width of the sidewalk between Tremont St. and Boylston Pl.

[Photo] Sidewalk expansion construction to begin Wednesday

By Tomas Gonzalez / September 20, 2019

The college plans to expand the width of the sidewalk between Tremont St. and Boylston Pl.

Kevin Bright, the former executive producer of the sitcom 'Friends' will be on campus for the 25th anniversary of the show. / Beacon Archive

College brings ‘Friends’ replica set to campus

By Parker Purifoy / September 18, 2019

The college is hosting a replica of the Central Perk coffeehouse set from the television series Friends starting on Thursday in the Cutler Majestic Theatre...

The MBTA construction is part of an $8 billion, five-year plan to modernize the trains. Jakob Menendez/Beacon Staff

MBTA shutdowns to affect ridership on weekends

By Parker Purifoy / September 4, 2019

The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority scheduled widespread closures of sections of the T on weekends, starting in mid-September and finishing...

Super Happy Fun America President John Hugo (left) and Samson Racioppi organized Saturday's parade which is expected to draw dozens of supporters and hundreds of counter protesters.
Montse Landeros / Beacon Correspondant

Boston Police release plan for parade day

By Parker Purifoy / August 30, 2019

The Boston Police Department alerted residents of road closures and other restrictions on Friday via a press release in anticipation of the Straight Pride...

An individual removes a sign criticizing the college for its handling of sexual misconduct from Little Building's scaffolding. Ziqi Wang / Beacon Staff

Administration issues plans to address sexual misconduct on campus

By Parker Purifoy / April 22, 2019

President M. Lee Pelton told the student body on April 22 that he will form a working group of students, faculty, and senior administrators in Fall 2019...

Workers painted over the scaffolding in front of Little Building where over over 12 students were publicly accused of sexual assault.

College removes graffiti accusing more than 12 students of sexual misconduct

By Maya Gacina, Chris Van Buskirk and Parker Purifoy / April 18, 2019

The college does not plan to investigate who posted a list of more than 12 students accused of sexual misconduct onto Little Building’s Boylston Street...

SGA Marketing Communications Senator William Palauskas announced his executive vice presidency win in an April 5 Facebook post. Photo by Tivara Tandujaja / Beacon Correspondent

Palauskas narrowly wins SGA executive vice president

By Parker Purifoy / April 10, 2019

Sophomore William Palauskas won the Student Government Association executive vice president race against sophomore Annie Noel by six votes, according to...

Sophomores Annie Noel and Will Palauskas are both running on similar platforms. Photo by Tivara Tandujaja / Beacon Correspondent

SGA department senators run for vice president with similar goals

By Parker Purifoy / April 3, 2019

The Student Government Association executive vice presidential ballot features sophomores Annie Noel and William Palauskas both running on similar goals...

State Sen. John Keenan introduced a bill into the senate that would ban all flavored nicotine products, including mint and menthol. Photo by Stephanie Purifoy / Beacon Staff

Massachusetts senator pushes state government to ban flavored nicotine products

By Parker Purifoy / March 31, 2019

Over 150 cancer patients, volunteers, and lawmakers rallied in the Massachusetts State House on March 28 to lobby for multiple anti-tobacco bills going...

Emerson's campus was blanketed in snow.

College closes early due to inclement weather

By Parker Purifoy / February 12, 2019

All classes after 2 p.m. were canceled and the college closed early on Feb. 12 due to a winter storm that could bring up to seven inches of snow over the...

Philip Shapiro will begin working as the interim vice president for administration and finance on Feb. 4. photo courtesy of Strategic Partnerships

Babson College CFO appointed as interim vice president of finance

By Parker Purifoy / February 2, 2019

President M. Lee Pelton named Philip Shapiro as the new interim vice president for administration and finance in an email sent to the Emerson student body...

While the Textbook Annex will charge 10 cents for paper bags, the C-Store will not. Anissa Gardizy / Beacon Staff

College bans plastic bags on campus following city ordinance

By Parker Purifoy / January 23, 2019

The college stopped distributing plastic bags on campus after a city ordinance went into effect on Dec. 14. The ordinance requires establishments to...

Photo by Anissa Gardizy / Beacon Staff

ECPD to increase security for Women’s March

By Parker Purifoy / January 17, 2019

The Emerson College Police Department plans to staff extra officers ensure campus safety during the third annual Boston Women’s March on Boston Common...

Maureen Murphy, 64, died in December after an eight-month long battle with ovarian cancer.

Beloved mentor and financial administrator dead after battle with cancer

By Parker Purifoy / January 15, 2019

Vice President for Administration and Finance Maureen Murphy walked into the fall 2016 Media Art Gallery and witnessed a scene that looked straight out...

The college delayed the opening of the fitness center to the fall 2021 semester. Photo by Sabrina Ortiz / Beacon Correspondents

Fitness center to relocate after Little Building completion

By Parker Purifoy / December 6, 2018

Ethan Young, one of three captains on the baseball team, said he and his teammates use the Fitness Center every day, including 6 a.m. sessions once a week....

Emerson's Title IX office.

College continues search for Title IX lead investigator

By Parker Purifoy / November 15, 2018

The Title IX Office revived the 10-month long search for a lead investigator by changing the title and adding responsibilities to attract more possible...

Students marched through downtown Boston to protest gun laws and advocate for change on Mar. 24, 2018. Daniel Peden / Beacon Archives

Parkland survivor argues for inclusivity in gun reform

By Parker Purifoy / November 1, 2018

Freshman Robert Shinder grew up five miles from Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School where 17 people were murdered in a mass shooting. In the wake...

The Emerson College Los Angeles Center located on Sunset Blvd.

ELA applications no longer first-come, first-serve

By Parker Purifoy / October 31, 2018

The Education Abroad and Domestic Programs office changed the Emerson Los Angeles application and selection processes for students with financial challenges,...

Eleven chairs rested empty in the middle of the stage lit by a solitary spotlight to represent the 11 people killed in the synagogue in Pittsburgh. Photo by Stephanie Purifoy / Beacon Staff.

Students take time to reflect on Pittsburgh shooting

By Parker Purifoy / October 30, 2018

Junior Benjamin Nadler remembers the Yom Kippur services he attended every fall with his two sisters in Pittsburgh. He remembers them kneeling during...

About a hundred construction workers and college officials gathered on the first floor of Little Building to celebrate the placement of the building's last iron beam. Cullen Granzen / Beacon Staff

Ironworkers celebrate Little Building’s final beam

By Parker Purifoy / October 1, 2018

The college hosted a topping off ceremony to celebrate the placement of the Little Building’s final iron beam on Friday, Sept. 28. About a hundred...

Morgan Payne (left), a senior at Texas Southern University, joined in on the silent protest at Sen. Jeff Flake's panel discussion. Cullen Granzen / Beacon Staff

Sen. Flake panel continued despite silent protests

By Parker Purifoy / October 1, 2018

Senator Jeff Flake spoke to about 300 people at the Forbes 30 Under 30 Summit while 20 attendees silently protested in City Hall Plaza Monday. Flake...

An electrical fire at the at the Quebec-facility which manufactures the concrete exterior of the building setback production by about a month. Cullen Granzen / Beacon Staff

Little Building construction on schedule despite delays

By Parker Purifoy / September 25, 2018

The Little Building will still open August 2019 despite delays setting the project back several weeks, according to college officials. An electrical...

Emerson alumna Tori Bilcik organized a rally in support for sexual violence survivors. Cullen Granzen / Beacon Staff

Alumna rallies support for survivors of sexual violence

By Parker Purifoy / September 25, 2018

About 250 people gathered at City Hall Plaza Monday evening to demonstrate support for survivors of sexual violence. Emerson alumna Tori Bilcik, ‘17...

Joseph D. Ketner II passed away after a year-long battle with bile duct cancer. Courtesy of President M. Lee Pelton's office.

College grieves loss of world renowned artistic director and professor

By Parker Purifoy / September 19, 2018

Sydney Manning ‘13 remembers sitting in the first day of “Europe After the Rain”—a class about European art post World War ll—with late professor...

Joseph D. Ketner was the Director of Emerson Urban arts and curated projects such as the Uncommon Project. 
Photo from Emerson College

Director of Emerson Urban Arts dead at 62

By Parker Purifoy / September 16, 2018

President M. Lee Pelton announced the death of Joseph D. Ketner II, director of Emerson Urban Arts, in an email to students on Sept. 16. Pelton...

Northeast is affiliated with the Service Employees International Union, an organization for the rights of workers. 
Abigail Noyes // Beacon Staff

New local security companies hired to reflect college’s values

By Parker Purifoy / September 13, 2018

The college invited community members to an upcoming meet and greet with representatives of the two new security companies on campus, WesCon Protective...

Amy Elvidge, sustainability coordinator, surveyed the community to understand their environmental habits. Photo: Cullen Granzen

PepsiCo funds electronic recycling signs

By Parker Purifoy / April 19, 2018

Emerson received $6,000 after winning a partnership with PepsiCo to create educational signs about recycling around campus in a new, digital format. Amy...

Emerson acquired another building on Boylston Street. This building has three apartment complexes and the Griddler’s restaurant.  Photo: Rida Ashraf / Berkeley Beacon

New building acquisition costs $7 million

By Parker Purifoy / April 14, 2018

The college expects to complete the acquisition of 134-36 Boylston St. for $7 million by May 31. According to an email sent to the student body...

SGA talks recruitment and admissions, request more efforts towards diversity

SGA talks recruitment and admissions, request more efforts towards diversity

By Parker Purifoy / April 11, 2018

Class of 2020 President Christopher Henderson-West said Emerson should put forth a greater effort to diversify recruitment at the Student Government Association's meeting...

Pictured above, Performing Arts Department Chair Bob Colby.

Permanent cultural committee addresses diversity and bias

By Parker Purifoy / April 8, 2018

Members of the Educational Equity and Justice Committee have focused on the bias response program and worked with the Social Justice Center to construct...

Vice President for the Social Justice Center Sylvia Spears formed a research group to find data on representation of different demographics at the college. Photo: Beacon Archives

New SJC position to handle faculty diversity training

By Parker Purifoy / April 4, 2018

The Social Justice Center and Academic Affairs are recruiting applicants for a new position aimed at helping faculty create a more inclusive classroom...

College reveals 172 Tremont floor plans

College reveals 172 Tremont floor plans

By Parker Purifoy / March 29, 2018

The floor plans for the 172 Tremont St. building include 13 meeting spaces and only four private offices for student organizations. But the administration...

Eric Tollar, ELATE faculty member, used his status as a Suffolk law student to set up this event. Photo: Brooke Northrup / Beacon Staff

Mock trial brings different Emerson majors together

By Parker Purifoy / March 22, 2018

Over 60 students from Emerson Law Advocacy and Trial Establishment, ELATE, will head to court on March 30. But the case—brought and debated by students—is...

Despite calls from students to decrease costs, Emerson will increase tuition and room and board rates by two percent for the 2020-21 academic year.

Lottery gives freshmen chance to opt out of campus housing

By Parker Purifoy / March 14, 2018

Some freshmen will enter a lottery for permission to move off-campus while some upperclassmen will apply to do the opposite this spring. Freshmen...

Students did not have to attend class due to the snow storm. Photo: Chris van Buskirk / Beacon Staff

Classes delayed, cancelled due to storm

By Parker Purifoy / March 13, 2018

The college will have a delayed opening on Wednesday, March 14 after a closing on Tuesday due to high winds and snowfall caused by the third nor’easter...

New housing software to smooth out application process

By Parker Purifoy / March 1, 2018

The Office of Housing and Residence Life will be switching to a new software platform for the spring 2018 application cycle. Assistant Director of Housing...

Bachelor in Fine Arts reels in photography

By Parker Purifoy / February 22, 2018

Junior and senior visual and media arts majors can begin the Bachelor of Fine Arts program with a photography focus for the first time starting fall 2018. These...

Consultant examines college-student communication

By Parker Purifoy / February 5, 2018

The college hired an independent consultant on a one-time contract to analyze communications between students and the administration in the wake of the...

Affiliated faculty elected NEFAC President

Affiliated faculty elected NEFAC President

By Parker Purifoy / January 21, 2018

Karen Bordeleau plans to extend the organization into more classrooms to educate the public on their First Amendment rights as president of New England...

Senior visual and media arts major Chase Ybarra decided to change his path later in life and attend Emerson.
CASSANDRA MARTINEZ / BEACON STAFF

Chase Ybarra finds funds to finish final semester

By Parker Purifoy / November 17, 2017

Senior visual and media arts major Chase Ybarra, 44, has 20 credits to complete before he can graduate. But when he ran into financial trouble, he...

The Colonial Theatre is set to reopen June 2018.
MONIKA DAVIS / BEACON CORRESPONDENT

Colonial Theatre to reopen with Moulin Rouge!

By Parker Purifoy / November 1, 2017

Emerson and Ambassador Theatre Group announced the Colonial Theatre is expected to open Moulin Rouge! The Musical in June 2018 after closing in October...

Campus resources distinguished by disclosure

By Parker Purifoy / October 12, 2017

Emerson provides two kinds of support to students: private and confidential resources. Emerson’s confidential support systems are bound by federal and...

Spotlight journalist discusses future of the field

By Parker Purifoy / October 11, 2017

“It’s sort of unimaginable that an institution that is supposed to care for children would let this kind of abuse go on,” said decorated journalist...

Low student turnout at SGA Press Night

By Parker Purifoy / October 5, 2017

Two candidates gave campaign speeches at the Student Government Association’s Press Night which reached only the eight-person audience in attendance,...

The scene of the crime in Boston Common.
COURTESY OF JUSTIN JOHNSON

Man shot on Boston Common

By Parker Purifoy, Chris Van Buskirk, Olivia Carey and Max Reyes / September 12, 2017

Students were told to lock and barricade their doors after both Emerson College and the Boston Police Department received reports of gunshots on the Boston...