Opening Convocation: Emily Barr ’80

Emily Barr ’80, president and general manager of WLS-TV (ABC) in Chicago delivered the address at Carleton College’s opening convocation for the 2007-08 school year. In her talk, titled “Oh, The Places You’ll Go! (With Apologies to Dr. Seuss)," Barr assured students that the essential qualities of Carleton students—passion, a good attitude, flexibility and a sense of humor—will serve them well in the world beyond college. Armed with a BA in film studies from Carleton, Barr began her career in broadcasting in 1980 as a news editor at KSTP-TV in St. Paul, Minn. She earned an M.B.A. in 1986 from George Washington University in Washington, D.C. In 1997 she became the first woman president of an ABC television station, and under her leadership WLS-TV has become the top-rated station in the Chicago market. A Carleton Alumni Trustee from 2002 to 2006, Barr has received multiple honors for her civic involvement in the Chicago community, where she serves on multiple boards and foundations.