Entertainment

Ron Burgundy's Going to College

by Rachel Simon

This is kind of a big deal: The legendary anchorman himself, Ron Burgundy, will be visiting Boston's Emerson College on Dec. 4 to rename the college's communication department the Ron Burgundy School of Communication. No, this is not a joke — just some really good marketing. While on campus, Burgundy will also hold a press conference and teach students about his "path to journalism greatness." Later in the evening, some guy named Will Ferrell will introduce an early screening of Anchorman 2: The Legend Continues, not due for release until Dec. 20.

Disclaimer: I am an Emerson College student, so I think this is pretty much THE BEST THING EVER. Still, even if I didn't go to Emerson, I'd be pretty psyched to hear that Ron Burgundy, newscaster extraordinaire, is making campus visits — and, yeah, a little bit jealous. My school is the best.

Having Burgundy — and Ferrell —visit Emerson, a college known for its communications and journalism programs, is a pretty genius marketing idea, and a surefire way to get fans even more excited for the Anchorman sequel than they already were. I know I'll be camping out early to get a spot at the press conference, and I'm sure I'll be among hundreds of others hoping to get a glimpse of the Legend himself.

Emerson's president, Lee Pelton, who already has a good reputation around campus (he inspired this Twitter — could he be any cooler?), released this statement about Burgundy's arrival:

"A visit from Ron Burgundy is a chance to engage with someone who understands the power of media, as well as hairspray, first-hand."

Added Phillip Glenn, interim dean of the School of Communication: "Naming our school in his honor — for one entire day — compels us to honor the Ron Burgundy that’s inside all of us… to live out our dreams, in full color and matching polyester.”

The best reaction, though, came from the news anchor himself:

"I had to pinch myself really hard when I learned that Emerson College was naming its School of Communication for me. It’s kind of a big deal. I can’t wait to inspire students with my story of how I got to the top…the very top. I’m not going to sugarcoat it. It’s a lot of work, especially if you don’t have good hair."

For those of you who aren't able to attend the Dec. 4 events, Emerson will be streaming the naming ceremony on its website. If you're anywhere in the Boston area, though, make an effort to attend. You don't want to be like this guy, right?

Image: Universal