In a Facebook web exclusive, comedian and host of “The Late Show” Stephen Colbert demonstrated the far reach of the College of the Holy Cross Community. When asked by an audience member, “What’s the craziest thing that’s ever happened to you on the streets of New York,” Colbert didn’t quite answer the question, but rather told an unforgettable story.
While filming for a daily television show at a retirement community in Arizona, Colbert met a resident who shared that he was a member of the Holy Cross Class of 1942. Colbert then asked the man if he knew his father, James “Jim” Colbert ’42.
“Jim Colbert! Why we double dated to the senior dance,” the man answered. He continued on to share that he even knew Colbert’s mother, and that he and Colbert’s father were floor mates as students on Mount St. James.
As the conversation continued, this man asked Colbert if he had his father’s yearbook from Holy Cross. When Colbert admitted he did not and that no one in his family did, the man retrieved his yearbook, took out the page featuring Colbert’s father, and gave it to him.
This is NOT uncommon behavior for the HC extended family. Kindness and connectedness abound. It is one of the great gifts of having graduated from such a wonderful institution. I am certain that I could have received an equal (excellent) education at several other top-tier institutions, but this life-long sense of connectedness has become more important and appreciated by me each year—long after the job networking stage has diminished, the friendship networking continues. HOYA!!! HOYA!!
A few months ago, Colbert interviewed Mike Birbiglia, the comedian and actor on his show. I think that they may not have known about the Holy
Cross connection that they have. Mike’s father, Vince Birbiglia ’62 also went to Holy Cross. Another connection is that both of the fathers went on to become physicians.
What a great find and heart warming story! May Dr. James Colbert rest in peace with two of his young sons who died in that tragic plane crash. God bless the Colbert family and the HC alumnus who remembered his friend, Jim Colbert ’42.
Sent to me by the husband of a HC graduate with whom I work at Beverly Hospital with, this video clip exemplifies the true spirit of a Holy Cross man or woman. There is no where I ever go where I don’t encounter an alumnus or student who engages me in conversation soley based on an identifying car sticker, polo shirt, or such. An amazing community that I’m thrilled to say now includes my son in the Class of 2020.
My daughter graduated in ’13 so since ’09 whenever I’ve worn a HC hat, t-shirt or cycling jersey, I’ve been stopped by other men with an outstretched hand and smile asking me what year I graduated. My daughter is tired of hearing me say how impressive it is and how proud it makes me feel that she graduated from HC. To me, the Colbert story is more about the man who would think to find the book and cut the photo out than it is about Colbert, Grest story and another impressive HC “gentleman”!