A successful life requires an accurate, realistic sense of self, Rev. Anthony J. Kuzniewski, S.J., once said – and that is attained over time thanks to positive influences in one’s life.
“Personal history teaches all of us that the significant people (in our lives) are those that have presented us with good choices – by naming our gifts, and challenging us to have the courage of our convictions,” he told the crowd while accepting the College’s Distinguished Teaching Award in 2002.
For countless students, faculty and staff, Fr. Kuzniewski – better known as Fr. K – was that significant person. He was a beloved history professor, College historian, mentor, chaplain and storyteller who helped people see their day-to-day experiences as pieces of the larger narrative of their lives. That perspective, many say, gave them the confidence to take the next step in their personal journey.
“As I make my way in my daily life, every day I strive to be half as good as Fr. K challenged me to be,” says Allyssa Bates ’94. “Thank goodness I have his life as such a shining example of how to do it right.”
Fr. K passed away in December after a brief battle with cancer. Following his death, many individuals shared their memories of Fr. K with Holy Cross Magazine, some of which have been included here. All painted a picture of a man who lived for others, using his own special gifts to change the world for the better.