Category Archives: Academics

“A Force For Respect and Equality”: Ogretta McNeil Honored Posthumously For Her Impact on Worcester Public Schools

Over a decade ago, when Worcester resident Sarai Rivera was considering a run for a city council seat, she turned to one person: Ogretta McNeil, Holy Cross associate professor emerita of psychology and, at the time, a member of the … Continue reading →

Posted in Featured, News, Psychology | Comments Off on “A Force For Respect and Equality”: Ogretta McNeil Honored Posthumously For Her Impact on Worcester Public Schools

Did Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour Improve the Economy Wherever She Played?

No one can question singer-songwriter Taylor Swift’s business acumen; however, the reported Midas Touch effect that her 2023 Eras stadium tour has had on local economies is questionable and deserves greater analysis, according to one expert. “She is a remarkably … Continue reading →

Posted in Academics, Economics and Accounting, News | Comments Off on Did Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour Improve the Economy Wherever She Played?

Cancer Survivor Fights For Children’s Greater Access to Treatment

When it comes to improving access to care for childhood cancer patients, Benjamin Lepper ’25 uses his inner strength pulled from personal experience to advocate for change. This fall, Lepper joined advocates from the New England region of The Leukemia … Continue reading →

Posted in Academics, English, Featured, News | Comments Off on Cancer Survivor Fights For Children’s Greater Access to Treatment

The Food Insecure Population You Didn’t Expect: College Students

Last year, 17 million American households were considered food insecure, up from 13.5 million in 2021, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Within that community is a subset that is often overlooked: college students. “This should be an issue … Continue reading →

Posted in Academics, History, News, Psychology, Sociology and Anthropology, Spanish | Comments Off on The Food Insecure Population You Didn’t Expect: College Students

Gen Z Wants to Talk About Mental Health

Nauseous and dizzy, Caroline Hanson ‘27 didn’t know what was happening. The intense anxiety she felt led to an overwhelming desire to immediately leave whatever situation she was in. She was in elementary school and needed help. “It’s confusing when … Continue reading →

Posted in News, Psychology | Comments Off on Gen Z Wants to Talk About Mental Health

Why is The Pope’s Monthlong October Meeting Making Headlines?

The Pope has convened a gathering of more than 400 bishops and lay people from around the world in Rome this month, a move that is garnering headlines due to some of the invitees and potential topics of discussion; however, … Continue reading →

Posted in Academics, News, Religious Studies | Comments Off on Why is The Pope’s Monthlong October Meeting Making Headlines?

One Government Shutdown Averted, But is There Another Ahead?

While the government shutdown did not materialize as feared on Sept. 30, it does not mean the U.S. is in the clear due to intense political polarization. “At the end of the day, the decision on these spending bills is … Continue reading →

Posted in Academics, News, Political Science | Comments Off on One Government Shutdown Averted, But is There Another Ahead?

How Edgar Allan Poe Became His Most Famous Character

Edgar Allan Poe’s ability to incorporate the dark side of the human psyche, his creation of several literary genres and his innovative approach to storytelling makes him one of the world’s most influential writers — even 174 years after his … Continue reading →

Posted in Academics, English, News | Comments Off on How Edgar Allan Poe Became His Most Famous Character

Now More Than Ever: Elevating Suicide Education and Prevention for Young Adults

Already an established advocate for school and student safety, it was a no-brainer for Henry Meiser ’27 to be invited in 2021 to sit on the Maryland Governor’s Commission of Suicide Prevention. Yet thinking he didn’t know enough about suicide … Continue reading →

Posted in Academics, News | Comments Off on Now More Than Ever: Elevating Suicide Education and Prevention for Young Adults

“I Saw That my Dreams Were Actually Attainable”

As a child, Cassandra Smith ’23 was enamored by the glamour of the Met Gala and New York Fashion Week. The designs, colors and displays caught her attention and fueled her dreams of one day being part of the international … Continue reading →

Posted in News, Philosophy, Psychology | Comments Off on “I Saw That my Dreams Were Actually Attainable”

Thinking About Upgrading to an iPhone 15? Consider the Environment, Too

Last Friday, Apple released the iPhone 15 in stores, selling out available stock around the world and marking the fifth fall in a row the company has released a new model. Yet before consumers upgrade, an expert in ethical consumerism … Continue reading →

Posted in Academics, News, Sociology and Anthropology | Comments Off on Thinking About Upgrading to an iPhone 15? Consider the Environment, Too

Documenting How Climate Change Affects Apples

As climate change has a more significant effect on local orchards, Ross Comcowich ’25 and Matthew Rigione ’25 worked with Daina Harvey, associate professor of sociology and anthropology, to document how orchardists and cider-makers are preparing for the changes to … Continue reading →

Posted in Academics, Sociology and Anthropology, Videos | Comments Off on Documenting How Climate Change Affects Apples

Holy Cross’ New Superpower

Beyond Marvel and DC, faculty are using the College’s Dr. Mark D. Nevins ’86 Collection for the Study of Comics and Graphic Novels as a centerpiece to teaching. Learn more in our graphic novel, below.

Posted in Academics, Alumni, College News, Creative Writing, English, Featured, News | Comments Off on Holy Cross’ New Superpower

Remembering Alice Laffey: Dedicated Bible Scholar, Mentor, Friend

Thanks to her acute sense of justice and purpose, a sharp, analytical mind, and tremendous kindness, friends and former colleagues say Alice Laffey was the conscience of the religious studies department during her 35-year Holy Cross teaching career and through … Continue reading →

Posted in Academics, News, Religious Studies | Comments Off on Remembering Alice Laffey: Dedicated Bible Scholar, Mentor, Friend

For Five Worcester Students, The Future Is 3.5 Miles Away

Holy Cross surrounded Shakira Suazo Valdez. Four of her classmates at North High School in Worcester — including her best friend — received acceptance notifications in March. Three of her teachers proudly wore purple as alumni.

Posted in Featured, News, Teacher Education | Comments Off on For Five Worcester Students, The Future Is 3.5 Miles Away

More Expensive or Unavailable: How Wild Weather Will Affect Your Favorite Foods

Already a precarious endeavor, farming in an age of wild weather fluctuations has become more challenging, and growers and consumers will need to make adjustments to navigate the nation’s food system in the months and years ahead, according to experts. … Continue reading →

Posted in Academics, Featured, History, News, Sociology and Anthropology | Comments Off on More Expensive or Unavailable: How Wild Weather Will Affect Your Favorite Foods

Barbie: A Force For Good?

Since its unveiling in 1959, the Barbie doll’s evolution has been shifted and shaped by cultural expectations, societal movements, corporate idealism and children’s imaginations. The smash hit “Barbie” movie, released in July, is the latest reimagining of the doll and … Continue reading →

Posted in Academics, Education, Featured, Gender, Sexuality, and Women's Studies, News, Psychology, Sociology and Anthropology | Comments Off on Barbie: A Force For Good?

Do Democrats Communicate Differently Than Republicans?

Despite the majority of federal legislation receiving bipartisan support, how members of Congress communicate the details to constituents is divided by party lines, said SoRelle Wyckoff Gaynor, assistant professor of political science. “Unfortunately, there is a lack of objective information … Continue reading →

Posted in Academics, Featured, News, Political Science | Comments Off on Do Democrats Communicate Differently Than Republicans?

Inside an Undergraduate Student-Run Stem Cell Lab

Julia Paxson, DVM, associate professor of biology and head of the department, is serious about her research, which strives for a better understanding of how stem cells age and whether age improves or decreases cell efficacy when used for treatment … Continue reading →

Posted in Academics, Alumni, Biology, Environmental Studies, News, Sociology and Anthropology | Comments Off on Inside an Undergraduate Student-Run Stem Cell Lab

How to Stay Artistically Motivated in a World Full of Distractions

Alex Raper ’25 dove straight into her Weiss Summer Research with a complex self-portrait. The sketch, which included a serpent wrapped around the top of her head, was one she described as mentally heavy and frustrating. Within a week, she … Continue reading →

Posted in Academics, Featured, News, Psychology, Visual Arts | Comments Off on How to Stay Artistically Motivated in a World Full of Distractions