Information on Holy Cross Women’s Basketball

Posted on January 14, 2014 by College of the Holy Cross

Message to Campus Community:

Holy Cross women’s basketball Coach Bill Gibbons will be returning to his position as head coach, effective today.

Coach Gibbons had voluntarily stepped aside in October of last year, after a former student filed a lawsuit claiming verbal and physical abuse while she was a member of the team. After a thorough review, the College has concluded that there is no reason for Coach Gibbons’ continued absence from the team. The College believes the lawsuit’s allegations have no legal merit.

Over a 29-year span, Coach Gibbons has amassed an impressive track record. That’s why so many players, parents, and alumni support him and the College’s women’s basketball program. We are focused now on completing the season and the academic year as a team and a community.

Coach Gibbons will be back at the Hart Center for the team’s contest against Patriot League rival Army on Wednesday, January 15 at 7 p.m. For more information on the Holy Cross women’s basketball team, which currently boasts a 11-4 record and is tied for second  place in league play, visit http://goholycross.com/sports/w-baskbl/index

The College is grateful to Coach Ann McInerney for leading the team while Coach Gibbons voluntarily stepped aside. She is highly valued and essential to the program and to the College.  She will be resuming her position as associate head coach.

All members of the College Community should know that the physical, mental and emotional well-being of all our students is the highest priority at Holy Cross.

Because of interest from members of the media in the matter, we remind you that all press inquiries regarding College policy or requests for information related to our students or employees should be directed to the Office of Public Affairs at 508-793-2419.

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Chaplains’ Office to Host Third Annual Multifaith Community Prayer Service

Posted on January 14, 2014 by Jacqueline Smith ’15

multifaith_songOn the afternoon that spring semester classes begin, the chaplain’s office will host its third annual Multifaith Community Prayer to celebrate the rich faith traditions represented at Holy Cross.  Students, faculty, and staff are invited to gather and participate on Jan. 21 at 4 p.m. in Mary Chapel.

Rev. Philip L. Boroughs, S.J., president of the College, will preside at the prayer. Fr. Boroughs will be joined by other faith leaders in the Holy Cross and Worcester community, including Rev. David Dae An Rynick from Boundless Way Zen Buddhist Center; Maleeha Sadozai from the Worcester Islamic Center; Cantor Annalise Ocanto from Congregation Beth Israel; Kolar  Kodandapani from the Worcester Hindu community; and Virginia Coakley, assistant chaplain and director of Protestant and ALANA (African-American, Latin American, Asian-American, and Native American heritage) ministries at Holy Cross.

There will also be students representing their respective faiths alongside these faith leaders who will read or sing prayers from their traditions. In addition to these songs and readings, the service will include music led by Paul Melley, assistant chaplain and director of liturgical music, and guided reflection.

“The Holy Cross community has responded to the Multifaith Community Prayer with great enthusiasm and vibrancy since its inception two years ago,” said Marybeth Kearns-Barrett, director of the Office of the College Chaplains at the College. “I believe this is a testament to the desire on campus to create an environment where spiritual growth is fostered for all people  and where we grow in appreciation for one another’s spiritual paths.”

The newly founded Interfaith Council, which will offer opportunities for dialogue and multifaith celebrations and involves members of the Holy Cross community of all faith traditions, worked closely with the chaplains’ office in preparing the event.  The council hopes to be a vehicle for greater understanding of how people of different faiths can work together for the common good.

A reception will follow in the Loyola Ballroom with food provided by local restaurants.

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College to Honor Legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Posted on January 14, 2014 by Bridget Campolettano

Aptissimi Luncheon Jan 2012The College of the Holy Cross will hold the second annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Breakfast on Tuesday, Jan. 21 from 7:30 to 9 a.m. in the Hogan Ballroom. The breakfast, co-sponsored by the Office of Multicultural Education and the Diversity Leadership Team, will feature a keynote address by Dr. Damon Williams, senior vice president for programs, training, and youth development services for the Boys and Girls Clubs of America, titled “Why We Can’t Wait: The Strategic Imperatives of Diversity in the New Economy.”

Williams, formerly the associate vice chancellor, vice provost, chief diversity officer, and faculty member at the University of Wisconsin, Madison, is a leading expert on social responsibility, diversity, youth development, and institutional change. He is the author of “Strategic Diversity Leadership: Activating Change and Transformation in Higher Education” (Stylus Publishing, 2013) and the co-author of “The Chief Diversity Officer: Strategy, Structure, and Change Management” (Stylus Publishing, 2013).

“Damon Williams is a leading voice in linking issues of diversity through institutional  transformation, capacity building, and committed leadership,” says Mable Millner, associate dean of students for diversity and inclusion and director of multicultural education at the College. “In a clear, concise, and engaging manner he challenges current thinking and offers new insights for developing accountable, inclusive, and proactive methods for change.”

The breakfast is free and open to the public, and will also include a performance by the College choir.

On Monday, Jan. 20, the College will hold the 8th annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Luncheon, co-sponsored by the Office of Multicultural Education and the campus-wide Hate: Not Here! Committee, from 12:15 to 1:30 p.m. The luncheon, focused on identifying and encouraging the development of new leaders with compassion and sensitivity to issues of social justice, will include a keynote address by  Lisa Wong, mayor of Fitchburg, Mass. During the program, several students will offer reflections on Dr. King and Nelson Mandela.

The luncheon is being held as part of the Aptissimi: The Leadership Conference,” which invites student leaders to explore, develop and articulate their personal leadership styles. Aptissimi comes from a Jesuit philosophy of developing “as many as possible of the very best.”

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Video: First-Year Students Contemplate New Chapter in Life at Escape Retreat

Posted on January 13, 2014 by

Video by Kate Benjamin ’15

Held twice each fall semester, the 24-hour Escape Retreat is designed for all first-year students, Catholic and non-Catholic, to discuss faith, meet other students, and reflect on what brought them to Holy Cross and their journey ahead.

Members of the Class of 2017 who took part in the Escape retreat share their experiences in this video. Upperclassmen, who helped lead the retreat, along with Megan Fox-Kelly, associate chaplain and director of retreats, also offer their thoughts.

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Holy Cross Presents the Seelos Film Series for Spring 2014

Posted on January 13, 2014 by Jacqueline Smith ’15

Seelos Theater Photos - PreThe following films will be shown at the Seelos Theater at the College of the Holy Cross.  All films are free and open to the public on a first-come, first-served basis. For additional information, please call the Seelos Theater Box Office at 508-793-2455.

“Prisoners”
Wed., Jan. 22: Showings at 3 and 8 p.m. Rated R. Starring Hugh Jackman, Jake Gyllenhal, and Viola Davis. Keller Dover faces every parent’s worst nightmare when his daughter Anna goes missing.

“The World’s End”
Fri., Jan. 24 and Sat., Jan. 25: Showing at 7 p.m. Rated R. Starring Simon Pegg, Nick Frost, and Martin Freeman.  Five childhood friends reunite to conquer an epic pub crawl from the past become humankind’s last hope for a future.

“The Hunt”
Wed., Jan. 29: Showings at 3 and 8 p.m. Rated R. Starring Mads Mikkelson, Thomas Bo Larsen, Annika Wedderkopp.  Divorcé Lucas falls prey to a disturbing lie that tears his life apart.

“Fruitvale Station”
Fri., Jan. 31 and Sat., Feb. 1: Showing at 7 p.m.  Rated R. Starring Michael B. Jordan, Melonie Diaz, and Octavia Spencer.  Based on a true story, the story depicts the last day before 22-year old Oscar Grant III dies.

“The Butler”
Wed., Feb. 5: Showings at 3 and 8 p.m. Rated PG-13. Starring Forest Whitaker, Oprah Winfrey, and John Cusack.  The movie follows White House butler Cecil Gaines who has served eight presidents over three decades during the civil rights movement, Vietnam, and other major events.

“Rush”
Fri., Feb. 7 and Sat., Feb. 8: Showing at 7 p.m. Rated R. Starring Daniel Bruhl, Chris Hemsworth, and Olivia Wilde. “Rush” is a recreation of the 1970s Formula 1 rivalry between handsome English playboy Hunt and his brilliant foe Lauda.

“Dallas Buyers Club”
Wed., Feb. 12: Showings at 3 and 8 p.m. Rated R. Starring Matthew McConaughey, Jennifer Garner, and Jared Leto.  Electrician, rodeo cowboy, and playboy Ron Woodroof receives the shock of a lifetime when he is diagnosed with AIDS and has 30 days to live.

“Despicable Me 2”
Fri., Feb. 14 and Sat., Feb. 15: Showing at 7 p.m. Rated PG. Starring Steve Carell, Kristen Wiig, and Benjamin Bratt.  Former super-villain Gru is recruited by Anti-Villain League (AVL) to help with a mission to stop a powerful new villain.

“The Fifth Estate”
Wed., Feb. 19: Showings at 3 and 8 p.m. Rated R. Starring Benedict Cumberbatch, Daniel Bruhl, Carice van Houten. Based on true events, the film exposes the corruption of power of the highly debated internet startup WikiLeaks.

“Captain Phillips”
Fri., Feb. 21 and Sat., Feb. 22: Showing at 7 p.m. Rated PG-13. Starring Tom Hanks, Barkhad Abdi, and Barkhad Abdiraham.  Based on a true story, the film reenacts the relationship between Captain Phillips, commanding officer of the MV Maersk Alabama, and Somali captain Muse.

“The Attack”
Wed., Feb. 26: Showings at 3 and 8 p.m. Rated R. Starring Ali Suliman, Uri Gavriel, and Reymond Amsalem.  Arab surgeon Amin Jaafari learns that his wife is responsible for a bombing leaving 19 dead, including herself.

“All is Lost”
Wed., Mar. 12: Showings at 3 and 8 p.m. Rated PG-13. Starring Robert Redford.  A sailor alone at sea wakes to find his yacht sinking after colliding with a shipping container.

“Gravity”
Fri., Mar. 14 and Sat., Mar. 15: Showing at 7 p.m. Rated PG-13. Starring Sandra Bullock, George Clooney, and Ed Harris.  After a terrifying accident, Dr. Ryan Stone and veteran astronaut Matt Kowalsky are alone in space tied to nothing but each other.

“Out of the Furnace”
Wed., Mar. 19: Showings at 3 and 8 p.m. Rated R. Starring Christian Bale, Casey Affleck, and Zoe Saldana.  After his brother returns home from Iraq and enters one of the most ruthless crime rings, Russell must take matters into his own hands to find his brother Rodney.

“Thor: The Dark World”
Fri., Mar. 21 and Sat., Mar. 22: Showing at 7 p.m. Rated PG-13. Starring Chris Hemsworth, Natalie Portman, and Tim Hiddleston.  Thor, the mighty Avenger, must protect Jane Foster from the Dark Elves.

“12 Years a Slave”
Wed., Mar. 26: Showings at 3 and 8 p.m. Rated R. Starring Chiwetel Ejiofor, Michael K. Williams, and Michael Fassbender.  In the pre-Civil War era, “12 Years a Slave” recounts a free black man from New York being sold into slavery.

“The Hunger Games: Catching Fire”
Fri., Mar. 28 and Sat., Mar. 28: Showing at 7 p.m. Rated PG-13. Starring Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson, and Liam Hemsworth.  In the second installment of “The Hunger Games” trilogy, Katniss Everdeen, Peeta Mellark, and other former Hunger Games winners have to fight to the death in the 75th Hunger Games.

“Her”
Wed., Apr. 2: Showings at 3 and 8 p.m. Rated R. Starring Joaquin Phoenix, Amy Adams, and Scarlett Johansson.  Set in the future, writer Theodore Twombly develops an interesting relationship with a newly purchased operating system.

“The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug”
Fri., Apr. 4 and Sat., Apr. 5: Showing at 7 p.m. Rated PG-13. Starring Ian McKellen, Martin Freeman, and Richard Armitage.  The second in the movie trilogy of “The Hobbit” by J.R.R. Tolkien, the film follows Bilbo Baggins, Wizard Gandalf, and 13 dwarves in their quest to reclaim their homeland Erebor.

“American Hustle”
Wed., Apr. 9: Showings at 3 and 8 p.m. Rated R. Starring Christian Bale, Amy Adams, Bradley Cooper, Jeremy Renner, and Jennifer Lawrence.  Con man Irving Rosenfield and his partner, seductive Sydney Prosser, are forced to collaborate with FBI agent Richie DiMaso.

“Saving Mr. Banks”
Fri., Apr. 11 and Sat., Apr. 12: Showing at 7 p.m. Rated PG-13. Starring Emma Thompson, Tom Hanks, and Annie Rose Buckley.  After promising his daughters to make a film of their favorite novel “Mrs. Poppins,” Walt Disney befriends author P.L. Travers during production.

“Nebraska”
Wed., Apr. 23: Showings at 3 and 8 p.m. Rated R. Starring Bruce Dern, Will Forte, and June Squibb.  After thinking he won the million-dollar Mega Sweepstakes Marketing prize, Woody Grant makes the trip from Montana to Nebraska with estranged son David to collect his winnings.

“The Wolf of Wall Street”
Fri., Apr. 25 and Sat., Apr. 26: Showing at 7 p.m. Rated R. Starring Leonardo DiCaprio and Jonah Hill. Based on a true story, the film follows Jordan Belfort throughout his rise as a wealthy stockbroker and his fall.

“Philomena”
Wed., Apr. 30: Showings at 3 and 8 p.m. Rated PG-13. Starring Judi Dench, Steve Coogan, and Sophie Kennedy Clark.  Based on the 2009 investigative book by BBC correspondent Martin Sixsmith, “The Lost Child of Philomena Lee,” the film recounts the story a woman searching for her son after he was taken from her and she was forced into a convent.

“The Counselor”
Fri., May 2 and Sat., May 3: Showing at 7 p.m. Rated R. Starring Michael Fassbender, Penelope Cruz, Cameron Diaz, Brad Pitt, and Javier Bardem.  A one-time drug deal by a lawyer spirals out of control.

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Students Have Opportunity to Explore Non-Profit Career Options at Conference

Posted on January 10, 2014 by Bridget Campolettano

winter_smithMore than 30 Holy Cross students from all four class years will take part in the 8th annual Non-Profit Careers Conference being held on campus from Jan. 13 to 17.

Sponsored by the College’s Donelan Office of Community-Based Learning and the Office of Career Planning, and taught by Holy Cross alumni, faculty and staff, the five-day event will introduce students to the wide range of careers available in non-profit and public service settings.

In addition to participating in professional development, vocational discernment and leadership workshops, students will conduct on-site case studies at local community agencies, where they will be asked to identify and present solutions to a real problem facing their assigned non-profit — gaining valuable hands-on experience in the process.

Alumni presenters and guests include:

  • Vanessa Acheampong ’12, access counselor, Bottom Line
  • Katherine Adamson ’09, mental health therapist, Children’s Friend
  • Lisa M. Cascio ’93, public relations manager, Northeast Energy Efficiency Partnerships
  • Caitlin Corneliess ’07,  institutional giving officer, Pathfinder International
  • Julianne Croes ’12, bilingual case manager and legal coordinator, Lutheran Social Services of New England
  • Adam DeVito ’12, program supervisor, AmeriCorps Cape Cod
  • Katie Stuart Dick ’07, special gifts officer, Oxfam America
  • Dan Donahue ’09, state representative, Worcester’s 16th District
  • Mary E. Herlihy-Knittle ’86, director of energy resources, Worcester Community Action Council
  • Michaela Johnson* ’13, clinical research coordinator, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute
  • Frank T. Kartheiser ’72, director and organizer, Worcester Interfaith
  • Alicia Lincoln ’09, success team manager, Bottom Line
  • Brian Lynch ’07, worksite development coordinator, Boston Community Development
  • Patrick Maloney ’02, director of advancement, Nativity School of Worcester
  • Jacqueline Mulvehill ’10, deputy campus director, Citizen Schools
  • Tom Murphy ’07, correspondent, Population Services International
  • Andrea (Kalimon) Ricotta ’07, director of evaluation, City Year Boston

*Non-Profit Careers Conference alumna

Faculty and staff presenters and guests include:

  • Kaitlin Bevins, community development coordinator, Office of Residence Life and Housing
  • Patricia Bizzell, John E. Brooks, S.J., Professor in the Humanities
  • Lauren Buckley ’09, assistant director, Donelan Office of Community-Based Learning
  • Tony Cashman, director, Office of Distinguished Fellowships and Graduate Studies
  • David Chu, director, Ciocca Office of Entrepreneurial Studies; associate professor, economics and accounting; prebusiness advisor
  • Megan Chester, assistant director/career counseling, Career Planning Center
  • Meg Fox-Kelly ’99, associate chaplain and director of retreats
  • Maura Hume ’07, associate director/employer relations, Career Planning Center
  • Paul Melley, assistant chaplain  and director of liturgical music
  • Amy Murphy, director, Career Planning Center
  • Michelle Sterk Barrett, director, Donelan Office of Community-Based Learning
  • Leigh Wilson, community development coordinator, Office of Residence Life and Housing
  • Amy Wolfson, associate dean of faculty development; professor, psychology

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‘With Renewed Focus On Outcomes, Colleges Expand Career Centers’

Posted on January 9, 2014 by Holy Cross in the News

AmyMurphyWith employment rates dropping and nearly half of recent graduates either unemployed or underemployed, career planning services at colleges are becoming a vital component to the academic experience.

In a recent radio broadcast by WGBH, Amy Murphy, director of career planning at the College of the Holy Cross, says career planning is designed “to round out [student]  academic experience, and support them in finding opportunities to try out the skills they develop in the classroom in a work environment.”  She adds that institutions now see career planning as an obligation to their students, rather than the value add-on it was for previous generations.

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This “Holy Cross In the News” item by Jacqueline Smith ’15.

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Finale Event to Mark End of Yearlong Coeducation Anniversary Celebration

Posted on January 8, 2014 by Bridget Campolettano

OpeningDoorsNewThe yearlong celebration of “Opening Doors” will conclude with a finale event on Jan. 28 from 4:30 to 6 p.m. in the Hogan Campus Center Ballroom that will commemorate the strong legacy of women — past, present and future — at the College of the Holy Cross. The keynote address will be given by Ann McElaney-Johnson ’79, Ph. D., president of Mount St. Mary’s College and member of the Holy Cross Board of Trustees. The program will feature performances by the Delilahs, an all-female a cappella group, and the Rhythm Nation Steppaz, a co-ed step team, as well as recognition of alumnae from the previous four decades.

“When Holy Cross opened its doors to women in 1972, the College not only created opportunities for women to access the superior education that has always been the hallmark of the College, it also changed the lives of the men who sat in class with those women,” said McElaney-Johnson. “We are always better when diverse minds come together as a community. I am proud of this commitment to an inclusive learning environment that educates all those who pass through these doors to be ‘men and women for others, ’ and I am excited and honored to be part of this celebration of coeducation at Holy Cross.”

The College’s 40th anniversary of coeducation celebration featured a robust lineup of events throughout the 2012-13 academic year. Students, faculty, staff, and alumni/ae have had — and will continue to have — extensive opportunities to reflect on, acknowledge, and commemorate the moment in 1972 when the College opened its doors to women students for the first time. Events spanned all academic disciplines — from the arts to the sciences — and explored the impact of Holy Cross alumnae in fields ranging from business to medicine to civic life.

Highlighted alumnae include:

  • Jane Hawkins ‘76
  • Katherine “Kim” McElaney ‘76
  • Meg (McElaney) Woolley ‘77
  • Sheila (Driscoll) Celata ‘78
  • Paula Sasso ‘78
  • Ann McElaney-Johnson, keynote speaker ‘79
  • Bernadette Semple ’82
  • Jacqueline (McNiff) Regan ‘83
  • H. Elizabeth Mitchell ‘84
  • Julie McElaney-Gorman ‘87
  • Jeannie Seidler ‘96
  • Emily (Rauer) Davis ‘99
  • Lynsey Heffernan ‘00
  • Cymetra Williams ‘03
  • Luz Colon-Rodriguez ‘05
  • Mary Beth Ryan ‘05
  • Kolt Bloxson ‘06
  • Tejal Patel ‘06
  • Elizabeth Morse ‘09
  • Elizabeth Wambui ’09
  • Miriam Westin ‘11

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Video: PBS Airs Television Premiere of ‘Azul’ by Music Professor Osvaldo Golijov

Posted on January 8, 2014 by Holy Cross in the News

golijov“Azul,” a critically-acclaimed cello concerto by Osvaldo Golijov, Loyola Professor of Music at the College of the Holy Cross, received its television premiere on New Year’s Eve. The performance was part of the opening gala concert for the New York Philharmonic’s 2013-14 season. Yo-Yo Ma, for whom the work was composed, performed the solo and music director Alan Gilbert conducted. The program is now available on PBS.com as part of the “Live from Lincoln Center” series.

“In ‘Azul,’ we have the orchestra that is breathing but is also creating these circular harmonies,” says Golijov in “A Kind of Blue: Osvaldo Golijov’s ‘Azul.’ ” The video, also produced by PBS through “Live from Lincoln Center,” explores the composition process behind ‘Azul,’ which was written exclusively for Ma.

“In many ways, these two men make ideal musical partners,” says Tony Award winner Audra McDonald about Golijov and Ma in an introduction. “Both have artistically sought to cross cultural borders and to merge classical and modern elements in their work. For Osvaldo Golijov, these interests also hold a key to his remarkable story.”

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Photo Gallery: Alumni Gather in Boston to Watch Men’s Hockey Play Frozen Fenway

Posted on January 8, 2014 by Amy Kotsopoulos

Thousands of fans cheered on the Holy Cross men’s ice hockey team as it faced off against Bentley University to kick off Citi Frozen Fenway 2014 on Dec. 28.

Before the game, 500 alumni, family and friends packed Bill’s Bar and Lansdowne Pub for a pregame reception. Even The Crusader braved the cold and made his way to Fenway Park to greet the fans and cheer on the team. The event was hosted by the Crusader Athletics Fund, Holy Cross Clubs of Greater Boston and New Hampshire and Office of Alumni Relations.

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Holy Cross Students Invited to Meet Warren Buffett

Posted on January 7, 2014 by Debra Steilen

Shortly after his graduation, Bobby Sullivan ’08 brought a game-changing idea to Professor David Chu, director of the Ciocca Office of Entrepreneurial Studies and prebusiness advisor. One of Sullivan’s close relatives sets up student visits for Warren Buffett, the recent graduate said, which meant he could help Holy Cross get invited to meet the Oracle of Omaha.

The timing did not work out right away. But Sullivan patiently checked with Chu every year. And on Jan. 31 Holy Cross students will meet Buffett in Omaha as part of a trip hosted by the student-led Finance Club. What makes this meeting especially noteworthy is that Holy Cross is the only liberal arts college invited; other attendees (primarily MBA candidates) will come from business schools such as the MIT Sloan School of Management.

“We do not offer either a business or finance major, but we still have a large number of graduates in finance,” Chu says. “You can always learn the technical stuff on the job. Our students’ can leverage their liberal arts training to see the world from a different angle. That’s where they add value.”

The schedule includes a question-and-answer session with Buffett at Berkshire Hathaway headquarters and tours of three Berkshire Hathaway subsidiaries: Nebraska Furniture Mart, the largest home furnishing store in North America; Borsheim’s, a leader in the jewelry industry; and Oriental Trading Company, the nation’s largest direct merchant of value-priced novelties. Each tour will include meetings with members of the subsidiary’s finance and operations teams.

“It’s very exciting to think about meeting someone like Buffett with so much influence in the business world,” says Christina Rudolf ’14, an economics and accounting major from Switzerland, who helped organize the trip. “It will be a great learning experience, a great networking experience, and a great conversation starter in the future.”

What’s such an invitation worth? Companies have paid up to $3.46 million for their executives to dine with Buffett as part of an annual fundraiser for San Francisco’s Glide Foundation. Holy Cross students will interact with Buffett for the price of a plane ticket and an enthusiasm for investing.

They’ll also participate in preparatory activities designed to put them at their best advantage. Holy Cross investment officer Dan Ricciardi ’06 will lead a workshop in which students look at Berkshire Hathaway’s individual subsidiaries.

“There’s a lot more to running a business than just knowing basic financial metrics,” says Ricciardi, who will accompany students on the trip. “Seeing these businesses work and operate and understanding a corporation as a living, breathing thing: this is something students really get excited about.”

Like the other students, Rudolf has prepared potential questions for Buffett. “I’m interested in how women have shaped his business strategy,” Rudolf says. “I want to know how he foresees involvement of women in his company in the future and if he has any female role models.”

As president of the Finance Club, Andrew Marzo ’14, an economics major from Berkeley Heights, N.J., took the lead in planning the Omaha trip. He plans to ask Warren Buffett for his perspective on the value of a liberal arts education. Marzo is confident Holy Cross students will demonstrate that value in person.

“Holy Cross students have a tremendous amount of intellectual curiosity; we learn how to ask questions and to problem solve,” Marzo says. “And we have a culture of execution. Everyone who spends four years at Holy Cross learns how to get things done. That’s what allows us to compete against these other schools.”

In addition to Rudolf and Marzo, the following students will be meeting with Buffett.

Seniors (Class of 2014): Kevin Dufault, Shrewsbury, Mass.; Brian Flaherty, Fairfield, Conn.; Brett Gardocki, Suffield, Conn.; Yingying Hao, Beijing; Natalya Krykova, Nashua, N.H.; Kathleen Luther, Omaha, Neb.; Andrew Marzo, Berkeley Heights, N.J.; Megan Marrkand, Westford, Mass.; Gareth Purdy, Kansas City, Mo.; Eric Sherman, Hingham, Mass.; Brendan Siebecker, White Plains, N.Y.; and Xin Yuan, Ningbo, China.

Juniors (Class of 2015): Nicole Tan, Selangor, Malaysia; Patrick Toolan, Millington, N.J.; and Doug Wells, Darien, Conn.

Sophomores (Class of 2016): Marisa Cameron, Garden City, N.Y., and MaryKate Silk, Delray Beach, Fla. WarrenBuffett

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‘Hope and Change in the Vatican’

Posted on January 4, 2014 by Holy Cross in the News

JonFavreau1In a recent post for The Daily Beast, Jon Favreau ’03, former chief speechwriter for President Obama, shares his admiration for Pope Francis’s dedication and servitude for the evolving world, which he connects to the Jesuit education he received at Holy Cross.

“At Holy Cross, I experienced a Catholicism that was about service, compassion, and love,” he says of his alma mater.  “In both the classroom and the chapel, the professors and priests at Holy Cross challenged us to think about how we could help change the social, political, and economic structures that contributed to the persistent poverty and inequality that so many of us witnessed just beyond our college gates.”

This “Holy Cross In the News” item by Jacqueline Smith ’15.

 

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Blog: Jin ’15 Looks Forward to Learning About Her Heritage in Beijing

Posted on December 20, 2013 by

NAME Sophia Jin ’15

HOMETOWN Bayside, N.Y.

AREAS OF STUDY Economics major, studio art minor, and Asian studies concentration

WHERE SHE’S STUDYING Beijing Institute of Education in Beijing

WHY SHE CHOSE BEIJING “I grew up in a Taiwanese American household listening to my parents speak Chinese, but I always took that for granted and decided to speak English at home instead. I’m hoping that a semester of intensive language study in China will help me get in touch with my ethnic roots and allow me to perfect my Chinese communication skills.”

WHAT SHE’S MOST LOOKING FORWARD TO “The sights! I can’t wait to climb the Great Wall, draw sketches of the terracotta soldiers, and celebrate Chinese New Year — in CHINA. I also heard that within the first month, you start having dreams in Chinese.”

WHY SHE’S BLOGGING “Reading the China study abroad blogs helped me decide to go to China, so I want to do the same for prospective ‘study abroaders.’ Also, blogging will keep me in touch with the English language while I’m on oath to solely speak Chinese.”

Read the blog »

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  • Check out our admissions and photo blogs, along with many of our other online journals at me.holycross.edu 
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Holy Cross Student Develops App Through Summer Research Program

Posted on December 20, 2013 by Bridget Campolettano

Mark_Safran_ResearchIn October 2013, Apple announced that it had more than one million apps available for download in its app store, many written by independent developers. One of those apps was created by Mark Safran ’15, a computer science major and Russian minor at the College of the Holy Cross. Safran, of Closter, N.J., spent his summer working with Kevin Walsh, assistant professor of mathematics and computer science, to develop the app that now allows students to easily see menu items in each of the College’s five dining areas on campus along with their respective nutritional content.

“The ‘Holy Cross Dining App’ takes the same menu and nutritional information available on the Holy Cross website and reproduces it in a simple, user-friendly mobile application,” said Safran. “The data for the week is downloaded from the website once a day and stored in a local file on the mobile device, which makes checking ‘What’s for dinner?’ quick and easy.”

Safran, who is in the College Honors Program, and his friends had for months discussed the idea of an app, and the opportunity to write the program presented itself through the summer research program. Safran, who also works as a lab assistant supporting an introductory computer programming course taught by Walsh, spent the first few weeks of the summer learning how to develop simple apps for the Apple iOS platform and experimenting with the unique coding techniques used in that development environment. Once mastered, he developed a storyboard for the visual layout of the app, and he began to design data structures and modifying a code written by Ryan Hallisey ’14, also a computer science major, to make the app interactive.

“Toward the second half of the summer, once Mark had gotten deep into programming the app, we would often work together in the lab,” said Walsh. “Mark would show me his code or talk about his plans, and I’d critique, ask questions, and make suggestions.”

The final stages of summer work involved developing a program to automatically pull data from the Dining Services website, converting it into a format that could be easily plugged into the app. Daily menus and nutritional information have been available on the Holy Cross Dining website for more than five years and are kept up-to-date through a collaboration between Holy Cross dietician Kathy Egan, R.D., and Marty Dudek, associate director of production and purchasing, to ensure that the most current and accurate information is available, especially in regards to allergens.

“We know how important this information is to our students, especially to those with food allergies,” said Linda Nardella, director of Holy Cross Dining. “Being able to provide this information to the community in as many formats as possible has been wonderful. We’re always happy to work with our very talented students and benefit from their knowledge and expertise.”

“Once we plugged this ‘live’ data into our iOS code, the app was essentially finished in its basic form,” said Safran.  “We spent the last two weeks or so error checking, beta testing functionality on several devices, and polishing up the code.” After consultations with offices on campus to ensure accuracy, branding, and consistency with the College identity, the app was published to Holy Cross’ official channel on Apple’s iOS App Store and is now available for free download.

“Not many students get the chance to do mobile app development or to really see every side of a project like this — from initial brainstorming, to planning, then design, development, testing, and now finally releasing it to the public,” said Walsh. “Mark also learned a lot of new technologies along the way.”

This research project was funded by Robert A. Harrington, M.D. ’82 and his wife, Rhonda L. Larsen. Their donation through the Alumni/Parent Summer Research Scholarship fund provided Safran a weekly stipend and a supply budget for his research, in addition to room and board. Each summer science research fellowship costs $7,000 to fund, and more than 70 students participate in research projects each summer.

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2013: Year in Review

Posted on December 18, 2013 by

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At Holy Cross, each year is marked by new achievements and accomplishments. Here are some of the most notable from 2013.

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Video: Holy Cross a Cappella Groups Perform Christmas Classics

Posted on December 18, 2013 by College of the Holy Cross

 

It was standing room only for the annual Holiday a Cappella concert in the Hogan Campus Center Ballroom on Dec. 3. And it was no wonder — these students are talented.

Watch the Delilahs, an all-female a cappella group, perform “Joy to the World” and “O Holy Night,” and Fools on the Hill, a co-ed a cappella group, perform “Angels We Have Heard on High.” At the same time, enjoy beautiful scenes of a snow-covered Mount St. James.

Merry Christmas from the College of the Holy Cross!

Having trouble viewing the video? Watch it on YouTube.

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‘Why the Pope is shaking up bishops’

Posted on December 18, 2013 by Holy Cross in the News

Alice LaffeyIn a recent opinion piece for CNN, Alice Laffey, associate professor of religious studies at the College of the Holy Cross, explains how Pope Francis  is shifting emphasis and establishing different priorities in the Catholic Church with his recent changes to the Congregation for Bishops.

“Consistent with Francis’ own witness to date and his efforts so far to renew the Curia (the Vatican bureaucracy), this appointment of carefully selected men to the Congregation for Bishops, men who share his priorities, may well be the most powerful tool available to him to effect far-reaching and sustained change — in every parish throughout the entire world,” said Laffey.

Read the full piece from CNN.com

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Fmr. Presidential Candidate Jon Huntsman Calls for End to Ideological Partisanship

Posted on December 18, 2013 by Kyle Woodlock '16

Approximately 400 people filled the Hogan Campus Center Ballroom to hear former Utah governor and ambassador to China, Jon Huntsman Jr., deliver the 48th annual Hanify-Howland Memorial Lecture on Nov. 13. The Republican presidential candidate in the 2012 election primaries was invited to Holy Cross by the student-run Hanify-Howland Memorial Lecture Committee. Huntsman, who took many questions from the crowd following the talk, engaged in an hour-long seminar with 25 students before the lecture.

Huntsman’s lecture focused equally on opportunities and struggles the United States has going forward to sustain its economic and political power status. He lambasted the extreme partisanship permeating national politics and how it has eroded the nation’s democracy. As one of the leaders of the “No Labels” citizens movement, comprised of Democrats, Republicans and others, he is seeking to promote an era of “new politics” focused on pragmatic problem solving and increased bi-partisanship.

The governor, spoke harshly about the influence that an increasing number of super PACs (political action committees) are having on political campaigns stemming from the Supreme Court ruling titled Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission. The ruling holds that it is as an infringement on free speech for caps to be placed on labor union and corporate donations to political campaigns. “You shouldn’t be able to donate to a candidate you can’t vote for,” he said.

Huntsman mentioned how the 2010 United States Census ushered in an era of hyper-partisan “gerrymandered” congressional districts, leading to greater than 70 percent of all federal elections being predictably Democrat or Republican. Due to this, general elections have become irrelevant and the competition has moved to the primaries, where ideological extremists on both sides have begun running against establishment candidates. This has caused a massive decline in moderate congressmen and shifted the party’s representatives to the fringe, making compromise exceedingly difficult. Huntsman emphasized numerous times that “the U.S. doesn’t work well at the extremes” and that an independent redistricting committee should be used, a body unbiased by politics and elections.

Despite highlighting dysfunction in Washington D.C. and government, Huntsman said the country faces great opportunities ahead. The U.S. is on pace to surpass Saudi Arabia as the largest producer of natural gas, and to become the global exporter of energy, he said. Unlike Europe and China, the cost of energy is dramatically cheaper in the U.S. Huntsman surmises that this will spur economic growth at home, create jobs and raise middle class incomes.

Furthermore, the revival of the American manufacturing industry, hit hard by outsourcing, is now producing and exporting goods from the U.S. to feed growing consumptive demand in Asia. The shift in the trade deficit from the U.S., which has consumed far more than its level of production toward Asia, will level the playing field for American manufacturers. Furthermore, the rise in commodities prices and oil will make U.S. production more cost effective, giving a much needed boost to America’s beleaguered Rust Belt communities hard hit by industry offshoring in past decades.

“America has never had more areas of opportunity to grow prosperous than right now,” he said. Through compromise made by both political parties and common sense legislation supported by the majority of Americans, Huntsman argues America is on pace to be very competitive in the 21st century.

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Video, Photo Gallery: Nathan Pine Named Athletic Director at Holy Cross

Posted on December 17, 2013 by College of the Holy Cross

WORCESTER, Mass. – Nathan Pine, currently deputy athletic director at the University of Maryland, will become the next athletic director at the College of the Holy Cross.

The announcement was made today by Philip L. Boroughs, S.J., the College’s president, bringing to a conclusion the national search for a successor to Richard M. Regan ’76, who announced in July that he was stepping down.

“Nate’s commitment to both the entirety of the student-athlete experience at Holy Cross as well as development of an athletic program that values academic performance, excellence, and integrity are in keeping with both the mission of Holy Cross and the principles of the Patriot League,” Fr. Boroughs said. “The Search Committee believes — and I wholeheartedly concur — that Nate possesses the right set of skills and experience.  He has a strong commitment to the academic success of our student athletes, and I am impressed by his strategic vision, and his demonstrated experience in engaging faculty, staff and students in his work. I look forward to joining with him to build the future of athletics at Holy Cross.”

Pine will begin his responsibilities at Holy Cross on February 1.

“As we welcome Nate to the Holy Cross Community,” Fr. Boroughs said, “I want to express our gratitude to Dick Regan, for not only his 15 years of service to our student athletes, but also his willingness to stay on these past six months to help ensure a smooth transition.”

Pine said:  “I would like to thank Fr. Boroughs, Senior Vice President Frank Vellaccio and the Search Committee for their confidence in me. I am honored and humbled to be named the director of athletics at the College of the Holy Cross. I am excited for the bright future that is ahead for Crusader Athletics and look forward to working with our talented student-athletes, coaches and staff to achieve new levels of success in the classroom, competition and in the community.

He added:  “I have worked my entire life to get to this point and I have been fortunate to have a number of incredible mentors who have guided me, taught me and helped me to become the person and the professional I am today. My wife, Stephanie, and I are excited and look forward to immersing ourselves into the Holy Cross and Worcester communities and I will do all that I can to contribute to the mission of the College.”

Fr. Boroughs also announced that the College will introduce Pine to the campus community at a press event on Tuesday, Dec. 17 at 3 p.m. EST.  The event will be streamed live on the web via http://new.livestream.com/PatriotLeagueNetwork/holycross and later archived at the same address.

Pine has been in his position at Maryland since 2011. In addition to sport supervision of men’s basketball, men’s soccer, women’s soccer and baseball, he directly supervised all of the external support units and revenue generation for the department including development, marketing, media relations, ticket operations and video services. Pine was also responsible for negotiating the majority of the department’s business contracts, overseeing championships, community engagement and the M Club (former letter winners organization) as well as the athletics merchandising and eCommerce operations.

Prior to Maryland, Pine was at the University of California at Berkeley for three years where he oversaw all aspects of the major gift program and development staff for athletics. Pine led the university’s athletics fundraising capital campaign, an unprecedented $500 million effort.

Before Cal, Pine spent four years at West Point where he was a key member of the athletic senior leadership team. Pine was responsible for all business initiatives for Army and oversight of the external operations areas for athletics. Pine also represented Army’s interests in the coordination and execution of the contract extension with CBS Sports for the 2010-2018 Army-Navy football games, and he oversaw all elements of the Army-Navy commercial sponsorship rights.

A graduate of Oregon State University, Pine worked in the athletic department there following graduation, and was instrumental in the growth in fundraising and the renovation of Reser Stadium in his five-plus years in Corvallis. A native of Eagle Point, Ore., he also received his master’s degree in education from the University of California at Berkeley. He and his wife Stephanie Strowbridge currently live in Fulton, Md.

Media Coverage

What others are saying about Nathan Pine:

  • “Nathan is one of the brightest and most talented rising young administrators in intercollegiate athletics. He is committed to educating and developing student-athletes through a culture of academic and athletic excellence. Additionally, Nathan has been an outstanding role model and leader to our student-athletes, guiding them in their pursuit to become future leaders. During his tenure at Maryland, Nathan has assumed a myriad of responsibilities and his proactive and strategic approach in external operations has helped our overall growth as an athletics department. I’ve had the pleasure of working with Nathan for more than 10 years at both Oregon State and Army in addition to Maryland. He is a tremendous friend and colleague and I am excited that he is pursuing this outstanding opportunity. Holy Cross is very fortunate to have Nathan leading their athletic department. He will bring a wealth of knowledge, expertise and passion to their college. We wish Nathan and his wife, Stephanie, all the best in this exciting endeavor.”  — Kevin Anderson, director of athletics, University of Maryland
  • “I really enjoyed working with Nate during our time at Maryland. He is hard-working, dedicated and has an outstanding understanding of collegiate athletics. Nate will be a great athletic director at Holy Cross and they are very fortunate to have him leading their department.” — Mark Turgeon, men’s basketball head coach, University of Maryland
  • “I am delighted to welcome Nate Pine to the Patriot League as the next Director of Athletics at the College of the Holy Cross. Nate is a talented administrator who brings with him an understanding of the League’s values from his previous tenure at Army in addition to his senior positions at other outstanding institutions. Nate’s leadership will enhance the overall strength of Holy Cross’ athletic program and contribute to the advancement of the League. We look forward to his joining our distinguished group of athletic administrators and working together on behalf of all our Scholar-Athletes.” — Carolyn Schlie Femovich, Patriot League Executive Director
  • “I’m very excited for Nate and believe that he is well prepared for the role of Director of Athletics at Holy Cross. Nate is incredibly talented and I’ve enjoyed watching his development both at Cal and with his expanded responsibilities at Maryland. Holy Cross has made an excellent choice for its new AD.” — Sandy Barbour, director of athletics, University of California
  • “Nate is an administrator on the rise who will be able to leverage his varied experiences at some excellent institutions for the betterment of Holy Cross.” — Bob De Carolis, director of athletic, Oregon State University
  • “I want to congratulate Holy Cross on hiring one of the young stars in intercollegiate athletics. Nate has great experience and energy that he will bring to the job.” — Greg Byrne, director of athletics, University of ArizonaIMG_9426
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New Worcester Student Government Association Provides Voice for College Students

Posted on December 12, 2013 by Bridget Campolettano

wsga1This past summer, Neema Hakim ’14, co-president of the Student Government Association at the College of the Holy Cross, identified a need for a unified voice from the student population in the City of Worcester. Hakim identified his counterparts at other Worcester colleges, and through a series of meetings and conversations together the Worcester Student Government Association (WSGA) was created.

With more than 35,000 students between 10 colleges and universities, the mission of the WSGA is to discover the interests of “the student” who exists across all college campuses in Worcester; advocate collective student interests to the City, its officials, businesses, and organizations; and facilitate idea sharing between campus student governments. The WSGA is sponsored by the Worcester Regional Chamber of Commerce, with whom they signed a memorandum of understanding in September.

“Our goal is to build bridges and get students engaged in the Worcester community,” says Hakim, president and one of four co-founders of the WSGA. “There seems to me to be a disconnect between each of the Worcester campuses, as well as the collective Worcester student body and the City of Worcester. By having a WSGA, we have a forum by which student leaders from all over Worcester can come together to share ideas.”

The WSGA has created a space for students to discuss best practices from their own campuses, and to promote joint community engagement through the endorsement of service projects.  Each month, student government representatives from the various colleges come to WSGA meetings to discuss issues pertaining to Worcester students. In addition to meeting with one another, students have met with WOO Card, Students Helping Children Across Borders (SHCAB), and city officials to discuss economic development and voter registration.

In January, the WSGA will co-host a “Mr. Worcester” pageant with SHCAB to raise funds for the spring Working for Worcester event. Students from across the colleges will compete for the title of “Mr. Worcester,” building community among students while raising awareness about Working for Worcester, a city-wide, student-run project designed to promote city pride and provide necessary improvements to Worcester’s recreational spaces. The pageant will be held on January 24 from 7-9:30 p.m. at Coral Seafood on Shrewsbury Street.

Members of the WSGA include delegates from Anna Maria College, Assumption College, Becker College, Clark University, College of the Holy Cross, Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Quinsigamond Community College, and Worcester Polytechnic Institute.

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