News

On Dec. 23, 1954 Dr. Joseph Murray ’40 performed the world’s first organ transplant when he removed a kidney from a healthy 23-year-old man and implanted it into his twin brother who was suffering from kidney disease. The successful surgery marked the beginning of a new era in medicine. Since then, more than 400,000 lives have been saved by transplant surgeries.

Dr. Murray’s subsequent research advanced doctors’ ability to prevent transplant rejection, and in 1990 he was honored for his pioneering medical work with the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine. He was the first graduate of a Jesuit institution to receive the Nobel in this category.

In 1991, the College held a symposium on medicine in his honor where he received a crystal statue of a shooting star, symbolic of how Dr. Murray kept his eye on a distant star for years as he developed the methodology for organ transplants. In 1965, he received an honorary Doctor of Science degree from the College. A loyal and dedicated alumnus, Dr. Murray is a member of the 1843 Society.

Dr. Murray is professor of medicine emeritus at Harvard Medical School and the author of a 2001 memoir, Surgery of the Soul: Reflections on a Curious Career.

On the 50th anniversary of the first successful transplant, the world reflects on this scientific milestone.

Related information:

# “Transplant pioneers recall medical milestone” – NPR, Morning Edition, Dec. 20, 2004
# “The power of perseverance” – Boston Globe, Dec. 14, 2004

The College congratulates the following alumni in public service who were elected or re-elected to office last November:

* Robert A. Antonioni ’80 was re-elected to a seventh term in the Massachusetts State Senate, from the Worcester and Middlesex District.

* Timothy H. Bishop ’72 was re-elected to the U.S. House of Representatives from the 1st District of New York.

* Robert P. Casey Jr. ’82 was elected the state treasurer of Pennsylvania.

* Joseph M. Fischer ’76 was re-elected to the Kentucky House of Representatives.

* Rachel Kaprielian ’90 was re-elected to the Massachusetts House of Representatives from the 29th Middlesex District.

* Michael R. Knapik ’85 was re-elected to a sixth term in the Massachusetts State Senate from the 2nd Hampden and Hampshire District.

* Michael R. McNulty ’69 was re-elected to the U.S. House of Representatives from the 21st District of New York.

* James P. Moran Jr. ’67 was re-elected to the U.S. House of Representatives from the 8th District of Virginia.

* Thomas V. Sannicandro ’78 was elected to the Massachusetts House of Representatives from the 7th Middlesex District.

* William T. Stachowski ’72 was re-elected to the New York State Senate, representing District 58.

Holy Cross Mock Trial sent four teams to the 2004 Yale Invitational Mock Trial Tournament on Friday, Dec. 3 and Saturday, Dec. 4, earning a sixth place team finish and a host of individual awards.

Earning an overall team award with a nearly seamless case was Liz Letak ‘06, Adam Zybulewski ‘05, Brendan Missett ‘08, Jessica McCaffrey ‘08, Jon King ‘07, Mike Collins ‘07, Steve Meahl ‘07, and Jared Hasten ‘05.

Tiffany Kouri ’06 and Erin Robert ’06 received individual awards in the category of “best witness.”  Receiving “best attorney” awards were Kim Richardson ‘06, Katie Manzi ‘08, and Liz Letak ‘06, who earned a perfect score.  Erin Robert ’06 and Liz Letak ’06 both placed first in their respective categories.

Started in the fall of 1997 at Holy Cross, Mock Trial is an opportunity for undergraduate students to learn about trial techniques used by lawyers in the courtroom. Teams consist of six to eight students who take on the roles of attorneys and witnesses in a simulated court case. Participants gain experience and knowledge in areas such as the stages of a trial, how to argue objections, and how to direct and cross-examine a witness.

This year’s case, Tony Kissner vs. The Polk Hospital of Midlands, involved a lawsuit in which Kissner accused the hospital of negligence in allowing a former patient, Martin Dutcher, to be released from their institution even though he suffered from an aggressive behavior disorder.  Kissner, who was an up and coming amateur golfer pursuing a professional career, was attacked and injured by Dutcher just days after his release from the hospital.

Led by educating coaches Ed McDermott ’79 and Carey Smith ’79, partners in the Worcester law firm of Morrison, Mahoney, & Miller; and Scott Sandstrom, Holy Cross pre-law advisor and economics professor, Holy Cross mock trial has enjoyed great successes already this year.  In November, a Holy Cross team finished in fourth place in the 2004 Ocean State Mock Trial Invitational Tournament.  Four of the 20 individual awards also went to Holy Cross students, including the overall “best attorney” award which was presented to Liz Letak ’06, and the overall “best witness” award which was given to Mike Collins ’07.

With the mock trial season still very young, the team is thrilled with its successes and optimistic about the future, looking to mock the floor with the competition.

Join in the the late-night fun – and fuel your energy during study week!   The Holy Cross tradition of Midnight Breakfast returns beginning Sunday, Dec. 12, and the lineup of administrators donning aprons and serving students has been announced.

The menu will include scrambled eggs, bacon, sausage links, assorted bagels, Belgian waffles and topping bar, assorted juices and nightly specials. Full breakfast is available for just $3.50. Items can also be purchased a la carte.

Join the following members of the College community from 11 p.m. to 1 a.m. in Crossroads:

Sunday, Dec. 12
Rev. Michael McFarland, S.J., President
Frank Vellaccio, Senior Vice President
Stephen Ainlay, Vice President for Academic Affairs and Dean of the College

Monday, Dec. 13
Kristine Cyr Goodwin, Associate Dean for Student Life
Paul Irish, Assistant to the Vice President for Student Affairs/Director of Judicial Affairs
Mable Millner, Director of Multicultural Education
Jacqueline Peterson, Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students

Tuesday, Dec. 14
Esther Levine, Assistant Dean, Class of 2006
Rev. Brian Linnane, S.J., Assistant Dean, Class of 2007
Earl Peace, Assistant Dean, Class of 2005
Victoria Swigert, Assistant Dean, Class of 2008

Wednesday, Dec. 15
Ellen Ryder, Director of Public Affairs
Maggie Hayden Bramley (Development)
Tom Cadigan (Development)
Jen DiFranco (Development)
KeriAnne Travis (Development)

Thursday, Dec. 16
William Morse, Associate Dean
Ellen Keohane, Director of Information Technology Services
Meg Devine (Development)

Check out some of the events taking place during finals week to keep you stress free and energized! Good luck on exams!

Tuesday, Dec. 7 – LAST DAY OF CLASSES!

* Women’s Ice Hockey (vs. Castleton)
Hart Ice Rink, 7 p.m.
* A Cappella Night at the Ten Spot
Crossroads, 10 p.m.

Wednesday, Dec. 8 – STUDY DAY

* Free Massages
Coolbeans, 9:30 a.m. – 11:15 a.m. & 6:30 p.m. – 8:15 p.m.
(Sponsored by the Office of Wellness Programming)
* Men’s Ice Hockey (vs. Connecticut)
Hart Ice Rink, 7:30 p.m.

Thursday, Dec. 9 – STUDY DAY

* LASO Stress Relief
Hogan 406, 1 p.m. – 4 p.m.
* CAB Holiday Hysteria
Crossroads, 8:30 p.m.

Friday, Dec. 10 – STUDY DAY

* Kwanza Celebration
Hogan 402, 12 p.m.
(Co-sponsored by BSU and the Office of Multicultural Education)

Saturday, Dec. 11 – FINALS BEGIN

Sunday, Dec. 12 – FINALS…

* Midnight Breakfast
Crossroads, 11 p.m. – 1 a.m.

Monday, Dec. 13 – FINALS…

* Stress-Free Zone
Hogan 2 Lounge, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
* Holiday Bazaar
Hogan Ballroom, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Vendors from the area will be here.  Stop by to check out some of the great gift possibilities!
(Sponsored by CAB)
* Free Reiki
Hogan 2 Lounge, 12:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Christine Radice ’95, will be offering free Reiki treatments. Reiki is an ancient energy-based healing technique.  Christine will place her hands on or above the major energy centers in your body to help you feel relaxed and energized.
(Sponsored by the Office of Wellness Programming)
* Free Gift Wrapping
Hogan First Floor Lobby, 2 p.m. – 4 p.m.
All the supplies are provided.  Just stop by and wrap your gifts!
(Sponsored by Residence Life)
* Midnight Breakfast
Crossroads, 11 p.m. – 1 a.m.

Tuesday, Dec. 14 – FINALS…

* Stress-Free Zone
Hogan 2 Lounge, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
* Free Gift Wrapping
Hogan First Floor Lobby, 2 p.m. – 4 p.m.
(Sponsored by Residence Life)
* Midnight Breakfast
Crossroads, 11 p.m. – 1 a.m.

Wednesday, Dec. 15 – FINALS…

* Stress-Free Zone
Hogan 2 Lounge, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
* Free Gift Wrapping
Hogan First Floor Lobby, 2 p.m. – 4 p.m.
(Sponsored by Residence Life)
* Midnight Breakfast
Crossroads, 11 p.m. – 1 a.m.

Thursday, Dec. 16 – FINALS…

* Stress-Free Zone
Hogan 2 Lounge, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
* Free Gift Wrapping
Hogan First Floor Lobby, 2 p.m. – 4 p.m.
(Sponsored by Residence Life)
* Midnight Breakfast
Crossroads, 11 p.m. – 1 a.m.

Don’t forget that the College’s three libraries will be open for extended hours during study and exam week. Free coffee will be available in Dinand Library from 10 p.m. – closing. Students should bring their own spill-proof mug, or purchase one in the library for $2. The library will also be holding nightly drawings for a free mug!

In response to the need for increased access to networked workstations during the exam period, the Dinand Tech Lab (2nd floor) will be open as follows:

* Monday, Dec. 6 – Friday, Dec. 10: 8:30 a.m. – 12 midnight
* Saturday, Dec. 11 – Sunday, Dec. 12: 11 a.m. – 12 midnight
* Monday, Dec. 13 – Thursday, Dec. 16: 8:30 a.m. – 12 midnight

Study week and finals can be a stressful time.  If you need to get away during study days or finals, you are welcome to stop by Campion House or Clark, Room 218 from 8 p.m. – 1 a.m.  These areas have been set up by the Chaplains’ Office as designated “study-free” zones for students to relax and grab a snack.

The Counseling Center is also available for assistance Monday – Friday, from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. as well as in the evenings through the on-call system.  Please contact Public Safety or your RA if you’d like to speak with a counselor after hours.

# Extended Library Hours
# Counseling Center

Listen to David Schaefer, professor of political science, on “The Forum” on Worcester Cable Television Channel 3, on Thursday, Dec. 2 at 8:30 p.m.  Schaefer, whose scholarly research and analysis focuses on American political thought, will discuss issues related to U.S. foreign policies in Iraq.

Hosted by Ara Eresian Sr., “The Forum” is a political talk show focusing on current events and politics.  It’s in its 10th concurrent season as a series.

The annual Christmas Tree Lighting scheduled for tonight, Tuesday, Dec. 7 at 5 p.m. on O’Kane Porch has been canceled due to inclement weather.

The Bishop Healy Multicultural Society (BHMS) has planned a week of events dedicated to educating the community on the effects of the AIDS/HIV epidemic and to building compassion for victims and their loved ones. In addition to the events listed below, BHMS will be collecting toiletries and spare change for children suffering from AIDS in Malawi, Africa through Dec. 6. For questions concerning any of these events contact bhealyms@holycross.edu.

Wednesday, December 1: World AIDS Awareness Day

* “HIV/AIDS and the Family”
12 p.m. – 2 p.m., Hogan 328
Speakers from AIDS Project Worcester, as well as two Worcester residents infected with HIV, will speak about the effects that HIV/AIDS has on family life.  A buffet style lunch will be provided.
* Free Rapid AIDS Testing
2 p.m. – 4 p.m., Health Services (Loyola Hall)
Medical technicians from AIDS Project Worcester will be conducting FREE, ANONYMOUS, and PAINLESS rapid HIV testing. Counselors will be available to assist with any questions or concerns.
* AIDS Vigil
7 p.m., McCooey Chapel
Daniel Corrou, assistant chaplain, will lead a meditation in remembrance of those who lost their lives as a result of the AIDS epidemic, and offer prayers in support of all whose lives have been touched by the disease.  It will be a time to ask God for strength, understanding, and an acceptance for all.
* Pendulum Project Presentation
8 p.m., Rehm Library
Ellen McCurley ’82, founder of the Pendulum Project (a non-profit organization committed to the betterment of the quality of life for children in Malawi, Africa) will give a presentation on the complexity of AIDS in Africa. She will talk specifically about the impact the disease has on children and the ways in which they have begun to cope with the disease. McCurley has produced two documentaries on the AIDS pandemic in Malawi. She is currently completing her master’s degrees in social work and public health at Boston University. Her presentation is cosponsored by Africana Studies and the Center for Religion, Ethics and Culture.

Thursday, December 2

* Open Mic and Quilt Design
11 a.m. – 3 p.m., Coolbeans
All members of the Holy Cross community are invited to create quilt pieces that reflect their personal thoughts and feelings about HIV/AIDS.  For those willing to share their feelings, there will be an open mic. A video documentary on the disease will be showing, courtesy of Women’s and Gender Studies, and AIDS Project Worcester.
* “HIV/AIDS: Effects on Women”
12 p.m. – 2 p.m., Hogan 402
Two female speakers infected with HIV from AIDS Project Worcester will speak about the effects of HIV/AIDS on women. A buffet style lunch will be provided, cosponsored by Women’s and Gender Studies and Women’s Forum.
* Free Rapid AIDS Testing
2 p.m. – 4 p.m., Health Services (Loyola Hall)
* MSO Quilt Presentations
6 p.m. – 7:30 p.m., Hogan 519
The College’s Multicultural Student Organizations (MSOs) will present their quilt squares, each of which will depict how the AIDS epidemic has influenced their respective communities. The quilt pieces will also be displayed at the Charity Banquet.

Friday, December 3

* AIDS Compassion & Awareness Week Charity Banquet: “What’s Going on in the World Today”
7 p.m. – 10 p.m., Hogan Ballroom
This year’s banquet will be an opportunity for the Holy Cross and Worcester communities to build solidarity while raising awareness of the effects of AIDS on the world. Tickets are $10 for Holy Cross students, and $25 for all faculty, administration, staff and the general public. They may be purchased by contacting student organizer Bronwyn Vogler ’07 at 508-767-4169, or by e-mail at bhealyms@holycross.edu. Semi-formal attire is required.  All proceeds from the event will go to AIDS Project Worcester and the Pendulum Project, a non-profit humanitarian organization that helps families and communities care for, support, and protect orphans and vulnerable children in parts of the world that are severely impacted by AIDS.

Related Information: AIDS Compassion & Awareness Charity Banquet

Criminal defense attorneys Michael Wilcox and Louis Aloise, partners in the Worcester law firm of Aloise & Wilcox PC, will give a lecture, titled “Mental Illness and the Law: Insanity Defense and Other Legal Issues,” on Monday, Nov. 29 at 7 p.m. in Hogan, Jenks Suite A. Sponsored by the prelaw program and the psychology department, the talk is open to all members of the Holy Cross community.

Aloise and Wilcox have been involved in a number of high profile Worcester cases. In 2000, they represented Julie Barnes, the homeless woman charged with manslaughter, who (along with her friend Thomas Levesque) accidentally started the Cold Storage warehouse fire that took the lives of six firefighters. In 2002, they took on the defense of Anthony J. Scola, whose estranged wife was found stabbed to death in the couple’s home in 2002.

Named Lawyer of the Year in 2002 by Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly, Aloise earned his law degree from Boston College Law School. A partner with Aloise & Wilcox PC since 2002, he worked for 15 years with the firm Shumway, Giguere, Fox, Aloise & Wilcox, and for 9 years in the Worcester Country District Attorney’s Office, where he served first as chief trial counsel and later as first assistant district attorney. In addition to positions at other firms, he has taught at Worcester State College and Anna Maria College.

Michael Wilcox, a former police officer, has been a partner with Aloise & Wilcox PC since 2002, after 15 years with Shumway, Giguere, Fox, Aloise & Wilcox. He and Aloise have previously lectured in abnormal psychology classes at Holy Cross on issues including the insanity defense, competency and cases involving schizophrenia.

Related information:

# Prelaw Program
# Psychology Department

Holy Cross mock trial finished in fourth place in the 2004 Ocean State Mock Trial Invitational Tournament, held Nov. 6 – 7 in Providence, R.I.  Four of the 20 individual awards also went to Holy Cross students, including the overall “best attorney” award which was presented to Elizabeth Letak ’06, of Plymouth, Minn., and the overall “best witness” award which was given to Michael Collins ’07, of Westwood, Mass.

Letak also joined Gordon (Scott) Shand ’06, of West Hartford, Conn., as two of the Top 10 Attorneys for the tournament.   Top 10 Witness awards were given to Collins and Ruth Demeter ’05, of Edison, N.J.

A total of 30 teams participated in this year’s tournament, including teams from Brandeis University, Brown University, Cornell University (with teams finishing first and second), Dartmouth College (with a team finishing third), Fordham University, Lafayette College, Manchester Community College, Roger Williams University, United States Coast Guard Academy, University of New Hampshire, University of South Carolina – Columbia, and Villanova University.