Are the 2020 Tokyo Olympics in Trouble? Renowned Holy Cross Sports Economist Shares Insight

Posted on May 29, 2019 by Holy Cross in the News
Victor Matheson, professor of economics, is seen here teaching a class at Holy Cross. Photo by Tom Rettig

Victor Matheson, professor of economics, is seen here teaching a class at Holy Cross. Photo by Tom Rettig

Sports federations around the world are in fear that the 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo will end up mirroring the previous Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, where bankrupt organizers began slashing costs a few months before the opening ceremony, at the expense of the event itself.

But while Tokyo organizers have been trying to cut spending by using more temporary and existing venues rather than building new ones, the executive director of the Olympic Games reassured sports federations that the experience will still be “top-notch.” He did so, in part, by pointing out to Tokyo’s $5.6 billion operating budget, the largest of any recent Olympics, which is also bolstered by a record $3 billion in local sponsorships.

The Associated Press recently sought the insight of Victor Matheson, professor of economics at Holy Cross and a renowned sports economist, on this issue. Matheson, who has authored several studies on the economic impact of the Olympic Games, holds the general belief that hosting the prestigious sports event has become a financial sinkhole.

And in the particular case of Tokyo 2020, “No matter what sponsorship revenues come in at, there is no way they can cover more than a fraction of the billions in infrastructure Tokyo is building,” Matheson said.

To read the full article, go to APNews.com.

The story was republished in top tier news outlets in the U.S., from The New York Times to The Washington Post and USA Today, as well as others across the globe.

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Holy Cross Graduates 698 Members of the Class of 2019

Posted on May 24, 2019 by Jane Carlton

A student wears a decorated mortarboard.“Making a difference, effecting change, continuing to be ‘men and women for and with others’ — these actions can be part of each and every one of our futures because that is, in so many ways, who we are,” Isabel Block said to her fellow classmates — the newly minted graduates of the Class of 2019 — during her valedictory address at the College of the Holy Cross’ 173rd Commencement Exercises on May 24.

A total of 698 students were awarded Bachelor of Arts degrees surrounded by family, friends, Holy Cross faculty, staff, administrators and honored guests at the DCU Center in Worcester.

Inspiring themes of speaking up, starting dialogue across differences and challenging injustices were woven throughout the ceremony. Commencement speaker Jane McAuliffe, a world-renowned scholar of Islam and senior leader at the Library of Congress, shared that the key to addressing the biggest issues facing our nation — from climate change to economic inequality to international conflicts — is reasoned discourse.

“At the College of the Holy Cross, you have lived in a diverse and inclusive community,” McAuliffe told graduates. “Consequently, you know how to have dialogue across differences, whether differences of religion or culture or race or gender or class. We cannot begin to deal with the enormous problems facing our nation, and our entire world, unless we can talk to each other.”

“I know it sounds odd to talk about conversation or dialogue or social intercourse at a college commencement,” she continued during her commencement address. “After all, what have you been doing for the last four years but conversing, in the classroom, in the dining hall, in the dorm room?”

“But that’s just the point, as your remarkable valedictorian demonstrated so well: you know how to do this. It is one of the core accomplishments of your liberal arts education. You have learned how to listen to another person’s point of view; you have learned how to make a persuasive argument without resorting to personal attacks; you have learned how to find and analyze the information you need. These proficiencies are now such a part of you that you may not realize how rare they are becoming in the world you are about to enter.”

Throughout her career, McAuliffe has devoted sustained attention to Muslim-Christian dialogue and to the advancement of women around the world. She has served on the Vatican’s Commission for Religious Relations with Muslims and participated frequently in Building Bridges, a meeting of Muslim and Christian scholars established by the Archbishop of Canterbury. At the Library of Congress, she has managed a broad range of programs, including the National Book Festival and the John W. Kluge Center for research scholars. Prior to her role at the Library of Congress, McAuliffe was president of Bryn Mawr College in Pennsylvania from 2008 to 2013.

Block, a mathematics and Chinese double major from Georgetown, Massachusetts, added to McAuliffe’s message, addressing her classmates and what she has seen them accomplish as Holy Cross students.

“What is most impressive about the Class of 2019 is the way in which those of us graduating today have taken stands against injustices and fought for the betterment of this school and the world around us,” Block told fellow graduates. “Whether it be through providing bus transportation to voting centers, participating in and helping to organize the sit-in in Fenwick to change the campus culture, attending the vigil after the tragedy at the Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh, raising voices to advocate for the LGBTQIA+ community, or by confronting and challenging institutionalized racism, the members of Holy Cross’s Class of 2019 have shown unwavering courage, strength and unity.”

Block then lauded her classmates for their commitment to refusing to stay silent.

“Never have any of us had the chance to be surrounded by so many activists and advocates who are committed to making this school and the world beyond a better place than we are right here, right now. The members of this class refuse to be silent, refuse to be bystanders and refuse to not give everything they have to the issues that are important to them.”

During the ceremony, students wore teal stickers on their mortarboards and faculty members teal stoles as a symbol of solidarity with victims of sexual misconduct.

While at Holy Cross, Block was a co-chair of the all-female a cappella club The Delilahs, a member of the Mathematics and Computer Science Student Advisory Committee, and a co-chair of the Modern Languages Student Advisory Committee. For the past three years, Block served as the Jewish representative at the Multifaith Community Prayer, an annual event celebrating the many faiths on campus. Block also volunteered in the admissions office as a member of the Admissions Outreach Program, greeting prospective students and other visitors on campus.

In addition to McAuliffe, Holy Cross awarded honorary degrees to Rev. Sean Carroll, S.J., the executive director of the Kino Border Initiative, a migrant shelter and assistance program that conducts work on the U.S.-Mexico border; and Frank Kartheiser ’72, the newly retired founder and lead organizer at Worcester Interfaith, an alliance of Worcester religious congregations and organizations working together to empower the underprivileged.

Photos by Avanell Brock and Dan Vaillancourt

Related Information

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Could a National Service Program Be the Answer to a Divided Country? Holy Cross History Professor Opines

Posted on May 23, 2019 by Holy Cross in the News
Christopher Staysniak, visiting assistant professor of history. Photo by John Buckingham

Christopher Staysniak, visiting assistant professor of history. Photo by John Buckingham

Democratic presidential candidate Pete Buttigieg’s recent proposal to create a national public service program for all young adults in hopes of unifying Americans of different backgrounds, has service advocates, military veterans and political commentators reeling.

But are these programs even effective at improving the lives of the people they serve?

In a commentary for The Conversation, Christopher Staysniak, visiting assistant professor of history at Holy Cross, points to a large body of evidence showing that’s not the case, where actually the volunteers are the ones who end up benefiting.

“To me, it’s clear that by mobilizing millions of young people rather than thousands, Buttigieg’s plan would exacerbate this problem,” said Staysniak.

Staysniak, who has spent years researching the history of U.S. volunteer service programs as part of his dissertation, believes that Buttigieg’s call for a national service program could be successful if done right.

“Should the federal government ever seek to realize his grand ambition, it ought to first answer some long-deferred tough questions about the real purposes and benefits of this kind of volunteering,” said Staysniak.

To read more, visit TheConversation.com.

 

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Bubble Tea and Constructing Asian American Identity: A Conversation with Fenwick Scholar Mia Yee ’19

Posted on May 22, 2019 by Jane Carlton

Mia Yee stands on Fenwick PorchEvery year, Holy Cross names a Fenwick Scholar — a student who spends the entirety of their senior year conducting independent research. But it’s not every year that student embarks on a study of ramen and other modern Asian American food culture. Mia Yee, the 2018-2019 recipient of the College’s oldest and most prestigious academic honor, conducted ethnographic research on Asian American food spaces, combining her passions — and majors — of anthropology and architectural studies.

Yee, who also has a minor in studio art, spent a year observing and interviewing customers and restaurant workers at innovative eateries in the Boston area for her research. Now, we turn the tables and ask Yee about her project, the research process and how Holy Cross has made a lasting impression.

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Eight Holy Cross Students, Recent Alumni Receive Distinguished Scholarships

Posted on May 21, 2019 by Jane Carlton

A photo of Dinand Library flanked by budding spring treesCollege of the Holy Cross students and alumni have earned an impressive array of scholarships this year from prestigious organizations, including the Knight-Hennessy Scholar Program and the Fulbright Program.

These honors are testimony to the astonishing intellectual curiosity of Holy Cross students, the transformative power of faculty mentorships, and in many cases, the world-expanding view of taking part in a study abroad program.

Find some highlights from this year’s winners below.

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‘I Could Not See Myself Anywhere Else,’ Says Holy Cross Graduating Senior From Ghana

Posted on May 17, 2019 by Holy Cross in the News
Edith Mensah Otabil '19. Photo by Avanell Brock

Edith Mensah Otabil ’19. Photo by Avanell Brock

Ever since she was a child in Ghana, Edith Mensah Otabil ’19 has dreamed of becoming a doctor, so that she could help people. With just days to her graduation from Holy Cross, she sat down with Worcester Magazine to talk about her journey and career aspirations.

Otabil, who arrived in Worcester from her native Ghana in 2012 to join her mom, has had a challenging path. But after she excelled at Burnoat High School, and with encouragement from guidance counselors there, she found her home on Mount St. James.

“I found it a very special place when I came here for an interview. I felt like I belonged here,” she said, adding she applied on early decision, meaning if she was accepted, she would have to attend. “Looking back on my experience and reflecting on everything I did here, I could not see myself anywhere else.”

Otabil, a biology major on the Health Professions Advising track and a first-generation college student, made the most of her time at Holy Cross, from creating the “Students of Color in STEM” group, to gaining valuable mentors. Through an internship offered by the College’s Alumni Job Shadowing Program, she met Dr. John Kelly, a 1988 Holy Cross graduate and chief of general and minimally invasive surgery at UMass Medical Center.

Dr. Kelly, who was immediately impressed with Otabil, said that without a doubt she has what it takes to make a good doctor someday. “She’ll be great at taking care of people and patients, and whatever she does, because it’s a great human nature that she has,” Dr. Kelly added.

After graduation, Otabil plans to work at UMass Medical School for two years, followed by medical school, in hopes that one day she can return to Ghana and help improve the country’s healthcare system.

To read the full story, go to WorcesterMag.com.

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Photos: Marcus Blossom Named Athletics Director at Holy Cross

Posted on May 14, 2019 by College of the Holy Cross

 

The College of the Holy Cross named Marcus Blossom its new director of intercollegiate athletics, as announced by Rev. Philip L. Boroughs, S.J., president of the College. Blossom, currently the senior associate athletics director for business and finance at Boston College, will assume his new role July 1.

“Marcus distinguished himself from an impressive pool of candidates with his strategic vision, demonstrated leadership and commitment to the development of a successful athletics program that values academic excellence and integrity,” said Fr. Boroughs. “Marcus’ demonstrated experience in engaging students, faculty, staff and alumni, combined with his positive energy, business management expertise and commitment to Jesuit education made him a perfect fit.”

The announcement brings to a conclusion the national search for the successor of Nathan Pine, who stepped down in December 2018, and Brendan Sullivan, who served as interim athletics director.

“I want to thank Fr. Boroughs, John Mahoney and the entire search committee for their trust in me. I am honored to be named director of athletics at the College of the Holy Cross,” Blossom said. “Holy Cross is one of the nation’s leading academic institutions and has a rich history and tradition of athletics success. It is my goal to work alongside our exceptional student-athletes, coaches, faculty and administrative staff to build on that tradition and expand our winning culture grounded in Jesuit values.”

“My vision for Holy Cross athletics I simple,” Blossom shared during a press conference held on May 15 at Holy Cross. “It’s to raise the level of athletics to match the level of esteem and recognition attained by the college as a whole. We will do so by ensuring academic success and reinforcing our Jesuit values, providing student athletes with a distinctive experience highlighted by competitive success, and being a campus partner committed to Athletics’ alignment to the College’s mission and strategic priorities.”

“To the entire Holy Cross family, thank you for trusting me to lead a program with such rich history and tradition,” he added. “I won’t disappoint you.”

In 2014, Blossom, 39, joined Boston College, where he has been responsible for all budget and financial operations, and served as a member of the department of athletics executive team assisting with all aspects of strategic planning and vision execution. He was also the sport administrator for men’s basketball and had oversight of technology, interactive media and broadcast services.

Prior to his time in Chestnut Hill, Blossom spent two years as the associate athletics director, business operations at Providence College, and two years at Brown University as the associate athletics director, finance. He also previously worked with the NCAA as an assistant director of championships and at Central Michigan as the athletics business manager before being promoted to assistant athletics director, business operations.

Blossom earned his bachelor’s degree in business administration with a concentration in finance at Northeastern University, where he was a three-time GTE District I Academic All-American and three-time all-conference selection for the Huskies’ men’s basketball team. He also has a master’s degree in sport management from West Virginia University and an MBA from the University of Rhode Island.

“I am happy for Marcus and his family for this tremendous opportunity at Holy Cross,” said Martin Jarmond, William V. Campbell Director of Athletics at Boston College. “His leadership skills are exceptional. I’ve enjoyed working alongside Marcus at BC, and it was clear he had all the attributes to become a successful athletics director. He is a rising star in our industry and he will be missed.”

Blossom takes over a Holy Cross athletics program which features 27 NCAA Division I teams as members of the Patriot League, the Atlantic Hockey Association and the Women’s Hockey East Association. This year, 18 of those teams received Division I Academic Progress Rate public recognition awards from the NCAA, tied for best in the nation.

View an archive of the press conference on the Patriot League Network.

What are they saying about Marcus Blossom:

“Holy Cross has hired an exceptional person and outstanding administrator in Marcus Blossom to lead its athletic department. In his five years at Boston College, I’ve been thoroughly impressed with his knowledge of college athletics, leadership qualities and charismatic personality.” – Jerry York, head men’s hockey coach, Boston College

“Kudos to Holy Cross for this sensational hire. Marcus Blossom is a rising star in intercollegiate athletics and every stop along his brilliant career has prepared him for this moment. His commitment to the holistic development of student-athletes and values-based leadership aligns perfectly with the mission of the college. I look forward to watching him propel Holy Cross athletics to new heights!” – Lee Reed, director of athletics, Georgetown University

“Marcus is one of the most talented young athletics leaders in the nation. Holy Cross is getting a great AD and better man.” – Bob Driscoll, vice president for athletics, Providence College

“I am so excited for Marcus, his family and the entire Holy Cross community. Marcus’s character, passion and commitment to excellence were evident the first time I met him over 20 years ago as a high school basketball player outside of Chicago. Those values have never changed in his journey to this moment. There is no one more ready to lead than Marcus.” – Jay Young, head men’s basketball coach, Fairfield University

“Congratulations to Marcus Blossom on his new position as athletics director at Holy Cross. I had the opportunity to mentor Marcus through the NCAA’s Pathway Program this past year and I have witnessed firsthand his hard work and dedication to supporting college athletes. I’m proud to have supported his development as he moves on to do great things at Holy Cross.” – Stan Wilcox, NCAA executive vice president of regulatory affairs

Media Coverage

Telegram & Gazette: “Holy Cross hopes for growth under new athletic director Marcus Blossom”

Worcester Magazine: “Marcus Blossom named athletics director for Holy Cross in Worcester”

GoLocal Worcester: “Holy Cross Names Blossom Athletics Director“

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Acclaimed Author and Holy Cross Professor Leah Hager Cohen Featured in Boston Globe Q&A

Posted on May 13, 2019 by Holy Cross in the News
Leah Hager Cohen, professor of English and the James N. and Sarah L. O'Reilly Barrett Professor in Creative Writing. Photo by Louis Despres

Leah Hager Cohen, professor of English and the James N. and Sarah L. O’Reilly Barrett Professor in Creative Writing. Photo by Louis Despres

Leah Hager Cohen, critically acclaimed author and English professor, as well as the James N. and Sarah L. O’Reilly Barrett professor in Creative Writing at the College of the Holy Cross, was recently interviewed by The Boston Globe.

Professor Cohen, whose latest novel, “Strangers and Cousins” (Riverhead, 2019), has been dubbed the “perfect summer novel” by The Washington Post, spoke to a Globe reporter about books she enjoys reading, ones that make it into her collection and others she likes to give as gifts.

When asked whether she reads nonfiction, Cohen said “I always confess to my students that when I was their age I couldn’t understand why anyone would pick up nonfiction, which is so embarrassing because now I write it and read it.”

“Strangers and Cousins” was also an Editor’s Choice pick by The New York Times. “Cheerful and lively, Cohen’s new novel — set at an anarchic family gathering in rural New York — packs a lot of themes into its satisfyingly simple frame. As in a Shakespearean comedy, disparate relationships are resolved and familial love prevails.”

Leah Hager Cohen is the author of five works of nonfiction, including “Train Go Sorry” (Houghton Mifflin, 1994), “Glass, Paper, Beans” (Doubleday, 1997), and “I don’t know: In Praise of Admitting Ignorance” (Riverhead, 2013), and six novels, among them “The Grief of Others” (Riverhead, 2011) and “No Book but the World” (Riverhead 2014). She has received nominations for the IMPAC Dublin International Literary Award and the Dayton Literary Peace Prize. She is also a frequent contributor to the New York Times Book review.

To read the full interview, go to BostonGlobe.com.

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Holy Cross Professor Analyzes the U.S. Foreign Terrorist Watchlist, Reveals Inconsistencies

Posted on May 13, 2019 by Holy Cross in the News
Eric Fleury '08, visiting assistant professor. Photo by Tom Rettig

Eric Fleury ’08, visiting assistant professor. Photo by Tom Rettig

Since 1997, the U.S. Foreign Terrorist Watchlist has been blacklisting America’s enemies, yet some believe that it has done little to actually thwart terrorism attempts.

Helping to break down this complex issue is Eric Fleury ’08, visiting assistant professor of political science at the College of the Holy Cross, and an expert in international relations theory, foreign policy and terrorism.

In an article for The Conversation, Fleury created an annotated version of the list which, he believes, “exposes the quirks, inconsistencies and strategic logic behind the ‘terrorist’ designation, revealing why it’s hardly a master directory of the militant groups most likely to target Americans.”

Author of “On Absolute War: Terrorism and the Logic of Armed Conflict” (2019), Fleury is currently researching the formation and disruption of terrorist ideology.

You can read the full article at TheConversation.com.

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Blog: First-Year Student Nurtures Passion for French Culture on Maymester to Paris

Posted on May 9, 2019 by Meghan Schatz

Name: Lucy Rizzo ’22

Hometown: Bronxville, New York

Areas of study: Political science and visual art studio double major

Maymester program: “Arts and Architecture” in Paris, France. Students in this program explore the arts and architecture of Paris to trace the history of the city from the Roman-built Lutetia to the twenty-first century and its latest urban renewal projects.

When: May 17–June 15, 2019

Why Paris? “During class in my first semester, a classmate presented a poster on the Paris Maymester. Our assignment was to describe and analyze everything we saw. I saw Monet’s ‘Bridge over a Pond of Water Lilies’ (my all-time favorite artist), the stained glass windows of the Chartres Cathedral, and the Louvre Museum. After listing all these off to my classmates and professor, a friend looked at me and said, ‘Lucy, you should probably go to this information session.’ I am extremely interested in French art and history, and am excited to explore this in person during my stay.”

Read Lucy’s blog.

Related Information:

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Blog: First-Year Student Explores Love of Art and History on Maymester to Rome

Posted on May 9, 2019 by Meghan Schatz

Carolyn Dunderdale '22 on Fenwick Porch

Name: Carolyn Dunderdale ’22

Hometown: Marshfield, Massachusetts

Potential areas of study: Biology and the Health Professions Advising Program

Maymester program: “Rome in History and Imagination” in Rome, Italy. Students in this program will explore ancient Roman history, art and archaeology to gain a deeper understanding of how cultures and identities evolve over time.

When: May 26–June 22, 2019

Why Rome? “I wanted to explore my love for history and what better way to learn about Roman history and art than being exactly where it happened? I am thrilled to see masterpieces for myself, to be absorbed in the culture, and especially to try some authentic Italian food.”

Read Carolyn’s blog.

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Holy Cross Professor Says We Shouldn’t Let the Ruins of the Hebrew Bible Scare Us

Posted on May 8, 2019 by Holy Cross in the News
Mahri Leonard-Fleckman, assistant professor of religious studies. Photo by Tom Rettig

Mahri Leonard-Fleckman, assistant professor of religious studies. Photo by Tom Rettig

In a recent commentary for Commonweal Magazine, Mahri Leonard-Fleckman, assistant professor of religious studies at Holy Cross, said that oftentimes her students lament the Hebrew Bible’s lack of clear answers to moral dilemmas. But that’s precisely why we need to learn how to read it, she argues.

“The Hebrew Bible is filled with stories of ruin—each preserved and transmitted by ancient scribes and editors who intuited that human frailty has something to teach us,” said Leonard-Fleckman, who likens that knowledge gathering to the process of digging through an archaeological tell.

In fact, Professor Leonard-Fleckman is set to participate this summer in the archaeological excavation of Tel Hadid, an ancient city about fifteen miles northwest of Jerusalem. Leonard-Fleckman, whose areas of focus include literary history and the development of the Hebrew Bible, as well as the interdisciplinary approaches to biblical interpretation, is the author of “The House of David: Between Political Formation and Literary Revision” (Fortress Press, 2016).

To read the full article, go to CommonwealMagazine.org.

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Isabel Block ’19 Named Class of 2019 Valedictorian

Posted on May 3, 2019 by College of the Holy Cross
Photo by John Buckingham

Photo by John Buckingham

Isabel Block ’19 has been selected to deliver the Class of 2019 valedictory address at the Commencement ceremony on Friday, May 24.

Isabel is a mathematics and Chinese double major, a member of the Pi Mu Epsilon Mathematics Honor Society and the Alpha Sigma Nu Jesuit Honor Society, and a soon-to-be member of Phi Beta Kappa. She is from Georgetown, MA.

While at Holy Cross, Isabel was a member of the all-female a cappella club The Delilahs, becoming the group’s treasurer in her sophomore year and a co-chair in her senior year, responsible for organizing all of the group’s rehearsals and performances. She was also a member of the Mathematics and Computer Science Student Advisory Committee, and a co-chair of the Modern Languages Student Advisory Committee. For the past three years, Isabel served as the Jewish representative at the Multifaith Community Prayer, an annual event celebrating the many faiths on campus. In addition, Isabel volunteered in the Admissions Office as a member of the Admissions Outreach Program, greeting prospective students and other visitors on campus.

Following graduation, Isabel plans to pursue a career as an actuary and has accepted a full-time position at Liberty Mutual Insurance in the Actuarial Development Program. Her long-term goals include achieving a fellowship as an actuary, visiting China and incorporating speaking Chinese into her career, as well as continuing to be an advocate for the Jewish community and other marginalized groups.

Isabel was selected as valedictorian from a group of academically outstanding members of the senior class, each of whom submitted speeches for consideration. The Valedictorian Selection Committee — composed of students from the senior class, faculty members and administrators — reviewed the submissions, and the final selection was made by Margaret Freije, Provost and Dean of the College.

Related Information:

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Video: Academic Conference Celebrates Students’ Wide-Reaching Research, Creativity

Posted on April 30, 2019 by Jane Carlton

“How many black women therapists do you think there are in the state of Massachusetts?” Olivia Fenty ’21, a psychology major with a concentration in Africana studies, asked a room full of students and faculty members at Academic Conference. The staggering answer — 17 — served as the entry point into Fenty’s presentation on The Chocolate Project, an organization she started to support self-care for black women.

Fenty was one of 415 students presenting at Academic Conference, a four-day celebration of students’ academic achievements at Holy Cross. And while poster presentations and lectures are staples of the conference, students also showcase their creative projects — including, this year, a dance performance led by famed choreographer Ronald K. Brown, Arts Transcending Borders‘ spring 2019 artist-in-residence; and a parade of wearable trash costumes and larger-than-life dragons put on as an “anti-celebration” of plastic waste by the Montserrat global society cluster. The College even canceled classes for a day to allow students to sit in on different presentations and learn from their peers.

Michael Lyons ’19, an economics major, presented his research about referee bias during the NCAA’s March Madness tournament. As a basketball fan, Lyons was able to combine his interests with his studies. But more importantly, he developed a full economic analysis as his senior economics honors thesis — which he started over a year ago — and saw it to fruition.

“I wrote a prospectus, including a literature review and the methods for the study, and built the data set after work and on weekends during the summer. This past fall, I met with Professor Rob Baumann every week to focus on data analysis and refine the regression models, and I spent the remainder of the semester writing the thesis.”

Students of all class years participate in Academic Conference. Although Claire Goldsborough ’22, who is undeclared, has only been on campus eight months, she gave a lecture on the imperialism of Paul Gaugin’s painting “Where Do We Come From? What Are We? Where Are We Going?” Her presentation was inspired by a paper she wrote in her Montserrat class with Virginia Raguin, Distinguished Professor of Humanities in the visual arts department.

“As a first-year student presenting at the Academic Conference, I was equally flattered, excited and nervous. In the weeks before the Conference, my impending presentation loomed over me, causing me a little anxiety, but on the day of the Conference I felt eager and enthusiastic to be a part of such an important event. It was a wonderful experience that I don’t think I would have had at any other college, especially as a first year.”

For Dante Che ’20, a chemistry major, one of the most interesting parts about his presentation — on probing bacterial cell surface interactions — came during the planning process.

“Preparing my presentation required me to find ways of simplifying many of the complex methods we use in lab every day. For example, rather than talking about the procedural/methodical portions of lab in great detail, I found it would be most useful to simply talk about the overarching method we were performing in lab: site directed mutagenesis.”

Together, students were able to share in the vibrant intellectual life on campus, across disciplines and genres.

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Studying STEM: How Holy Cross Celebrates Women in Science, Math and More

Posted on April 25, 2019 by Jane Carlton

Students stand around a table with large pieces of wood

To the standard acronym for STEM — science, technology, engineering, math — Holy Cross adds an important letter: W. From professors who serve as mentors to female students, to students who in turn empower high school girls, the Holy Cross community takes a collaborative, cooperative approach to supporting women studying STEM.

The College offers STEM classes in a range of majors — namely biology, chemistry, mathematics, computer science and physics. And following a national trend, a smaller percentage of those majors are women.

“Historically, women have been a minority group in mathematical sciences and computer science fields,” says Sarah McGuire ’19 a mathematics major with a minor in computer science and one of the 2018-2019 Clare Boothe Luce scholarship recipients.

“It’s great that this trend is changing as more women seek degrees in STEM fields, but the U.S. Census Bureau reports only 24 percent of undergraduate degrees earned by women are in these fields. If we want to increase representation of women in STEM careers, we need to change young females’ attitudes towards mathematics and computer science.”

Daniel Bitran, professor of psychology and science coordinator, agrees that there is a clear gender gap in STEM fields.

“Many women in the field speak of that. Even though they’re successful, they face challenges in making their mark. We work hard to facilitate the budding of students who want to pursue STEM.”

For Abby Corrigan ’19, a physics major and the other 2018-2019 Clare Boothe Luce scholarship recipient, the STEM connection started her first year on the Hill. She took Physics 1 with Janine Shertzer, Distinguished Professor of Science in the physics department, and the two hit it off.

“Since then, I have taken five courses with her. This year I also had the opportunity to complete a research project with her studying variations of the 1D Finite Well. Having that kind of connection with a professor has been incredibly meaningful and rewarding.”

Corrigan points out that physics is a male-dominated major, but that gender has hardly been a limiting factor. “I have always felt supported and respected as a woman in STEM.”

Shertzer says it’s important for the college to champion its female scientists for a simple but profound reason: “Women make up 50% of the available brainpower.” She also notes that the College has been supportive of its female faculty members.

“The College has been consistently hiring and tenuring women faculty in the sciences for over 40 years. Our female STEM majors have mentors from the day they arrive on campus.”

That’s true for McGuire, who says faculty mentorship has been a key to her success — and has inspired her to pass the torch. Earlier this semester, McGuire planned Girls Can Code Day, where roughly 30 middle school girls came to campus to learn basic coding skills.

“Our goal was to teach students basic concepts of coding, to share the importance of problem solving and to promote positive attitudes towards computer science and mathematics,” McGuire says.

Inspiring the Next Generation

McGuire, Corrigan, and a team of other female STEM students helped coordinate another important event on campus — the 3rd Annual Women in Science Day for both female Holy Cross students and area high school students. Throughout the day, Holy Cross students led laboratory demonstrations for over 100 high school students, introducing them to the world of STEM at the collegiate level. At the same time, nearly 20 Holy Cross STEM alumnae spoke on panels — representing industries and academic positions from neonatologist to chemistry teacher — with plenty of built-in time to network.

Jennifer Franks ’20, a biology major who helped plan the Women in Science Day, came away with a sense of possibility.

“It’s important to highlight how women can go into STEM careers that span across healthcare, research and industry.”

The keynote address was delivered by alumna Courtney Kennedy ’91, a physics major who’s making her mark in Silicon Valley, first at Apple, where she managed teams of engineers and now at Netflix, where she manages a team working on the video player inside the Netflix app. She encouraged the women at the conference to embrace diversity.

“You all have your own set of experiences and perspectives on the world. So many disciplines in science and technology and engineering right now have too few women in them. As you pursue your careers in STEM, you’ll bring those with you and increase the diversity of organizations that you join.”

Kennedy ended with an empowering thought.

“Remember the value you bring. Having different perspectives and different approaches to problems will not only help you be successful, but it will also change the industries you work in — and it will give the whole world a new set of options.”

Posted in Biology, Chemistry, Featured, Mathematics and Computer Science, News, Physics | Comments Off on Studying STEM: How Holy Cross Celebrates Women in Science, Math and More

Is Theistic Belief Rational in a Scientific Age? A Philosopher and Astrophysicist Exchange Arguments

Posted on April 24, 2019 by Evangelia Stefanakos

Cahoone, Hester and Craig sit around table in discussion

The practice of engaging with difficult questions lies at the heart of a Holy Cross education. On April 9, those packed into Seelos Theatre grappled with a particularly formidable one: Is theistic belief rational in a scientific age?

The highly-anticipated event was structured as a moderated dialogue between philosopher William Lane Craig and astrophysicist Jeff Hester, who presented their cases for theism and atheism, respectively, before volleying points and counterpoints back and forth to one another.

The conversation ran the gamut, covering topics including arguments for the fine-tuning of the universe, objective moral values and the implications of their existence, evolutionary algorithms, tribalism, and the predictive capabilities of the brain. To round out the event, audience members, both present and online, posed questions that further challenged the participants to defend their arguments.

Both Craig and Hester brought a wealth of knowledge as established figures in their fields. Named by The Best Schools as one of the 50 most influential living philosophers, Craig is a research professor of philosophy at Talbot School of Theology and professor of philosophy at Houston Baptist University. Hester, an astrophysicist, is well known for his work with the Hubble Space Telescope, and is a professor emeritus in the School of Earth and Space Exploration at Arizona State University.

The animated dialogue was moderated by Lawrence Cahoone, professor of philosophy at Holy Cross, and is one of the Deitchman Family Lectures on Religion and Modernity, presented by the Rev. Michael C. McFarland, S.J. Center for Religion, Ethics and Culture at the College of the Holy Cross.

Posted in Featured, News, Philosophy | Comments Off on Is Theistic Belief Rational in a Scientific Age? A Philosopher and Astrophysicist Exchange Arguments

At Holy Cross, Professors Become Mentors

Posted on April 23, 2019 by Jane Carlton

A student stands in a dark lab with a professor

With small class sizes and faculty members committed to their success, Holy Cross students develop close bonds with professors, both in and out of the classroom — a cornerstone of the Holy Cross experience. From guiding students in independent lab work to fueling their passion for a new field, Holy Cross professors inspire students to reach far and support them along their journey.

Posted in Africana Studies, Biochemistry, Biology, Chemistry, Classics, English, Featured, Latin American, Latinx, and Caribbean Studies, Mathematics and Computer Science, Music, News, Philosophy, Political Science, Religious Studies, Sociology and Anthropology | Comments Off on At Holy Cross, Professors Become Mentors

Holy Cross Professor Who Studied Christianity in Sri Lanka Says Easter Attacks Reflect Rise in Extremism

Posted on April 22, 2019 by Holy Cross in the News
Mathew Schmalz, associate professor of religious studies. Photo by John Buckingham

Mathew Schmalz, associate professor of religious studies. Photo by John Buckingham

Coordinated suicide bomber attacks targeting Christians and foreigners in churches and hotels in Sri Lanka on Easter Sunday left the nation reeling. But why would a nation that is predominantly Buddhist become the latest target of anti-Christian violence?

Writing for The Conversation, Mathew Schmalz, associate professor of religious studies at Holy Cross, says that while Christians constitute approximately seven percent of Sri Lanka’s population, they have “a long history that reflects the dynamics of colonialism as well as present-day ethnic and religious tensions.”

Schmalz, who spent time in Sri Lanka studying Catholicism and how it is practiced there, was called upon by several national and international media outlets to share his perspective on this past weekend’s attacks.

In an interview with NBC News, Schmalz contended that the rise of extreme Buddhism may have had a “domino effect” prompting extremism among other groups. “I think extreme Buddhism has tried to fill the void in Sri Lankan society for a sense of identity,” Schmalz said.

A sought-after expert on the Catholic Church, Schmalz is an experienced voice in the media, providing expert commentary in the The Washington Post and Newsweek, along with appearing in documentaries on A&E and Vice.

To read the full article, go to The Conversation.

Additional Coverage:

Posted in In The News, News, Religious Studies | Comments Off on Holy Cross Professor Who Studied Christianity in Sri Lanka Says Easter Attacks Reflect Rise in Extremism

It’s Never Too Late: Holy Cross Alumna Pens Two Bestselling Novels

Posted on April 19, 2019 by Holy Cross Magazine

Karen McManus '91When Karen McManus ’91 published her first book in May 2017, she realized a dream deferred. An aspiring author since childhood, she experienced the thrill of watching her first novel catapult onto The New York Times’ best-seller list and remain there for 73 weeks.

“I was 8 when I first started writing books, and I wrote all through elementary and junior high,” she explains. “I always wanted to be an author, but when I reached high school, I suddenly found myself unable to finish anything, so I put the pursuit aside.”

In 2014, McManus, a veteran of a 20-year career in marketing and communications, picked up a copy of the young adult (YA) best-seller “The Hunger Games” and experienced an epiphany. “I loved the voice, and it hit me that it was my voice,” she says. Her passion for writing was rekindled.

“YA literature is an incredibly interesting and dynamic category — these books address topics in boundary-pushing ways that both teens and adults can relate to,” she says. While the genre is “officially” geared toward readers ages 12 to 18, it’s estimated that more than half of YA readers are over 18. McManus adds that writing for the YA audience gives her a way to connect with people at a point in their lives when their world view is still being shaped, which is very gratifying to her as the mother of a 12-year-old.

Sparked by Suzanne Collins’ hit, McManus wasted little time in getting back in the game. She initially penned what she describes as a “very bad ‘Hunger Games’-style book.” Then, on the way to work one morning, McManus heard Simple Minds’ “Don’t You (Forget About Me),” best known from the soundtrack to the 1985 John Hughes movie “The Breakfast Club,” and was struck by an idea for a murder mystery that begins with five teenagers in detention.

That kernel of an idea became “One of Us is Lying,” a murder mystery that quickly landed on The New York Times’ best-seller list and earned plaudits such as an EW.com Best YA Book of the Year selection, Buzzfeed Best YA Book of the Year selection, New York Public Library’s Best Book for Teens selection and more. The book is currently in development as a TV series with Universal Cable Productions. The months since have been exciting and transformational, McManus admits, and have elicited memories of a lesson she first learned at Holy Cross: It’s never too late to pursue your dreams.

As a sophomore at Holy Cross, McManus considered studying abroad, then waffled on the decision and missed the application deadline. Bitterly disappointed, she shared her sadness with the late Maurizio Vannicelli, professor of political science, who encouraged her to apply anyway and helped shepherd her through the process. “Professor Vannicelli went to bat for me, and I was ultimately allowed to participate in the program,” she recalls. “It was a transformative experience for me and also taught me an invaluable lesson: It’s never too late to go after what you want.”

That said, McManus admits it was grueling to write and publish a book as a single mother with a full-time job. “I wrote most nights from 9 p.m. to midnight, after my son went to bed,” she recalls. “I also wrote as much as I could on weekends. Sometimes I’d bring my laptop to my son’s baseball games and write in the stands. I gave up things like television and reading for pleasure; I don’t think I watched a single show in 2015! Nobody who’s juggling career and family responsibilities has time to write, so you have to fit it in around the margins of everything else you’re doing.”

In April 2018, almost a year after “One of Us is Lying” was published by Delacorte Press, McManus left her day job. In January 2019, she released her second YA thriller, “Two Can Keep a Secret,” which immediately debuted on The New York Times’ best-seller list. She has two more books in the queue with Delacorte: a sequel to “One of Us is Lying” arriving in January 2020 and a stand-alone mystery slated for release in 2021. To date, her work has been translated into 39 languages.

The books that follow a best-seller are much harder to write, McManus concedes, but she’s learned a lot about her own process in the past 18 months and notes she is confident in her writing, thanks in no small part to her time at Holy Cross.

“I had really good experiences as an English major at Holy Cross and got lots of positive feedback on my writing,” she says. “Holy Cross is a great school for fostering critical thinking and personal growth. Like many of my peers, I was figuring out who I was and my place in the world during my four years at the College. My professors really pushed me to get outside my comfort zone and read widely. It was a wonderful experience.”

Posted in English, Holy Cross Magazine, News, Political Science, Spring 2019 | Comments Off on It’s Never Too Late: Holy Cross Alumna Pens Two Bestselling Novels

Black Student-Athletes Take Leadership Role in Creating Shared Community

Posted on April 19, 2019 by Holy Cross Magazine

Members of MOCA stand in a groupFormer NFL quarterback Colin Kaepernick spent the 2017 and 2018 football seasons out of work. And even if he never takes another snap, he leaves quite a legacy.

Kaepernick’s influence was on display at January’s Black Student-Athlete Summit (BSAS) in Austin, Texas, where Marcellis Perkins ’19, a sociology major and member of the men’s basketball team, presented a paper, “Because He Is Seen but Not Heard: How Creating Spaces for Black Male Athletes Contributes to Holistic Development.” Perkins’ presentation won raves, making him an “instant rock star,” according to fellow Holy Cross student-athlete and BSAS attendee Martin Dorsey ’19.

Perkins’ presentation was inspired by Men of Color Athletes (MOCA), a student group he helped found three years ago with Dorsey, a wide receiver, and Andre Chevalier ’19, a linebacker and the third Holy Cross student-athlete to attend BSAS. MOCA, in turn, was partly inspired by Kaepernick, whose activism in 2016 sparked nationwide debate and had a powerful influence on athletes of color.

A Shared Experience

MOCA was launched to give Holy Cross student-athletes of color a safe space in which to discuss a range of issues, from the national (Kaepernick’s outspokenness, followed by what many argue has been an unofficial league ban, keeping him unsigned) to the local (challenges faced by students of color at a predominantly white college) to the personal (topics such as dating, a subject that arises at meetings, Chevalier says).

The trio of co-founders are quick to give credit to fellow pioneers Armani Dawkins, former associate director of athletics for student-athlete development, and Steven Martinez ’16, former Crusaders defensive back.

The MOCA co-founders frequently cite empathy when explaining the need for the organization. “I love it here,” Dorsey says, but “we might be scared to speak our minds in classes, in a primarily white institution. We feel a little more comfortable at our Sunday night meetings. A lot of times, freshmen want to talk about the experience of being the only black face in a class. We tell them, yes, there are challenges, but it’s also an opportunity to offer insight and education to others.”

The meetings take place every other week in the Hart Center at the Luth Athletic Complex or the Hogan Campus Center, and they’re popular — a typical session may include 20 or more student-athletes of color, as well as administrators and professors. In contemporary America, where the line between sports, entertainment and politics is blurry, there’s never a shortage of topics.

Posted in Holy Cross Magazine, News, Sociology and Anthropology, Spring 2019 | Comments Off on Black Student-Athletes Take Leadership Role in Creating Shared Community