‘Holy Cross’ Amanda Beaver Makes 40 Under Forty List’

Posted on September 1, 2015 by Holy Cross in the News

beaver2Amanda Corbett Beaver ’03, leadership giving officer at the College of the Holy Cross, makes Worcester Business Journal’s 2015 “40 Under Forty” list.

Beaver’s role at the College allows her the opportunity to work closely with donors to secure major gifts that help secure financial aid and other educational opportunities for students. Beaver told the outlet that her ultimate career goal is “to be a leader in my industry, to connect people with a cause, and to remain kind and approachable.” She also mentioned her passion for singing and her unique skill of being able to beatbox (aka, percussion with her voice) that she learned singing a cappella at Holy Cross.

She also participated in the Boston Marathon this past year as a charity runner for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.

Beaver is in good company this year as other Holy Cross community members  on the “40 Under Forty” list include two alumni and a former employee.

Patrick Maloney ’02, vice president for advancement at the Nativity School in Worcester, told WBJ that his ultimate career goal is “going to work feeling energized, leaving work feeling rewarded because what I accomplished helped someone.”

Jennifer Glowik ’05, senior consultant at Sullivan Benefits in Marlborough, Mass., reflects that her career highlight has been receiving her Producer’s License this past year. She admits to WBJ that she came into the insurance industry with no experience but has “climbed the ladder to senior consultant and has the opportunity to mentor others.”

Former Holy Cross media relations director, Kristine Maloney, has also made the list and shares with WBJ her career highlights as “reading my first national story hit the front page of USA Today.” She also mentions working with the late Rev. John Brooks, S.J., former College of the Holy Cross president, on a feature for NBC’s Today Show.

Winners will be honored on Wednesday, Sept. 16, at an awards ceremony at Mechanics Hall.

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Holy Cross to Host Series of Events to Honor the Pope’s Historic U.S. Visit

Posted on August 31, 2015 by Cristal Steuer

Pope FrancisPope Francis, the world’s first Jesuit pope, will make his first visit to the U.S. Sept. 22–27, 2015. To celebrate and honor the pope’s historic visit, the College of the Holy Cross will host a series of events. The College will host a live viewing party of the pope’s address to Congress on Thursday, Sept. 24 at 9:45 a.m. in Rehm Library. The event is free and open to the public. Doors open at 9:15 a.m. and coffee and bagels will be served. Holy Cross is also participating in the Ignatian Solidarity Network’s watch party, with nearly two dozen Catholic institutions around the country watching the address to Congress. Participants are encouraged to use the hashtag #POPE2CONGRESS.

After the event, there will be a wide range of Holy Cross scholars that will suggest themes from the address that warrant further discussion. “It will put both Catholic Republicans and Democrats in a pickle, the Pope is going to challenge them both,” says Mathew Schmalz, associate professor of religious studies and an expert on the papacy.

On Thursday, Oct. 1 at 4 p.m. in Rehm Library the College will host a panel focusing on the pope’s address to Congress. Crux spirituality columnist and WGBH radio host Margery Eagan will moderate the panel. The panel will be streamed live over the web.

Participants include Caner Dagli, associate professor of religious studies and an expert in Islamic studies; Frank Kartheiser ’88, co-founder of the Mustard Seed and founder of and lead organizer at Worcester Interfaith; Daniel Klinghard, associate professor of political science; Sara Mitchell, geologist and director of environmental studies; Emily Muldoon ’16, who recently returned from a semester in El Salvador; and Rev. David Dae An Rynick, a Zen Buddhist priest at the Boundless Way Temple in Worcester.

Eagan will moderate the panel and participants will explore and reflect on the themes they heard in the address as well as the significance of the address.

Eagan is a long-time writer and commentator on current affairs, politics, women’s issues, and Catholicism. She co-hosts “Boston Public Radio” with Jim Braude on 89.7 WGBH in Boston. Eagan started at the Boston Herald in 1981 and was named a columnist in 1984; after leaving for a stint at Boston Magazine, she returned to her Herald column until the Globe hired her to be the spirituality columnist for Crux in July 2014.

Holy Cross has also partnered with the 28 Jesuit schools across the U.S. to help educate the public on what it means to be Jesuit educated. Learn more about the project on Inside Higher Ed  or read a reflection by Aimee Bell ’88, deputy editor of Vanity Fair. What makes you proud to be #JesuitEducated? We invite you to share your story using the hashtag #JesuitEducated

Schedule of papal related events on campus:

On Monday, Sept. 21 at 4:30 p.m. in Rehm Library the McFarland Center and Environmental Studies will host a panel titled “Pope Francis on the Globalization of Environmental Responsibility: Perspectives from Holy Cross Faculty.” Loren Cass, professor of political science, will moderate a faculty discussion of the pope’s encyclical, Laudato Si, featuring panelists Matthew Eggemeier, assistant professor of religious studies; Daina Harvey, assistant professor of sociology; Kathy Kiel, professor of economics; Rev. Thomas Worcester, S.J., professor of history; and Kelly Wolfe-Bellin, director of biology laboratories and lecturer.

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Hurricane Katrina Exhibit at Holy Cross Featured on National Radio

Posted on August 31, 2015 by Holy Cross in the News

JMarshallIn the honor of the 10th Anniversary of Hurricane Katrina, Daina Harvey, assistant professor of sociology at the College of the Holy Cross, will present “Katrina Then and Now: Artists as Witness,” an exhibit that will focus on the relationship between Hurricane Katrina and visual art in New Orleans from 2005 to the present. The exhibit opens Sept. 2.

Harvey says the idea for the exhibition came from the fourteen months he spent working with a consortium of nonprofits, community groups, and academics to help rebuild the Lower Ninth Ward.

While there, Harvey met several individuals who, while having no training in art, were using art as a way of coping with the long-term effects of Hurricane Katrina. “The exhibition will highlight art as a way of making sense of social disruption, art as tool to document disaster, and the importance of art and culture for rebuilding communities in the aftermath of disasters,” says Harvey.

Harvey was recently a guest on ‘America This Week’ on SiriusXM to discuss the exhibit; his interview was preceded by an interview with Mayor Mitch Landrieu of New Orleans.

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This “Holy Cross in the News” item by Cristal Steuer.

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Photo Gallery, Video: Members of Class of 2019 Move Into Their New Home

Posted on August 29, 2015 by

 


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The steady stream of packed cars making their way up College Hill and snaking through Gate 7 on the morning of Aug. 29 signaled the start of another school year at Holy Cross.

The 741 members of the Class of 2019 were greeted by 200 student leaders, athletic teams and alumni. Clad in gray T-shirts, the volunteers helped move students into their new rooms. Sunny skies and temperatures in the high-70s served as the perfect backdrop for move-in day.

In addition to unpacking, students also took care of business needs, such as completing a first-year student survey and receiving their Holy Cross IDs. Receptions for new students and their families took place in the Hogan Campus Center Ballroom.

In the late afternoon, the hustle and bustle of move-in day turned into reflection during the traditional Mass of the Holy Spirit on the Hart Center Lawn. New students and their families were formally welcomed by Rev. Philip L. Boroughs, S.J., president of Holy Cross, and the new year was inaugurated at the Mass. Members of all faith traditions were in attendance at the Mass, which included the blessings of the new students by faculty and parents.

First-year students are currently participating in a program of welcoming events, known as Fall Gateways Orientation. The events are designed to ease transition to college life by introducing students to the wide variety of academic, spiritual, community-building, and social programs available at the College.

Classes for first-year and all returning students begin on Sept. 2.

Photography by Tom Rettig and Dan Vaillancourt

Video by Tom Rettig

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Nicole Giannino Drafted by Boston Blades

Posted on August 28, 2015 by College of the Holy Cross

Boston-BladesFormer Holy Cross student-athlete Nicole Giannino ’15 was selected in the Canadian Women’s Hockey League draft by the Boston Blades on Sunday afternoon. She was the Blades’ second draft pick and was selected 10th overall.

Giannino accumulated 70 points with 37 goals and 33 assists in 104 games in her career as a Crusader. As a junior, she led the team in scoring 26 points with 12 goals and 14 assists. She was also named ECAC Player of the Week on two occasions, and the GoHolyCross.com Crusader of the Week once during her junior season.

Giannino finished her career having tied 10th for career goals (37) and sixth for career game-winning goals (9) in the history of the program. She appeared in every game for three straight seasons from her sophomore year up through her senior season.

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Holy Cross’ Shala Murray ’10 to Compete for the Title of Ms. America 2015

Posted on August 27, 2015 by Kelly Ethier

Shala-Murray-croppedCollege of the Holy Cross alumna Shala Murray ’10, Ms. New England 2015, will take the stage on Saturday, Aug. 29 and compete for the title of Ms. America 2015 at the Curtis Theatre in Brea, Calif. For Murray, winning the title is not about the glamour of donning a new crown and sash—it is about the opportunity to bring awareness to her platform: educational equity.

Murray sees her participation in pageants as a call to action to help the growing population of at-risk youths. While Murray pursued a degree in English from Holy Cross, she volunteered with Big Brother Big Sisters of Central Mass/Metrowest and became a Big Sister to an 8-year-old girl. Through this experience Murray realized her true passion—working with underserved youths. She focuses her efforts on educational equity, which encourages achievement, fairness and opportunity in education for all.

“I am excited and honored to compete in the Ms. America Pageant,” says Murray. “I am proud to be associated with an organization that is a strong purveyor of empowering women and encourages those who participate to use the ‘crown for a purpose’ and encourages community service.”

The value of quality education runs deep for Murray. After she graduated from Holy Cross she became an Americorps volunteer and taught fifth grade at the Nativity School in Worcester. During her fellowship there, Murray continued her education, earning her M.A. in teaching from Clark University. She then joined Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Mass/Metrowest as an interview and match support specialist and as assistant director of operations. Murray’s quest for knowledge continued, and she enrolled in Clark’s dual-degree master’s program to pursue an M.B.A. and M.A. in community development and planning. She graduated from the program in May.

Murray grew up in Attleboro, Mass., and is a first-generation college graduate and the oldest of eight children. When at home with her family, she tries to set a good example for her siblings and encourages them to volunteer in the community.

The Ms. America competition will be live streamed on www.AlertTHEGlobe.com starting at 10:30 p.m. EST on Aug. 29. The contestants will compete in categories including interview, sportswear, evening gown and on-stage questions.

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Data: New Report Shows Holy Cross Students’ Post-Graduate Success

Posted on August 25, 2015 by Evangelia Stefanakos

Classof2014CommencementWith their newly minted undergraduate degrees, the Class of 2014 continued to succeed in the post-graduate world according to research recently conducted by the Career Planning Center. The report was based on 598 respondents, 88 percent of the 676 students that make up the class.

“Our graduates’ experience is far different than that of the average liberal arts graduate and what is portrayed in the media,” says Amy Murphy, director of the Career Planning Center at Holy Cross.

The report shows — just nine months after graduation — that 68 percent of the students surveyed were employed full-time, 14 percent were enrolled in graduate school, 10 percent were volunteering, four percent were taking part in a post-graduate fellowships, two percent were traveling, and three percent were participating in post-graduate internships.

“We can chalk our graduates’ success up to several things: their own talents, the quality of education they receive at the College, the recognition by employers of the type of professional Holy Cross produces, and the generosity of our alumni to assist each new generation of Holy Cross graduates enter the workforce.”

According to the report, the average starting salary of the respondents was $45,034, which is higher than the starting salary for liberal arts graduates nationally, according to the National Association of Colleges and Employer’s Annual Salary Survey. The Class of 2014’s average starting pay is also above NACE’s findings for Math & Sciences ($44,956) and Humanities & Social Sciences ($38,049) graduates nationally.

The Class of 2014 reported employment in a range of industries, many of which defy common stereotypes and show that these graduates are just as able to enter emerging and cutting-end fields as they are traditional ones, according to Murphy. The top industries include financial services, health care, technology, education, government, and not-for-profits. The 22 other industries reported ranged from marketing and advertising to real estate to consulting. Teach for America, Mass General Hospital, EMC, Hanover Insurance Group, UMass Medical School, and General Electric were among the top employers for Holy Cross.

The report also reflects Holy Cross graduates’ commitment to social justice, with 10 percent of the class entering a full-time volunteer program—exceeding both Holy Cross and national standards. “The high number year to year is connected to the culture, values and mission of Holy Cross, and the College’s charge to our students to be contemplatives in action,” explains Murphy. “Our graduates leave the College with a desire to serve the poor, powerless and marginalized and to be agents for change.” The high percentage of graduates reported working with well-known national and international organizations, such as the Jesuit Volunteer Corps, Jesuit Volunteer Corps Northwest, City Year, and Americorps.

“The beauty of a Holy Cross education is that our students are well-positioned to pursue jobs, organizations, industries and professions that are congruent with their interests, strengths and goal,” says Murphy. “The skills our students develop during their time at the College — an ability to work in teams and problem solve, strong writing and verbal communication skill, and the ability to  prioritize competing demands — are the same skills that employers indicate they are seeking in not only entry-level hires but also experienced professionals. No student is locked in to a specific profession or industry but, rather, is poised to shift and adapt to his or her own changing interests and desires in addition to the constant evolution of our economy and societal needs.”

Read the entire report (PDF).

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Business Insider Ranks Holy Cross Among Best Liberal Arts Colleges in America

Posted on August 25, 2015 by Holy Cross in the News

classroom Business Insider recently ranked  the College of the Holy Cross No. 20 on its list of “The 24 best liberal arts colleges in America.”

According to the business-focused website, “Not only does Holy Cross prepare students to join the workforce after graduation, but it equips them to further their education as well.” The article also touts the College’s 91 percent acceptance rate into both medical and law schools.

According to Business Insider, they asked more than 1,000 of their readers to choose the colleges that best prepare their students for success after graduation. They then combined those results with each school’s average SAT score from the College Board website and the median starting salary from PayScale to come up with the final ranking.

This “Holy Cross in the News” item by Cristal Steuer.

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‘Liberal arts strongholds stand by their plans’

Posted on August 25, 2015 by Holy Cross in the News

Finance Boot Camp A recent article in the Worcester Business Journal highlighted the College of the Holy Cross for its strong commitment towards providing a liberal arts education. The article writes that a number of universities have become increasingly trade-focused, but Holy Cross remains steadfast in their mission, noting that the value of a liberal arts education continues to increase.

According the Worcester Business Journal, Holy Cross, and other liberal arts colleges, argue that a liberal arts education gives graduates a wide range of skills that are transferrable between many different careers and industries. Rather than providing the skills for one specific job, a liberal arts education allows students to “think, learn and express thoughts in ways in which a more focused education can leave them lacking.”

Margaret Freije, vice president for academic affairs and dean of the College, says that “with college grads engaging in more than one career over their working lives, a liberal arts education, in the long run, allows students to fit into career options that they cannot imagine today.”

The article cites Holy Cross’ Ciocca Office of Entrepreneurial Studies (COES) as an example of a program that gives students, from any major, career skills.  The COES program is a series of workshops, internships, and recommended classes that provide students with business knowledge.  However, rather than limiting this education to business or finance majors, students of any major at Holy Cross may participate.  COES gives students “financial literacy” and acts as a bridge between the liberal arts education and the job market.  Director of entrepreneurial studies and prebusiness advisor, David Chu says, “This major is not going to determine a career… we have history majors who are COES [students] and we have classics majors who are bankers on Wall Street, so we want to encourage students pursuing any career they want.”

This “Holy Cross in the News” item by Sarah Barrett ’18.

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Photo Gallery: New Student Orientations Prepare the Class of 2019

Posted on August 24, 2015 by Evangelia Stefanakos
Students in the Odyssey 2019 program have their class photo taken on the steps of Dinand Library on August 24, 2015

Students in the Odyssey 2019 program have their class photo taken on the steps of Dinand Library on August 24, 2015

Over the summer, members of the Class of 2019 participated in a range of orientation programs designed to prepare students for their new adventure on Mount St. James. Through these programs, students began establishing relationships with fellow classmates; met staff, faculty, and administration; participated in social and volunteer programs; and familiarized themselves with the campus, Worcester and the surrounding areas.

  • Summer Gateways welcomed 520 students and their families for an advanced introduction to Holy Cross over the course of three sessions in June. Faculty and staff members conducted workshops, led discussions, answered questions, and gave students and their parents an inside look at the academic, cocurricular and spiritual dimensions of life on the Hill.
  • Summer Passport — an innovative, three-week residential program designed to acclimate first-year students to the challenging academic life of the College — received the 30 students admitted to the program to campus in August. Students participated in a course designed and taught by Holy Cross faculty, and variety of skill-building workshops, among many other activities.
  • For the first time, the College hosted an international student orientation, which offered the 27 students coming from outside of the United States an introduction to American academic and social culture, as well as campus life. Students were assisted with organizing personal matters, such as opening a bank account and purchasing a cell phone, in addition to identifying campus support services  and understanding U.S. immigration requirements.
  • During the final week in August, 100 students participated in Odyssey, a one-week program designed for multicultural and international students, as well as American students living abroad, first-generation college students and for students for whom English is their second language. The program is designed to immerse students in the academic and campus atmosphere unique to Holy Cross.

Fall Gateways Orientation
Fall Gateways kicks off with Move-In Day on Aug. 29, after students are settled into their new residence halls. The four-day orientation, taking place from Aug. 29 to Sept. 1, offers a wide variety of academic, spiritual, community-building, and social programs aimed to support students as they acclimate during this exciting, transitional time. Students will also have the opportunity to get to know staff, faculty, and administration — and most importantly — their fellow classmates.

First-Year Reading
Over the summer, students were asked to read “Hand to Mouth: Living in Bootstrap America” by Linda Tirado, which describes Tirado’s experience as part of America’s working poor. First-time dean and professor of English, Shawn Maurer, chose the book for a number of reasons.

“In keeping with the College’s Jesuit commitment to social justice, I chose a first-year book that I hope will challenge all of us to think about who we are, to question the often unspoken assumptions we make about others, as well as the often unacknowledged privileges we may carry with us here to Holy Cross,” says Maurer. “I chose the book in part because it provides us with access to a voice we don’t often get to hear, a voice that describes, in honest, direct, even profane ways, her day-to-day experience of living on the edge, of constantly struggling to find enough work, have enough food, get enough sleep, to obtain health and dental care, to maintain a sense of self-worth.”

Beyond the Book
Maurer has organized a panel discussion surrounding issues addressed in the first-year book, which will be held on Wednesday, Sept. 9 from 7 to 8:30 p.m. in the Hogan Ballroom, specifically designed to explore the relationship of charity to justice. The panel will include: Frank Kartheiser ’88 co-founder of Mustard Seed and founder of the Worcester Interfaith Council; Heather Johnson ’06, director of the College’s Teacher Education Program; Matthew Eggemeier, assistant professor of religious studies; and recent graduates Yarlennys Villamon ’14 and Payton Shubrick ’15.

Later in the semester, students will also have the chance to experience what it is like to live “hand to mouth” through a hands on, interactive POVERTY SIMULATION sponsored by the Office of Multicultural Education. The simulations will take place on Oct. 6 and Nov. 2, from 4 to 7 p.m. in the Loyola Ballroom.

Although this is Maurer’s first year as class dean — a position she will continue to hold alongside the Class of 2019 from their matriculation through graduation — she explains that between the various new student orientations, planning the first-year book panel and working with students through the course enrollment process, she already feels fully immersed in the role.

“Working individually with students has always been one of my favorite parts of my job as a professor in the English department, so I am excited to have the chance to do that work with a much broader group of students,” Maurer shares. “In addition, I am thrilled to be there to challenge and support the members of my class over the course of their four years.  Both in person and over email I am already beginning to get to know and appreciate the talented, motivated, interesting, and diverse group of students who form the Class of 2019, and am excited to meet them all in person at Fall Gateways!”

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‘10 Great Colleges That Don’t Care About Your SATs’

Posted on August 21, 2015 by Holy Cross in the News

test-optional-MONEY-croppedThe College of the Holy Cross has been included in the listing of ‘10 Great Colleges That Don’t Care About Your SATs’ by Money. According to the outlet, which is a subsidiary of Time Inc., this list was compiled of schools that were also ranked as “best value,” meaning students receive a good return on their investment to attend. Money wrote, “Some of the nation’s best-value colleges—including several famous and elite schools—have ‘test optional’ admissions policies.”

Since 2006, Holy Cross has implemented the SAT optional policy, believing that SAT scores do not reflect the personalized application process. Rather, Holy Cross Admissions focuses on a student’s rigor of secondary education and their interview, among other qualifications.

According to a student interview conducted by Money, “Holy Cross is the ideal college for a motivated, intellectual student who wants to broaden his or her worldview. In attending Holy Cross, not only will one learn in the classroom, but thoughtful discussions can be heard in myriad places from the dining halls to common areas in the dorms.”

 

This “Holy Cross in the News Item” by Sarah Barrett ’18.

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Holy Cross & Boston University to Compete for Turnpike Trophy

Posted on August 21, 2015 by College of the Holy Cross

turnpike-trophyBoston University and the College of the Holy Cross have announced the creation of the Turnpike Trophy competition, an athletic series between the in-state Patriot League rivals that will span at least 21 varsity sports in its inaugural year, both schools’ athletic departments announced jointly today.

Points will be awarded for head-to-head victories, both in the regular season and the postseason, or a higher finish at conference championships in cross country, rowing, swimming & diving, track & field and women’s golf. The trophy, which is being created, will be awarded to the school with the most points at the end of each academic year.

“Given the close proximity of our two schools, it is natural for a rivalry to develop between Holy Cross and Boston University,” said Nathan Pine, director of athletics at Holy Cross. “This rivalry has intensified since the Terriers joined the Patriot League, and now I expect the Turnpike Trophy will take it to a whole new level. Alumni, parents, students and fans will never have to travel far to see these outstanding match-ups, and our student-athletes and coaches are already looking forward to the opportunity to win the inaugural presentation of the trophy.”

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New WRTA Bus Route to Connect Holy Cross, Assumption and Worcester State

Posted on August 21, 2015 by Cristal Steuer

CampusThe Higher Education Consortium of Central Massachusetts, Inc. (HECCMA) recently announced an agreement with the Worcester Regional Transit Authority (WRTA) to provide a new “College Route” connecting three HECCMA institutions: Assumption College, College of the Holy Cross, and Worcester State University.  To be known as Line 10, the new WRTA route will provide public bus access to campuses not previously served by the WRTA, and it will offer two additional transportation opportunities per hour at Worcester State University.  The three participating institutions are subsidizing this bus service.

The new route will enable students from HECCMA undergraduate institutions to access other campuses for the use of shared facilities and courses. The new bus route will begin operating on Monday, August 31, and will run throughout the academic year. For the 2015-2016 academic year, the end date will be May 27, 2016.

“This new bus line will provide students studying in Worcester much needed public transportation to explore specialized academic opportunities at neighboring city colleges and universities,” said Assumption College President Francesco C. Cesareo, Ph.D.

“This new bus route will help solidify the city of Worcester’s growing reputation as a ‘college town,’” said Barry M. Maloney, president of Worcester State University. “It will allow more of the roughly 35,000 students in the city to circulate to the downtown area and to sister campuses. It is also likely to encourage cross-registration.”

“This new bus route will give students, faculty, and staff increased access to shops, restaurants, and venues in Worcester, and also allow members of the Worcester community an easy way to visit our campuses,” said Rev. Philip L. Boroughs, S.J., president of Holy Cross. On behalf of all three presidents, he praised the partnership effort. “I am pleased with the partnership between the Worcester Regional Transit Authority, Holy Cross, Assumption, and Worcester State.”

All three presidents also thanked HECCMA for its critical role in turning talk of a new route into reality.

The collaboration will provide economical and green transportation opportunities for college students and employees.  The new line will provide access to college campuses as well as community businesses through the stop at the WRTA Hub.  College students will be able to purchase unlimited semester use passes, called UPasses, for a nominal fee.  Additionally, the public will be able to ride this new line, which will run Monday through Friday, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Assumption College currently has no WRTA bus stop. “As a student without a car on campus, finding transportation can be difficult, and expensive,” said Assumption College graduate student Christopher Maeda. “The new bus service makes it much easier for Assumption students to take advantage of Worcester’s many internship opportunities.” Assumption College has made the commitment to provide UPasses free of charge to their students participating in an internship this year.

President Cesareo added, “The expanded academic options made possible through this service will support efforts to make Worcester’s institutions of higher education even more attractive to prospective students.  For students who do not have cars on campus, typically freshman and international students, public transportation allows greater access to educational, cultural and internship opportunities. This service will also provide students with a direct link to downtown Worcester, thereby allowing the college community to have a greater impact on the local economy.”

Jeanine B. Went, executive director of HECCMA said, “It is my hope that this agreement between the WRTA and three HECCMA institutions provides a foundation for a more comprehensive set of transit options in the future.  We are grateful to Stephen O’Neil and his team for their efforts in laying the groundwork for this collaboration.”

More information on the new route may be found on the HECCMA website and the WRTA website.

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Cantor Art Gallery Presents ‘Katrina Then and Now: Artists as Witness’

Posted on August 20, 2015 by Kelly Ethier

william-birch-for-galleryThe Iris and B. Gerald Cantor Art Gallery at the College of the Holy Cross will present the exhibition “Katrina Then and Now: Artists as Witness,” curated by Daina Cheyenne Harvey, assistant professor of sociology and anthropology. The exhibition will be presented in two parts, the first installation subtitled “Documenting, Describing and Dealing with Disaster” will be open to the public from Wednesday, Sept. 2–Oct. 10. The second installation subtitled “The Rebirth of Art” will be on view from Thursday, Oct. 22–Dec. 18. A talk by Harvey will precede the first opening reception on Wednesday, Sept. 9.

Marking the 10th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina, an event of tragic proportions for the city of New Orleans, “Artists as Witness” will focus on the relationship between Hurricane Katrina and visual art in New Orleans from 2005 to the present.

Harvey grew up in and around the city of New Orleans until the age of 14. In 2010, Harvey moved back to help rebuild homes and work on community projects in the Lower Ninth Ward with a consortium of nonprofits, community groups, and academics. He lived and worked there for 14 months while writing his dissertation for Rutgers University about the rebuilding efforts.

“One of the things that interested me while I was in New Orleans was how much new art and artists I kept running into. When I arrived at Holy Cross to teach in 2012, I was inspired be a colleague to curate an exhibition as a way of exploring how artists responded to Katrina,” explains Harvey.

In 2014, he spent seven weeks in New Orleans developing contacts with artists, gallery directors, and curators and found the community very supportive. A number of nationally known artists, such as Willie Birch and Dawn DeDeaux, will have work included in the exhibition, and DeDeaux will give an artist’s talk prior to the opening reception for the second installation Thursday, Oct. 22.

A special feature of the exhibition will be the creation of a site-specific installation by artist Jeffrey Marshall, associate professor of art foundations at Mount Ida College. The piece will be on view at the entrance of the Gallery throughout the academic year and is based on his documentation of the recovery progress he witnessed in New Orleans post-Katrina. The series, titled “The New Orleans Drawing Project 2006 – 2015,” was created ‘en plein air’ style on the streets of the city. Marshall lived in New Orleans for seven years prior to Hurricane Katrina. Currently, Marshall is working and living in Gloucester, Mass.

“Artists as Witness” brings together a myriad of contemporary artists whose work chronicles art making in New Orleans in the wake of Hurricane Katrina, and is timed to coincide with the 10th anniversary of the disaster. This multimedia exhibition includes work by some of the foremost artists of New Orleans. Artists in Part I of the exhibition include Willie Birch, Sandy Chism, Dawn DeDeaux, Jeffrey Marshall, Malcom McClay, Bonnie Maygarden and Maxx Sizeler. Part II will feature work by Sklar Fein, Generic Art Solutions, Gina Phillips and Robert Tannen.

Works included in the exhibition – drawing, film, installations, painting and sculpture – will highlight art as a way of making sense of social disruption, art as a tool to document disaster, and the importance of art and culture for rebuilding communities in the aftermath of disasters. The exhibition will offer a series of artists’ talks, films and special events throughout the semester – visit our webpage for current list of scheduled events.

EVENTS

  • Wednesday, Sept. 2, 10 a.m.–5 p.m., Part I opens
  • Wednesday, Sept. 9, 12–1 p.m., Gallery talk with artist Maxx Sizeler
  • Wednesday, Sept. 9, 4:30–5:15 p.m., talk by Daina Cheyenne Harvey, assistant professor, department of sociology and anthropology, Rehm Library
  • Wednesday, Sept. 9, 5:30–7 p.m., opening reception, Cantor Art Gallery
  • Wednesday, Sept. 16, 4:30–5:30 p.m., talk by Malcolm McClay, artist and associate professor, College of Art and Design, Louisiana State University, Stein 120
  • Monday, Oct. 5, 4:30–5:30 p.m., talk by Thomas Stubblefield, assistant professor of visual and performing art, University of Massachusetts, Dartmouth, Stein 120
  • Thursday, Oct. 8, 4:30–5:30 p.m., talk by artist Jeffrey Marshall, Stein 133
  • Saturday, Oct. 10, Part I closes
  • Thursday, Oct. 22, 10 a.m.–5 p.m., Part II opens
  • Thursday, Oct. 22, 4:30–5:30 p.m., talk by Dawn DeDeaux, artist and founding member of the Contemporary Arts Center, New Orleans, Rehm Library; 5:30–7:30 p.m. opening reception.
  • Wednesday, Dec. 18, Part II closes

Gallery Information
Founded in 1983 through the generosity of Iris & B. Gerald Cantor, the Cantor Art Gallery serves both as a venue for a changing series of historical and contemporary public exhibitions, as well as a vital resource for Holy Cross faculty and students, linking exhibitions to the broader liberal arts curriculum.

The hours for the Cantor Art Gallery are Monday–Friday, 10 a.m.–5 p.m. and Saturdays 2–5 p.m. Located in O’Kane Hall, 1st Floor, College of the Holy Cross, 1 College Street, Worcester, Mass., 01610. Visitors needing assistance with handicap accessibility should contact Public Safety at 508-793-2011. Admission to the gallery is free.

For additional information, please call 508-793-3356 or visit the Gallery’s website at: holycross.edu/cantorartgallery.

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Wide Range of Faculty Experts at Holy Cross Available to Discuss Pope’s First U.S. Visit

Posted on August 20, 2015 by Cristal Steuer

St. Joseph Memorial Chapel on campus.Faculty experts in a wide range of disciplines from the College of the Holy Cross are available to offer distinctive perspectives on Pope Francis’ first visit to the U.S., Sept. 22 – 27, 2015.  For more information, or for assistance scheduling an interview, please call Cristal Steuer at 508-793-2419 or csteuer@holycross.edu.

Mathew Eggemeier, assistant professor of religious studies

Eggemeier, an expert in modern and contemporary Christian theologies and political and liberation theologies, can comment on the following:

  • ecology; environmental ethics
  • economics; capitalism
  • Catholicism and U.S. politics
  • Latin American liberation theology
  • Immigration and Catholic Social Teaching

Daina Harvey, assistant professor of sociology

Harvey, an expert in environmental sociology, can discuss the pope’s encyclical and the connections between capitalism and climate change.

Daniel Klinghard, associate professor of political science

Klinghard specializes in political parties and interest groups, race and ethnic politics, and American political development. He can discuss the pope’s address to Congress and the political reaction it will have in the U.S.; and how what the pope says will affect American politics.

Alice Laffey, associate professor of religious studies

Laffey specializes in ecology and the bible. She can discuss the following:

  • The reason for Pope Francis traveling to South America before North America.
  • Why there will be greater interest in his visit on the part of non-Catholics than for any of the visits of his predecessors.
  • How relevant the timing of his encyclical on the environment is, preceding his visit to the U.S.
  • Why his visit to the United Nations is “gracefully political”.

Thomas Landy, director of the McFarland Center for Religion, Ethics and Culture

Landy recently launched an online global initiative called Catholics & Cultures. The encyclopedic web resource is free to all users. A sociologist with expertise in Catholicism and culture, Landy is available to comment on the following:

  • Differences between the U.S. church and churches in other parts of the world.
  • The pope’s Argentinian background; Catholicism and religion in Argentina
  • Comparative cultural perspectives on Catholic life

Victor Matheson, professor of economics

Matheson specializes in the economic impact of mega-events on host cities, widely dispelling the notion that these events generate significant profits but could actually end up costing the host city. Matheson can discuss the economic impact the pope’s visit will have on the Philadelphia region.

Rev. Michael Rogers, S.J., assistant chaplain and fellow at the McFarland Center for Religion, Ethics and Culture

Fr. Rogers spent the last five years at the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome. He participated in the Mass that began the conclave and was in St. Peter’s Square when Pope Francis was elected.  He has provided commentary on Vatican Radio and in Newsweek and can comment on the Vatican and Francis’ papacy.  He can also discuss what to expect from the pope’s address to Congress and to the United Nations.

Mathew Schmalz, associate professor of religious studies

A regular contributor to Crux, his teaching and scholarship focus on Roman Catholicism and modern religious movements. Schmalz can comment on the following:

  • The pope’s address to Congress (Schmalz believes it will put Catholic Republicans and Democrats in a pickle – he is going to challenge them both.)
  • Francis backlash (Schmalz says distrust of the pope is growing among right-wing Catholics.)
  • The pope’s challenge to Americans, particularly in relation to issues of economic justice.
  • Schmalz says this visit is a real turning point in American Catholicism that is still reeling from the sexual abuse scandal.  There’s a potential here for a “rebranding” of Catholicism in American public opinion.
  • Global Catholicism

Rev. Thomas Worcester, S.J., professor of history

Fr. Worcester, a Jesuit priest, is an expert on the papacy and regularly blogs for the Huffington Post, he can comment on the following:

  • How Pope Francis is in continuity or discontinuity with earlier popes.
  • He can discuss Pope Francis being a Jesuit pope.
  • Offer explanation about the pope as a reformer.
  • How Francis makes the poor his priority.
  • How Francis is re-fashioning the whole notion of litmus tests for authentic Catholicism.
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Students are Honored with Prominent Awards Recognizing Academic Excellence

Posted on August 18, 2015 by Evangelia Stefanakos

SummershotA number of Holy Cross students and recent alumni received highly competitive national awards, recognizing their academic achievements and continuing to support their future goals. The awards allowed these individuals — whose accomplishments span a range of disciplines — to pursue their academic interests, both at Holy Cross and beyond.

  • A Critical Language Scholarship (CLS) brought Alexander Kochenburger ’17 to Morocco this summer where he participated in an accelerated Arabic language and cultural immersion program for two months. An international studies major, Kochenburger pursued the scholarship, along with the encouragement of his professors, as a significant step towards his goal of fluency in the language. “I believe that if I understand the language, I can better understand the culture, politics, and history of the Arab world,” says Kochenburger, who hopes to secure a career in international affairs after Holy Cross. The CLS Program is a fully-funded program of the U.S. Department of State and part of the U.S. government’s effort to expand the number of Americans studying and mastering foreign languages.
  • Biology major Jeff Bourgeois ’16 was named a 2015 Goldwater Scholar through the prestigious Barry Goldwater Scholarship and Excellence in Education Program, which aims to support talented college students interested in pursuing research careers in the fields of science, mathematics, and engineering. Bourgeois, who spent his summer working as an intern at the National Institute of Health, also performs research in the lab of Julia Paxson, assistant professor of biology, where he researches and studies stem cells. A rising senior, Bourgeois hopes to pursue a Ph.D. in immunology and molecular pathology and to continue conducting research in biomedical science — goals further supported by this recognition.
  • Recent graduate Felishia Barros ’15 ventured off to sea just weeks after commencement through the Sea Education Association (SEA) Semester summer program where she participated in hands-on, community-led sustainability efforts throughout Hawaii. Barros, who majored in religious studies at the College, was one of 18 undergraduates from across the United States selected to participate in the five-week program that included  fieldwork on shore, as well as a 10-day sailing adventure throughout the Hawaiian archipelago. The program’s understanding of the Hawaiian people’s relationship with the resources of the land and ocean around them, as well its examination of traditional Hawaiian and western environmental approaches, closely connected to Barros’ academic interests revolving around issues of culture.
  • Nicolle Siegart ’15 was recognized at the 19th Annual Undergraduate Poster Competition held by the American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, winning for best poster in the category of Proteins and Enzymes. Siegart, whose project was titled “Protein splicing of in a temperature-dependent intein from an extreme thermophile,” was among the 250 students who participated in the competition and received one of the few awards given. Siegart majored in biology with biochemistry and premedical concentrations, and worked on this specific project throughout her junior and senior year as part of the research she conducted in the lab of Kenneth Mills, professor of chemistry, who also served as her research advisor. “I was happy to be able to communicate a project I had worked on for much of my academic career with other scientists,” Seigart shares, “and to have these professionals acknowledge me was a great way to end my Holy Cross research career.”
  • Kelsey Poremba ’14 received a grant from the National Science Foundation through their Graduate Research Fellowship Program, which will support her research in organic chemistry at Caltech, where she is currently pursuing a Ph.D.  The grant recognizes and supports outstanding graduate students who are pursuing research-based master’s and doctoral degrees in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Poremba, who was a chemistry major with a premedical concentration while at Holy Cross, as well as a member of the varsity swimming and diving team, credits her time at the College as foundational in her preparation for graduate research. “The two years I spent conducting research for Bianca Sculimbrene (associate professor of chemistry) made my transition to the lab at Caltech very easy,” she says. “Holy Cross taught me how to learn and think critically about complex problems which has served me well.”

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Holy Cross to Welcome Class of 2019 on Aug. 29

Posted on August 18, 2015 by
The Class of 2019 and their parents participate in Gateways 2015.

The Class of 2019 and their parents participate in Gateways 2015.

Holy Cross will welcome an academically accomplished and diverse first-year class of 741 students on Aug. 29.

Of the 6,595 applicants who applied for admission to the Class of 2019, 37 percent (or 2,442) were accepted. Approximately 24 percent of the class is African-American, Latin American, Asian-American, and Native American (ALANA). Students come from 36 states, and 10 other countries including Bosnia (1), Canada (5), China (12), Hong Kong (1), Korea (1), Nigeria (2), Somalia (2), Spain (1), Taiwan (1) and the United Kingdom (1).

About 84 percent of students rank in the top 20 percent of their high school class.

Men represent 48 percent of the class and women 52 percent. Sixteen percent are first-generation college students, and 11 percent are sons or daughters of Holy Cross alumni.

A total of 331 students who applied Early Decision will enroll this fall. Early Decision allows students who consider Holy Cross to be their top choice to apply early and receive a decision by mid-December.

Incoming Students Make Headlines

In addition to being among the top graduates of their high school classes, members of the Holy Cross Class of 2019 engaged in community service and distinguished themselves in creative pursuits and athletic endeavors. Stories about some of these students have been appearing in hometown newspapers and media outlets across the country over the spring and summer months. Here is a look at some of those stories.

Aubrey Ashmun, of Edgartown, Mass., was a tri-sport captain at Martha’s Vineyard Regional High School. She will play ice hockey at Holy Cross, according to the Vineyard Gazette. more »

Louis Cappucci, of Cranford, N.J., was one of several members of the Cranford High School class of 2015 who received a Rotary Scholarship based on his involvement in the school and in the community, according to NJ.com. more »

Henry Carr, of Wrentham, Mass., began battling bone cancer toward the end of his junior year and “managed to not only graduate on time with his class but be one of the more active students” at King Philip Regional High School, reported The Sun Chronicle. “Carr recently finished his cancer treatment and has been declared cancer free,” according to the newspaper. more »

Meredith Coolidge, of Yarmouth, Maine, was included in a Portland Press Herald roundup of students who earned the ranking of Summa and Magna Cum Laude from Yarmouth High School. more »

Marco DiBlasi, of Boxford, Mass., received a community award at the Children’s Center for Communication/Beverly School for the Deaf’s annual soiree, according to the Tri-Town Transcript. more »

Laura Escolero, of Boston, was included in a Boston Globe roundup of Boston valedictorians. more »

Kaylah Fernandez, of Randolph, Mass., was also included in the Boston Globe roundup of Boston valedictorians. more »

Matthew Klier, of Sagamore Beach, Mass., graduated as valedictorian from Bourne High School, reported the Bourne Courier. more »

Capenews.net ran a profile of Klier. more »

Claire MacMillan, of Ridgefield, Conn., received a Girl Scout Gold Award, the highest honor a girl can earn in Girl Scouting, according to The Ridgefield Daily Voice. more »

The Ridgefield Press also reported the news. more »

Mara Martinez, of Warwick, R.I., was ranked eighth in her Toll Gate High School class, reported the Warwick Beacon. more »

Francy Mata, of Providence, R.I., graduated with academic honors from Alvarez High School, as an All-State football player and one of the top-ranked high school hammer throwers in the country, according the Providence Journal. more »

In a blog entry published on Education Week’s website, Ashley N. Morales-Garcia, of Springfield, Mass., writes about how she went from being called a “strange girl” in the fifth grade to being the student speaker at Springfield Renaissance School. more »

Hannah Nguyen, of Springfield, Mass., graduated as class valedictorian from Cathedral High School, according to The Republican. more »

Timothy E. Philbin, of Bedford, N.H., is the 2015 recipient of the Craig P. Hutchinson Memorial Scholarship, which is given annually to an Independent Karate School black belt. “Recipients are selected based on academic achievement, extracurricular involvement and character development,” reported the Merrimack Journal. more »

Christopher Puntasecca, of Wayne, N.J., graduated as salutatorian of the 100th graduating class of Don Bosco Prep in Ramsey, N.J., according to NorthJersey.com. more »

Alicia Riddell, of Athol, Mass., was included in a Telegram & Gazette roundup of top graduates from Central Massachusetts. more »

Emily Rivard, of Shrewsbury, Mass., was included in the same Telegram & Gazette roundup. more »

Zachary Sowerby, of Lyndeborough, N.H., was also included in the Telegram & Gazette roundup. more »

Victoria Tutino, of Taunton, Mass., was included in a Taunton Daily Gazette roundup of top 10 graduates from Coyle and Cassidy High School. more »

Christian Valencia, of Yigo, Guam, is a recipient of the Gates Millennium Scholars program, which provides a four-year full scholarship to college, according to Kuam News. more »

Pacific Daily News also reported the news. more »

Media Coverage

Related Information

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Holy Cross Presents Seelos Film Series for Fall 2015

Posted on August 17, 2015 by Sarah Barrett '18

seelos-cropThe College of the Holy Cross will be featuring the following films in Seelos Theater this fall. All films are free and open to the public.

“Wild”
Wed., Sept. 2: Showings at 3 and 8 p.m. Rated R. Starring Reese Witherspoon, Laura Dern, and Gabby Hoffmann. Cheryl Strayed is devastated by the loss of her mother and embarks on a challenging 1,100 mile hike through the Pacific Crest Trail in order to rebuild her life.

“What We Do in the Shadows”
Fri., Sept. 4 and Sat., Sept. 5: Showing at 7 p.m. Rated R. Starring Jemain Clement, Taika Waititi, Jonny Brugh, and Cori Gonzalez-Macuer. Four vampire roommates lives are chronicled as they struggle with the mundane tasks of life in a modern world. They quickly realize this new environment is not so friendly for the undead.

“American Sniper”
Wed., Sept. 9: Showings at 3 and 8 p.m. Rated R. Starring Bradley Cooper, Sienna Miller, and Kyle Gallner. Based on a true story, Chris Kyle, the most deadly American sniper, does four tours in Iraq but as his accuracy for the enemy increases so does the danger from insurgents.

“Into the Woods”
Fri., Sept. 11 and Sat., Sept. 12: Showing at 7 p.m. Rated PG. Starring Meryl Streep, Anna Kendrick, and Chris Pine. A combination of the classic fairy tales “Rapunzel,” “Little Red Riding Hood,” “Jack and the Bean Stalk,” and “Cinderella,” tells the story of a baker’s family and the witch who cast a terrible curse upon them.

“Nightcrawler”
Wed., Sept. 16: Showings at 3 and 8 p.m. Rated R. Starring Jake Gyllenhaal, Rene Russo, and Bill Paxton. Louis Bloom is desperate for work and becomes a crime journalist in Los Angeles, however his criminal past and journalism present begin to collide.

“Danny Collins”
Fri., Sept. 18 and Sat., Sept. 19: Showing at 7 p.m. Rated R. Starring Al Pacino, Annette Bening, and Jennifer Garner. After receiving an old, undelivered letter from John Lennon, a former rock star decides to change his life.

“Far From the Madding Crowd”
Wed., Sept. 23: Showings at 3 and 8 p.m. Rated PG-13. Starring Carey Mulligan, Matthias Schoenaerts, Michael Sheen. In Victorian England, young and opinionated Bathsheba must decide between three suitors: a sheep farmer, an army Sergeant, and a wealthy bachelor.

“Mad Max: Fury Road”
Fri., Sept. 25 and Sat., Sept. 26: Showing at 7 p.m. Rated R. Starring Tom Hardy, Charlize Theron, and Hugh Keayes-Byrne. Many years after the apocalypse, a tyrannical ruler enslaves all survivors in a walled fortress, until a female warrior leads a daring escape and forms an alliance with a former captive.

“The Drop”
Wed., Sept 30: Showings at 3 and 8 p.m. Rated R. Starring Tom Hardy, Noomi Rapace, and James Gandolfini. A bartender is put into a difficult situation when a local mob begins using his pub as a temporary bank.

“Inside Out”
Fri., Oct. 2 and Sat., Oct. 3: Showing at 7 p.m. Rated PG. Starring Amy Poehler, Bill Hader, and Lewis Black. This animated film follows Riley, a young girl, and her emotions, joy, anger, sadness, disgust, and fear, as she navigates a challenging move across the country.

“Ex Machina”
Weds., Oct. 7: Showings at 3 and 8 p.m. Rated R. Starring Alicia Vikander, Domhnall Gleeson, and Oscar Isaac. A young computer programmer wins a trip to the retreat house of his CEO, where he encounters a fully functioning robot girl, the first true artificial intelligence.

“The Grief of Others”
Weds., Oct. 21: Special Showings at 3 and 7 p.m. followed by a discussion with the director. Starring Wendy Moniz, Trevor St. John, and Rachel Dratch. A film adaptation of the novel by Leah Hager Cohen, distinguished writer in residence at Holy Cross. Following the death of a family’s newborn baby, the parents and two older siblings must find a way to rebuild their lives together.

“I’ll See You In My Dreams”
Weds., Oct. 28: Showings at 3 and 8 p.m. Rated PG-13. Starring Blythe Danner, Martin Starr, and Sam Elliott. An elderly widow decides to rediscover happiness in her life with the help of three close friends, a new relationship, and her daughter.

“Furious 7”
Fri., Oct. 30 and Sat., Oct. 31: Showing at 7 p.m. Rated PG-13. Starring Vin Diesel, Paul Walker, and Dwayne Johnson. After Dominic Toretto and his comrades defeat the international terrorist Owen Shaw, his brother Deckard Shaw attempts to seek revenge Toretto’s team.

“Timbuktu”
Weds., Nov. 4: Showings at 3 and 8 p.m. Rated PG-13. Starring Ibrahim Ahmed, Abel Jafri, and Toulou Kiki. A family of cattle herders living in the dunes of Timbuktu must deal with a growing number of jihadists who attempt to control their freedom and faith.

“Avengers: Age of Ultron”
Fri., Nov. 6 and Sat., Nov. 7: Showing at 7 p.m. Rated PG-13. Starring Robert Downey Jr., Chris Evans, Mark Ruffalo. Tony Stark and Bruce Banner attempt to use Ultron, a peacekeeping program that turns out to be villainous, which will require the help of the Earth’s Mightiest Heroes to defeat it.

“The Babadook”
Weds., Nov. 11: Showings at 3 and 8 p.m. Not Rated. Starring Essie Davis, Noah Wiseman, and Daniel Henshall. A sinister monster haunts a family after coming to life out of a children’s book.

“Ant Man”
Fri., Nov. 13 and Sat., Nov. 14: Showing at 7 p.m. Rated PG-13. Starring Paul Rudd, Michael Douglas, Corey Stoll. Scott Lang has the ability to shrink in size but grow in strength through a special suit which he uses to help save the world.

“ ’71”
Weds., Nov. 18: Showings at 3 and 8 p.m. Rated R. Starring Jack O’Connell, Sam Reid, and Sean Harris. Following the deadly Belfast riots of 1971, a young British soldier is accidentally separated from his troop and must figure out a way home through the violent city.

“Jurassic World”
Fri., Nov. 20: Showing at 7 p.m. Rated PG-13. Starring Chris Pratt, Bryce Dallas Howard, and Ty Simpkins. Twenty-two years after Jurassic Park closes, Jurassic World is built in its place, this time with a new type of deadly dinosaur that creates chaos when it escapes.

“Inherent Vice”
Weds., Dec. 2: Showings at 3 and 8 p.m. Rated R. Starring Joaquin Phoenix, Josh Brolin, and Owen Wilson. A private investigator must search for his missing ex-girlfriend in 1970s’ Los Angeles.

“Mission Impossible: Rogue Nation”
Fri., Dec. 4 and Sat., Dec.5: Showing at 7 p.m. Rated R. Starring Tom Cruise, Rebecca Ferguson, and Jeremy Renner. Without the backing of the Impossible Mission Force (IMF), Ethan Hunt and his team must defeat Syndicate, an international organization that wants to eradicate IMF.

“Amy”
Weds., Dec. 9: Showings at 3 and 8 p.m. Rated R. Starring Amy Winehouse, Mitch Winehouse, and Mark Ronson. A documentary of Amy Winehouse, told through her own words, old footage, and unheard tracks.

“Trainwreck”
Fri., Dec. 11 and Sat., Dec. 12: Showing at 7 p.m. Rated R. Starring Amy Schumer, Bill Hader, and Brie Larson. A young woman afraid of commitment and skeptical of monogamy must face her fear when she falls for someone.

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Photo Gallery: Students Conduct Cutting-Edge Summer Research on Campus

Posted on August 13, 2015 by Evangelia Stefanakos
From left, Timothy Gardner and professor Robert Bertin conduct a research study of forest fragmentation and the decline of birds during a Summer Research 2015 project

From left, Timothy Gardner and professor Robert Bertin conduct a research study of forest fragmentation and the decline of birds during a Summer Research 2015 project

After the academic year ended, over 100 students returned to spend their summers on campus where they participated in leading research spanning a range of  disciplines: 67 students engaged in research in the sciences; 31 in the humanities, social sciences, and fine arts; and six in economics.

Daniel Bitran, professor of psychology and coordinator of the summer science research on campus, says the summer research program overall is “a defining feature of a liberal arts education.”

The myriad of research projects offer students the opportunity to pursue topics of interest through intensive, focused projects while simultaneously working closely with faculty members who act as both advisors and research partners. Research projects varied from protein splicing to glass blowing, and took place in labs and libraries on campus, as well as onsite both locally and internationally.

“I am genuinely surprised and impressed every year with the projects that students come up with,” says Daniel Klinghard, associate professor of political science and director of the Summer Research in the Humanities, Social Sciences, and Fine Arts. “Students and faculty work together to develop their own topics. They pursue their hearts, their interests, their unique talents and experiences.”

The student researchers will showcase their work at this year’s 22nd Annual Summer Research Symposium on Friday, Sept. 11 from 1 – 4 p.m. in the Hogan Campus Center Ballroom.

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Posted in Academics, Arthistory, Biology, Chemistry, Classics, Economics and Accounting, English, German Studies, History, Mathematics and Computer Science, News, Philosophy, Physics, Political Science, Psychology, Theatre and Dance | Comments Off on Photo Gallery: Students Conduct Cutting-Edge Summer Research on Campus

‘And the Next Top Trainer Is…’

Posted on August 13, 2015 by Holy Cross in the News

Gideon-for-webCollege of the Holy Cross alumnus, Gideon Akande ’06 was named the Men’s Health Next Top Trainer after completing a series of competitions against other contestants.

In the series finale of the Men’s Health Next Top Trainer, Akande competed against two other finalists for the coveted prize: a starring role in a follow-along workout DVD and the opportunity to be an expert adviser for Men’s Health. For the final challenge, Akande needed to create a 20-minute workout to impress the judges.

Akande named his workout “Four Quarters,” a circuit of exercises to be completed four times with increasing difficulty. Throughout the workout, he pumped up participants with encouragement. The judges remarked that Akande was “engaging” and had “high-energy.” Ultimately, they decided he had more “charisma than the other contestants” and named him the winner.

“I am beyond blessed, I feel ecstatic right now, I’m jubilant, and I’m excited,” said Akande. “I know this is only the beginning, and I cannot wait to work with Men’s Health.” As a new representative and adviser of Men’s Health, Akande will have the opportunity to promote fitness and health for a wider audience.

Akande is from Chicago and majored in political science while at the College. He was a running back for the Holy Cross football team. Currently, he works as a personal trainer and group fitness instructor.

• Read the article and watch the final competition on Men’s Health.
• Read more about Akande’s experience at Holy Cross in his Power of One profile.

This “Holy Cross in the News” item by Sarah Barrett ’18.

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