Odyssey 2004 to Take Place at Holy Cross

WORCESTER, Mass. – "Odyssey 2004: A Preview of your Holy Cross Journey," a two-week orientation program for ALANA (African American, Latino, Asian American, and Native American) and international students, will take place August 13-25 at Holy Cross.

This interdisciplinary program will introduce first-year students to Holy Cross' academic environment with mini-classes and short writing assignments; familiarize students with the College's computer systems and the World Wide Web; and orient students to the campus, Worcester and Boston.

Highlights of Odyssey 2004 include: participation in Worcester's Latino Festival, whale watching off Boston Harbor, participation in a volunteer project in Worcester and dinners with professors and administrators at their homes.

For most ALANA students, however, it is the bonds of friendship built among fellow students, faculty and administrators that is the most integral part of the orientation. Current students who participated in the Odyssey program refer to their "Odyssey family" as a strong group that is always willing to help one another academically and personally.

According to Esther Levine, assistant dean and international scholar and student advisor, "At Holy Cross, our dream is that students will make early personal connections with faculty and administrators - connections that will help ensure the fullest possible educational experience.  Odyssey 2004 enables this dream to come true."

Holy Cross makes this program available to students at no cost.

Holy Cross is the oldest Catholic college in New England. Founded in 1843 by the Society of Jesus (Jesuits), the College is a highly selective, four-year, undergraduate liberal arts institution and ranks among the nation's leading liberal arts colleges.