Odyssey 2006 To Take Place At Holy Cross

WORCESTER, Mass. – "Odyssey 2006: 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 18-30 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. In addition, Odyssey 2006 will create an environment where new students will explore the issues of identity, culture and community in the new millennium.

Highlights of Odyssey 2006 include a visit to Old Sturbridge Village and its Native American exhibit, "The Enduring People," an exploration of the Worcester Art Museum, a walk along Boston's historic Quincy Market, 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. The bonds made in Odyssey far out last the two-week program, which is evident by the remarks of one senior, who participated in the program 4 years ago. He says, "it's hard to believe that my Odyssey experience never truly ended and never faded."

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 2006 enables this dream to come true."

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