Holy Cross in the News (January - March 2009)

Chicago Public Radio March 31, 2009 "Do Olympics Bring Boon or Bust?" Victor Matheson, associate professor of economics at the College of the Holy Cross, explores the economic implications of Chicago's bid to host the 2016 Summer Olympics.

Next Step Magazine March 2009 "Is your college SAT optional?" Jill Couglin, a member of the class of 2010 at the College of the Holy Cross, and Ann McDermott, director of admissions, talk about what it means to be an SAT-optional institution.

NECN/Channel 3 March 27, 2009 "Kimball Dining Hall Goes Trayless" Linda Nardella, director of dining services at the College of the Holy Cross, is interviewed for a feature story about Kimball Dining Hall going trayless.

Worcester Magazine March 19, 2009 "Hackertown" Ellen Keohane, director of information technology services at the College of the Holy Cross, and David Shettler, senior technical services engineer at the College, give their expert advice on computer hacking in a Worcester Magazine cover story.

WCVB-TV/The Boston Channel March 17, 2009 "Boston's View: Getting College Financial Aid" Lynne Myers, director of financial aid at the College of the Holy Cross, offers advice for families on paying for college and navigating the financial aid process.

Worcester Business Journal March 16, 2009 "Gifts To Local Colleges Trend Higher In ‘08" Michael C. Perry, vice president for development and alumni relations at the College of the Holy Cross, talks about the loyalty of Holy Cross alumni and donors and the challenges of fund raising during hard economic times.

The Washington Post March 14, 2009 "Should Stem Cell Research Ban Have Been Lifted?" Mathew Schmalz, associate professor of religious studies and director of the College Honors Program at the College of the Holy Cross, responds to the question: "When he lifted the ban on federal funding for embryonic stem cell research, President Obama said, 'As a person of faith . . . I believe we have been given the capacity and will to pursue this research - and the humanity and conscience to do so responsibly.' Do you agree?"  His response was originally published in its entirety in "On Faith," an online conversation on religion sponsored by The Washington Post and Newsweek.

Pulse Magazine March 4, 2009 "The Paired Passions of Matthew Ruppel" Matthew Ruppel, a member of the College of the Holy Cross class of 2009, is profiled in the latest issue of Pulse Magazine. Ruppel conducted research on global warming in the Siberian Arctic this past summer.

The Christian Science Monitor March 3, 2009 "As job market shrinks, so do college grads’ grand plans" College of the Holy Cross seniors Alesandra LaPointe and Chris Moberg talk about the challengings of finding a job in the current economy.  However, despite predicitions that hiring of new college graduates will drop 22 percent this year, LaPointe already has a job lined up.

The Globe and Mail (Canada) March 2, 2009 "When All That Glitters Isn't Really Golden" Victor Matheson, associate professor of economics at the College of the Holy Cross and author of a study on the economic impact of the Olympics, comments on how the 2010 Vancouver Games may impact the local economy. 

Reader's Digest March 2009 "Quick Study: Standardized Tests" Ann McDermott, director of admissions at the College of the Holy Cross, talks about the College's standardized testing optional policy.

Telegram & Gazette February 27, 2009 "Pages of history" Roger Hankins, director of the Cantor Art Gallery at the College of the Holy Cross, talks about the latest exhibit at the Gallery in a Telegram & Gazette feature story. Compilation: Three Exhibitions on Books, three concurrent exhibitions of book materials is on display through March 31, 2009.

NECN/Worcester News Tonight February 26, 2009 "Holy Cross students opt for alternative spring break" College of the Holy Cross students and administrators are featured in a Worcester News Tonight story about choosing alternative spring breaks.

FOX25 Morning News February 25, 2009 "Manuary: celebrating facial hair" Matthew Clemente '11 Mark Reeth '11, Maryalice Gill '11 and Jordan Jones '12 talk about "MANuary," a beard growing contest sponsored by the Class of 2011 at the College of the Holy Cross that will benefit Locks of Love, an organization that provides hairpieces to financially disadvantaged children suffering from long-term medical hair loss. The month-long event raised more than $3,000 for charity.

The Boston Globe February 24, 2009 "Economy lifting college prospects of the well-heeled" Frank Vellaccio, senior vice president at the College of the Holy Cross, comments on how colleges and universities are addressing the growing demand for financial aid in a down economy.

Telegram & Gazette February 22, 2009 "Science trumps sorcery at Hogwarts" The Telegram & Gazette features “Hogwarts at Holy Cross," an event designed for the children of Worcester featuring hands-on science experiments and a unique and interactive presentation by Holy Cross faculty and students.

The Washington Post February 21, 2009 "Studying Sacred Texts: A Solitary Pursuit?" Mathew Schmalz, associate professor of religious studies and director of the College Honors Program at the College of the Holy Cross, responds to the question: "Should a layperson read sacred texts alone, without the help of clergy or community? How do you read and study sacred texts? His response was originally published in its entirety in "On Faith," an online conversation on religion sponsored by The Washington Post and Newsweek.

CNN.com February 20, 2009 "So, just how bad is the economy?" Victor Matheson, associate professor of economics at the College of the Holy Cross, provides historical perspective on the nation's current economic crisis as compared to the dot-com bust of 2001 and The Great Depression.

Telegram & Gazette February 19, 2009 "Stepping up" Members of the Rhythm Nation Steppers at the College of the Holy Cross show off their moves as they practice for an upcoming show at Mechanics Hall.

The Washington Post February 14, 2009 "Should Faith-Based Programs Getting Federal Money Discriminate?" Mathew Schmalz, associate professor of religious studies and director of the College Honors Program at the College of the Holy Cross, responds to the question: "Should the Obama administration let faith-based programs receiving government grants discriminate against those they hire or serve?"  His response was originally published in its entirety in "On Faith," an online conversation on religion sponsored by The Washington Post and Newsweek.

Telegram & Gazette February 10, 2009 "Do the math: A new way of thinking about the economy" In an op-ed, Rafe Jones, assistant professor of mathematics at the College of the Holy Cross, argues the positive aspects of economic recession from a mathematical perspective.

The Republican February 10, 2009 "Win surprises W. Side colleen" Maggie Johnson, a member of the College of the Holy Cross class of 2012, has been crowned the 2009 West Springfield colleen. Johnson and her court will ride on the West Springfield St. Patrick's Committee float in the parade on March 22 in Holyoke.

WWLP-TV February 8, 2009 "West Springfield names Grand Colleen"

NECN/Worcester News Tonight February 10, 2009 "Delaying family plans in a recession" Victor Matheson, associate professor of economics at the College of the Holy Cross, comments on birth rates in a down economy.

Telegram & Gazette February 9, 2009 "Holy Cross basketball player battles illness, opponents" Andrew Keister, a member of the College of the Holy Cross Class of 2010, talks about overcoming leukemia and helping the men’s basketball team into first place in the Patriot League.

Telegram & Gazette February 8, 2009 "HC women's hockey team earning respect, not fans" Peter Van Buskirk, Holy Cross women's ice hockey coach, and members of his team, talk about their success this season, winning 18 games and losing only one.

Telegram & Gazette February 6, 2009 "U.S. criminal court is no place for Guantanamo Bay detainees" In an op-ed, Donald Brand, professor of political science at the College of the Holy Cross, warns against the proposed closing of the Guantanamo Bay detention camp.

WAMU (NPR affiliate in Washington, D.C.) February 5, 2009 "Study Shows Economic Boost from Inauguration Could Be a Myth" Robert Baumann, assistant professor of economics at the College of Holy Cross, talks about his recent research on the economic impact of presidential inaugurations over the past 50 years.

USA Today February 5, 2009 "Nominees' tax problems could prompt more people to cheat" Scott Sandstrom, associate professor of accounting at the College of the Holy Cross, comments on the high-profile tax missteps of three of the Obama administration's key nominees.

Telegram & Gazette February 3, 2009 "Vatican official provides insight on the ‘unwanted’" Archbishop Agostino Marchetto, secretary of the Pontifical Council for the Pastoral Care of Migrants and Itinerant People, talks with students at the College of the Holy Cross.

San Diego Union-Tribune February 1, 2009 "Watchdog Report: S.D. marathon runs into controversy" Victor Matheson, associate professor of economics at the College of the Holy Cross, comments on the controversy surrounding the economic impact of San Diego's Rock 'n' Roll Marathon.

Worcester Magazine January 29, 2009 "The art of books at Holy Cross" Roger Hankins, director of the Cantor Art Gallery at the College of the Holy Cross, explains his vision for Compilation: Three Exhibitions on Books, three concurrent exhibitions of book materials on display through March 31, 2009. 

The Boston Globe January 29, 2009 "Despite crunch, some colleges go on hiring spree" In a front page article, Timothy Austin, vice president for academic affairs and dean of the College of the Holy Cross, talks about expanding faculty hiring this year, despite economic pressures.  The story was also referenced in Inside Higher Ed.

Telegram.com January 28, 2009 "Witnessing history" Hayley Hanson, a member of the College of the Holy Cross Class of 2009, blogs about her trip to Washington, D.C. for the inauguration of President Obama.

Telegram & Gazette January 28, 2009 "Hunting cyber-thieves" David Shettler, College of the Holy Cross senior technical services engineer, helped to report what could potentially be the largest data breach in history at Heartland Payment Systems Inc. 

Telegram & Gazette January 25, 2009 "New Holy Cross lab blessed" Rev. Michael C. McFarland S.J., president of the College of the Holy Cross, blesses the new George I. Alden Trust Organic Chemistry Laboratory after a dedication of the newly constructed Park B. and Linda Smith Laboratories. The event marked the completion of Phase 1 of the $60 million Integrated Science Complex at the College.

On Point - National Public Radio January 23, 2009 "Edgar Allan Poe" On the 200th anniversary of his birth, Susan Elizabeth Sweeney, associate professor of English at the College of the Holy Cross and vice president of the Poe Studies Association, provides insight on Edgar Allan Poe's detective fiction.

Worcester Business Journal January 21, 2009 "Suzanne Morrissey, Editor, Holy Cross Magazine" Suzanne Morrissey, the new editor of Holy Cross Magazine and associate director of public affairs at the College, is profiled in the Worcester Business Journal.

NECN/Channel 3 January 21, 2009 "Bakery turns inauguration into sweet profit" Robert Baumann, assistant professor of economics at the College of the Holy Cross, comments on local businesses profiting off the inauguration.

The Providence Journal January 20, 2009 "How to keep a future Obama from winning" In an op-ed, Donald Brand, professor of political science at the College of the Holy Cross, talks about would happen if the country replaced its system of caucuses and primaries with a single national primary day.

Telegram & Gazette January 20, 2009 "Oath without growth" Three economics professors at the College of the Holy Cross: Robert Baumann, assistant professor, Bryan Engelhardt, assistant professor, and Victor A. Matheson, associate professor, explain the economic impact the inauguration will have on Washington D.C.

NECN/Channel 3 January 20, 2009 "Holy Cross graduate makes history as Obama's speechwriter" Gary DeAngelis, associate director for special programs and chair of the Center for Interdisciplinary and Special Studies at the College of the Holy Cross, Alicia Molt ’09 and Yayra Kuakumensah ’09,  talk about Barack Obama’s inauguration speech which was written by Jon Favreau ’03.

The Lowell Sun January 20, 2009 "Lincoln, FDR ... Obama?" Edward O'Donnell, associate professor of history at the College of the Holy Cross, comments on the challenges facing President Obama.

Reuters January 19, 2009 "Obama must work for compromise in U.S. culture war" Mathew N. Schmalz, associate professor of religious studies and director of the College Honors Program, comments on the controversies surrounding Obama's choice of preachers at his inaugural celebrations.

Des Moines Register January 19, 2009 "After noted Iowa speech, writer tries an inaugural" In anticipation of the inaguration, Caren Dubnoff, associate professor of political science at the College of the Holy Cross, and Stephanie Yuhl, associate professor of history, share their thoughts on Jon Favreau, a member of the Class of 2003 and chief speechwriter for President Obama.

Forbes.com January 15, 2009 "Inaugural Bust?" Research by Victor Matheson, associate professor of economics at the College of the Holy Cross, and Robert Baumann, assistant professor of economics, is referenced in this article on the economic impact of mega-events like the presidential inauguration.

The Boston Globe January 13, 2009 "New Congress 9 percent Jesuit-educated" The 111th Congress, sworn in last week, features 50 members who are Jesuit-educated, four of them are alumni from the College of the Holy Cross.

Telegram & Gazette January 8, 2009 "Partnership mortgages" Michael J. Lochhead, vice president of administration and finance at the College of the Holy Cross, talks about the College's involvement in the new program Buy Worcester Now.

Kiplinger's Personal Finance January 7, 2009 "2009 Best Values in Private Colleges" The College of the Holy Cross is 13th in Kiplinger's list of "Best Values in Liberal Arts Colleges," a ranking of schools that exemplify excellent academics while keeping costs to a minimum.