Holy Cross Employees Honored for Outstanding Service

Four employees of the College of the Holy Cross have received 2010 Claire B. Burns Awards.   The awards program, now in its 15th year, was established and endowed in 1997 by Donal J. Burns ’49 in honor of his wife, Claire, an alumna of the Class of 1990, who passed away in November of 2010. The awards are presented annually to non-exempt employees of the College, currently working or retired, who in the fulfillment of their responsibilities have demonstrated, fostered, and promoted the spirit of family, which is a treasured characteristic of the Holy Cross Community.

The recipients, all from the Worcester area, were honored at a banquet on March 23.  They are:

John R. Gould, a resident of Holden, has worked in physical plant/ grounds motor pool for seven years.

Karen E. Hodgerney, a resident of Leicester, has worked for the associate dean for student development for nine years.

Evan K. Holmes, a resident of Oxford, has worked in dining services/Kimball for 32 years.

Nancy L. Smith, a resident of Worcester, has worked in dining services/Hogan and Kimball for 16 years.

As part of the Claire B. Burns Awards Program, Robert E. Robbio, a custodian in the physical plant/environmental services department, received The Rev. William J. O’Halloran, S.J., Award. A resident of Worcester, Robbio has worked at the College for 37 years.  The award he received was established to honor Fr. O’Halloran’s long years of service to the College, from 1963-2008; his closeness to non-exempt employees; and his contributions to the Claire B. Burns Employee Award Program. During his tenure with the College, Fr. O’Halloran served as chair of the psychology department, assistant chaplain, rector of the Jesuit Community, trustee, vice president of the College, and special assistant to the president.

In addition, 40 employees were recognized for perfect attendance over the past year, and 116 employees were recognized for years of service to the College.

On May 15, 11 employees who have worked at Holy Cross for 25 years or more will be honored at the College’s 25+ Years Awards Ceremony.