Commencement is just around the corner and one of this year’s honorary degree recipients is the 31st president of Holy Cross, Rev. Michael C. McFarland, S.J., who retired in January after a highly successful 12-year presidency. We know many members of the campus community and beyond will be excited to have him back on Mount St. James for a day. Fr. McFarland took a break from his new position as a visiting scholar at the Markkula Center for Applied Ethics at Santa Clara University in California to discuss what he misses the most about Holy Cross and give some advice to the class of 2012.
How do you feel about coming back to the Holy Cross campus to receive an honorary degree?
I am deeply humbled and honored at being chosen to receive an honorary degree. I certainly don't put myself in the same class as the many other distinguished recipients, past and present. During my time at Holy Cross, we accomplished a lot because of the extraordinary work of so many dedicated and talented people there. This honor is for them more than for me.
That said, I look forward to coming back to campus, seeing so many friends and especially being with the Class of 2012 on their big day.
What's the one thing you miss most about Holy Cross?There is a lot I miss. I loved working with the people there. The strong shared sense of purpose, working together to do something really worthwhile, was a great joy and blessing.
I have to say, I also miss the hockey games. They don't have college hockey out here.
What is your favorite thing about Santa Clara?Most years I could say the weather; but this year there have been many days when it is nicer in Worcester than here. Still it has been pleasant - no complaints.
Seriously, I have very much enjoyed my position at the Markkula Center for Applied Ethics. They have a wide range of programs on ethics in business, government, education, health care and other areas, and do a lot on character development as well. We are now starting a program on Internet ethics. I have learned so much from our discussions, panels, speakers and other programs. The location right in the heart of Silicon Valley has also given me a chance to get back in touch with the world of computer engineering where I used to work.
What advice do you have for the class of 2012?I know graduating seniors at Holy Cross are often anxious and sad about leaving. They shouldn't be. Holy Cross will always be a big part of their lives and they will always belong to the very lively, passionate and fascinating alumni community. But it is time to move forward. They have been gifted in so many wonderful ways with talent, commitment, an unparalleled education and great friendship and support. They can face the future with great confidence. It is now their turn to go out and make a difference, which I know they will.
What's the best advice you have ever received?
Before I started at Holy Cross, I read an article on leadership by Peter Drucker, the revered management guru who taught for many years at Stanford. He said successful leaders display a wide range of abilities, backgrounds and personalities. What sets them apart is their ability to focus on what is most important, the mission of their organization, and to get others to do the same. I always tried to do that as president. I think that unwavering commitment to the mission of Holy Cross was my biggest contribution.
What do your future plans include?I have been asked to work for the New England and New York Provinces of the Jesuits as they work toward reconfiguring and merging the two provinces and ultimately combining with the Maryland Province.
Related Information
Father McFarland, 31st President of Holy Cross, Back on Campus to Receive Honorary Degree
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