Holy Cross Senior Recognized for Exceptional Academic Achievement and Leadership

Kenneth Calemmo, a member of the College of the Holy Cross class of 2012, from Sea Isle City, N.J., has been awarded the George B. Moran Award, the highest award given by the College to a graduating senior in recognition of exemplary scholarship and leadership.

Calemmo, who serves as director of community relations for the Student Government Association (SGA), also recently received a “Key to the City” from Worcester Mayor Joseph Petty, an honor given for Calemmo’s work in the Worcester community; and was the recipient of the Colleges of Worcester Consortium (COWC) Student Community Engagement Award.   

As the leader of Student Ambassadors Developing External Relations (S.A.D.E.R.), a group which works to improve the relationship between Holy Cross students and residents of the College Hill and South Worcester neighborhoods, Calemmo’s many accomplishments include leading the charge at Nelson Place School to raise $5,318 for its new automated library system; organizing the Canal District Alliance/Blackstone River Bank clean up on McKeon Road as part of Holy Cross Cares Day; running a tutoring program for neighborhood children living on College Hill; and organizing many events for the neighbors and students on College Hill including barbeques, Trick or Treating, a food and clothing drive, a Christmas house decorating contest and a Christmas dinner party. 

“The people of Worcester show a tremendous dedication and commitment to their city. It is something that I have always found to be very impressive,” share Calemmo. “Many spend their entire careers working hard to improve the quality of life for others, and I think that is something to be truly admired. I have found great partners throughout Worcester working in the public school system, businesses and restaurants, for no other reason than wanting to make this city the best place to live. It has been a true honor and privilege to work and volunteer alongside such wonderful and committed people. I feel truly blessed to have called this place my home for the past four years.” 

A classics major with an art history minor, Calemmo is also the chair of the Worcester Intercollegiate Government Association. On campus, he is an admissions tour guide, involved in liturgical ministry as a lector, and is in the Classics Honor Society (Eta Sigma Phi).

“Ken’s commitment to the Worcester community, especially our neighbors on College Hill, has been remarkable,” explains Edward Augustus, director of government and community relations at the College. “He works tirelessly on projects to engage the College and Worcester communities—whether it’s raising thousands of dollars for a local school or holding a barbeque for neighbors—he is always up for the task.”  

After graduation, Calemmo will serve for two years in the Greater Philadelphia Corps through Teach for America, in Camden, N.J., where he will teach elementary school. He will also work towards a master’s degree in urban education at the University of Pennsylvania.

“I hope to ultimately have a career in higher education, public service or the non-profit sector, working on issues of community relations, community development and education reform. I have really enjoyed the opportunity to work with students as well leading members of the community. I hope that my journey will someday bring me back to Worcester,” he says. 

Moran was a member of the Holy Cross class of 1906 and later built Kimball Dining Hall, where he worked as a supervisor and buyer from 1935-55. The George B. Moran Award was established in 1965 by the Textile Veterans Association.

Nine other students received the 2012 Presidential Service Award for their service and contributions to the College and greater Worcester community.  

Recipients will be honored at the Awards Ceremony on May 24 at 12:30 p.m. in the Dinand Library Main Reading Room.

2012 Presidential Service Award recipients:

Ashley Caceres  (Windsor, Conn.) Kate Cassidy (Hampton Bays, N.Y.) Andrew DeVivo (Kensington, Conn.) Kelly Hanley (Daly City, Calif.) Erin Linnehan (Nashua, N.H.) Benjamin Nardozzi (Milton, Mass.) Michael Rogers Jr. (Rumford, R.I.) Nelson Sinchi (New York, N.Y.) Mollie Sydlowski (Seabrook, N.H.)