Photo Gallery: Family Weekend Charms College Parents

State of the College address, football game, a cappella shows draw crowds

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Photography by Dan Vaillancourt

More than 400 families of Holy Cross students explored campus during Family Weekend, held Oct. 26-28, and took in many of the events from the chock-a-block schedule.

More than 100 people crowded into Hogan Jenks Suites B and C to hear a State of the College address by Rev. Philip L. Boroughs, S.J. and his top administrators. The president reflected on his first nine months in office, and commented on current conditions as well as the College's strategic priorities.

The event was immediately followed by a Parents Council Meeting on the variety of study opportunities available. Gary DeAngelis, associate director for special programs in the Center for Interdisciplinary and Special Studies (CISS), talked about the Washington Semester and the Academic Internship Programs, and Brittain Smith, director of the Study Abroad program, shared information about the College’s acclaimed Study Abroad Program.

"It was great to be able to meet many parents, hear how their sons and daughters are fairing, and exchange some information and insights about Holy Cross," says Kathy Delehaunty P90, director of Parent Giving. "Parents had the opportunity to ask questions of the president and his team, and learn more about our robust off-campus study opportunities."

Another success was the Purple & White Tea, where mothers, daughters, grandmothers, and aunts — all current and former Crusaders —connected and shared stories about Mount St. James, past and present. This celebration of family legacy at Holy Cross was part of the yearlong celebration of 40 years of co-education at the College.

The football game and tailgate drew thousands of Crusader fans out to Fitton Field. Holy Cross was edged by Fordham, 36-32.

Performances by the College's a cappella groups — Delilahs, Fools on the Hill, Off the Record, Sound of St. James and Sons of Pitches —also drew large crowds. The Evening of A Cappella Music was offered twice in Seelos Theatre.

"We had high attendance at all events," says Sara Swillo '05, associate director of Student Involvement, who oversaw the weekend's festivities. "The Registration & Hospitality Suite in Hogan was bustling with activity all weekend, and events were bopping. The weekend was a definitive success!"