Photo Gallery: Announcement of $25M Gift to Enhance the Arts Delights Crowd

Rev. Philip L. Boroughs, S.J., president of Holy Cross, announces that Cornelius "Neil" B. Prior '56, is donating $25 million to the College to enhance the arts. Photo by Dan Vaillancourt

Prior, who received a rousing ovation, offers a few remarks. Photo by Dan Vaillancourt

Tracy Barlok, vice president for development and alumni relations, offers gratitude to Prior for his generous gift. Photo by Dan Vaillancourt

Students and faculty members from the music department perform part of Heitor Villa-Lobos’ "Bachianas Brasileiras." Photo by Dan Vaillancourt

Soprano Suzanne Crifo '13 Photo by Dan Vaillancourt

Shirish Korde, Distinguished Professor of Humanities and chair of music, called the gift a "game changer" for the College. In the background are Michael Beatty, associate professor of visual arts, left, and Edward Isser, professor and chair of theatre. Photo by Dan Vaillancourt

Roger Hankins, director of the Cantor Art Gallery, reacts to the news. Photo by Dan Vaillancourt

Osvaldo Golijov, Loyola Professor of Music, offers applause. Photo by Dan Vaillancourt

Frank Vellaccio, senior vice president, was singled out for supporting the arts throughout his career at the College. Photo by Dan Vaillancourt

Timothy Austin, vice president of academic affairs and dean of the College Photo by Dan Vaillancourt

P. Kevin Condron '67, chair of the Board of Trustees, presents Prior with a T-shirt that reads "Thank You! For making the arts a PRIOR-ity." Photo by Dan Vaillancourt

Rehm Library was overflowing with students, faculty and staff for the announcement. Photo by Dan Vaillancourt

The College Choir performs after the doors opened outside the Rehm Library. Photo by Dan Vaillancourt

Christopher Shepard directs the College Choir. Photo by Dan Vaillancourt

From left, Fr. Boroughs, Prior and Condron applaud the performance by the College Choir. Photo by Dan Vaillancourt

Prior thanks Crifo for her performance. Photo by Dan Vaillancourt