Five Holy Cross Employees Honored for Outstanding Service

Five employees of the College of the Holy Cross have received 2013 Claire B. Burns Awards. The awards program, now in its 16th 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 Wednesday, March 12.  They are:

Linda Bassan, a resident of Southbridge, has worked in physical plant for 20 years.

LuAnn Hennessy, a resident of Cherry Valley, has worked in the football office for 17 years.

Dhimiter Marka, a resident of Worcester, has worked in physical plant for 17 years.

Keith Rockwood, a resident of Webster, has worked in the Office of Public Safety for 11 years.

Heather Stewart, a resident of Auburn, has worked in the Bursar’s Office for 15 years.

As part of the Claire B. Burns Awards Program, Angelo Berti, an employee in dining services, received The Rev. William J. O’Halloran, S.J., Award. A resident of Sturbridge, Berti has worked at the College for twenty 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.

On April 10, employees who have worked at Holy Cross for 25, 30, 35, 40 and 45 years will be honored at the College’s 25+ Years Awards Ceremony.