2019 at Holy Cross: A Year in Stories

With 2019 wrapping up in just a few short days, we took a look back at major Holy Cross stories and accomplishments throughout the year.

Here are some of the most notable:

January

Diversity of Faiths Represented, Celebrated at Multifaith Community Prayer

Hundreds of students, faculty and staff gathered to embrace the many faith traditions on campus. Read more.

Holy Cross Celebrates Difference Makers, Breaks Records in Fundraising Challenge

The largest number of donors in College history — 6,342 — raised $2.6 million in 1.75 days. Read more.

Money Magazine Ranks Holy Cross No. 3 Best Liberal Arts College for Your Money

The College was also ranked No. 42 best value overall in the nation. Read more.

February

Ten Faculty Members Receive Tenure in 2019

The newest associate professors represent 10 different departments across campus, from anthropology to visual arts. Read more.

Photos: Rodin Exhibit Highlights Work of Renowned Artist, Importance of Art at Holy Cross

Timed to the 35th anniversary of the Iris and B. Gerald Cantor Art Gallery, the exhibit featured 30-plus bronze sculptures from the famed sculptor. Read more.

March

Photos: Holy Cross Makes Way for Joanne Chouinard-Luth Recreation and Wellness Center

The new state-of-the-art recreation facility is scheduled to open in the Fall of 2020. Read more.

Student Organizers Challenge Campus to Critically Explore Issues of Diversity During Unity Week

As the Unity Week keynote speaker, civil rights activist DeRay McKesson led discussions about getting involved and staying active. Read more.

Video: Holy Cross Students Find Success After Graduation

Data and anecdotes from recent alumni showcase the breadth of opportunities available to graduates. Read more.

April

7 Holy Cross Students Making a Difference in Their Communities

The students worked to create positive change across the globe — from Worcester to Honduras and beyond. Read more.

Video: Academic Conference Celebrates Students’ Wide-Reaching Research, Creativity

Over four days, 415 students from all class years showcased their work in a variety of disciplines through poster presentations, lectures and performances. Read more.

May

Marcus Blossom Named Athletics Director at Holy Cross

The former senior associate athletics director for business and finance at Boston College assumed his new role on July 1. Read more.

Eight Holy Cross Students, Recent Alumni Receive Distinguished Scholarships

The highly-competitive Fulbright and Knight-Hennessy scholarships showcase the talent of Holy Cross students. Read more.

Bubble Tea and Constructing Asian American Identity: A Conversation with Fenwick Scholar Mia Yee ’19

Yee spent the year conducting research on Asian American food spaces. Read more.

Holy Cross Graduates 698 Members of the Class of 2019

Commencement speaker Jane McAuliffe, a world-renowned scholar of Islam, urged graduates to speak up even when it’s uncomfortable. Read more.

June

Students Travel to Puerto Rico to Study the Effects of Hurricane Maria

The students spent a week working with local grassroots organizations and linking their microbiology and history coursework to firsthand experiences. Read more.

Holy Cross Professors Celebrated for Outstanding Scholarship and Student Advising

Juan Ramos and Andrew Hwang received Marfuggi Awards, and Susan Elizabeth Sweeney was honored with the Distinguished Faculty Scholar Award. Read more.

July

Kiplinger Ranks Holy Cross 22nd Best Value College in the Nation for 2019

The ranking highlights public and private colleges that combine outstanding education with economic value. Read more.

Holy Cross Community Gives Total of $39 Million During College’s 175th Anniversary Year

Thousands came together to support the mission and future of Holy Cross. Read more.

August

Videos: Holy Cross Students Tap Intellectual Curiosity Through Wide-Ranging Summer Research Projects

Over 100 projects ranged from splicing proteins in a chemistry lab to developing the perfect strategy to win the game of Risk. Read more.

Photos, Video: Over 200 Holy Cross Students Gain Real-World Experience Through Summer Internships

Whether advancing brain cancer research in the lab or opening up a shelter for the homeless, Holy Cross students are preparing for their futures. Read more.

Legendary Basketball Player Bob Cousy ’50 Receives Presidential Medal of Freedom

The former Holy Cross and Boston Celtics point guard scored the nation’s highest civilian honor. Read more.

Washington Monthly Ranks Holy Cross Among Top Affordable Elite College in the Country

The College was lauded for helping graduates get well-paying jobs and pay their loans back. Read more.

September

Photos, Video: Class of 2023 Welcomed to Holy Cross Community

830 students from 36 states and seven countries arrived on campus at the beginning of the month. Read more.

Eight Holy Cross Faculty Members Promoted to Rank of Professor

The newly promoted faculty members answered questions about their scholarship and more. Read more.

October

The Arts in Practice: Grammy-Award Winning Silkroad Ensemble Joins Holy Cross Students to Teach in Worcester High School

The student and Silkroad-led workshops engaged Burncoat High School’s fine arts magnet students in cross-disciplinary thinking and practice. Read more.

Holy Cross Welcomes Seven Tenure-Track Faculty Members for the 2019-20 Academic Year

The College’s newest faculty members joined seven different departments. Read more.

Living the Mission: Five Alumni Recognized for Service, Justice and Impact

The high-achieving alumni received Sanctae Crucis Awards for a range of accomplishments — from educating marginalized children to leading research on breast cancer. Read more.

Holy Cross Recognized as One of the Most Environmentally Responsible Colleges in the Country

The College’s goal to be carbon neutral by 2040 was one of the factors taken into consideration for the ranking. Read more.

November

Photos: Renowned Holy Cross Composer Holds World Premiere of “Falling Out of Time” on Campus

Grammy Award winners Osvaldo Golijov and Silkroad Ensemble teamed up to showcase the long-anticipated song cycle. Read more.

Holy Cross Football Wins 2019 Patriot League Championship

The team beat out Georgetown to clinch the title for the first time since 2009 and the seventh time in program history. Read more.

Students Learn From, Network With Alumnae at Women in Business Conference

The annual event featured keynote speaker artist Maggie O’Neill ’99, panel discussions with alumnae in varying fields and networking sessions. Read more.

PayScale Ranks Holy Cross in Top 7% Liberal Arts Colleges for Salary Potential

The ranking is based on the salaries of both recent graduates and those with more than 10 years of experience. Read more.

December

Cantor Art Gallery Exhibit Featured in New York Times ‘Best Art of 2019’ List

The ‘Dharma and Punya: Buddhist Ritual Art of Nepal’ exhibit was dubbed ‘a gem’ by longtime arts critic Holland Cotter. Read more.

Video: A Very Holy Cross Christmas

Students, faculty and staff take time to reflect on the spirit of the Christmas season. Read more.