Holy Cross Releases ‘Aspire,’ Its Strategic Plan for the Next Decade

The College of the Holy Cross on Feb. 1 released its strategic plan, Aspire: Our Strategic Vision for a Hope-Filled Future, which prioritizes areas for work and growth over the next five to 10 years.

The plan’s six pillars aim to build on the College’s tradition of excellence and deeply held values to create a Holy Cross that best serves its students and, in turn, propels them in service of the world, for and with others:

• Offer a liberal arts education that is among the finest in the world and be recognized broadly for doing so.
• Provide and promote a transformational, residentially based student experience rooted in Jesuit, Catholic formation.
• Commit campuswide to an inclusive excellence framework in furtherance of our mission.
• Embrace and promote the world of opportunity in our backyard and be an active partner in the city of Worcester’s success, growth and revitalization.
• Attract, support and retain a best-in-class workforce that will develop and sustain best practices and policies that support the College’s overall excellence.
• Reimagine our approach to philanthropy and engagement to support Holy Cross’ sustained vibrancy and strength today and tomorrow.

The plan can be downloaded at Aspire’s website.

“Holy Cross, as the nation’s only undergraduate Jesuit liberal arts college, has a unique opportunity and responsibility to pursue our mission in service of a more just and humane world,” College President Vincent D. Rougeau said. “Aspire articulates a set of strategic priorities that will guide and inspire our work together in service of the College’s mission, which is more relevant and critical than ever. Wide-ranging input over the past three years from hundreds of students, faculty, staff and alumni, as well as admitted students and Worcester community members, helped to shape Aspire.”

The plan was approved by the Holy Cross board of trustees at its latest meeting. In the coming months, the College will develop detailed plans in several areas and invite members of the Holy Cross community to share their ideas and perspectives, Rougeau said.