Photo Blog

Twenty teams of two gathered outside of the Hogan Campus Center to begin the third annual Holy Cross Amazing Race, sponsored by the Student Government Association and the Office of Recreation, Intramurals, and Club Sports. Teams competed for clues in both physical and mental challenges including completing puzzles, a field goal and more to advance through the on-campus course.

In a second attempt for one of the three cash prizes, student blogger Andrew Cook ’15, right, and cousin Ben Nicholson ’17 represented Team To In-Fitton-y and Beyond, a reference to the Fitton Football Stadium at Holy Cross. Alas, first place was taken by Will Bowers ’15 and Gavin Millay ’15, followed by Joseph Metzger ’17 and Joseph DeVivo ’17 in second place and third to Justin Marino ‘16 and Jeff Daniels ’16.

Ann McDermott ’79, director of admissions at Holy Cross, poses with an accepted student and his family during the Bob Cousy Award reception in Los Angeles. In celebration of Crusaders past, present and future, admitted students, alumni and guests attended a special reception in downtown Los Angeles. Together, they connected with classmates and friends, learned about what is new and exciting on campus and shared their Holy Cross experiences.

Guests also gathered to watch the presentation of the Bob Cousy Award sponsored by Holy Cross during the first-ever College Basketball Awards Show on ESPN2. The award, named for Holy Cross and Boston Celtics great Bob Cousy ’50, is awarded to college basketball’s top point guard, along with additional awards presented by some of basketball’s all-time great players.

Courtesy Aurelia D’Amore Photography

Scores of students anxiously await the announcement of the Spring Concert performer in the Hogan Campus Center. Sponsored by the Campus Activities Board, Spring Concert closes the annual Spring Weekend festival for students featuring a pig roast, carnival and fireworks.

After much anticipation, CAB unveiled award-winning artist Jessie J with DJ Pup Dawg for the May 4th show.

Photography by Tom Rettig

Karla Burns ’16 attended the dedication and opening of the Edward M. Kennedy Institute  in Boston. Burns was nominated to represent Holy Cross and her home state of Vermont by Jacqueline Peterson, vice president for student affairs and dean of students, and Rev. Philip L. Boroughs, S.J., president of the College. During the dedication, President Obama and other top officials paid tribute to the late Edward M. Kennedy.

In a surprise appearance, after the main ceremony, President Obama joined guests including Burns. “When he walked through the doors we were all shocked and humbled that he prioritized the time to speak with us.” Additionally, Burns was able to spend time with numerous government officials.

Burns with Congressman Joseph P. Kennedy III.

Burns with Congressman James McGovern.

Burns with Boston Mayor Martin “Marty” Walsh.

Burns even took a selfie with U.S. Senator Ed Markey.

Burns with U.S. Senator John McCain . Reflecting on the day, Burns said, “It was an honor and a privilege to represent the Holy Cross community and the state of Vermont at the dedication ceremony of the Edward M. Kennedy Institute for the U.S. Senate. It was inspiring to be surrounded by politicians and student leaders from all over the country who share the common goal of serving our community. President Obama and Vice President Biden along with the other politicians present, opened my eyes to the responsibilities, we the student leaders, have to our country. We are the most educated and involved generation in history and thus, we have a real opportunity to make a difference. After graduating from Holy Cross, I truly aspire to live the mission of being a woman for and with others.”

Photos provided by Karla Burns ’16

On Saturday, Feb. 7 students from the College of the Holy Cross competed in the second Annual Inter-University Iron Chef Competition hosted by last year’s champions UMass Amherst. Gabriella Fletcher ’17, Mae Hougo ’18, Lance Madden ’18 and Matthew Whalen ’18 competed against teams from UMass Amherst, Yale University, McGill University (Canada), the University of New Hampshire and the University of Ottowa (Canada).

The day kicked off with the Brownie Competition. Hougo, coached by Kathy Egan, dietitian at Holy Cross, entered a gluten-free chocolate brownie recipe topped with espresso whipped cream into the contest. This portion of the competition required students to prepare 120 additional portions of their recipe for the “People’s Choice” award which was voted on by the audience.

For the main event, teams were required to prepare two courses from a basket of ingredients. A  mystery ingredient was revealed the day of competition and it was local maple syrup. With the guidance of coach Marty Dudek, associate director of dining at Holy Cross, the team prepared an entirely gluten-free menu that featured two entrees.

The entrees included: sesame encrusted sautéed flounder marinated in coconut milk and fresh lime juice with gluten-free soy sauce served over wilted arugula and topped with shitake mushrooms; herb roasted chicken breast with maple-apple-cranberry chutney atop sweet and local potato twist, sauteed spinach and finished with a Parmesan crisp.

Yale University won the grand prize and McGill University won the both first place and the “People’s Choice” award.

Approximately 150 members of the Holy Cross community danced the night away in the Hogan Campus Center Ballroom at the annual dance marathon  hosted by Holy Cross Dance Marathon. Together, students, staff and alumni raised $30,755.60 for the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation.

Photos by Kevin Madrigal ’15

Community members of all faiths and beliefs gathered in Mary Chapel for the fourth annual Multifath Community Prayer. The prayer, led by Rev. Philip L. Boroughs, S.J., president of Holy Cross, and local faith leaders, featured readings and musical performances.

Photo by Tom Rettig.

On the eve of her final semester, Roobvia Bernadin ’15, a premed music major from Boston, performs before classmates at Senior Convocation in St. Joseph Memorial Chapel. The tradition offers seniors an opportunity to reflect on their journey thus far and to consider how best to use their remaining time at the College to shape the life they want to lead beyond the Hill.

Photography by Caroline Cormier ’16

Students participate in the Entrepreneurship Deep Dive that is part of the new Ciocca Office of Entrepreneurial Professional Studies Program as an alumni-led workshop to motivate students to clarify their ideas and to make them more viable. Thirteen students and seven companies participated and engaged with each other to: formulate new ideas; create a business plan; establish an elevator pitch; and identify their MVP (Minimum Viable Product). This workshop was preparation for the annual spring Shark Tank event which will be held on March 26. The entire student body can compete in the event or watch in the audience. Contestants have the opportunity to win up to $10,000.

Photos by Amanda Gonzalez ’11

Margot LaFortune Flionis ’89 of Framingham Public Schools attends the Alumni Dinner during the Non-Profit Careers Conference.

The annual Nonprofit Careers Conference hosted by the Donelan Office of Community-Based Learning and the Career Planning Center is for students considering careers in nonprofit and community based organizations, activism, public service, and social change. The program is taught by Holy Cross alumni, faculty and staff working within a nonprofit or public service setting.