‘Fueling the Success of Holy Cross’: The Impact of FY24

As a new semester begins on The Hill, we pause to reflect on and celebrate the successes and impact of the year prior. This past year, alumni, parents, faculty, staff and friends helped bring the College’s mission to life in a variety of ways, including through $50 million in new gifts and commitments, by attending reunions, games, matches, concerts, and performances, among other events, and by coming together to increase aggregate alumni giving for the first time in five years.

The impact these actions have on current and future generations of students is only possible thanks to the generosity and support of the Holy Cross community.

“Whether attending a regional club event, mentoring students or hosting internships, volunteering, or making a gift in support of our students, this community is inspiring," said Sean. "It is an honor to work together to help our students develop the highest standards of leadership and service.”

Milestones from the 2024 Fiscal Year

18,179 donors made $50,514,954 in new gifts and commitments, including generous estate gifts and nearly $15 million in annual gifts to the Holy Cross Fund and the Crusader Athletics Fund.

For the first time in five years, alumni participation increased, bucking national declines in philanthropic giving from individuals.

Gifts of $100 or less collectively added up to $1.3 million, showing a continued strong foundation of philanthropy and the potential for every gift to make an impact.

In February, our 9th annual giving day showcased the Power of Purple. More than 8,000 students, alumni, parents, faculty, staff and friends came together to raise nearly $3.5 million for Holy Cross. Thanks to the passion of our alumni, parents, friends and volunteers, Holy Cross had the highest percentage of total donors compared to its size of alumni base for any school’s giving day in the country.

Leading into an amazing celebration of the Prior Center for the Performing Arts in May, three generous gifts were made to enhance the arts: 

• Nancy Savage Skinner ’79 Fund for Experiential and Integrative Learning in the Creative, Performing and Liberal Arts
• Nancy Savage Skinner ’79 Director of the Prior Performing Arts Center
• Heidi Brake Smith ’82 Fund for the Arts

The Holy Cross community came together during a number of momentous events, including:

• 300 regional and virtual events
• 50th Anniversary of Coeducation
• 100th anniversary of the St. Joseph Memorial Chapel
• The Aspire roadshow, where 1,000 attendees across 17 locations heard from President Vincent D. Rougeau about the College’s new strategic plan
• Our re-imagined Reunion weekend, One Hill of a Party
   

Explore the year in photos below.