Holy Cross Black Student Union to Celebrate 40th Anniversary

The Black Student Union (BSU) at the College of the Holy Cross will kick off a year long commemoration of its rich 40-year history with an anniversary celebration titled Honoring Our Past, Cherishing Our Present, Preparing for the Future, from Fri., April 11 – Sun., April 13 on the College campus.  The weekend events are free and open to all members of the Holy Cross community.

The anniversary celebration will provide a forum for reflection on the heritage of the BSU and the number of people who have played a role in shaping it.  Special honorees include Rev. John E. Brooks, S.J., president emeritus; Ogretta McNeil, former professor of psychology and class dean; and Joseph J. Reilly Jr. '55, former chair of the Bishop Healy Committee.

Fr. Brooks, who was instrumental in helping encourage African American students to consider Holy Cross in the turbulent late 1960s, will be honored during the opening reception from 6 - 7 p.m. on Fri., April 11.  (Note: Fr. Brooks is scheduled to travel out of the country following the reception, and will not be able to attend other anniversary events.)

McNeil and Reilly will be honored at a dinner in the Hogan Campus Center Ballroom on Sat., April 12 at which attorney and Holy Cross Trustee Theodore V. Wells Jr. ’72, will give the keynote address.

Other events include alumni and student panel discussions, a reenactment of the “Great Debate,” campus tours, networking opportunities and optional family excursions off campus to the Natick Collection and Faneuil Hall.  A complete schedule and additional details about the weekend are available on the BSU 40th Anniversary Celebration Website Hotel Accommodations

Special rates at the following area hotels have been arranged.  Please mention the Holy Cross BSU anniversary when you make your reservations.

Beechwood Hotel 363 Plantation Street Worcester MA 01605 508-754-5789 1-800-344-2589

Courtyard by Marriott 72 Grove Street Worcester MA 01605 1-888-887-7948

Fairfield Inn and Suites 718A Southbridge Street Auburn MA 01508 1-508-832-9500

About the BSU

Founded in 1968, following the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., the BSU is committed to educating the Holy Cross community about the importance of heritage, the affirmation of identity and the legacy of achievement.  Emphasizing the academic, cultural, social, and political development of its members, BSU aims to provide a support system for African American students and all members of the Holy Cross community by creating an environment that promotes leadership, embraces identity and encourages diversity.

For additional information contact Rose Marie Caranci in the Office of Student Affairs at rcaranci@holycross.edu or 508-793-2414.

Pictured above: Arthur Martin '70, first BSU president.