On August 20, 2025, Holy Cross welcomed 872 first-year students from 39 states and 15 countries for Move-In Day. Despite the rain, spirits were high as students moved into their new homes and celebrated the Mass of the Holy Spirit, coming together as a community for the first time.
College President Vincent D. Rougeau addressed the class of 2029, emphasizing that the friendships and the memories they will make over the next four years will last a lifetime.
"I encourage you to embrace this new experience. Lean into the growth it can offer. You are not doing this alone. Look around. Some of the people you will meet in the next few days and months will be your friends for life," Rougeau said. "One of the great things about my job is seeing close friends who met here five, 25, or even 50 years ago return to campus. Connecting with a professor, walking the historic halls of Fenwick or dining in Kimball erases the passage of time. They’re flooded with a wave of memories from some of the best moments in their life. For you, making those memories begins today."
To parents, he noted that today's goodbyes were only temporary. "Saying goodbye allows our children to say hello to new opportunities," Rougeau said. "As you leave a part of your family with us, know that this loving Holy Cross community will be your child’s supporters, mentors and allies. As a community, we’ll work together to ensure the decision to come to Holy Cross was not just a good decision, but a great one."
