The steady stream of packed cars making their way up College Hill and snaking through Gate 7 on the morning of Aug. 29 signaled the start of another school year at Holy Cross.
The 741 members of the Class of 2019 were greeted by 200 student leaders, athletic teams and alumni. Clad in gray T-shirts, the volunteers helped move students into their new rooms. Sunny skies and temperatures in the high-70s served as the perfect backdrop for move-in day.
In addition to unpacking, students also took care of business needs, such as completing a first-year student survey and receiving their Holy Cross IDs. Receptions for new students and their families took place in the Hogan Campus Center Ballroom.
In the late afternoon, the hustle and bustle of move-in day turned into reflection during the traditional Mass of the Holy Spirit on the Hart Center Lawn. New students and their families were formally welcomed by Rev. Philip L. Boroughs, S.J., president of Holy Cross, and the new year was inaugurated at the Mass. Members of all faith traditions were in attendance at the Mass, which included the blessings of the new students by faculty and parents.
First-year students are currently participating in a program of welcoming events, known as Fall Gateways Orientation. The events are designed to ease transition to college life by introducing students to the wide variety of academic, spiritual, community-building, and social programs available at the College.
Classes for first-year and all returning students begin on Sept. 2.
Photography by Tom Rettig and Dan Vaillancourt
Video by Tom Rettig
Related Information
- View the Fall Gateways schedule of events on the orientations website
- Holy Cross to Welcome Class of 2019 on Aug. 29
- Photo Gallery: New Student Orientations Prepare the Class of 2019
