Thank You, Holy Cross

Not a few tears were shed during the Senior Reflection Luncheon in the Hogan Ballroom yesterday, as fellow members of the Class of 2008 shared their experiences on Mount St. James through essays and a musical performance.

Steven Hickey, Michael McGlin, Christine Strawson, and Molly Whitman articulated the many rich opportunities that Holy Cross afforded them: the rigorous education, engagement with issues of faith and morality, international experiences, and off-campus community-service and experiential work, among others.

Pianist Minh Dinh and vocalist and guitarist Jason Tartaglione delivered an acoustic version of Aerosmith’s “Dream On.”

Kim McElaney, director of the Chaplains’ Office, gave the blessing, and Jacqueline Peterson, vice president for Student Affairs and dean of students, offered the introduction and closing remarks. Guests included Timothy Austin, vice president for academic affairs and dean of the College, and Vicki Swigert, dean of the class of 2008, among others.

• Read Steven Hickey’s essay [PDF], in which he addresses his passion for politics and his time interning with Senator Barack Obama.

• Read Michael McGlin’s essay [PDF], in which he talks about his life changing experience in Casablanca, Morocco.

• Read Christine Strawson’ essay [PDF], in which she describes her experiences working at a local public school, and why she is planning to devote her life teaching high school students.

• Read Molly Whitman’s essay [PDF], in which she talks about her time as an unlikely Holy Cross student — a female player of rugby, an English major who studied abroad in France, and a Jew at a Catholic college — and what her time at the College has taught her about human differences. Related Information:

• Commencement 2008