Two Members of the Class of 2011 at Holy Cross Receive High Honors

WORCESTER, Mass. – Biology major Emily Atkinson ’11 of Florence, Mass., and economics/accounting and classics double major Matthew Mullaney ’11 of Livingston, N.J., are the co-recipients of the 2009 Mrs. Kate C. Power Medal, funded by an anonymous bequest in 1942 and given to the second-year student with the highest class rank. Atkinson and Mullaney, now in their third years, both earned a top-notch 4.0 GPA in their sophomore class of 723 students last year.

“I was so honored when I heard I had received the Power award!” Atkinson says. “I can’t take any credit for it, though—I have to give the glory to God. He’s given me all the ambition and dedication I possess.” Atkinson, who currently studying at the University of Leon in Spain, offers enthusiastic advice to future classes: “Study abroad! I promise you it’ll be the most memorable experience of your Holy Cross career.”

Mullaney, who can often be found studying in the student lounge of Stein Hall, commented that the award was a welcome acknowledgement for the time he devotes to his studies while planning his academics around a busy swimming schedule. Asked for his advice for incoming students who want to mirror his level of achievement, Mullaney offers: “Success will only come if you work hard, do what is asked of you and take your education seriously. It's a unique and privileged opportunity to come to Holy Cross, so taking advantage of that will pay off in the long run.”

Psychology professor and Dean for the Class of 2011, Mark Freeman, comments “Matt and Emily are both terrific students who embody many of the characteristics we prize here. Having entered the College as an economics/accounting major fiercely dedicated both to his studies and to varsity swimming, Matt decided last year to pursue a second major in classics and is therefore an outstanding example of the Holy Cross scholar-athlete.

“Emily is a biology major pursuing premedical studies along with significant course work in Spanish,” he continues. “And is also actively engaged in campus ministry as well as related activities beyond the confines of the College. That Matt and Emily are perched at the very top of their class is extraordinary in its own right. That their academic records only tell part of the story makes their accomplishments that much more remarkable.”