‘The Word on the Worcester’ Web Site

One of the most important factors when choosing a college is location. After all, students aren’t only selecting a school; they’re deciding on a place to live.

For that reason, the College of the Holy Cross has launched a new Web site titled "The Word on Worcester" dedicated to highlighting the endless offerings of the area, specifically those in Central Massachusetts.

"Worcester provides an exciting cultural and social setting for our students," says Frank Vellaccio, senior vice president at Holy Cross. "Worcester is ideally located in the center of Massachusetts, and in many ways is an ideal city for students. It is safe, easy to get involved in and provides an eclectic and diverse variety of shopping, eating and entertainment opportunities."

Much like the city of Worcester itself, the site is entertaining and interesting - but never boring. The short features are written in conversational tone and fun facts about the city are sprinkled throughout the visually appealing layout (e.g. "The first radio station in the U.S. to play the Beatles was Worcester’s own WORC.").

The site covers six categories: Worcester basics (where visitors will learn how to pronounce Worcester, among other things), Restaurants (a listing of more than 60), Entertainment (music, movies, theater), Attractions (museum, galleries and landmarks), Shopping (including the three shopping malls within minutes of the Holy Cross campus), and Internships (allowing students to get to know the city while gaining valuable experience).

Students who have previewed the site think it will become a quintessential guide to Worcester.

"The Web site is essential in spreading information to students, especially first year students, on what’s available to do in Worcester," says Ellen Carter ’05, of Wallingford, Conn. "You don’t have to stay on the Hill. It offers unique opportunities to become involved on numerous levels - whether by taking advantage of the Community-Based Learned initiatives or the wide variety of ethnic dining. Worcester has a lot to offer."

Make no mistake, though: this "user’s guide to the city" isn’t aimed only at prospective students. Current students and others interested in learning more about the diverse offerings of the Worcester area are sure to find it useful.

"I have lived in Worcester County my entire life and still am amazed by all it has to offer," says Dan Ricciardi ’06. "What is tricky about it is that you have to know where to look. This is where the Web site comes in."

"Even students from around Worcester will find this information helpful," says Jennifer Robert ’08, also a lifelong resident of Worcester. "We tend to go to the same places, limiting our knowledge of the city. However, with the help of this site, even Worcester natives will be able to learn about new restaurants and events in the city."

Perhaps the site’s biggest achievement is capturing one of the city’s biggest selling points: its diverse, non-homogenized offerings that help give the area its unique character.

"In what other small city can you find a world class art museum, a tremendous array of ethnic restaurants, one of North America’s largest collections of medieval armor and even a plumbing museum all within city limits?" asks Ricciardi. "It really is an ideal place for for students to explore."



# The Word on Worcester