Notre Dame, IN, (February 25, 2019,)—Holy Cross College senior Thomas Brophy ‘19, a history major and theology minor has won first place in the 2018 Delta Epsilon Sigma writing competition.
Brophy’s winning essay, “Lessons Unlearned: The Impact of the American Civil War on the Franco-Prussian War” will be published in the forthcoming bi-annual Delta Epsilon Sigma Journal. Delta Epsilon Sigma is a national scholastic honor society for students, faculty, and alumni of colleges and universities with a Catholic tradition. Holy Cross College is one of 119 colleges and universities that belong to DES.
Originally from Falls Church, Virginia, Brophy had been studying computer science at George Mason University in Fairfax before transferring to Holy Cross. During a summer service project in Shreveport, Louisiana, Brophy had learned about the college from a friend.
Brophy embraced the liberal arts curriculum at Holy Cross and made his focus history and politics. Stemming from a childhood appreciation for old history books, Brophy pursued the major in addition to a theology minor. “History is about storytelling and the art of communicating experience and events such that the person listening can learn from them and make better decisions in the future,” said Brophy. “It is the historian’s job to have a deep understanding of the truth beyond just the facts of an event.”
When it comes to the quality of his education and the mentorship of the program, Brophy could not be more satisfied. “My experience here has been fantastic,” the graduating senior said. “Holy Cross cultivates a deep bond with its students in a way other schools do not, in a manner that makes it clear they value my presence as an individual.”
Brophy’s award marks the second time in two years that the department’s chair, Professor Ángel Cortés, Ph.D., has had a student place first in Scholarly Research. Last year’s winner was Colin Crawford, ’18.
“Mr. Brophy is a talented student whose thoughtful contributions to class discussions often deepen the understanding of peers and even myself. I have been fortunate to work with Mr. Brophy and believe he will succeed in whatever endeavor he pursues,” Cortés said.
Brophy was recognized for his publication and award at the honors convocation on February 15th by Rev. David T. Tyson, C.S.C., President of the College, and David Lutz, Ph.D., Dean of Faculty. He was also presented with a check for $500 from Delta Epsilon Sigma.