From academic distinction and student leadership to campus transformation, mission in action, and record generosity, these five themes capture a year of momentum at Holy Cross College.
Academic Distinction That Turns Heads Nationwide
2025 was a banner year for academic excellence at Holy Cross.
- The Computer Science Program surged in enrollment and quality, earning recognition from the nation’s leading honor society.
- The Elementary Education Program received top marks for teacher preparation.
- Students presented at major national psychology conferences, while faculty earned transformative support, including a $1 million faculty development gift and Fulbright Scholar recognition.
Students Leading With Purpose On Campus and Around the World
From first-generation trailblazers to student-athletes rewriting record books, Holy Cross students showed what it means to lead with heart.
Highlights included:
- Neftali Peñate’s inspiring journey as a first-gen commuter leader.
- Aurora Nuñez earning statewide honors for academic excellence.
- Breakthrough internships and experiential learning stories—from Disney’s Jungle Cruise to forensic pathology and leading sustainable city discussions.
- The historic victory by Men’s Tennis over the nation’s top team, playoff runs by soccer, and stories of resilience like “The Captain Who Refused to Quit.”
Campus Being Transformed—Brick by Brick, Light by Light
Holy Cross made bold physical and institutional investments in its future:
- Groundbreaking on the first new residence hall in a decade.
- Launch of an athletic complex expansion, complete with first-ever field lights—a milestone for campus life and community pride.
- Dedication of Legacy Hall, honoring the Brothers of Holy Cross and supported by a $1 million gift.These additions signal a campus stepping confidently into its next era—one that supports more students, more activity, and more connection.
The Mission in Action: Faith, Formation, and the Holy Cross Charism
Mission was not just spoken on campus. It was lived, via the speakers addressing the timely topics our of time and students who served the community and the globe. Faith was at the heart of it all.
- The College welcomed Br. Paul Bednarczyk, C.S.C., Superior General of the Congregation of Holy Cross, as Commencement speaker.
- Faculty, staff, and students engaged service and formation through Lenten reflections, research trips to Poland, and service at La Casa de Amistad.
- Campus ministry deepened its reach with global collaborations and spiritual renewal, including the future addition of an Adoration Chapel at a forthcoming student union, made possible by a $1 million gift.
A Community Rising Together with Record Philanthropy and National Attention
The Holy Cross community showed unprecedented strength and unity:
- A record-breaking $9.4 million in gifts fueled scholarships, mission programs, campus projects, and faculty support.
- Giving Tuesday shattered its all-time record.
- Holy Cross stories reached new audiences through regional and national media.
- The College welcomed distinguished leaders for the Leading the Holy Cross Way conversation series, reinforcing the College’s growing reputation for forming ethical and mission-informed leaders.
2025 proved that momentum isn’t abstract—it’s measurable, visible, and accelerating.