A group of Holy Cross College students and faculty has set out on a weeklong journey through Poland, combining research, service, and cultural experiences. The delegation, which includes 14 students from across the tri-campus community, along with Dr. Cosette Fox, Dr. Elaine Mokrzan, Dr. George Mokrzan, and Peggy Clark, departed from O’Hare International Airport Oct. 17 eager to engage with local communities and academic partners.
During their visit, the group is traveling to Krakow and several other cities, including a reflective visit to Auschwitz. Faculty and students are collaborating with John Paul II Catholic University of Lublin and a regional teacher training center, where Dr. Fox is giving talks based on her research on interventions to improve youth mental health. Students are also conducting research alongside their Polish peers and participating in seminar-style presentations with departments of economics and biology.
The trip also includes a strong service component. The delegation is meeting Ukrainian refugees through Caritas and Youth With A Mission, listening to their stories, and contributing to ongoing relief efforts. Students are supporting Caritas’ programs for disabled adults and individuals experiencing homelessness through a woodworking workshop, adding a hands-on dimension to their learning and service.
Campus fundraisers helped support the trip, raising a total of $2,084. Half of that amount is being donated to Caritas to assist with its humanitarian work in Poland, while the remainder is helping to cover travel expenses for the students.
Throughout the journey, students will share reflections and updates via a travel blog, providing a window into their experiences, discoveries, and the connections they are making across cultures.
Follow their journey:
Instagram: @poland2025hccndsmc
Facebook: Poland 2025 Trip Updates