The Spire

Kate Santini ‘27

News Staff Writer

The Class of 2027 has officially arrived on the Hill! On August 26, first year students were greeted with robust and excited cheers from orientation leaders and alumni. Carly Costaregni ‘27 voiced her appreciation for the support she received on move-in day by saying that she “was not scared to ask for help” and noted that her peers seemed to have arrived with “open minds and a strong willingness to make new friends.”

That evening, the Mass of the Holy Spirit took place at St. Joseph Chapel. This service was not only intended to usher in the new class, but to provide students and their families with a sense of closure before parting ways. After the incoming students bid their farewells to their families, the orientation festivities began! The fall orientation was organized by upperclassmen leaders who guided small groups through their first three days on campus. During this time, they offered reassuring advice on how to best adjust to campus life. Like Costaregni, many members of the incoming class were appreciative of the advice and did not hesitate to ask questions.

On the night of Convocation, the freshmen class arrived at the St. Joseph Chapel where they were officially sworn into the College of the Holy Cross. Speeches were made by several members of the class and by key faculty members including President Vincent D. Rougeau. Immediately following the ceremony, they were ushered into the President’s Banquet by an energetic squad of alumni and students. The Holy Cross Choir introduced the Class of 2027 to some of the school’s iconic alumni. Mary Hatt ‘27 of the choir reflected on this experience by saying it was “enjoyable and immersive for all.” Similarly, Maren Baisley ‘27 remarked that “it was the first time we felt like a community.”

It should not go unsaid that the past admissions cycle saw, as stated in The Spire on March 24, “the largest and most diverse application pool in the college’s history.”  Holy Cross’ acceptance rate now stands at a record-breaking 21 percent. What does this say about the Class of 2027? Maggie Baughman ‘27 says that “the Class of 2027 possesses remarkable levels of intelligence and endurance.” Perhaps this endurance developed during their high school careers when they were faced with wearing masks, online classes, and other pandemic-induced obstacles.

The Class of 2027 is composed of students with a variety of talents, gifts, interests and ambitions. Cecelia Kvochak ‘27, for instance, is an avid (and might I add very talented) member of the women’s cross country team. While Kvochak acknowledges that arriving a week prior to move-in day for her sport was a great opportunity to get to know some of her peers early on, she also acknowledges that once everyone arrived on campus on August 26, “the environment became much more lively and energized.”

The Class of 2027 now has a few weeks of classes under their belt. As they further acclimate to campus, it will be interesting to see how their gifts and talents will contribute to the energy here on the Hill!

Featured image courtesy of Holy Cross Bookstore