Molly Landis ’27
News Editor
On Wednesday, August 21, the Holy Cross community welcomed the Class of 2028 to the Hill! Orientation Leaders (OLs), SPUD Interns, Site Leaders, Varsity Teams, Campus Activity Board (CAB) members, Relationship Peer Educators, and more, worked together to move students in. When the Class of 2028 pulled up to their respective dorms, they were greeted by students ready to bring all of their belongings up to their new room! Dan Silva ‘25, a Co-Chair of the CAB Music Committee, said “It [was] grueling doing all the steps but worth all the effort to give back to the community.” Students were ready and willing to show up and help to enthusiastically welcome the Class of 2028 to campus!
In the first few days, the Class of 2028 went through a busy orientation learning about campus life, services to support them, organizations on campus, stories about Holy Cross experiences, and more. In the evenings, students had the opportunity to attend nightly events put on by the Office of Student Involvement, Orientation Leaders, and CAB members. Activities such as Welcome to Worcester (with Bingo and Worcester themed activities), music bingo, light- up mini golf, HC Glow, Hogan Takeover (taking form as Casino Night and a gameshow), and Last Night Before Classes were all events that provided first years with a chance to interact and bond with their fellow classmates. In a more relaxed environment, they were able to have fun while also still making an effort to meet new people and adjust to campus life. Ava Marenna ‘26, a CAB Publicity Co-Chair, stated that “It was so special helping run CAB events and being able to play a role in the first years’ first week on campus.” CAB members helped to run HC Glow, Hogan Takeover, and the Last Night Before Classes, taking advantage of the opportunity to interact with, and as Marenna said, “being able to play a role in the first years’ first week on campus.”
The Orientation Leaders, who came back to campus in mid-August for training, worked hard to provide the first years with a memorable, informational, and enjoyable first few days on campus. OL Dominika Chmielewski ‘27, said, “Seeing the smiles of new students and parents as we cheered for them upon their arrival reminded me of the feeling I felt when I was in their shoes. A sense of nervousness, but also so much joy! As an Orientation Leader this year, I have gotten the chance to meet and work with students who are so passionate about the college, and the sense of community and belonging it brings to everyone who joins it. It is my hope that our optimistic energy as OL’s assured the students that they have arrived at the right place with the right people!” A common sentiment shared by OLs, they enjoyed having the opportunity to lead the Class of 2028 through their first few days, ensuring that they felt welcomed and comforted by the community here on the Hill.
Now that the Class of 2028 has attended Convocation, the President’s Banquet, and begun their first few weeks as members of the Holy Cross community, they have begun to adjust to campus life. Aurora Voas ‘28 reflected upon her first few weeks saying, “They have been such an electric experience. Everyone has been so welcoming and helpful. The community has made the transition so much easier and have made me proud to be a Crusader.”
Featured Image Courtesy of Holy Cross Athletics
Copy Edited by Lauren Backstrom
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