Lizzie Swanson ‘28
News Editor
This past Wednesday, March 19th, Dr. Anthony Fauci and his wife, Christine Grady finished their series of panels and discussions here at Holy Cross. Titled “An Evening of Conversation,” this night was nothing short of just that – an open conversation with Dr. Fauci, Dr. Grady, President of the College, Vincent Rougeau and his wife, Dr. Robin Kornegay- Rougeau. Held in the St. Joseph Memorial Chapel, the event was moderated by Mahri Leonard-Fleckman, an Associate Professor in the Department of Religious Studies and Department of Classics at Holy Cross. Dr. Fauci, a graduate of the class of 1962, is currently a Professor at Georgetown University School of Medicine and the McCourt School of Public Policy. He is the former director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases at the National Institutes, where he held the position for 38 years. He was also the key advisor to seven US presidents on global HIV/AIDS issues and on preparedness against emerging infectious disease threats. Most recently, he was the Chief Medical Advisor to former President Joe Biden and was one of the lead members of the White House COVID-19 Response Team.
Fauci’s name has lately been in the news because of former President Joe Biden’s unconditional pardon for any offense he may have committed after January 1, 2014. However, in a statement issued on January 20, 2025, Fauci stated “Let me be perfectly clear: I have committed no crime and there are no possible rounds for any allegation of threat of criminal investigation or prosecution of me.” This pardon came as one of Biden’s last acts as President, as he stated “The issuance of these pardons should not be mistaken as an acknowledgement that any individual engaged in any wrongdoing, nor should acceptance be misconstrued as an admission of guilt for any offense.” Dr. Fauci briefly addressed this pardon in the panel as well as the heightened political tensions in the US today.
The night began promptly at 7:30, with students, families, alum, and faculty sitting in pews, eager to listen to the night’s important discussion. A reactive crowd, the audience provided the panel participants with a standing ovation both at the beginning and end of the night.
Professor Leonard-Fleckman began by asking the panelists why they chose to pursue their own respective careers. Dr. Fauci recounted how his father owned a pharmacy in the 1940s which he described as a “hub of service.” He went on to describe how the humanities in which he studied at Holy Cross fostered an important care for people and humanity. “I had an affinity for wanting to be with people. I consider myself a people person.” Dr. Grady expressed a similar remark, stating that it was because of the kind doctors she had in her childhood which inspired her to become a Pediatric Attending Physician. President Rougeau described his “anything but linear” academic and professional path. However, it was his mother and father who instilled in him that when he went out into the world, he had a responsibility to service.
This year will be Dr. Fauci’s and Dr. Grady’s fortieth year of marriage. Describing their relationship, Dr. Grady stated “We’ve had an interesting marriage, we’ve had career paths that ran in parallel to each other. We’ve had quite a ride.” Dr. Fauci went on to address how the media and public opinion have affected their personal lives. “I could not have possibly gone through what I went through and am still going through [describing conspiracy theories and being ‘viciously attacked’] these past five years without her.” When asked how the couples find purpose together, Dr. Fauci said it was the little things that truly mattered. The pair has run several marathons together, and the training for the races is just one of the ways the two have been able to grow as a couple.
Dr. Fauci reflected on his enthusiasm for coming back to Holy Cross. He especially enjoyed meeting students who were “him” 60 years ago, saying “I’ve hoped to inspire some young people to get involved with medicine or science.” He reflected on the Jesuit values instilled in him during his time at Holy Cross saying that they were integral in his career and helped foster an important sense of care for others. When asked about the legacy he hopes to leave behind, he stated that he was proud of his 60 year career, but his legacy will be determined by the evaluation of others. “Right from the very first time I entered my professional career as a scientist, I gave it everything I had. You can judge the results, and they will after I’m gone, but I left it all out on the court.” Dr. Grady responded similarly, hoping that the people she has interacted with feel good about her involvement with their care. President Rougeau hoped that through his career, he’s been able to make a difference which shows integrity, commitment, and understanding. Dr. Kornegay-Rougeau wished for her legacy to demonstrate that service to others is service to God.As the night came to an end, the panelists were asked to give current students one last piece of advice. Dr. Grady offered a series of suggestions ranging from tidbits like “never give up” to “seeking help is a sign of strength.” Dr. Kornegay-Rougeau additionally advised students to spend time with themselves and be present without their phones. President Rougeau reflected on his own career path and reminded the audience that the pathway through life is not a straight line. He also touched on the importance of academia, saying “What you’re getting now in your education will stay with you the rest of your life. It can never be taken from you.” Lastly, Dr. Fauci advised students to pursue what they are passionate about. “Don’t stress so much. Relax.” This event concluded the Fauci-Grady Presentations, “Called to Heal, Called to Serve.”
Works Cited:
Southwick, Ron. “Why President Biden Pardoned Anthony Fauci.” OncLive, 21 Jan. 2025, http://www.chiefhealthcareexecutive.com/view/why-president-biden-pardoned-anthony-fauci.
Featured image courtesy of CSIS
Copy Edited by Annamaria DeCamp ’27
Web Edited by Zexuan Qu ’28
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