Shaye Callanan ‘26
News Editor
Senior Convocation took place last Monday, Jan. 19 at 5 p.m. in the St. Joseph Memorial Chapel. Convocation is a Holy Cross tradition which allows seniors to reflect on their time at Holy Cross before the new semester begins. Seniors flooded the chapel on the final night before their last semester to hear from fellow students, remarks from President Rougeau and Dean Paco, and to take time to intentionally begin our final months on the hill. The ceremony began with a welcome from SGA co-presidents Jackie Bazazi and Ben Franzone, who set the tone of reflection for the event and welcomed the senior class. Next, five students, including AnneLindle Weigman, AJ Mann, Patrick Whitehouse, Eremi Racine, and Maura Martin shared brief reflections on each of our semesters at Holy Cross, beginning with freshman year. This was an emotional section as it acknowledged the passage of time in small memories that we all share as a class including being dropped off for the first time on Easy Street, going abroad, attending the spring concert, or cramming for exams in Dinand. The senior address was well delivered by Zaven Zeitountzian. His speech urged us as seniors to not take the rest of our time for granted, and encouraged us to have genuine conversations with people we may not have otherwise. He emphasized how our specific time in Worcester and the people we are surrounded with are not infinite so we need to be present, connected, and intentional with the time we have left together. A beautiful musical performance was done by Robert Gardner and Julianna Stratton to invite reflection. President Rougeau then gave his remarks, reminding students that as we look to our future beyond our time at Holy Cross, uncertainty is inevitable. President Rougeau urged everyone to remember that true happiness comes from fulfillment and joy, not from money or success after graduation. Nathan Murray and Emily Seiler delivered another nice musical performance. Dean Paco offered an additional touching speech on how he has seen our class evolve in three and a half years and once again urged us to take full advantage of the opportunities we have while still on campus. The Class Chaplain, Marty Kelley, delivered a final blessing and members of the College Choir sang the Alma Mater, allowing “O, Holy Cross!” to ring through the chapel. Convocation gave seniors a chance to set intentions for the final months, hear from faculty leaders and fellow students, and gather as a class before their time at Holy Cross comes to an end.
Featured image courtesy of College of the Holy Cross
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