Kaitlyn Richards ‘29
News Editor
The College of the Holy Cross will highlight the depth and diversity of its students’ achievements during its annual Academic Conference, taking place across campus from April 21 to 24, 2026. The multi-day event transforms the campus into a dynamic forum of innovative research, where students have the opportunity to showcase their work developed over the majority of the academic year. Designed for “students to bring their work to life and showcase a high level of independence, creativity, and intellectual discipline,” reflecting the College’s broader commitment to rigorous engaged learning. The event also integrally highlights the work of each of the faculty members, as the “role professors play as mentors and model teachers”, which makes the presentations possible.
The conference began on Tuesday, April 21, with the Fenwick Scholar presentations at 4 p.m. The scholars, Éowyn Bailey ‘26, Griffin Blood ‘26, and Sophie Sundram ‘26, will share their research from the prestigious Fenwick Scholar Program, which supports independent research projects, advised by faculty members across disciplines. At Holy Cross, “The Fenwick Scholar Program continues to provide the highest academic honors the College bestows,” and the three scholars of 2026 will complete their presentations within their respective fields.
The centerpiece of the conference took place on Wednesday April 22, 2026, when the majority of the events will take place, and classes are cancelled, providing students with the opportunity to support their peers academically. Poster sessions were held throughout the day in Hogan Ballroom, including those created by the Montserrat program, allowing first-year students to present their interdisciplinary research. Furthermore, academic departments held presentations and receptions, with events taking place in Hogan Campus Center, or the Prior Performing Arts Center (PAC), which will host performances to showcase student work. The full schedule of events, including each of the presenters, is available through the CrossWorks system.
“I really enjoyed getting the opportunity to work hands-on with my research leading up to the Academic Conference,” said a first-year Montserrat student. “With this being my first Academic Conference at Holy Cross, putting the data into a tangible means of presentation, through my poster, was a new experience for me, but I have really enjoyed all of the steps leading up to my poster presentation. My faculty advisor has been essential to helping me produce work that I am proud to display, and their guidance has made the experience both meaningful as well as engaging.”
Events continued following Wednesday’s session, with the Washington Semester Research Prize Lecture being held on Thursday, April 23, 2026, to recognize the outstanding student research of the program. The conference concludes on Friday, April 24, with the induction ceremony for the Pi Delta Phi French Honor Society, to celebrate student academic achievements in French language and literature.
Beyond formal presentations, the Academic Conference fosters a collaborative and supportive campus environment, encouraging students to attend sessions, thus engaging with peers across disciplines. Attendees had the opportunity to engage with the student researchers, ask questions, participate in discussions, and gain insight into a diverse range of academic interests. Ultimately, the Academic Conference remains a defining tradition of academic excellence at the College, offering students the opportunity to bring their research to life, through presentations, and performances, while engaging with the wider campus community.
Featured image courtesy of The College of the Holy Cross
Copy edited by Sophia Mariani ’26
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