Category: Features
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Interview with Public Safety: Shawn De Jong, Chief of Police
Viveca Stucke ‘26 Chief Features Editor Throughout their four years at Holy Cross, there is one that students undoubtedly interact with: Public Safety. Whether through getting new key cards, obtaining a parking pass, the displeasure of a parking ticket, or through an emergency, students are sure to have some level…
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Reflecting on the Spire’s Fall Semester
Ashwin Prabaharan ’26 Co-Editor-in-Chief It has been an honor to lead the Spire and its fantastic staff for the last several months along with my better half, co-Editor-in-Chief Will McHale. I’ve grown not only as a leader, but I believe as a writer and a colleague to all with whom…
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Letter from the Editor: End of Semester Reflection
Will McHale ‘26 Editor-in-Chief With our final Spire issue of the Fall ‘25 semester, I wanted to offer some reflections on the great work that our members have done throughout the semester and express how much I am looking forward to another great set of Spire issues in the spring.…
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Introducing the Beaven Bulwark: Holy Cross’ New Social Justice Publication
Ian Sykes ‘28 Opinions Editor Hello my dear Spire readers! It is I, your favorite liberal agitator Ian Sykes, and I would like to present to our campus community a new publication named the Beaven Bulwark. Named after its namesake building, Beaven Hall, home of the sociology and anthropology departments…
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Crusader of the Week: Vedanth Natarajan ‘27
Emily Carbone ‘28 Features Editor Name: Vedanth Natarajan Class Year: 2027 Hometown: Farmington, CT Major: Chemistry Campus Activities: HC Pre-Dental Society (Co-Chair), HC Orchestra (Violist), Farrell Research Lab Favorite Movie: The Prestige Favorite Song: Let it Happen – Tame Impala Favorite color: Cobalt blue Favorite sports team: Ferrari (Formula 1)…
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Cross My Heart Week 4
Holy Cross Cupid Question: Over Thanksgiving Break, I naturally reconnected with an old fling from my high school and we ended up hooking up. I’m starting to like him a lot, but there are some red flags and I’m not sure what he’s looking for. I feel like it’s a…
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Interview with Rachelle Beaudoin: New AI Art Course
Viveca Stucke ‘26 Chief Features Editor 1. What is the description of your AI Art course? In this studio-based course, we will take a hands-on approach exploring how AI is reshaping art and image making. Working with traditional media alongside AI tools, we will create work that centers human creativity,…
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Office of Advancement Interview with Ben Lepper ‘25
Viveca Stucke ‘26 Chief Features Editor 1. What is the primary purpose of the Office of Advancement? The Office of Advancement is dedicated to inspiring and deepening the continued engagement with the College. Our goal is both to connect our alumni and friends to benefits, services and one another, and…
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President Rougeau Discusses AI Concerns, Economic Impact Report, WooFridges Initiative, and More
Ashwin Prabaharan ’26 & Will McHale ’26 Co-Editors-in-Chief On November 14th, The Spire spoke with President Vincent Rougeau for our second conversation of the academic year. The topics of our interview included growing concerns about the implications of AI among students and families, details of the Holy Cross Economic Impact…
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Crusader of the Week: Evan Garcia ‘26
Emily Carbone ‘28 Features Editor Name: Evan Garcia Class Year: 2026 Hometown: Dartmouth, MA Major: Political Science and Religious Studies Double Major, with a Peace and Conflict Studies Concentration. Campus Activities: Student Government Association, Spring Break Immersion Program, Pax Christi, Green Fund, Hanify-Howland Memorial Lecture Committee, Alpha Sigma Nu, Religious…
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The Institutional Review of AI Task Force at HC
Emily Carbone ‘28 Features Editor Artificial intelligence is becoming a tool used on the daily by millions. I doubt any reader of this article can say they’ve never touched it. Maybe you’ve used it to put together a grocery list, get advice, or generate a worksheet for an upcoming quiz.…
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Holy Cross Cupid: Week 4
Holy Cross Cupid Question: Hey Spire. I’ve been with my high school boyfriend for almost four years now. He goes to a different college. He is the perfect guy – so sweet and supportive, and I really see a future with him. The problem is that, at the start of…
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Workday Interview with Katie Fisette
Viveca Stucke ‘26 Chief Features Editor 1. What is Workday? Briefly, Workday is a cloud-based ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning system). You can think of it as the “operating system” for Holy Cross. Just as the phone as iOS or Android that makes all of our apps work together seamlessly, Workday…
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Crusader of the Week!
Emily Carbone ‘28 Features Editor Name: Connor Rizzo Class Year: 2029 Hometown: Milford, CT Major: (prospective) Psychology/Theatre Campus Activities: College Choir, department musical, Entropy, co-host of Welcome to the Jungle on WCHC 88.1 Favorite Movie: Whiplash Favorite Song: “L.A. Woman” by The Doors Favorite color: Turquoise Favorite sports team: LA…
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Professor Playlists: André Isaacs
Viveca Stucke ‘26 Chief Features Editor Professor Name: André Isaacs Academic Department: Chemistry Classes you teach: Organic Chemistry I and II, Advanced Organic Chemistry, Synthetic Organic Chemistry, Chemistry of Wine Preferred music platform: Spotify What is your go to playlist?: EDM Trance Mix or my Liked Songs What’s your current…
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3 Month Update: 22 Tips for Senior Year
Viveca Stucke ’26 Chief Features Editor In contrast to my dear friend, Ian Sykes’ previous article about tips for freshman year, I was inspired to create a similar list for senior year. I think, and rightfully so, that a large portion of support is given to first year students, and…
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Holy Cross Cupid: Week 3
Holy Cross Cupid Question: I just found out my class crush has a girlfriend </3. How do I get over my crush and be normal? I don’t want to be a homewrecker, but I want to get to know them. Help! Answer: What a classic class crush plot twist. Unfortunately,…
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SGA Introduces New Interns and Clerks!
Viveca Stucke ‘26 Chief Features Editor On Sunday, October 25th, the Student Government Association officially welcomed its interns and clerks for the upcoming year, inviting a new cohort of lowerclassmen to engage in student governance and gain meaningful introductory experience. Through these positions, interns and clerks cultivate leadership skills, deepen…
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Crusader of the Week: Rocky Perea ‘26
Viveca Stucke ’26 Chief Features Editor Name: Rocky Perea Class Year: 2026 Hometown: Millbury, MA Major: Philosophy Campus Activities: WCHC Sports, Intramural Sports, Business Certificate Program, Pinoys of Worcester, Tour Guide, Philosophy Club, Philosophy Student Advisory Committee Favorite Movie: Zorba the Greek Favorite Song: Sweet/I Thought You Wanted To Dance…
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Healy Haunted House
Emily Carbone ‘28 Features Editor When I was asked to write a feature on Healy Haunted House, I was initially surprised. As a resident of Healy, I figured I would have heard of the longtime tradition of decorating the residence hall like an interactive haunted house every Halloween. I eventually…
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Peep My SBIP Experience!
Viveca Stucke ’26 and Caroline Kramer ’26 Chief Features Editor and Features Editor The annual Spring Break Immersion Program (SBIP), organized through the Office of the College Chaplains, has officially opened its application for students interested in a faith-based mission experience. Each spring, small groups of students led by at…
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Into the Woods!
Emily Carbone ’28 Features Editor As we near the halfway point of the first semester of this academic year, preparations for the Departmental Theater production “Into the Woods” are in full swing. Auditions took place in September, and rehearsals began the first week after October. break. As a cast member…
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Presidential Playlists
Viveca Stucke ’26 Chief Features Editor Name: Vincent Rougeau Role at Holy Cross: President Academic Programs While in School: International Relations Preferred music platform: Spotify What is your go to playlist?: The Women of Jazz What’s your current favorite song?:I have a lot of songs I love, but one song…
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Crusader of the Week
Viveca Stucke ’26 Chief Features Editor Name: Matt Hollatz Class Year: 2028 Hometown: Quincy, MA Major: Political Science and Environmental Studies Double Major Campus Activities: Favorite Movie: Forrest Gump Favorite Song: “Make you Feel My Love” by Adele Favorite color: Red Favorite sports team: Boston Red Sox Favorite class taken…
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10/24 Crusader of the Week
Caroline Kramer ’26 Staff Writer Name: Michael Connelly Class Year: 2026 Hometown: Scituate, MA Major: Classics and Economics Campus Activities: College Choir, Chamber Singers Favorite Movie: Everything Everywhere All at Once Favorite Song: “Fireflies” by Owl City Favorite singer/group: Coldplay Favorite color: Blue Favorite sports team: Bruins Item on HC…
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Residence Hall Ministry Interview with Mary LaVigne-Greeley
Viveca Stucke ‘26 Chief Features Editor 1. What is your role on campus and some of your responsibilities? I am an Assistant Chaplain in the Office of the College Chaplains. In my role, I oversee Residence Hall Ministry as well as Cura Communities, our weekly small faith-sharing groups program. Additionally,…
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Giddy Up! The Seniors Take On Nashville
Viveca Stucke ’26 Chief Features Editor One of Holy Cross’ beloved unwritten traditions is the senior trip to Nashville during Fall Break, where a large portion of the senior class gathers in Music City for a few days of fun, camaraderie, and celebration. The trip offers students a chance to…
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Sudan War Discussion
Tucker Scott ‘26 Opinions Editor At the end of September, the Political Science department hosted a talk to discuss the Sudan War, its causes, and what can be done. It was pitched as, “Driven by the outbreak of war in April 2023, Sudan is currently facing the world’s fastest growing…
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Peep My Pet 2
Tucker Scott ’26 Staff Writer This week the pet that will be peeped is Claire Kraemer’s dog, Rosie. Rosie is an adorable mix of chihuahua, dachshund, and terrier who is currently 8 years old and was actually born on Valentine’s Day. Rosie was rescued from Tyler, Texas in June 2017.…
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President Rougeau Discusses AI, Progress on Aspire, Political Violence, and More
Ashwin Prabaharan ’26 & Will McHale ’26 Co-Editors-in-Chief On October 3rd, The Spire spoke with President Vincent Rougeau for our first interview of this new academic year. The topics of conversation included the implications of AI for the College, progress on the College’s Aspire plan, new faculty at the College,…