3 minute read
Back on campus
We are back in person and HoCroStrong
by Lisa Kochanowski, Assistant Director of Communications
March 2020 was a crazy time at Holy Cross College with the threat of the pandemic landing on our doorstep. The College had to make the tough decision to continue learning, but in a virtual setting instead of the in-person classes students were accustomed to sharing. As we learned more about COVID-19, we put plans of action in place to keep our community safe, secure, and together once again. In July, administration made the decision to forge ahead with the plan to return to campus this fall. Participation in daily health checks, along with being mindful of physical distancing, wearing masks, and practicing good hygiene, enabled us to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 on campus. In fact, the rate of contagion had been going down due to students’ eff orts.
“With a commitment from our students, faculty and staff to follow specifi c guidelines and protocols this fall, I believe we will have a successful 2020-2021 school year and overcome this diffi cult moment in time with true grit and dedication to the Holy Cross tradition,” said Rev. David T. Tyson, C.S.C. in a letter to students this fall.
Students at Holy Cross College never back away from a challenge and are always looking for ways to grow academically and personally.
“Student Life has seen this year as an opportunity to encourage campus friendship and fellowship in small and safe gatherings that often take place outdoors. By advancing the family atmosphere that is a hallmark of Holy Cross College, students have found enjoyment sitting around our fi re pits in the evenings, participating in game nights in our campus tents, competing in sand volleyball intramurals, and taking time to pray and refl ect during group walks to the Grotto. Our students know that being
here at Holy Cross is essential to their learning and we are all working together to help our community thrive despite the challenging times and circumstances,” said Andrew Polaniecki, Dean of Students.
Staying “corona cautious” has required some changes to programming with the goal of continuing to build community among our new and returning students.
“Student Government is working hard to creatively provide quality opportunities for our students. Having transitioned to a mindfulness about physical distancing, mask wearing, and strong sanitation, many of our events have moved outdoors and are utilizing the tent pavilions erected before the start of the year. Cornhole tournaments, outdoor movies, and bingo nights are some of the hugely successful events so far. We have also invested in establishing Saints’ Square, a new outdoor gathering space for recreation, studying, and safe congregating. It will be on the quad between Vincent and Driscoll is being a equipped with bonfi res, pergolas, lights, chairs, and more. The Social Concerns Committee and Entertainment Committee are both planning extra far in advance to make sure their Thanksgiving Food Basket Drive and Fall Fest events respectively can be executed safely and successfully,” notes Richard Storey, Director of Student Activities.
Students have appreciated the chance to be back on campus this fall.
“I am very pleased to be back on campus this fall in-person. I think in-person classes are much more benefi cial than virtual learning, and our campus and the administration have done a great job of handling college life during a pandemic. I feel very safe here and have had a great semester this fall before I graduate in the spring,” said Dillon Begley ’21.
We are a community of scholars, citizens, leaders, and disciples, a bond that provides strength. It is this strength that will keep us strong in the upcoming months and keep our goal of in-person instruction a reality.
— Dillon Begley ’21
