Introduction
The College of the Holy Cross is a private, Jesuit Catholic liberal arts college located in Worcester, Massachusetts. Founded in 1843, Holy Cross is the oldest Catholic college in New England and one of the oldest in the United States. With its rich history, the college has seen many changes over the years, and it continues to be a leader in the field of higher education. Here are some fun facts about the College of the Holy Cross that you may not know.
History
The College of the Holy Cross was founded in 1843 by Rev. Thomas F. Mulledy, S.J., and Rev. James Fitton, S.J., two Jesuit priests who wanted to create a college that would provide a quality education to the Catholic community. The college was initially located in a single building on the corner of Main and High Streets in Worcester. In its first year of operation, the college had an enrollment of just nine students.
Today, the College of the Holy Cross is a thriving liberal arts college with an enrollment of around 3,000 students. The college has grown significantly since its founding, and it now occupies a 160-acre campus with over 50 buildings. The college has also expanded its academic offerings to include over 50 majors and minors, as well as graduate and professional programs.
Campus
The College of the Holy Cross campus is located in Worcester, Massachusetts, just 45 miles west of Boston. The campus is situated on 160 acres of lush, green land, and it includes over 50 buildings, including academic buildings, residence halls, and athletic facilities. The college also has a number of outdoor spaces, including a nature center, a botanical garden, and several parks and trails.
The college also has a number of unique features, such as a chapel, a library, and a museum. The chapel, known as the Chapel of the Holy Cross, is a beautiful building that serves as a place of worship for students, faculty, and staff. The library, known as the Dinand Library, is one of the largest college libraries in New England, and it houses over two million volumes. The museum, known as the College of the Holy Cross Museum, is home to a collection of art, artifacts, and historical documents related to the college’s history.
Athletics
The College of the Holy Cross is a member of the NCAA Division I and is a part of the Patriot League. The college has a long and storied history in athletics, and its teams have won numerous championships over the years. The college’s most successful sports program is its men’s basketball team, which has won seven NCAA Division I championships and has appeared in the NCAA tournament 32 times. The college also has successful teams in other sports, including baseball, football, and soccer.
Student Life
The College of the Holy Cross offers a vibrant student life. The college has over 70 student organizations, ranging from academic and professional organizations to cultural and social organizations. The college also has a number of performing arts groups, including a theater troupe and an a cappella group. In addition, the college has a number of clubs and organizations dedicated to service and community outreach.
Alumni
The College of the Holy Cross has a long list of notable alumni, including politicians, business leaders, and entertainers. Some of the college’s most famous alumni include actor Chris O’Donnell, former U.S. Senator and Secretary of State John Kerry, former U.S. Senator and Governor of Massachusetts William Weld, and former U.S. Senator and Governor of New Jersey Thomas Kean. In addition, the college has produced a number of Nobel Prize winners, including economist Joseph Stiglitz, physicist Leon Lederman, and chemist Roald Hoffmann.
Conclusion
The College of the Holy Cross has a long and storied history, and it continues to be a leader in the field of higher education. With its rich history, unique campus, and impressive alumni, the college is an institution that is sure to continue to thrive for years to come.
