Rougeau President Discusses College Tours, Fee Hikes, and Graduation Ceremonies
In a remarkable turn of events, Holy Cross College, a prestigious private liberal arts institution in Worcester, Massachusetts, has seen a significant surge in applications from various parts of the country. The Class of 2029, in particular, received over 10,000 applications, resulting in a competitive 17% acceptance rate.
This increase in applications is noteworthy, as it includes applicants from high schools that have never before sent students to Holy Cross. The college's commitment to community engagement, meaningful dialogue, and its reputation as a welcoming and diverse environment seem to be key factors attracting prospective students.
President of Holy Cross, Dr. Rougeau, expressed his gratitude for the influx of applicants and their commitment to the college. He also advised graduating seniors to cherish their time at Holy Cross and be grateful for the people they meet during their academic journey.
In addition to the increased applications, Holy Cross has recently welcomed three high-profile visitors: Secretary of State John Kerry, Dr. Anthony Fauci, and Dr. Christine Grady. Their visits have positively impacted the campus community, with each individual sharing their experiences and dedication to public service.
Dr. Fauci, for instance, spent two days at Holy Cross, taking time to engage with students. His visit was undoubtedly a valuable opportunity for students to learn from one of the world's leading experts in infectious diseases.
President Rougeau also spoke with The Spire, the college's newspaper, about his time as President, what he has learned, and the college's endowment, recent news, and upcoming holiday. Another interview with President Rougeau took place on November 14th, focusing on the College's endowment, recent news, and the upcoming holiday.
Ben Lepper '25 and Nathan Howard '25, both Editor-in-Chiefs of The Spire and Moot Court participants, conducted the interviews with President Rougeau. They were recently recognised as Crusaders of the Week for their outstanding contributions to the college community.
Holy Cross is also concerned about the long-term damaging effects of American higher education being perceived as unwelcoming to those from abroad. To address this, the college has signed onto an amicus brief in support of a lawsuit brought by the American Association of University Professors (AAUP v. Rubio) over the federal government's efforts to arrest, detain, and deport noncitizen students and faculty members who participate in protected First Amendment activities.
The college has seen a 40% increase in applications over the past five years. Financial aid is available for students who have financial need, and the college is raising tuition for the next school year, similar to other private liberal arts colleges in the area.
President Rougeau also spoke about the college's commitment to preserving its reputation as a place of engagement for people from all over the world. He expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to reconnect with his faith and the faith community at Holy Cross through singing during the Lenten season.
Viveca Stucke '26, the Chief Features Editor, and Ben Lepper and Nathan Howard, who hail from Wellesley and Rehoboth, Massachusetts, respectively, are among the many dedicated students contributing to the vibrant and diverse Holy Cross community.
- The increased applications at Holy Cross College have extended beyond schools that have previously sent students, showcasing the college's wide-reaching appeal.
- Holy Cross's commitment to community engagement, meaningful dialogue, and diversity seems to be a significant factor enticing prospective students.
- Dr. Rougeau, President of Holy Cross, expressed gratitude for the influx of applications and advised graduating seniors to cherish their experiences and the people they meet.
- Three high-profile visitors, including Secretary of State John Kerry and Dr. Anthony Fauci, have recently graced the Holy Cross campus, impacting the community positively.
- Dr. Fauci's visit offered unique learning opportunities for students engaged with one of the world's leading experts in infectious diseases.
- President Rougeau discussed his tenure, learnings, the college's endowment, news, and upcoming holidays in interviews for The Spire, the college's newspaper.
- Ben Lepper '25 and Nathan Howard '25, Editors-in-Chiefs of The Spire and Moot Court participants, were recognized as Crusaders of the Week for their significant contributions to the college community.
- Holy Cross is addressing the negative perception of American higher education being unwelcoming to international students by signing onto an amicus brief in support of a lawsuit brought by the AAUP against the federal government's efforts to detain and deport noncitizen students and faculty members. Additionally, the college offers financial aid for students with financial need, while raising tuition for the next school year, following the trend of other private liberal arts colleges in the area.
