Thursday, May 29, 2025

College of the Holy Cross Graduation ~ Graduation Day

Anna's graduation was on Friday morning, May 23. And here I am on Tuesday evening. (well, I started this on Tuesday evening... no telling when I'll hit publish) 

I'm prepping for the school week as a fourth grade teacher as usual. There are only 3 weeks left of school but I'm actually glad for them as they are a distraction from all that is going on. We've had so so much! 

And with all of those amazing events comes an amazing amount of emotion. While we are over the moon thrilled that our Anna has graduated from such a prestigious college, we are oh so sad because our years as a Holy Cross family are over. Scott reminds me that we are 'always' a Holy Cross family. He's right and I will hold on to that college and that we are a part of it forever.

There are so many wonderful things I could say about Holy Cross but in this post I just want to focus on Anna's college graduation. It was a truly wonderful two days of events that spoiled us and our daughter. We are so blessed to have been a part of it. 

Photos 

Although I had my own photos shoot (post back here), the college had a photographer and we just couldn't skip that! 

I thought these were adorable and fun! 





Baccalaureate Mass 

(that post is back here)  It was beautiful and special and the homily is one I hope we can hold in our hearts forever. The priest spoke of learning about and receiving faith, hope, and love on Mt. Saint James (Holy Cross) and how to bring that out to the world. 

Here is the livestream: 


Dinner

Scott planned and made reservations for dinner at a 'new to us' place. 
After the Mass but the evening before the Graduation it felt glorious to sit at this table with my precious family and just to soak in the moments of these days ~ our baby graduating from college! 




Last Sunset on the Hill 

(that post back here) Although inside and outside as planned, it was elegant, beautiful, lovely. 

Graduation Night and then Morning

We stayed at a Marriot right new the convention hall so that we could be there quickly. After the Last Sunset on the Hill, we checked into our hotel, I steam ironed all of our clothes, Scott and I checked out and planned out where we would eat breakfast while the girls got ready for bed. Off to sleep and then all of a sudden it was graduation morning. Scott and I got up bright and early at 6 am! Showers and then the hotel breakfast. Scott dropped Abigail and I off to get our seats (over 2 hours before they started) and he dropped Anna off at her door. The few hours went by in minutes it seemed; we were all just so excited! 







Watching her march in was the best feeling in the world!


The presidents address: 


And after more speeches it was time to accept her diploma!






Right at this moment they said her name - I was trying not to cry, my hands were shaking, it was just wonderful! 





We were so close to the stage and when Anna walked down she saw us and smiled big! 





When the ceremony was over, and she was just about to march out, she spotted us and I was able to capture her joy! 


And then it was a million pictures after. They had a wonderful lunch for all of the families... I was too excited to eat! 









It was simply a joyous day -- one that I will hold in my heart forever! 











One last thing: 

This was the information the college sent for a printing in the newspaper: 

Anna Baker Graduates From College of the Holy Cross

May 23

Anna Baker of West Hartford received a bachelor of arts degree Cum Laudefrom College of the Holy Cross.

Baker is among 733 bachelor of arts degree recipients Holy Cross celebrated at its 179th Commencement held in person on Friday, May 23 at the DCU Center in Worcester. Dr. Linda LeMura, president of Le Moyne College and the first female layperson to be named president of a Jesuit institution of higher education in the United States delivered this year's address to the Class of 2025 and received an honorary degree.

In her remarks, LeMura emphasized that the goal of a Jesuit-and specifically a Holy Cross-education is to unite two identities: the dreamer and the doer, following the example of St. Ignatius of Loyola.

"Graduates, my wish for you-today, and every day-is that you will hold tight to your skills and to your dreams," said LeMura. "Treasure them both. Your dreams will inspire your work, and your work will inspire your dreams. Never let go of the whimsical, poetical, visionary dreamer that lives in each and every one of you."

In addition to LeMura, Holy Cross also awarded an honorary degree to Sister Barbara Rogers, RSCJ, a longtime leader of the Newton Country Day School of the Sacred Heart.


Live Stream of Commencement 




Tuesday, May 27, 2025

College of the Holy Cross Graduation ~ Photoshoot on Campus

Back on Mother's Day I drove up to see Anna at college and to take some formal photos of her before graduation. I'm so glad that we took the time to do this as Graduation is a very busy two days. It never would have fit in. I really am so so glad we went for this idea her mama had!  And I got some pretty good ones for sure! 

There was bright sunshine and warmth that day and a huge smile on my face seeing for the first time my girl in her college graduation cap and gown! 


These are on the steps of the library. 




In this setting, this one below is my favorite. She's full of confidence and warmth at the same time. 



It sure was windy and she had to hold on to her cap but I think it's adorable! 



Had to get her in front of the Holy Cross sign... 



These are on the steps to Fenwick, the first building that was the whole college back in 1849. 














Love these of the ivy. 



The ones I took in the church turned out spectacular. We both love these so much! 








And just a few more walking back toward her dorm. It was windy and we sure were tired after a few hours but what a happy memory and lots of photos we love! 


Click here to see a post with Anna before her high school senior year when we were visiting the campus and she is standing in this exact spot!