Holy Cross Reception

Last night we attended the summer reception of the Holy Cross Club of Greater Hartford  for parents and alumni. It was held at a Wampanoag Country Club and it was wonderful to be among those who have attended and parents of those who are at the college. It was a smaller gathering and great to meet so many people that are doing great work at the college and those who support great work.  

Also in attendance was the 33rd President of the College: Vincent D. Rougeau. He spoke about Aspire, the College's strategic vision for a hope-filled future. 

I felt proud that Anna is involved in these four years of college in a liberal arts education. While I can't explain it in eloquent words like the President, I believe as he does that a liberal arts education does not necessarily lead graduates to an instant 'job'. Here is a copy from their website:

What Makes the Liberal Arts So Liberating?

As a liberal arts institution, Holy Cross provides an education that’s about much more than getting a job. Instead of focusing on a narrow career path, a liberal arts education provides an excellent foundation for the challenges and opportunities that students encounter in both personal and professional situations throughout their lives. The liberal arts emphasize academic breadth and depth supported by essential foundational skills — such as critical thinking, clear communication, and careful analysis and synthesis of information — that are relevant in every line of work and study. 

By working purposefully and thinking creatively within and across diverse subjects, students receive the full benefits of a liberal arts education, which inspires curiosity, imagination and flexibility. It’s an education designed to develop a sense of wonder and to encourage active engagement in the world. It’s an education that prepares students to do good and do well in a rapidly changing and increasingly interdependent global marketplace. Our graduates are characterized by their ability to think morally, act compassionately and respond adeptly to the challenges they face. These are the same skills that make Holy Cross alumni remarkable leaders — no matter where their path takes them.

The Whole Person, and the Whole World

Much like the liberal arts, Jesuit education calls for education of the whole person: intellectual, spiritual and personal. We view these facets of our students’ growth as interconnected and complementary. In and out of the classroom, students embrace open inquiry and ethical values in ways that help them lead engaged and fulfilling lives.

The Jesuit tradition places great emphasis on living in dialogue and solidarity with others. We ask students the most difficult questions of faith and ethics, challenging them to expand their conceptions of truth and justice. We invite them to examine their place in the world, and to view their education — and their aspirations and goals — from a global perspective. We instill in them a deep respect for their fellow human beings, and prepare them to serve not only as skilled leaders, but as compassionate citizens. Holy Cross students seek to achieve great things — not only for themselves, but also for their communities and society as a whole.