Rougeau President Discusses Campus Tours, Rising Tuition Fees, and Graduation Ceremony
In the heart of Massachusetts, Holy Cross University continues to uphold its commitment to being a global hub for academic and cultural exchange. With a 40% increase in applications over the last five years, the institution is seeing more interest from students across the country, including those from high schools that have never sent a student to Holy Cross.
At the helm of this vibrant community is President Vincent Rougeau, who has emphasised the University's Ignatian values, which include service to others and community engagement. These values have been further highlighted by high-profile visitors, whose presence on campus has the potential to inspire students and faculty to embrace social responsibility and community involvement.
One such visitor was Dr. Anthony Fauci, who spent two days at Holy Cross, offering a meaningful opportunity for students to engage with him. Other notable figures, such as John Kerry, Dr. Christine Grady, and others, have also graced the campus with their presence, enriching the academic and cultural environment.
These visitors have positively impacted the campus community by sharing their experiences and dedication to public service. They foster discussions and collaborations that could enhance the Holy Cross community's academic and cultural experiences, and motivate students by sharing their achievements, inspiring them to pursue their goals and make a positive impact in their own communities.
President Rougeau, in his role, has expressed gratitude for the visitors' willingness to spend time with students and engage with the community. He has also addressed concerns about the University's tuition increase, stating that it is necessary to provide the highest quality of education and meet commitments to faculty and staff.
Financial aid is available to help students who have financial need, ensuring that Holy Cross remains accessible to a diverse range of students. The University is also actively involved in supporting the local community, with President Rougeau's focus on neighbourhood notices and community relations suggesting that such visits might encourage stronger ties between Holy Cross and surrounding communities.
Holy Cross is not only a place of learning, but also a place of dialogue and exploration for students and the entire community. President Rougeau encourages students to take advantage of their time at Holy Cross and to be grateful for the people they've met.
In a recent interview with The Spire, Nathan Howard '25 (Editor-in-Chief of The Spire and Moot Court) and Ben Lepper '25 (Editor-in-Chief of The Spire & The Criterion) discussed these topics with President Rougeau, covering the College's endowment, recent news surrounding the College, and the upcoming holiday.
In addition, Holy Cross has signed onto an amicus brief in support of a lawsuit brought by the American Association of University Professors, demonstrating the University's commitment to protecting the rights of its faculty and students. President Rougeau has also expressed concern about the long-term damaging effects of American higher education being perceived as unwelcoming to those from abroad, reflecting Holy Cross's commitment to being a place of inclusivity and engagement for people from all over the world.
Viveca Stucke '26, the Chief Features Editor, recently featured Nathan Howard and Ben Lepper as Crusaders of the Week, recognising their efforts in conducting the interview with President Rougeau. As the University continues to grow and evolve, the contributions of students like Nathan and Ben will undoubtedly play a significant role in shaping Holy Cross's future.
- Students at Holy Cross University, including Nathan Howard '25 and Ben Lepper '25, continue to have unique opportunities for academic and cultural exchange, as evidenced by their interview with President Vincent Rougeau.
- The University's commitment to community engagement is highlighted by the presence of notable figures such as Dr. Anthony Fauci, John Kerry, and Dr. Christine Grady, who have shared their experiences and dedication to public service with the campus.
- The University's faculty and staff receive the necessary funding to maintain a high level of education, with financial aid available to ensure accessibility for a diverse range of students.
- President Rougeau has taken steps to strengthen ties with the local community, focusing on neighborhood notices and community relations, which could potentially foster stronger bonds between Holy Cross and its surroundings.
- By signing onto an amicus brief in support of the American Association of University Professors, the University demonstrates its commitment to protecting the rights of its faculty and students.
- The arts at Holy Cross are recognized through platforms such as The Spire and The Criterion, with Viveca Stucke '26 recently featuring Nathan Howard and Ben Lepper as Crusaders of the Week for their interview with President Rougeau.
- The University's alumni, faculty, and current students work together to uphold the Ignatian tradition of service to others, educational excellence, and cultural exploration, shaping the future of Holy Cross.
