Gathering the Heads of Build Day 2025 Convention
In the vibrant city of Worcester, Massachusetts, the College of the Holy Cross continues to play a significant role in community engagement and development. The Jesuit, Catholic liberal arts college, founded by Bishop Benedict Joseph Fenwick in 1843, has been a beacon of academic excellence and civic leadership for over 170 years.
One of the college's most notable initiatives is Working for Worcester, a non-profit organisation run by Holy Cross students that has been active for over a decade. This organisation brings together college students to complete community service projects and improve recreation spaces in local elementary schools.
The 13th Annual Working for Worcester Build Day, held on April 5th, 2025, was a testament to the organisation's success. Led by Kay McNamara, the Chief Operations Officer of Working for Worcester, and Max Kudinov, the Roosevelt Elementary School site manager, the day saw over a thousand college students and Holy Cross alumni come together to make a difference.
Projects ranged from the construction of playgrounds to the creation of library spaces, ensuring that all children can enjoy recreational activities. Kudinov was particularly moved by speaking with a Consigli worker whose child attends the school and who was able to use an ADA-accessible swing installed by Working for Worcester.
The organisation's work creates meaningful, lasting impacts in the lives of many students. For instance, Working for Worcester was instrumental in the installation of an ADA-accessible swing that brought joy to a child and their family.
Holy Cross's impact on Worcester extends beyond academics. The college's Athletics held their annual "Pink the Rink" event on February 1, 2024, at the Luth Athletic Center to support Breast Cancer research. Meanwhile, Peace of Mind hosted a Night Market in the Loyola Ballroom on February 23rd, 2024, where students could "travel around the world."
The Latin American Student Organization also contributed to the city's cultural vibrancy by hosting the 24th annual Noche Latina at Mechanics Hall in Worcester on April 13, 2024, with the theme "The Unfolding Family Tree: Las Fuentes del Pasado Alimentando Nuestras Raíces."
In conclusion, Holy Cross is not just an academic institution but also an active partner in Worcester’s societal and cultural advancement. Through initiatives like Working for Worcester, the college continues to enhance Worcester's educational stature and support local events that strengthen community cohesion and economic activity.
- In addition to academic excellence, Holy Cross has initiatives like Working for Worcester that bring together students and alumni to participate in community service projects and improve education-and-self-development opportunities for local children.
- The 13th Annual Working for Worcester Build Day saw over a thousand students and alumni come together to create features such as playgrounds and library spaces for local elementary schools in Worcester, Massachusetts.
- Beyond academics and athletics, Holy Cross has supported various community events in Worcester, such as Peace of Mind's Night Market and the Latin American Student Organization's Noche Latina.
- Holy Cross's activities extend beyond the campus, including the Athletics' annual "Pink the Rink" event supporting Breast Cancer research and contributing to Worcester's cultural vibrancy with events like the Noche Latina.
