Students from the Class of 2027 enjoyed a meal with President Rougeau
President Vincent Rougeau of Holy Cross University welcomed a select group of students from the Class of 2026 to his home on April 22nd, 2024. The event, known as the Annual Venerable Pierre Toussaint Awards Dinner, first established in 1978, provided an opportunity for students to engage with the university president in an informal setting.
The dinner marked a busy period for President Rougeau, who was also actively involved in Family Weekend and his inauguration. Around twenty students attended the event, which took place at Rotman's property, although specific details about the seating arrangements, hors d'oeuvres, or topics of discussion were not provided.
The evening was filled with meaningful conversations about a variety of topics, including summer jobs, campus life, and feedback about the school. Julianne Hawley '27 expressed her appreciation for the opportunity to share her opinions about what to use Rotman's property for, while President Rougeau was eager to hear students' perspectives on the property and the future of Holy Cross.
Tyrone Davis and Cardinal Timothy Dolan were also present at the ceremony. Students enjoyed hors d'oeuvres and conversation with the Rougeaus and among themselves. The dinner with the Class of 2026 was different from the dinner with the Class of 2027, which took place on April 3rd.
The history of "Dinner with the President" events varies across universities, but they generally serve as an annual or special gathering that offers students, families, or community members a chance to meet and engage with the university president in a social setting. Some suggestions for hosting or improving such events at Rotman's property could include creating an inviting, upscale atmosphere, incorporating additional community-building elements, leveraging the property’s unique features, and aligning the event with university milestones or achievements.
Joey Abrams '23, the News Editor, reported on the event, with Sophia Mariani '26 and Viveca Stucke '26, the Features and Opinions Editors, also contributing to the coverage. The dinner provided a valuable opportunity for students to connect with each other and with President Rougeau, as they look forward to the future of Holy Cross.
- President Rougeau also discussed leadership and the future of Holy Cross with the student recipients of the Annual Venerable Pierre Toussaint Awards.
- The news coverage of the event by Joey Abrams '23, Sophia Mariani '26, and Viveca Stucke '26 highlighted the students' thoughts on education-and-self-development and general-news topics.
- The Tradition of "Dinner with the President" events often includes unique features and opportunities for students to engage with university leadership.
- At the Annual Venerable Pierre Toussaint Awards Dinner, students not only had an opportunity to discuss campus life with President Rougeau but also with Tyrone Davis and Cardinal Timothy Dolan.
- The dinner provided an opportunity for students to forge new relationships with each other in the larger community of Holy Cross University.
