The College of the Holy Cross is an exclusive undergraduate college located in Worcester, Massachusetts. Founded by Bishop Benedict Joseph Fenwick as a school for boys under the auspices of the Society of Jesus, it was the first Catholic college in New England. The land was purchased in 1836 by Rev. James Fitton, and the cornerstone was laid in 1843. The first class graduated in 1849, led by their valedictorian James Augustine Healy. Fenwick Hall, the school's major building, was completely destroyed by fire in 1852 and rebuilt in 1853. At first, the college could not obtain a charter from the anti-Catholic Massachusetts state legislature, and the diplomas were signed by the President of Georgetown University, another Jesuit college, until a charter was finally granted in 1865. Today, the school is one of 28 member institutions of the Association of Jesuit Colleges and Universities.
The college has approximately 2,800 students. Notable alumni include United States Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas, US House Representative Timothy Bishop, United States Poet Laureate Billy Collins, Basketball Hall of Fame former Boston Celtics players Bob Cousy and Tom Heinsohn, astronaut Joseph P. Kerwin, Chris Matthews, Rep. Michael R. McNulty, Rep. James P. Moran, James David Power III, and NBC CEO Robert C. Wright. LSD pioneer Timothy Leary also attended, albeit briefly.
The college is part of a consortium with other Worcester colleges, including Worcester Polytechnic Institute and Clark University. |
