Dear family of the University of Holy Cross,
There is a particular kind of energy that settles over our campus each August — the quiet hum of preparation giving way to the joyful chaos of arrival. Name tags are printed and empty classrooms wait to be filled with conversation and questions. It is, in many ways, my favorite time of year.
On Monday, August 17th, we will welcome students back to campus for the start of the Fall 2026 semester. For some, this will be a homecoming — a return to familiar halls, familiar faces, and the steady rhythm of academic life. For others, this will be their very first walk across our campus as University of Holy Cross students, carrying with them hopes, uncertainties, and dreams not yet fully formed. Both journeys matter deeply to us.
Our Catholic mission calls us to see each of these students not as a number on a roster, but as a whole person deserving of dignity, encouragement, and genuine care. That mission does not begin in the classroom — it begins the moment a student steps onto our campus and feels, for the first time or the hundredth time, that they belong here. This is the work of every faculty and staff member who spends these final days of summer preparing syllabi, organizing events, and readying our campus to receive them.
To our returning students: welcome back. To our new students: welcome home. And to the faculty and staff who make this moment possible year after year, thank you for the countless ways, seen and unseen, that you carry out our mission of service and formation.
As we open the doors to another academic year, I am reminded that education is never just about what happens in a classroom — it is about the community we build together, one semester at a time.
Here's to a wonderful Fall 2026 semester. I cannot wait to see what this community accomplishes together.
Spes Unica,
Stanton F. McNeely III, Ed.D
President
UHC Rad Tech Brings Home Second Place!
In July, our Radiologic Technology students traveled to Alexandria to represent the
University of Holy Cross at the annual LSRT (Louisiana Society for Respiratory Therapy)
conference — and they made us proud!
Competing against a talented field of 11 teams in the Quiz Bowl competition, our students
brought sharp knowledge, quick thinking, and true team spirit to every round.
We are thrilled to announce that our Holy Cross team placed 2nd overall!
This achievement reflects not only their hard work and dedication in the classroom,
but also the strength of our program and the passion our students bring to their field.
Competitions like these push students to think on their feet, apply what they've learned
in real time, and represent our University with pride.
Congratulations to our incredible students— your success is a reflection of your talent,
preparation, and the University of Holy Cross spirit. Thank you for being amazing
ambassadors of our Holy Cross community!
Click here to see more photos from the 2026 conference.
Learn more about our Radiologic Technology programs
Department of Nursing Hosts Clinical Orientation
UHC Nursing continues to grow, and this week we celebrated that growth by welcoming
our newest cohort of nursing students to campus for orientation. From meeting faculty
and touring our clinical facilities to connecting with future classmates, this group
of future nurses officially began their journey toward joining one of the most trusted
professions in healthcare.
We're proud to share that this cohort represents a 15% increase in enrollment — a
reflection of the established reputation of our Nursing program and the increasing
number of students who see Holy Cross as the place to begin their calling in healthcare.
Choosing to become a nurse is choosing a life of service, compassion, and dedication
to others — and we couldn't be more excited to help this class develop the skills
and confidence they'll need to thrive in that calling.
Congratulations and welcome to UHC Nursing, Class of 2029. Your journey starts here!
Click here to see more photos from the 2026 orientation.
Learn more about the Department of Nursing
UHC Neurodiagnostic Technology Students Shine at ASET National Conference
UHC's Neurodiagnostic Technology program was well represented on the national stage
this month! NDT students Darean, Emily, and Salina, along with faculty members Dr.
Wizer and Ms. Donovan, traveled to Kansas City, MO to attend the ASET Annual Conference,
held July 23–25.
Darean and Salina both delivered outstanding poster presentations that drew significant
interest from conference attendees — a true testament to their hard work and expertise.
Their efforts didn't go unnoticed: both students were honored with scholarships during
the conference's awards luncheon. Congratulations, Darean and Salina!
Emily made the most of the conference's educational sessions, gaining hands-on experience
and learning to perform a nerve conduction velocity study — a valuable addition to
her growing clinical skill set.
Representing our faculty, Ms. Donovan presented on reflex seizures and specialized
EEG activations, sharing her expertise with peers and professionals from across the
country.
We are incredibly proud of Darean, Emily, and Salina, and grateful for the leadership
of Dr. Wizer and Ms. Donovan. Their dedication and passion for the field continue
to reflect the excellence of the UHC Neurodiagnostic Technology program.
Congratulations to all who represented UHC at ASET this year!
Click here to see more photos.
Check out the Neurodiagnostic Technology degree programs
Revamped Hurricane Cafe Opens August 4th!
Some of the best moments on campus happen over a quick coffee between classes or a
shared meal with friends — and we're excited to announce that those moments are about
to get even better. The revamped Hurricane Café officially opens its doors on Tuesday,
August 4th, just in time to welcome our campus community back for the fall semester.
The new Hurricane Café has been reimagined with our students, faculty, and staff in
mind. A brand-new grab-and-go concept means you can fuel up fast without sacrificing
quality — perfect for the student rushing to a 9 a.m. class or the faculty member
squeezing in lunch between office hours.
Alongside the new grab-and-go offerings, the café will feature expanded hours, making
it easier than ever to grab a bite or a beverage whenever your schedule demands it.
The Hurricane Café will be open whenever the doors of UHC are open!
We know that a great café is more than just a place to eat — it's a gathering space,
a study spot, and often the backdrop to some of our best campus memories. That's exactly
what we hope the new Hurricane Café will become.
Mark your calendars, because we're celebrating in style. Join us for our Grand Opening
Celebration on August 24th and 25th, with special festivities, giveaways, and a chance
to experience everything the new café has to offer.
It's Not Too Late — Register for Fall 2026 Today!
Thinking about starting your journey at the University of Holy Cross, but worried
you've missed your window? Good news — it's not too late to register for the Fall
2026 semester!
Whether you're looking to begin a new career path, finish a degree you started, or
take the next step toward your calling, our team is here to help make it happen. Classes
begin Monday, August 17th, and there's still time to join us.
At UHC, we believe it's never too late to invest in yourself and your future. Our
admissions team is ready to walk you through the registration process, answer your
questions, and help you find the program that's right for you.
Don't wait — your future is worth pursuing. Reach out today and take the first step
toward joining the Holy Cross community this fall.
Contact our Admissions Office to start your UHC journey
✅ Get ready for Fall with UHC gear.
✅ Mark your calendars for these upcoming dates and opportunities to engage with our UHC community:
Sundays from 8:00 - 10:00 am - Archery at UHC
August 17 - First Day of Fall 2026 semester
August 24 - 25 - Hurricane Café Grand Opening
October 5 - Registration Opens for Spring 2027 semester
October 17 - UHC 110th Anniversary Homecoming Mass and Reception
November 13 - 30th Annual Prayer Breakfast
February 23 - 26, 2027 - Law and Ethics in Counseling Conference
✅ Show your support for our UHC faculty, staff and students who have kicked off this academic year with gusto! Will you commit a small donation through the end of 2026?