A Nation's Birthday and Our Call to Purpose
This month, we pause to celebrate the 250th birthday of the United States of America—a remarkable milestone that invites us to reflect on the meaning of patriotism and our shared responsibility as citizens of this nation.
When we think of patriotism, we often picture flags and fireworks, stirring speeches and songs of pride. These traditions matter. But true patriotism, I believe, runs deeper. It is love of country expressed through action—through the daily work of building a more just and compassionate community, even when that work is difficult and the progress is slow.
The founding vision of America was radical for its time: that we are created equal, endowed with unalienable rights, and bound together in common cause. Yet our nation's history also reflects a sobering truth: that vision has not always been extended equally to all. The ongoing work of our democracy is the work of bringing that vision closer to reality—of ensuring that the promises written in our founding documents reach every person.
At the University of Holy Cross, we are called to participate in this essential work. Our Catholic mission compels us to see the dignity in every human being and to act on behalf of those who are marginalized or forgotten. We educate our students not simply to succeed, but to serve. We believe that true patriotism is expressed through solidarity with our neighbors, through advocacy for the vulnerable, and through the courageous pursuit of justice.
As we mark 250 years, we are reminded that the American experiment is not a finished achievement but an unfolding promise—one that requires each generation to recommit itself to the hard work of building community across our differences, of expanding opportunity, and of holding our nation accountable to its highest ideals.
I invite you to consider: What does patriotism mean to you? How are you serving your community? How can the University of Holy Cross continue to be a force for justice and compassion in our world?
Thank you for your commitment to our mission. Together, we honor our nation's past and build toward a more just future.
Spes Unica,
Stanton F. McNeely III, Ed.D
President
Summer Census 2026 Data is Here!
We are excited to announce that our positive enrollment momentum continues, with institutional growth and rising tuition revenue for the third consecutive semester! Additionally, we have already exceeded fall 2026 enrollment targets months before the start of classes in August.
With additional opportunities to increase enrollment for the second summer session, we have seen an increase in credit hours taken by students over the full Summer 2026 period when compared to Summer 2025. The higher credit-hour enrollment reflects students taking fuller course loads, reinforcing the University’s continued academic and financial growth and aligning with the addition of new, flexible degree programs across key departments, including education and healthcare.
Notably, 2026 summer census data has reported growth in undergraduate enrollment, including an increase in first-time freshmen, choosing to begin their college experience before the fall session begins. While institutions across the country have reported declines in summer enrollment, UHC has continued to see overall enrollment and net revenue growth. UHC has seen a roughly 30% rise in total enrollment since 2023.
In case you missed it, we recently expanded undergraduate academic offerings with a new Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences for EKG and Cardiovascular Technology, which created a full four-year pathway for students and working technicians pursuing advanced education and hands-on clinical preparation in cardiovascular diagnostics and patient care. We also added a new Masters in Teaching degree program that expands access to post-graduate teacher preparation for individuals who hold a bachelor’s degree in field other than education.
More Information About Our Programs
Welcoming New Hires and Celebrating Promotions!
We are delighted to welcome new faculty and staff members joining the Holy Cross community this summer! We look forward to getting to know you, working alongside you, and building meaningful connections as we serve our students and live out our commitment to our mission. Welcome to Holy Cross!
Alexi Beltre- Staff Accountant
Kelly Hayden - Adjunct Instructor, Accounting
Christy Lynch - Assistant Professor, Accounting & Coordinator, Bachelor of Science
in Accounting Program
Shannon Murphy - Administrative Assistant, Academic Affairs
Allison Puissegeur - Adjunct Instructor, Developmental Reading
Shavondra Wallace - Payroll/HR Specialist
We are proud to recognize and congratulate several members of our faculty and staff who have been promoted this year, reflecting their dedication, leadership, and valuable contributions to the Holy Cross mission.
Kelly Fabre - Promoted to Registrar
Joann Fazzio - Promoted to Bursar
Congratulations 2026 Endowed Professorships Recipients!
Endowed Professorships: Investments in Excellence
An endowed professorship is a permanent faculty position funded by a generous donation
that is invested to provide ongoing support year after year. These gifts honor the
commitment of donors who believe in strengthening our academic mission and ensuring
that exceptional teaching and mentorship continue indefinitely. We are proud to celebrate
the distinguished faculty members below who have been appointed to endowed professorships
for the 2026-2027 academic year—each representing a deep commitment to educational
excellence and our Holy Cross mission.
This summer, Holy Cross opened its doors to 48 high school students from across the southern region for our Healthcare Professions Summer Exploration Camp. Rising 9th graders through college freshmen participated in hands-on activities and information sessions led by UHC faculty, staff, and alumni, exploring diverse careers in healthcare including forensic nursing, neurodiagnostic technology, radiology, EKG and cardiovascular technology, and pre-medicine.
Thanks to our generous sponsors—GNO ROCS: Region I Center for STEM, Jefferson Parish
Employees Federal Credit Union, Ochsner Education, Weaver and Company, ABRET Neurodiagnostic
Credentialing and Accreditation, and Penny Winfield—students were able to attend for
just a $50 registration fee, making this transformative experience accessible to all.
We're grateful for this partnership in introducing the next generation of healthcare
professionals to their possible futures.
We are excited to host the camp again in 2027 and look forward to expanding our enrollment
and impact.
Click here to see pictures from the inaugural camp.
Enrollment remains open for UHC’s second summer session, which begins on July 13th!
Summer sessions provide an opportunity for first-time freshmen, transfer students and visiting students to earn transferable credits, complete core coursework and get an early start on the fall semester.
Students, faculty, and staff will gather once again on August 17th to begin the fall semester—a time of fresh starts, new connections, and renewed commitment to learning and growth.
Whether you're returning to campus or stepping through our doors for the first time, the Holy Cross community looks forward to welcoming you. We invite our extended family—alumni, families, and friends—to take classes with us as a student or share information about our great programs with those in your network. Join the UHC family!
✅ Get ready for Fall with UHC gear.
✅ Mark your calendars for these upcoming dates and opportunities to engage with our UHC community:
July 13 - First Day of Summer Session 2A
August 17 - First Day of Fall 2026 semester
October 5 - Registration Opens for Spring 2027 semester
November 13 - 30th Annual Prayer Breakfast
✅ Show your support or 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?