WORCESTER, MASSACHUSETTS (May 26, 2023) — Emma Vanseveren, of Davenport, Iowa, received a bachelor of arts degree from College of the Holy Cross.
Vanseveren is among 762 Bachelor of Arts degree recipients Holy Cross celebrated at its 177th Commencement held in person on Friday, May 26, at the DCU Center in Worcester. US Senator Peter Welch of Vermont, a Class of 1969 alumnus, delivered this year's address to the Class of 2023 and received an honorary degree.
Vincent D Rougeau, president of the College, presided over the celebratory event, bestowing the honorary degrees and greeting each graduate as they crossed the stage.
In his remarks, Welch said the social mission of Holy Cross — that achievements should be shared and used for the betterment of others — left an indelible mark on him.
Welch also assured graduates that they are capable of facing the great odds of today to accomplish great things for the future.
"You are strong and ready. Your shared experience at Holy Cross has made you so," said Welch. "The Holy Cross commitment to intellectual and open inquiry and using our talents for good is something this institution has preserved and passed on to one generation after another since 1843. This experience and commitment will make you the builders of tomorrow."
In addition to Welch, Holy Cross also awarded an honorary degree to Rosanne Haggerty, an internationally-recognized social entrepreneur and leader in developing innovative strategies to end homelessness. Haggerty is the president and chief executive officer of Community Solutions, a non-profit organization dedicated to ending homelessness she founded in 2011.
About Holy Cross
The College of the Holy Cross, in Worcester, Massachusetts, is among the nation's leading liberal-arts institutions. A highly-selective, four-year, exclusively undergraduate college of 3,100 students, Holy Cross is renowned for offering a rigorous, personalized education in the Jesuit, Catholic tradition. Since its founding in 1843, Holy Cross has made a positive impact in society by graduating students who distinguish themselves as thoughtful leaders in business, professional, and civic life.
