Gathering the Masters of Build Day 2025
At Holy Cross, students are not only focused on academics but also actively engaged in community service. One such initiative is the Working for Worcester organisation, a non-profit dedicated to improving community wellness by developing recreational infrastructure in Worcester.
Founded over a decade ago, Working for Worcester has made a significant impact on the city. The organisation brings together thousands of college students to complete community service projects and improve recreation spaces. Matthew Kenney, a Holy Cross alumnus, was one of the early volunteers, dedicating three years to the initiative while also working on projects like mentoring youth, starting a food pantry at Worcester East Middle School, and promoting civic participation through voter registration campaigns.
The organisation's efforts have resulted in enhancing community wellness through the construction of playgrounds and library spaces for Worcester elementary schools. Moreover, it has helped address food insecurity by partnering with local schools, and encouraged lasting student involvement in community projects through mentorship and leadership roles.
Kay McNamara, a Holy Cross junior and the Chief Operations Officer of Working for Worcester, played a crucial role in the success of the 13th Annual Working for Worcester Build Day, which took place on April 5th, 2025. Max Kudinov, another Holy Cross student and site manager at Roosevelt Elementary School, also contributed significantly to the event's success. His most memorable moment was speaking with a Consigli worker whose children attend the school, knowing that they were able to install an ADA-accessible swing that the worker's daughter, who uses a wheelchair, could use.
Holy Cross students have also been involved in other community-focused initiatives. For instance, the annual "Pink the Rink" event, held at the Luth Athletic Center, aims to raise awareness and funds for breast cancer research. The College of the Holy Cross also hosted the event, with Holy Cross junior Max Kudinov playing an integral role.
Cultural events, such as the Latin American Student Organization's 24th annual Noche Latina and Peace of Mind's Night Market, also saw active student participation. Amelia Ciarleglio '27, the Features Editor for the reported articles, was involved in both events, taking photos for the articles and helping create an immersive experience for attendees. The Latin American Student Organization's theme for Noche Latina 2024 was "The Unfolding Family Tree: Las Fuentes del Pasado Alimentando Nuestras Raíces," while Peace of Mind hosted the Night Market on February 23rd, 2024, in the Loyola Ballroom from 5:00-8:00 PM.
In the Peace of Mind Night Market, students were able to "travel around the world" through various cultural booths, showcasing the diversity and inclusivity that Holy Cross fosters. Working for Worcester, in particular, acts as a bridge between Holy Cross students and the Worcester community, encouraging active, collaborative efforts to improve social and recreational resources and address key local needs.
These initiatives reflect Holy Cross's broader community involvement ethos, demonstrated by various student and alumni initiatives that support Worcester's development and wellbeing. The college's commitment to community service is more than just a programme; it's a way of life for Holy Cross students and staff.
[1] Source: College of the Holy Cross News Section, various articles by Amelia Ciarleglio '27.
- Holy Cross students, such as Matthew Kenney, a former alumnus, are not only dedicated to their studies but also actively engage in community service initiatives like Working for Worcester, which aims to improve community wellness.
- Working for Worcester, founded over a decade ago, has made a significant impact on the city, with students involved in projects like building playgrounds, library spaces, and promoting civic participation.
- The annual "Pink the Rink" event at Holy Cross focuses on raising awareness and funds for breast cancer research, demonstrating another aspect of students' community engagement in education and self-development.
- Students from Holy Cross are also actively involved in cultural events, such as the Latin American Student Organization's Noche Latina and Peace of Mind's Night Market, which showcase the college's commitment to diversity and inclusivity.
- Initiatives like Working for Worcester and the "Pink the Rink" event, among others, reflect Holy Cross's broader ethos of community involvement, demonstrating that the college values not just academics but also the community, student lifestyle, home-and-garden, and research.
