Decade of Distinction

When visitors walk into the office of President John Denning, C.S.C., located in Donahue Hall, one of the first things they will notice is a large potted plant next to his desk. Gifted to him by Stonehill College Dining Services when he was first appointed, it has grown and thrived under his careful watch, just like our community has. In celebration of a decade leading the College, Fr. Denning recently sat down with Stonehill Alumni Magazine to reflect upon his service to our institution and more. 

How do you recall feeling when you were named president?  

I was truly elated when I found out I was chosen to serve in this capacity. I also felt a tremendous amount of responsibility as I recognized the important role that a president plays in creating opportunities for a college community to flourish. Fortunately, I had a lot of great people by my side to help ease the transition.

What’s your approach to leadership?

I try to remain focused on how our mission to educate hearts and minds, which is rooted in the Holy Cross tradition, is being fulfilled. I’ve come to realize the importance of thinking in the long term as opposed to the immediate future. Everything we do in the short term should contribute to larger goals that will help set our institution up for success.  

What’s one lesson you’ve learned during your presidency?  

Never be afraid to ask for help or clarification. It’s okay to say to someone, “Can you give me a better sense of what you’re looking for?” It’s important to make sure you understand people so that you’re better equipped to collaborate.  

Higher education has transformed so much since you first took office, especially because of the pandemic. What’s it been like navigating shifts in the landscape?

COVID-19 upended almost every aspect of student life and learning. Adapting to the use of new technologies and modes of working was certainly a challenge, but we forged ahead, thanks to the dedicated efforts of our faculty, staff and students. Now that we have settled back into a normal routine after years of upheaval, I’m excited by the possibilities that are open to us. While we will always prioritize the in-person experience when it’s safe to do so, technologies like Zoom have expanded our ability to work together in so many productive ways.  

You recently worked with many different community members on the College’s TO BE BOLD campaign, which raised $77.3 million in support of student access and opportunity as well as faculty research, teaching, athletics, programming and facilities. What would you like to say to those who contributed to this initiative?

Quite simply, I’d like to express my appreciation to the students, faculty, alumni, parents, trustees, members of the Congregation of Holy Cross and benefactors who helped make TO BE BOLD such a success. It is because of the collective power of their generosity that we exceeded our $75 million goal and made this campaign the most successful in Stonehill’s history. It is heartening to know that our community includes so many people willing to give so that future generations can thrive. The remarkable outcome of TO BE BOLD is a testament to the widespread support for our mission, which grows every year with each incoming class.  

Speaking of incoming classes, one of the ways you contribute to the College’s mission is by serving as a First-Year Experience facilitator. In this role, you teach a course that introduces first-year students to life at Stonehill. What do you like most about being part of this program?

I enjoy getting to know our students and helping them find ways to deepen their four-year experience on campus. Transitioning to college is so exciting, but it can also be challenging at times. Helping students overcome hurdles and find their place here is quite meaningful to me.

What other programs do you look forward to each year? 

I always enjoy the Christmas season at Stonehill. I love Lessons and Carols in the Chapel of Mary, and our tree lighting is a lot of fun. Walking the Saint Patrick’s Day parade in Naples, Florida, attending Mass and enjoying a corned beef dinner with our alumni every March is a great time. Of course, I always look forward to Commencement. Getting to meet parents and talk to them about how Stonehill has made a difference in their child’s life is very fulfilling.  

You’ve not only gotten to meet students’ families throughout your time in office but have also had the chance to connect with your nieces and nephews who attended Stonehill, correct?

I did. My nephew Patrick [Sweeney ’15] and nieces Kassie [Sweeney ’16], Annie [Sweeney ’18] and Meredith [Norton ’17] are proud members of our alumni community. It was always nice running into them on campus when they were here. I loved hearing them yell, “Uncle John!” from across the Quad. It was such an honor for me to present them with their diplomas. I also recently had the opportunity to officiate the wedding of Patrick and Cassandra McGill ’15. I look forward to celebrating Annie's upcoming marriage to Andrew Humphrey ’18.

Your 10th year as president coincides with Stonehill’s 75th anniversary. What are your hopes for our community as we look toward the next 75 years? 

I hope we remain the strong, vibrant community of academic excellence that we’ve always been. As we move into the future, I think it’s important that we continue focusing on what we can do to help propel students to become leaders in society. At the same time, I want to ensure that students feel truly cared for and valued. That’s been one of our strengths since our institution was founded by the Congregation of Holy Cross in 1948. I pray that will continue to be an area where we excel.