Fall ’23 | Winter ’24 - Feature

Leadership Throughout Stonehill History

by Kimberly Lawrence

Over the past 75 years, Stonehill has had 10 presidents. Rev. George Benaglia, C.S.C., was appointed the first president in July 1948. From 1948-1971, the College president also served as the superior of the Congregation of Holy Cross. When Fr. Benaglia’s term as superior ended in 1949, he stepped down as president. Rev. Francis Boland, C.S.C., was appointed president (and superior) in July 1949. Beginning in 1972, responsibility for the College was transferred to an elected and primarily lay Board of Trustees. This lifted the six-year restriction on presidential terms, as the president no longer also served as superior. Since 1971, new presidents have been appointed after a formal search process. Here's a look at Stonehill's past presidents through their own notable words.

Rev. George Benaglia, C.S.C.

Term: 1948-1949 “The privilege I have of being Stonehill’s first president is surpassed only by the privilege you have as her first students.” 1948 Opening Address
Rev. Francis Boland, C.S.C.

Term: 1949-1955 "You have become an essential part of the College, an interesting part to be sure, and Stonehill College belongs to you equally as much as it belongs to all others connected with the institution.” 1951 Opening Address, welcoming female students
Rev. James Sheehan, C.S.C.

Term: 1955-1958 “The students can be assured that the Administration and Faculty of Stonehill College are determined to do everything in their power to further the interests of the students in every way possible.” 1956 President’s Message in The Summit
Rev. Richard H. Sullivan, C.S.C.

Term: 1958-1964 “Your present success and its measure are the sign of your ability and preparation, your motivation and ambition. During the past four years, these characteristics have been expressed in your scholastic work and extra-curricular activities; as Stonehill has enriched you, you have enriched Stonehill.” 1963 ACRES, President’s Message
Rev. John T. Corr, C.S.C.

Term: 1964-1971 “What will Stonehill become? What will Stonehill accomplish? What will Stonehill do? This I leave in your hands, for you are Stonehill.” 1964 Opening Address
Rev. Ernest Bartell, C.S.C.

Term: 1971-1977 “Like the body of God’s people, the life of this Stonehill College community depends upon dedication, mutual respect and acknowledgment of the dignity of each member’s participation.” Address to Faculty, announcing President’s Quarter-Century Conference
Mr. C. James Cleary (Interim)

Term: 1977-1978 “Indeed, I value the opportunities afforded to participate and share in the extraordinary transformation of this institution—from a fledgling academic experiment…to the handsome and successful College of Arts and Sciences that we behold today.” Letter to the Board of Trustees
Rev. Bartley MacPháidín, C.S.C. ’59

Term: 1978-2000 “In the decades ahead, I envision that Stonehill will reinvigorate the spirit that inspired our founders, accelerate its march to excellence, and position itself for a further flowering of its vast potential.” 1993 Stonehill’s Legacy and Vision
Rev. Mark T. Cregan, C.S.C. ’78

Term: 2000-2013 “My hope and prayer for you is that the Stonehill education you are completing, more than anything else, will serve as part of the foundation for the ‘edifice’ that is your life.” Letter to the Class of 2002