President John Denning, C.S.C., Shares Inspiring Message at Academic Convocation 2023

We gather this afternoon to celebrate the beginning of the College’s 75th academic year. It is a moment for us to come together to extend a warm welcome to students of the Class of 2027, as well as transfer students who join this community of scholarship and faith for the first time. 

We also recognize the Class of 2024, as they begin this - their senior year - and celebrate our faculty who excel at both teaching and scholarship, helping to create a vibrant learning community.

Each day, you – our curious students, dedicated faculty, supportive staff, and caring alumni contribute to the Stonehill experience and its rich tradition. 

With over 30,000 alumni leading in their fields across the globe, the impact of a Stonehill education is felt broadly. Thank you to those alumni, representing each decade of the College’s history, for joining us this afternoon and carrying on the tradition of being present and supportive of our current seniors and incoming first year and transfer students. 

Thank you to Senior Class President Andrew Parker for leading your class with compassion and for selecting a shovel which represents resilience - an attribute that has characterized this College for the past 75 years. 

I wish to share my congratulations to Professor Robert Rodgers for being honored with this year’s Louise F. Hegarty Award for Excellence in Teaching—Prof. Rodgers exemplifies how our faculty challenge and support our students through deep listening, adaptability, and mentoring.

As we embark on our 75th year as a college community, Professor Tracy Rosebrock’s profound words give me reason to reflect on our mission statement which calls us to strengthen the bonds of community and to recommit ourselves to a shared purpose of educating hearts and minds, while furthering our commitment to honoring the inherent dignity of each person.  

We are all here to help one another rise, grow, and flourish. Since 1948, this College has continually come together to support one another’s gifts and talents, strengthen our spirit, and demonstrate justice and compassion. 

As you embark on your academic pursuits this year, I hope you will continue to lead with heart each day; finding connection among your classmates and colleagues; and learning from one another’s distinct experiences. 

I would like to challenge all of us here today to refocus our efforts on reaching out to our neighboring communities through service and engaged learning. As the Constitution of the Congregation of Holy Cross states, “Our efforts, which are his, reach out to the afflicted and in a preferential way to those who are poor and oppressed. We come not just as servants but as their neighbors, to be with them and of them.” 

May Mary, Queen of the Summit, guide you with her love in your studies, your work, and your scholarly research. And May God bless you and Stonehill College always.