Holy Cross College is a small co-educational Roman Catholic institution of higher education, located in Notre Dame, Indiana, U.S.. The school was founded by and is administered by members of the Congregation of Holy Cross, after which it is named. Holy Cross was a two year junior college for 40 years until 2004 (it was also Indiana's only junior college), when it developed its first four year program. The university has on-campus housing and benefits from close proximity to and institutional ties with the University of Notre Dame as well as nearby Saint Mary's College.
Campus Ministry
Among the most vibrant programs of the college is their Campus Ministry program. Billing itself as "Distinctively Catholic, Open to All" [1] Campus Ministry offers many opportunities for spiritual growth in a Catholic setting. Central to campus spirituality is the Eucharist. Mass is offered on weekdays at 12:25 p.m. and Sundays at 8:00 p.m. GLORY is a Eucharistic Praise and Worship Holy Hour that precedes regular Eucharistic Adoration [2] on Tuesday nights.
The Mission Team is a faith development program where students grow in their faith and are supported by other students in living a moral and healthy lifestyle according to the teachings of the Catholic Church. [3] The Mission Team had over 32 students participate in 06-07. Scholarships are available for its participants.
Growth on campus
The College will break ground on a new recreation center[4] in July of 2007 (Fall). This building is being named after Robert Pfeil, a former trustee and noteworthy donor to this facility.
Majors/studies
Each student completes the same multidisciplinary core of courses, and then electives can be taken that will allow each student to gain knowledge and experience in areas of choice. The most popular major is liberal studies, but theology and education are also offered. In addition, students may elect to complete an optional academic concentration in several areas, including business and economics, information systems, literature, prelaw, psychology, and theology. Students have a major advisor, and those pursuing optional academic concentrations have a co-advisor.[5]
Housing
Holy Cross has five residence halls for students. Pulte Hall and South Hall are apartment style housing; Pulte is an all male dorm and South is co-ed. Anselm Hall and Basil Hall are male dorms. James Hall houses females.
Financial aid
Holy Cross accepts many forms of financial aid in the form of: Federal Perkins Loan, Pell Grants, State Grants as well as offered scholastic scholarships.
Sports
Intercollegiate Lacrosse
No experience is necessary to join the Holy Cross lacross club, "just a good work ethic and coachability". The Lacrosse Saints are the oldest, and one of the most successful, club sports on campus, and are open to students of Holy Cross College and Notre Dame. Open try-outs are at the beginning of the Spring Semester.
Men's Soccer
The Holy Cross Men's team soccer was one of the first at the college to join the NAIA (National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics). In addition to the customized soccer fields on campus, this team also practices and competes at Soccer Zone, a local facility. At the College's first ever signing day, Coach Ryan Leniski signed six athletes.
Women's Soccer
Also a member of the NAIA, this team established a solid foundation in its first year. Coach Peter Holland is looking for talented first-year recruits that are committing to Holy Cross.
Men's Golf
This recent addition to the NAIA signed two athletes at Holy Cross' signing day. Coaches Ryan Gowen and Cody Risedorph are confident this team will be successful in its inaugural year. Tryouts will be held within two weeks of the academic year.
Cross Country
This team is preparing for its second year in NAIA competition. Coach Dave Barstis started the cross country team at Saint Mary's College, and coaches both the men and women's programs at Holy Cross.
Ice Hockey
The Holy Cross ice hockey team competes in the American Collegiate Hockey Association (ACHA). This team competes at The Ice Box, a local skating facility, and is forming a conference with schools from Ohio, Indiana and Kentucky.
Cheerleading
The Saints cheerleaders are coming off their most impressive year and anticipate one even more so. This squad cheers for the Holy Cross basketball team, as well as increases school pride and morale. Tryouts will be held within the first two weeks of the academic year.
Intercollegiate basketball
Holy Cross plays other colleges and universities from around the area. The Basketball Saints also compete in the Mishawaka A league.
The Holy Cross mascot is the Saint.
Notable alumni
- Daniel E. "Rudy" Ruettiger -- Motivational speaker and motivation for the 1993 film Rudy.
