Aside from being asked about the size of the student body here at Holy Cross, what majors and minors we offer, what Worcester is like, and what the admissions committee is looking for in applicants, the next most common question I get from prospective students and their families is, “Did you go to Holy Cross?”

And more often than not, they seem surprised to hear that I did not, in fact, go to Holy Cross. But I get it. It’s a reasonable assumption. Five of the thirteen admissions counselors on our staff graduated from HC, and they carry their Purple Pride with them wherever they go. Who better than loyal alumni to rave about the college they attended and to want to promote it to prospective students? Who better to describe campus traditions, relationships with professors, and student life than people who have experienced all of this firsthand?

So why promote a school with which I have no prior affiliation? First, while I had an unforgettable four years at my alma mater, my experience there was so valuable precisely because it was the right place for ME. Do I think that everyone should go where I went? Nope. Do I think that everyone belongs at Holy Cross? Again, the answer is no. College choice is all about finding the right FIT for a student, and one of the most interesting parts of my job is being a part of that “fit” conversation. Early on in the admissions process, I meet students at high schools, college fairs, and Open Houses, as they’re collecting information about the different colleges they’re considering and trying to get a sense of what schools are in their “range” and where they could potentially picture themselves. Then, when I conduct interviews and read applications, it’s my turn to figure out which students are the best match for Holy Cross. Who will thrive and be successful here? Who will be a unique addition to the student body and make significant contributions to the campus community?

Second, I truly believe in this place and its mission. It’s hard not to be inspired when you see that the Jesuit motto of “men and women for others” is not just a catchphrase here but a way of life. Students at Holy Cross tend to care just as much about trying to make life better for other people as they do about their own education. In all of their pursuits, they are challenged and encouraged to develop themselves not just intellectually, but morally as well. While they are preparing for tremendously successful careers, they are at the same time molding themselves to be good citizens and ethical people. The largest, most popular club at Holy Cross, comprising nearly 25% of our student body, is devoted to weekly outreach and service in the Worcester community. In addition, one out of every ten students spend their Spring Break traveling to places like Kenya to live in solidarity with economically disadvantaged populations and reflect on issues of social justice, or to the Gulf Coast region of the U.S. to help rebuild homes and buildings destroyed by natural disasters. Being surrounded by these passionate and committed individuals, I am constantly reminded to think outside of myself and see the greater picture.

So no, I did not go to Holy Cross. But it doesn’t mean that I’m any less proud to work here than my Crusader colleagues. And I might even, just a tiny little bit, “bleed purple.”

Kate Stewart
Admissions Counselor

Embarking on my first season of application reading was somewhat daunting. Initially, I was overwhelmed to think that my colleagues and I would collectively read more than 7,000 freshman applications from cover to cover. I wondered (and worried) whether all of the candidates would eventually blur together in my mind. I’ve realized, though, that when I give each application the thorough read it deserves and immerse myself in each file, it becomes more than just a collection of documents and truly brings to life the unique individual it represents. Each read becomes a chance to get to know a new student, one with the potential to join the vibrant student body here at Holy Cross. Though I’ve never talked to Student A, I’ve read his college essay and can picture him giving the mind-blowing speech that helped him win the election for Class President. I’ve never stepped foot in Student B’s high school, but based on her letters of recommendation I can almost hear the chit-chat in the teachers’ lounge as they talk about how excited they are to have such an intelligent, hardworking, and motivated student in class this year. According to the write-up of my colleague who interviewed Student C, I’ve been able to unpeel another of his layers to discover that in person he is witty, charming, engaging, and mature… not to mention that he speaks fluent Greek. It may sound crazy, but I sincerely look forward to “meeting” all 7,000+ of you!

Kate Stewart

Admissions Counselor

I’m thankful, above most else, for my parents. Recently—perhaps due to my newfound work as a college admissions counselor— I’ve been realizing how a portion of this gratitude is for my parents’ belief in higher education and their unwavering encouragement as I’ve pursued my own. My mom was the first person in her family to go to college; she took herself to visit schools and paid her own way at a state university. My dad, on the other hand, grew up with the expectation that he would attend a private college without worrying about the cost. Despite the differing paths they took to get their college degrees, they both came away understanding the value of a college education and even went on to pursue master’s degrees. They worked hard and saved carefully, knowing that one of their most important goals was to be able to provide their own children with the same opportunities. My dad once said that as a parent, he did not want to be the barrier standing in the way of his children’s futures—he dreamed big for us all. Did my sisters and I still need to apply for financial aid? Yes, college can be expensive! Yet what we appreciated even more than the significant financial contribution our parents made was their limitless belief in our potential and their unmistakable pride in our accomplishments.

Thanks, Mom and Dad.

Kate Stewart
Admissions Counselor

Hi! I’m Kate Stewart, the lucky thirteenth member of the Holy Cross admissions team. I started working here in early September, only about a week or so after all the students had returned to campus and begun their fall semester. In fact, in the nights leading up to my first day I was having my own “back-to-school” dreams … you know, the ones where you’re running late and show up to class only to realize that either you’re not wearing any pants or there’s a test you haven’t studied for. But as soon as I stepped foot in the door of Fenwick Hall (home of the admissions office), any anxiety I had was assuaged by all of the wonderful—and I mean WONDERFUL—people who work here.

Not only am I excited about being at Holy Cross for the start of the school year, I cannot WAIT to experience fall on this beautiful campus. I’ve lived in New England my whole life and am most proud to call it home when my favorite season arrives. I can already picture the hillside transforming as the leaves change colors and am looking forward to cheering on the Crusaders at some home football games, going apple picking and, most of all, running in the cooler weather. I am currently training for my first half-marathon, which will take place in Vermont in early November! When I’m on the road visiting high schools in Connecticut and Long Island, I will definitely need some suggestions for good running routes in those areas. (Next year I add Atlanta to my travel—is it too hot to run there??)

Having taught preschool for several years before getting my master’s degree in school counseling, I am eager to jump to the other end of the spectrum and interact with high school students. To some extent, the move from high school to college is not all that different from my preschoolers’ transition to kindergarten… there’s the apprehension of entering an unknown environment with unfamiliar faces and new expectations, coupled with the excitement of being a “big kid” with increased independence. But while naptime disappears in kindergarten, I bet a lot of students will tell you that they took it up again in college. You’ll just have to ask some Holy Cross students how they manage to find time for it in between studying, volunteering through Student Programs for Urban Development, participating in the Student Government Association, playing club sports like Ultimate Frisbee, and meeting friends for coffee at Cool Beans.

Kate Stewart

Admissions Counselor