For 21 members of the College of the Holy Cross Class of 2030, heading off to college didn’t mean heading out of town.
The Worcester residents are among 860 first-year students who enrolled at Holy Cross this fall, joining a class drawn from 39 U.S. states and territories and five countries.
Their arrival comes during a particularly competitive admissions year for the Jesuit liberal arts college, which received a record 10,600-plus applications for the Class of 2030. Just 17% of applicants were admitted, according to a Nov. 3 announcement from the college.
Holy Cross described the incoming class as one of the most academically accomplished in its history, citing students’ achievements in academics, community service, leadership, athletics and the arts.
For the Worcester students, the college’s Mount St. James campus offers the opportunity to pursue a nationally recognized liberal arts education without leaving their hometown.
The 21 Worcester residents entering the Class of 2030 are:
Jashaun Akamba, Adwoa Boakye-Agyemang, Olivia Bode, Tammy Do, Erick Elena Villatoro, Quinn Farrell, Darlene Hang, Jessica Hanna, Dan Ho, Emma Jaupaj, Laxmi Khanal Adhikari, Diana Le, Nathan Muratwa, Olivia Muska, Milene Novoa, Chelsea Okantey, Edwin Olney, Yessenia Otero-Gilbert, Catherine Radke, Angelise Samson and Alejandro Zafon-Whalen.
College President Vincent D. Rougeau welcomed the new students during First-Year Convocation, encouraging them to consider how their education could benefit the wider community.
“Welcome, Class of 2030!” Rougeau told the students, according to the college’s announcement. “As you settle into your residence halls, find your way around campus, meet new people, and experience college life here on the Hill, know that you are joining a global community of learners and educators and that your education is meant to serve not only you, but society as well.”
Founded in 1843, Holy Cross enrolls approximately 3,200 undergraduate students and offers a liberal arts education rooted in the Jesuit, Catholic tradition.
The Class of 2030 is expected to graduate in spring 2030.
