Faculty at Holy Cross College now have access to new professional development opportunities thanks to the generosity of longtime benefactor and board of trustees member Barbara O’Connor. A special gathering at the Pfiel Center was held on Feb. 26 to commemorate the launch of the O’Connor Fund for Faculty Development, an initiative funded through her recent philanthropic commitment.
During the event, Holy Cross College President Dr. Marco Clark emphasized the importance of investing in faculty as a core priority for the College.
“There is nothing more important than making sure that we’re raising funds that support you and your work in the academy,” Dr. Clark told gathered faculty members. “I often will say, ‘Let’s keep the main thing the main thing.’ How do these gifts directly impact the enhancement of the student experience? And part of that student experience is making sure that all of you are nourished, nurtured, given opportunities for your own professional development—opportunities for your personal, professional, and spiritual formation.”
O’Connor, looking out over faculty members gathered said simply, “Thank you to all of you for what you do. This is just a wonderful community.”
She signed a large check during the gathering signaling the $1 million gift.
Dr. Clark noted that investing in faculty development was a priority from the beginning of his presidency.
“When I first came on board, a retired president gave me some advice that said, among the first things that you should focus on is raising funds for your faculty in the form of a faculty development endowment,” Clark said. “And that’s exactly what Barbara O’Connor has helped us to realize.”
O’Connor, who also serves on the Science Advisory Council at the University of Notre Dame, shared her appreciation for the Holy Cross Congregation.
O’Connor, who is not Catholic, said the mission of Holy Cross connects deeply with her family.
“I see the good that they do,” O’Connor said. “Holy Cross has always been special to me.”
O’Connor’s generosity has already made an impact. Twelve faculty members have applied for O’Connor Fellowships so far, with many more expected before the deadline. Applications represent faculty across disciplines, including full-time, part-time, and adjunct professors.
This is not the first time O’Connor has shared with the College. The O’Connor Commons, a three-acre green space was dedicated in 2015 thanks to a previous $1 million gift from O’Connor in memory of her late husband, John V. O’Connor. The O’Connor family’s involvement with Holy Cross began when their son, Andy enrolled as a student.
To join the generosity of people like Barbara O’Connor, visit the Give to Holy Cross page.