Holy Cross College

The College of the Holy Cross is a college located in Worcester, Massachusetts. Founded by Benedict Joseph Fenwick as a school for boys under the auspices of the Society of Jesus. The land was purchased in 1836, and the cornerstone was laid in 1843. The first class graduated in 1849, and was completely destroyed by fire in 1852 and rebuilt in 1853. At first, the college could not get a charter, and the diplomas were signed by the President of Georgetown University, another Jesuit college, until a charter was finally granted in 1865.

The College has approximately 2,700 students. Notable alumni include United States Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas, US House Representative Timothy Bishop, Poet Laureate Billy Collins, former Boston Celtics players Robert J. Cousy and Thomas W. Heinsohn, astronaut Joseph P. Kerwin, Chris Matthews, Rep. Michael R. McNulty, Rep. James P. Moran, James David Power III, and NBC CEO Robert C. Wright.

The college is part of a consortium with other Worcester colleges, including Worcester Polytechnic Institute and Clark University.