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Post by Pakachoag Phreek on May 25, 2018 6:55:03 GMT -5
The commencement ceremony was moved to the DCU in recent years because, as explained by the college, , the Luth was under construction. The Luth is now done, and yet the 2018 commencement is at the DCU.
The 2018 baccalaureate mass was at Fitton, with the Hart as alternate site in the event of rain. So it wasn't as if the college was concerned about damage to the football field.
My guess as to why commencement has again returned to the DCU is that there is no cap on the number of ticket's and, perhaps more importantly, the two hour catered reception after the commencement for the graduates, their families/guests, and the officers and faculty of the college. Difficult to do a reception for 4-5,000 people on College Hill.
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Post by alum on May 25, 2018 7:12:41 GMT -5
I think that graduation on campus is great, weather permitting. I would be interested in knowing what the cost of the DCU Center is for graduation and whether it would be possible to have a tiered agreement. In other words, the College pays one fee to hold the place for the day and a second fee if it has to be used.
I had occasion to go to Trinity's graduation this year. It is on campus, in one of their quads, with their most historic buildings surrounding the area and literally "neath the Elms" which is the title of their alma mater. It was really very nice---and even dog-friendly which makes it even better.
I am realizing that I graduated from HC 34 years ago today. Time flies
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Post by HCFC45 on May 25, 2018 7:19:46 GMT -5
The commencement ceremony was moved to the DCU in recent years because, as explained by the college, , the Luth was under construction. The Luth is now done, and yet the 2018 commencement is at the DCU. The 2018 baccalaureate mass was at Fitton, with the Hart as alternate site in the event of rain. So it wasn't as if the college was concerned about damage to the football field. My guess as to why commencement has again returned to the DCU is that there is no cap on the number of ticket's and, perhaps more importantly, the two hour catered reception after the commencement for the graduates, their families/guests, and the officers and faculty of the college. Difficult to do a reception for 4-5,000 people on College Hill. Well, maybe not entirely... Probably hard at work sanding off the Crusader logo at mid court!  ! |
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Post by CHC8485 on May 25, 2018 8:16:03 GMT -5
With my daughter set to graduate next May, I'll be asking lots of questions to anyone who will listen. If anyone would understand the sacredness of place, you'd think priests would get it.
With the Luth under construction, I certainly understand why they moved it the last 2 years with no alternative indoor location. Now, no idea why they stayed at the DCU as with the Luth complete, you can use the new football field for the ceremony or overflow seating. So even an indoor ceremony could allow virtually unlimited tickets.
As to the reception ...
1. they held it for years on the Fenwick Lawn/Quad. I have pictures from my own graduation during the reception
2. When HC16 graduated two years ago, trust me the reception was no picnic - pun intended. Place was so jammed packed you could barely move let alone find anyone. Left my family (including my 88 year old father, 80 year old mother-in-law and 78 year old father-in -law) on the sidewalk outside the DCU while I ventured into the reception to find my son and we left promptly. Said our goodbyes on campus.
In my mind, there is no good reason to hold graduation at the DCU going forward - even if the PAC ever gets started and sucks up 100-200 parking spots. That's a problem that can be managed for 1 day!
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Post by sader1970 on May 25, 2018 8:33:19 GMT -5
8485 would likely know but did not mention it in his prior post but if my memory is correct, I thought we had to sign a multi-year contract with DCU for the graduation perhaps for a number of reasons including: 1. what if construction SNAFUs for LAC?; 2. to lock in the dates at DCU; 3. better $$$ deal for HC with the first reason the most important. 45, I may or may not have posted that I was up to HC for an IVC meeting about a week ago and tried to get into LAC to see if they sanded off the midcourt logo. LAC was locked up tighter than a drum as I intended to take a picture and send it to you, with or without the logo. Did bring up my drone and despite rain and gusty winds, took some video from the top of the hill. Small drone and very susceptible to wind so videos would give you airsickness  so giving you all a break and won't post link(s). |
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Post by hchoops on May 25, 2018 8:36:58 GMT -5
Could it be that the school decided that it did not want chairs on the Luth football field ?
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Post by Pakachoag Phreek on May 25, 2018 8:49:25 GMT -5
8485 would likely know but did not mention it in his prior post but if my memory is correct, I thought we had to sign a multi-year contract with DCU for the graduation perhaps for a number of reasons including: 1. what if construction SNAFUs for LAC?; 2. to lock in the dates at DCU; 3. better $$$ deal for HC with the first reason the most important. The explanation for a multi-year deal makes sense, if the college is anticipating that construction of the PAC, or more critically, the Student Recreation Center, will royally screw up access and parking at the top of the hill. Ongoing construction of the Recreation Center means the only routes to Luth/Hart will be either City View, or coming in off McKeon: McKeon > Loyola (hairpin) > McCarthy.. _____________ hchoops, I wondered about that. I recall floor seating on Ignatius of Loyola field is about 6,000 plus. They would have to cover the field with something before putting chairs down. |
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Post by CHC8485 on May 25, 2018 9:18:30 GMT -5
8485 would likely know but did not mention it in his prior post but if my memory is correct, I thought we had to sign a multi-year contract with DCU for the graduation perhaps for a number of reasons including: 1. what if construction SNAFUs for LAC?; 2. to lock in the dates at DCU; 3. better $$$ deal for HC with the first reason the most important. 45, I may or may not have posted that I was up to HC for an IVC meeting about a week ago and tried to get into LAC to see if they sanded off the midcourt logo. LAC was locked up tighter than a drum as I intended to take a picture and send it to you, with or without the logo. Did bring up my drone and despite rain and gusty winds, took some video from the top of the hill. Small drone and very susceptible to wind so videos would give you airsickness so giving you all a break and won't post link(s). It was orginally presented as a 2 year displacement. If they signed a 3 year deal with the DCU it was not presented that way in 2015-16. As to chairs on the Luth field ... my son graduated high school on a brand new field turf football field. They had the same concerns and were even concerned about high heels damaging the field. So they covered the seating area for graduates and walkways on the field with white plywood/hard plastic(?). Problem solved. Nobody walked or sat on the turf. And even if the Luth practice field is a no go, what did we do from 1976 - 2015 when it rained? What did we do before 1976? As I said there may be obstacles but all can be overcome. After spending 4 years at the school, the place becomes sacred. To take the final (and possibly most significant) act off campus to a non-descript arena when it is not necessary is not fair to the graduates nor their families - even if we get unlimted tickets! |
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Post by hchoops on May 25, 2018 9:21:12 GMT -5
In 2003, 2006 and 2010 they had the Hart as a backup in case of rain with tickets limited.
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Post by Tom on May 25, 2018 9:28:58 GMT -5
In 2003 and 2006 they had the Hart as a backup in case of rain with tickets limited. In 1986 it was rained out. Graduation in Hart in basketball court with limited tickets. Overflow (and non-ticketed people) in hockey area with closed circuit TV for viewing |
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Post by purplehaze on May 25, 2018 9:50:52 GMT -5
Ceremony available on line to view now by going to holycross.edu and click graduation at bottom of home page
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Post by CHC8485 on May 25, 2018 12:52:54 GMT -5
BTW - Apologies for sounding like a grumy old man. Don't mean to rain on their important day and the focus today (and this day next year) should be on the achievement not location so ...
Congratulations to all the members of the Class of 2108 and welcome to the ranks of Holy Cross Alumni! Have gotten to know several members of the class through both my kids and all are great young men & women and are tremendous representatives of the College. Best of luck to all in your future endeavors!
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Post by hchoops on May 25, 2018 13:04:23 GMT -5
Graduating athletes The number graduating with honors is impressive, esp the summas, inc Katie Doherty(saw her play in HS) The time commitment of playing a varsity sport did not hamper these examples of true student-athletes It is worth the time to read the quotes at the bottom, esp Infinity’s www.goholycross.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=33100&ATCLID=211716793 |
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Post by KY Crusader 75 on May 25, 2018 14:46:40 GMT -5
Very, very impressive
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Post by Crucis#1 on May 26, 2018 11:04:47 GMT -5
There are a number of logistical reasons for the college to continue having the graduation ceremony at the DCU Center.
1. In case of rain, the entire Holy Cross Community can be together to celebrate the preeminent event of the academic year.
2. For graduates, the stress of selecting who among family and friends can attend in the primary venue, versus being relegated to secondary venue is eliminated on their most important day in their life at Holy Cross.
3. Setting up one venue for the ceremony, provides an easier logical plan for the college.
4. Reception planning and catering provides an indoor facility.
5. Fitton Field is a very difficult venue to navigate regarding guest who have mobility issues. Until Fitton is upgraded to address ADA accessibility, using the DCU Center eliminates this issue for families with elderly and disabled family members.
6. Using the DCU Center is beneficial politically for town and gown relationship. HC is not in total isolation from the Worcester community.
7. Security. In the event the commencement speaker requires a high security profile for safety of both the speaker and the guest. Short of shutting down, I 290, Fitton Field’s location can be a problem. In today’s political climate, could President Lyndon Johnson or Alexander Solzhenitsyn be able to address the graduates?
In 1985, W. Wilson Goode, the mayor of Philadelphia, was a commencement honorary degree recepient, less than two weeks after the Move incident. Planes were in the air in protest. Short of restricting air space, and shutting down I 290, Fitton presents an issue.
8. For those of us of a certain vintage, sitting in either Fitton or Hart bleachers for two plus hours is not comfortable. I prefer sitting in the climate control comfort in all chair back seats of the DCU. Several years ago while attending an outdoor graduation in an all metal stadium in California, I came away with sun burn to my hands. The rest of me was covered in long sleeves and a hat.
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Post by Chu Chu on May 29, 2018 12:58:09 GMT -5
6. Using the DCU Center is beneficial politically for town and gown relationship. HC is not in total isolation from the Worcester community.
I would add to this, it might give us some leverage as we negotiate our lease for men's hockey!
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Post by Pakachoag Phreek on May 30, 2018 15:10:45 GMT -5
See update in the other thread) on construction of the Student Recreation Center (and Performing Arts Center). The construction mess at the top of the Hill will dictate the DCU for commencement for several years .
.................And then there is the proposed parking garage for the top of the Hill..
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!
so giving you all a break and won't post link(s). 
