Convocation 2025 “Crossing Borders of Every Sort”
The Holy Cross Institute at St. Edward’s University
Convocation 2025 is set to take place February 24-26 on the campus of St. Edward’s University. We hope to see you there as Convocation is the largest annual gathering of Holy Cross educators from across the country and around the world. At the upcoming Convocation, we expect more than 300 members of the Holy Cross family to gather in Austin for an unforgettable experience. The theme of Convocation 2025 is "Crossing Borders of Every Sort," which is drawn from the Constitutions (2:17) and evokes the deep sense of mission that has inspired Holy Cross educators past, present and future.
Tuesday, Feb. 25 — Pinnacle Day
9:00 AM Prayer, Acknowledgment Statement and Welcome
9:30 AM Morning Plenary Session (JONES GEC)
A Year of Holy Cross Mission
Bro. Paul Bednarczyk, C.S.C., Superior General, Rome
Fr. Thomas Eckert, C.S.C., the Holy Cross Mission Center
10:15 AM Break
10:30 AM Dialogue and Discoveries (JONES GEC)
11:00 AM Breakout Sessions (MABEE BALLROOM A&B)
12:00 PM Optional Eucharist (OUR LADY QUEEN OF PEACE CHAPEL)
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Lunch (available until 1:30 PM) (MABEE BALLROOM A&B)
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HCI Office Open House (PREMONT HALL SUITE 104 - 114)
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2:00-3:00 PM Afternoon Plenary Session I — Crossing Borders
The Journey to the Journey: Leaning into the Holy Cross Family to Ensure
a Formative International Experience – Panel Discussion
Katie Yohe, Sisters of the Holy Cross
Linda Ruskowski, Academy of the Holy Cross
Maika Walker, Academy of the Holy Cross
3:00 PM Break
3:15-4:00 PM Afternoon Plenary Session II — Crossing Borders
The Expansion and Perpetuity of the Holy Cross Mission in Brazil
Br. Ronaldo Antonio de Almeida, CSC, District Superior, Brazil
Geani Moller Cavallaro, Santa Cruz School, Brazil
Márcia Regina Savioli, Santa Cruz School, Brazil
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4:30 PM Eucharist (OUR LADY QUEEN OF PEACE CHAPEL)
6:00 PM Cocktail Reception (TBA)
7:00 PM Convocation Banquet – Presentation of Awards (MABEE BALLROOM)
On Tuesday during lunch, the SEU Ballet Folklorico will perform for us in the Mabee Ballroom. These Holy Cross students perform a variety of dances that reflect the traditions, beliefs, and cultures of different regions of Mexico. For this performance, musical accompaniment will be provided by the students of Moreau Catholic High School, in Hayward, California. We are grateful to all these students and especially to Rosalinda Valdez and Ann Khristine Tabora, the respective directors of the SEU Ballet Folklorico and Campus Ministry at Moreau Catholic.
Wednesday Feb. 26 — Wrap-Around Day
9:00 AM Prayer, Acknowledgment Statement and Welcome (JONES GEC)
9:30 AM Morning Plenary Session (JONES GEC)
A Snapshot of Holy Cross Higher Education
Michelle Landon, King's College
James McDonough, King's College
10:15 AM Break
10:30 AM Dialogue and Discoveries (JONES GEC)
11:00 AM Breakout Sessions (MABEE BALLROOM A&B)
12:00 PM Optional Eucharist (OUR LADY QUEEN OF PEACE CHAPEL)
Lunch (available until 1:30 PM) (MABEE BALLROOM A&B)
HCI Office Open House (PREMONT HALL SUITE 104 - 114)
2-2:45 PM Afternoon Session 1: Higher Education Workshops
Leading with Hope: Character Education in the Holy Cross Tradition*
Karen Anderson, Colleen Ford, Stonehill College
Leveraging Summer Research*
Nyree McDonald, University of Notre Dame
Corporate Social Responsibility: Meeting the Needs of Developing Countries
Kathleen Wilburn, St. Edward’s University
"Widening Our Circle of Family": Supporting International Students
at Holy Cross Institutions
Maureen Schweninger, University of Notre Dame
Afternoon Session 1: “Emerging Landscapes” Workshops
Rooted in Mission: All Sorts of Borders to Cross with Parent
Pledge, Board Support, and International Student Experiences*
Liz Guneratne, Dotty McCrea, Elizabeth Berkes, Moreau Catholic High School
Creative Use of the USCCB Curriculum Framework: Viewing
Contemporary Films Through a Sacramental Lens
Matt Cannaday, Cathedral High School
A New Plan for Summer Reading
Michael Abbott, Notre Dame High School (Conn.)
2:45 - 3:15 PM Coffee / Tea Break
3:15 - 4:00 PM Afternoon Session 2: Higher Education Workshops
Crossing Linguistic Borders and Bridging Language Supports*
Katie Lichon, Jocelyn Smith, University of Notre Dame, and
Katie Vogel, Loyola Press
Crossing Borders of Every Sort: Holy Cross Ministries in Texas
Mity Myhr, Joseph Howe, St. Edward’s University
Welcoming Autistic and Neurodivergent Students: A Conversation
Between Professor and Student
Angelique Montgomery-Goodnough, Nia Botti, St. Edward’s University
Afternoon Session 2: “Emerging Landscapes” Workshops
Driven by Hope - Through the Lens of the Holy Cross Apostolic Mission
Jessica Plaspohl, Paul Acampora, Chris Haug, Chris Fahey, the
Holy Cross Associates
Implementing Equitable Grading Policies in the High School Classroom
Desiree Moyer, Michael MacDonald, Archbishop Hoban High School
Creative Use of the USCCB Curriculum Framework: Viewing
Contemporary Films Through a Sacramental Lens
Matt Cannaday, Cathedral High School
4:30 PM Closing Ceremony, Executive Director’s Address, and Memorial Service
6:00 PM Dinner on Your Own/ Post-Conference Gathering at an Austin Restaurant