Faculty at 精品SM在线影片 now have access to new professional development opportunities thanks to the generosity of longtime benefactor and board of trustees member Barbara O鈥機onnor. A special gathering at the Pfiel Center was held on Feb. 26 to commemorate the launch of the O鈥機onnor Fund for Faculty Development, an initiative funded through her recent philanthropic commitment.
During the event, 精品SM在线影片 President Dr. Marco Clark emphasized the importance of investing in faculty as a core priority for the College.
鈥淭here is nothing more important than making sure that we鈥檙e raising funds that support you and your work in the academy,鈥� Dr. Clark told gathered faculty members. 鈥淚 often will say, 鈥楲et鈥檚 keep the main thing the main thing.鈥� 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鈥攐pportunities for your personal, professional, and spiritual formation.鈥�
O鈥機onnor, looking out over faculty members gathered said simply, 鈥淭hank you to all of you for what you do. This is just a wonderful community.鈥�
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.
鈥淲hen 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,鈥� Clark said. 鈥淎nd that鈥檚 exactly what Barbara O鈥機onnor has helped us to realize.鈥�
O鈥機onnor, who also serves on the Science Advisory Council at the University of Notre Dame, shared her appreciation for the Holy Cross Congregation.
O鈥機onnor, who is not Catholic, said the mission of Holy Cross connects deeply with her family.
鈥淚 see the good that they do,鈥� O鈥機onnor said. 鈥淗oly Cross has always been special to me.鈥�
O鈥機onnor鈥檚 generosity has already made an impact. Twelve faculty members have applied for O鈥機onnor 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鈥機onnor has shared with the College. The O鈥機onnor Commons, a three-acre green space was dedicated in 2015 thanks to a The O鈥機onnor family鈥檚 involvement with Holy Cross began when their son, Andy enrolled as a student.
To join the generosity of people like Barbara O鈥機onnor, visit the Give to Holy Cross page.