Ciocca Center for Business, Ethics, and Society Blog

This year marks an exciting milestone for the College of the Holy Cross: the launch of its newly established Collegiate DECA chapter, advised by Rob Murner, director of the Ciocca Center. In its first year, the club made an impressive debut, quickly building momentum and earning recognition on both the regional and international stage.

The journey began at regionals hosted at Stonehill College, where five freshmen qualified for the International Career Development Conference in Louisville, Kentucky. Competing against senior marketing majors despite all being liberal arts majors rather than business students, their qualification was particularly impressive. For each of them, it was a first experience at an international conference. Representing Holy Cross on an international stage, they brought energy, professionalism, and ambition, contributing to the College’s growing presence within the DECA community.

At the conference, students competed in role plays, where they were asked to analyze business case studies and present solutions to a judge under time pressure. Topics included areas such as marketing management and business ethics, and competitors were challenged to think critically, communicate clearly, and respond professionally. After each event, judges offered constructive feedback, helping students better understand their strengths and where they could improve.

Beyond the competition, the conference gave students the chance to network with peers from different states and colleges, exchange ideas, and form connections with other students interested in business, leadership, and entrepreneurship. The experience extended beyond the competition itself. Held in Louisville during Derby season, the trip allowed members to explore the city and experience its energy, further strengthening connections within the team.

Ultimately, the success of these five freshmen is more than an impressive milestone. It is a signal of what’s to come. In just one year, Holy Cross DECA has gone from a new chapter to a nationally recognized presence. With momentum building and interest growing, this is only the beginning.

Congratulations to the members who competed!

Connor Duffy ’29

Maximilian Meisel ’29

Nathan Rezk ’29

Paige Ringuette ’29

Taylor Twomey ’29

 

Written by Curran Deehan ’28

Holy Cross students attended the third ClimaTech event on Tuesday, May 5, as well as a networking event on May 6 during Boston Climate Week, gaining exposure to the founders, investors, and operators building the next generation of climate solutions. This year’s event was especially meaningful, as it marked the first Boston Climate Week with Holy Cross sponsoring a table.

Holy Cross Students spent the day with Jordan Forester ’08 (pictured right), who left Wall Street to help climate tech founders in emerging markets. Jordan introduced them to members of the climate tech community and helped them engage with the event throughout the day.

Emma Hatem ’27 (pictured center left) and Sydney McDonald ’26 attended a full day of programming and networking, asking thoughtful questions during sessions, and learning more about career paths in the climate space. Highlights included meeting professionals across the ecosystem, including Carlos Araque, CEO of Quaise Energy, Supra Das of Electric Hydrogen and Isaac Salako (pictured left) of EcoGrid Electric, who came all the way from Nigeria with sponsorship from the Ciocca Center. Students also spoke with a representative from Clark University, which offers sustainability-focused programs and partners with Holy Cross on a pathway for graduate students.

The day included several sessions and a keynote from Governor Maura Healey, highlighting the role Massachusetts plays in climate leadership and innovation. Students left the event energized, with Emma stating that Climate Week is “the place to be.” Planning for next year’s event has already begun, and Emma hopes to help bring more Holy Cross students along for it.

Written by Trevor Woodworth

Holy Cross student entrepreneur Nico Corporon ’26 is gaining momentum with WiseDine, the first meal plan generator that syncs students’ specific dietary needs with the meals being served on campus.

With national attention building around schools’ responsibilities to support students with food allergies, intolerances, and specific nutritional needs, WiseDine aims to serve as a scalable solution. Schools that adopt WiseDine could be at a competitive advantage from an admissions perspective. WiseDine positions itself as a tool that not only improves daily life for students but also strengthens an institution’s appeal to prospective families who increasingly prioritize wellness and safety. The app is targeting a 2026 launch and is designed for colleges and universities nationwide. At this stage, Corporon has a functional MVP and is actively iterating on new features and user experience improvements with input from early testers.

Corporon recently cleared the first hurdle for milestone funding through Auxilium’s Innovation Studio, an in-person residency program for early-stage founders based in Worcester. As a member of the first cohort, he became the first and only active student to participate in the program. Through the Innovation Studio, founders present a series of pitches to unlock funding as they grow their ventures.

“So far, I’ve been approved through the Gate 1 pitch and have raised $25,000 in milestone funding through the Innovation Studio,” Corporon said. The Gate 1 pitch focused on customer discovery and proof of concept. He is now preparing for the Gate 2 pitch, which will focus on MVP development and user feedback. Auxilium milestone funding can total up to $100,000, and WiseDine has raised just under $50,000 in additional funding reflecting growing confidence in the app’s path forward

Led by Executive Director Zak Dutton, Auxilium supports entrepreneurs with capital, mentorship, and community through programs including the Innovation Studio and Accelerator. Dutton, who has been involved with entrepreneurship efforts connected to Holy Cross for several years, said Corporon’s story reflects the persistence required to build a venture. “On an individual level, I think Nico’s story is a good one and highlights the drive, tenacity, and determination that is needed to move a company forward and overcome challenges and obstacles,” Dutton said.

Corporon, a political science major at Holy Cross whose interest in entrepreneurship has been shaped by hands-on experiences, earned early funding through multiple pitch competitions and gained insights through internships with startups. These experiences inform his approach to WiseDine, pairing practicality with an understanding of where student needs and institutional priorities intersect.

Written by Casey Treanor ’26 and Cassie Gevry

Each year, the College honors dozens of students for their accomplishments during their time at Holy Cross. We’re proud to celebrate the exceptional achievements of our Certificate students and Business Club leaders who were recognized with prestigious Senior and Undergraduate Awards this year.

These awards highlight not only academic excellence but also leadership, service, and dedication to the Holy Cross community. Our students have distinguished themselves through their contributions to campus life and active participation with the Ciocca Center, alongside their commitment to academics.

Congratulations to the award recipients:

Sean Baker ’26
Certificate: Finance & Banking
Award: The Elias Atamian Family Book Award

Seneca Baldi ’26
Certificate: Business Fundamentals
Award: George B. Moran Award

Emilia Bielska ’27
Certificate: Finance & Banking
Award: John D. O’Connell Prize for Accounting Excellence

Maria DiFilippo ’26
Certificate: Finance & Banking
Clubs: Finance, Equity Research, Women In Business
Award: The John J. Cummings, Jr./BAI Award

Thomas Formichelli ’27
Certificate: Finance & Banking
Award: Leonard J. McCarthy, S.J. Memorial Prize

Sophia Gaetano ’27
Club: Consulting
Award: 2024-2025 Kate C. Powers Award

Mary Hatt ’27
Certificate: Business Fundamentals
Award: 2024-2025 Kate C. Powers Award

Gavin Kempskie ’27
Certificate: Business Fundamentals
Club: Equity Research
Award: 2024-2025 Kate C. Powers Award

Molly McCullough ’27
Certificate: Business Fundamentals
Award: 2024-2025 Kate C. Powers Award

Henry Meiser ’27
Certificate: Finance & Banking
Award: James Fallon Debating Purse

Ashwin Prabaharan ’26
Certificate: Finance & Banking
Award: The William E. Leahy Award

Anna Rowley ’26
Certificate: Business Fundamentals
Award: The Bourgeois French Prize

Hannah Torrey ’27
Certificate: Business Fundamentals
Club: Women In Business
Award: 2024-2025 Kate C. Powers Award

Enci Zheng ’26
Certificate: Business Fundamentals
Award: The Edward F. Wall, Jr., Prize

>> Learn more about the Senior and Undergraduate Awards on Ignite.

We look forward to seeing how these talented students continue to make their mark at Holy Cross and beyond.

On May 4, 2026, the Hoval came alive during the annual Certificate Social hosted by the Ciocca Center and The Donelan Office. Hundreds gathered for the celebration of the accomplished students who completed their Experiential Learning Certificates at Holy Cross this year. The event marked a special milestone, as it was the first year honoring seniors graduating from the Social Action and Civic Leadership Certificate offered by the Donelan Office and the introduction of the new Social Entrepreneurship Certificate through the Ciocca Center. This expansion reflects the College’s commitment to providing students with high-impact experiential learning opportunities that blend a liberal arts education with career readiness.

The atmosphere was both festive and meaningful as students from across different certificate programs came together to celebrate their shared experience. With music filling the air and food truck favorites from Braised Tacos and Donut Lab, the event provided a perfect opportunity for students to connect and recharge before finals week.

For graduating seniors, the event held particular significance as they received their pins, cords,  and certificates. These serve as symbols of the experiential learning journeys they completed during their time at Holy Cross. These programs have connected students with alumni professionals, supported career discernment, and helped prepare them for life after The Hill.

The Social on the Hoval represents more than just a celebration. It embodies the ongoing community that extends beyond graduation, where current students become tomorrow’s mentors and professionals who are invited to guide the next generation with time, talent, and treasure. The shared experience of a Holy Cross liberal arts education creates lasting connections that continue long after students leave campus.

Congratulations to the 2026 Experiential Learning Certificate recipients!

 

Business Fundamentals Certificate

Maria Jose Aguayo

Alexandre Balzora-Rivert

Erica Belden

Emilia Bertram

Kendall Blomquist

Lauren Blum

Luke Candon

Meredith Christo

Mackenzie Creagh

Gerald Cutone

Jack Davoren

Starr De La Cruz

Anne DePriest

Sixtine de Hennin de Boussu Walcourt

Siobhan Fennelly

Ana Lucia Fernandez del Castillo

Diane Fils

Mia Froio

Carly Hanifin

Caroline Hepp

Abigail Holtman

Cassidy Joslin

Jessica Kielur

Macy Linberg

Megan MacFarlane

Kiely Maher

Annabel May

Ann McManus

Rowan McWhinnie

Melina Mitchell

Mary Kathryn Murphy

Maeve Myles

Maeley Nakamura

Elizabeth Palmieri

Rolando Perea

Cameron Pomer

Veronica Safryn

Ignacio Sanchez

Zach Santrizos

Eleanor Smillie

Kathryn Sweet

Stefanie Szawerda

Bridget Thomson

Sydney Ting

 

Entrepreneurship Certificate

Maeley Nakamura

Nicholas Popeleski

 

Finance & Banking Certificate
Aisling Bacon-Blaber

Jack Cacioppo

Patrick Dinn

Ivori Hidalgo

Daniel Illanes

Liam Johnson

John Kasten

Jaden Kirkwood

Demi Kroumpouzos

William McHale

Matt McKenna

Eva Muldoon

Luke Petitta

Sophia Pharaon

Sophia Pyne

 

Social Action & Civic Leadership Certificate

Claire Hunter

Peter LaBorin

Allison Sawyer

On Tuesday, April 7, 2026, student entrepreneurs and a live audience packed into Off the Rails in Worcester for the third annual WooTank Intercollegiate Showdown. Organized by The Venture Forum, a startup community dedicated to fostering economic growth and supporting entrepreneurs across Central MA, WooTank has quickly become a standout event for innovation in the region.

WooTank brings the energy of a Shark Tank-style pitch night to Worcester. Competitors from Clark University, Holy Cross, Nichols College, WPI, Assumption University, and Quinsigamond Community College took the stage to present their ventures to a panel of investor “sharks.” Student teams presented their ideas, fielded questions, and made the case for why their business deserved funding and mentorship.

Holy Cross was well represented, and the night ended with a big win. Andrew Trachimowicz ’27 took home $2,000 for SLYCE, his Rhode Island-based vodka soda brand. Along with the cash award, WooTank offers something just as valuable for early-stage founders: the chance to receive direct feedback from experienced judges and build connections in the regional startup community. As WooTank continues to grow, it’s exciting to see Holy Cross students not only participating, but excelling.

We look forward to seeing how the Holy Cross entrepreneurial community shows up at WooTank and beyond in the year ahead.

Written by Lauren Yee ’28

Last week, 35 Holy Cross students dedicated their spring break to preparing for careers in finance. With the accelerated recruiting timeline focused on current sophomores applying for junior summer internships, they focused on building technical skills and learning directly from professionals working in the field.

To kick off the week, Training The Street led a three day workshop on campus for students to strengthen core Excel skills. Looking at financial statements and building models, they built skills in valuation and Excel shortcuts necessary for internship and entry-level roles. To end the week, several students traveled to New York City for Finance Bootcamp, where they met Holy Cross alumni and saw the industry up close through visits to JP Morgan, Seabury Capital Group LLC, and Morgan Stanley. Alumni shared candid advice about recruiting, early career learning curves, and how to make the most of a first role, along with time for students to ask questions and make connections.

We are grateful to our alumni hosts and speakers, Larry Doyle ’83, Jack Joyce ’18, Sean Lamkin ’11, John Luth ’74, Matt Major ’24, Brian Mauthe ’11, and Kara McDuffee ’20, for welcoming students and investing in their next steps.

Thank you to everyone who helped make this experience possible. Students returned to campus with stronger technical skills, sharper context for the recruiting process, and new alumni connections to support them moving forward.

Written by Lauren Yee ’28.

The Holy Cross Rotaract Club recently welcomed Rotary District Governors Johnny Ahern and Penny Hamel to campus for their inaugural event, an engaging conversation about service, leadership, and the role community involvement can play in professional and civic life.

Rotary is a global service organization built around a simple idea: bring people together to take action on real community needs. Through local clubs and a worldwide network, Rotary members support hands-on service projects, develop leaders, and build long-term partnerships across communities. Rotaract is their student and young adult branch, connecting members to that same network while creating space for them to lead service work, learn from mentors, and build lasting relationships beyond campus. The Holy Cross Rotaract Club is connected to Rotary District 7910, which includes clubs across Central Massachusetts and MetroWest.

During the event, Ahern and Hamel introduced students to Rotary’s mission and shared lessons from their own experiences leading through service. Students brought strong energy to the discussion, connecting the conversation to their own interests and asking thoughtful questions about leadership development, professional growth, and how to stay involved.

To mark the occasion, the governors also brought Rotary pins to distribute to club members, a small gesture that helped strengthen the sense of community in the room. Pizza and salad were served, and the event offered a welcoming space for students to meet peers.

After just two semesters under club leader Catarina Sotelo ’26, Rotaract has grown to 31 members and the club looks forward to continuing to expand its reach, welcoming new students, and spreading the message of service-driven leadership.

Written by Lauren Yee ’28.

Commercial real estate banking may seem worlds away from political theory, but for Jack Cary ’22, the connection is direct.

In addition to recently relaunching the Holy Cross Real Estate Council alongside the student club, Cary is now a Real Estate Banking Associate at J.P. Morgan. He spends his days underwriting transactions and evaluating investment opportunities. Yet he credits his Political Science degree at Holy Cross with giving him one of his most valuable professional tools: the ability to communicate complex ideas concisely.

“Political Science taught me how to be an effective writer, how to focus on the important points and communicate messages clearly,” he says. That skill translates directly to real estate banking, where senior decision-makers scan memos quickly. Presenting risk, structure, and opportunity concisely can shape how a deal is perceived, and ultimately, whether it moves forward.

Cary’s entry into the industry started with involvement, not certainty. After attending a Real Estate Club meeting as a freshman, he stayed engaged and eventually led the club for three years. Running the club gave him a front-row seat to the industry, connecting him with alumni across lending, development, and investment. Those conversations helped him understand the ecosystem and where he wanted to fit within it.

Today, his role centers on underwriting transactions, drafting investment materials, and managing client relationships. The work is analytical, but it is also strategic and shaped by broader market forces. He sees three themes driving the current moment in commercial real estate (CRE): the uneven return to office, the surge of capital into data centers fueled by AI, and the tension between falling interest rates and weakening economic fundamentals.

For students interested in commercial real estate, Cary’s advice is disciplined and practical. Become an effective writer, master the basics such as punctuality, professionalism, and attention to detail, and signal your interests clearly through coursework, independent projects, or club involvement. Strong careers, he suggests, are rarely accidental. They are built through consistent engagement, intentional positioning, and the ability to communicate value clearly.

Interviewed by Kevin Birenbaum ’26 & Written by Curran Deehan ’28

On February 3rd, the Ciocca Center for Business, Ethics, and Society partnered with the Donelan Office of Community-Based Learning, Teaching, and Engaged Scholarship to host a Certificate Info Session. Students arrived with big-picture questions about where they’re headed and how to make the most of their time at Holy Cross, and the conversation quickly moved from curiosity to concrete possibilities.

We are grateful for the collaboration across departments and for everyone who joined us. With a strong turnout and many new certificate registrations, the session offered a clear look at what Holy Cross Experiential Learning Certificate Programs can add to a student’s Jesuit liberal arts education. These programs help students build practical skills through workshops, internships, and applied learning, while grounding their work in ethical reflection and real-world experience.

The most exciting part of the event was the announcement of Holy Cross’s two new certificates:

Social Action and Civic Engagement Leadership Certificate offered by the Donelan Office

• • The Social Action and Civic Engagement Leadership Certificate empowers students to turn their passion for justice into meaningful action through hands-on learning and community engagement. Grounded in the Jesuit, liberal arts mission of Holy Cross, the program builds ethical reflection, civic identity, and leadership skills. Through immersive experiences, internships, and collaboration with community partners, students graduate ready to lead with purpose in advocacy, social impact, and public service roles.

Certificate in Social Entrepreneurship offered by the Ciocca Center

• • The Certificate in Social Entrepreneurship is a nonprofit educational initiative that empowers students to turn ideas into action through innovative, purpose-driven learning. Combining academic study with hands-on experiences, the program equips participants to design and lead ventures that create measurable social impact. Committed to developing creative problem-solvers and effective change agents, the program promotes leadership, innovation, and sustainable community development.

The Ciocca Center also proudly offers a Business Fundamentals Certificate, Entrepreneurship Certificate, and Finance and Banking Certificate which students had the chance to learn about as well.

What made the event feel especially “Holy Cross” was how naturally it brought people and offices together. The Ciocca Center and the Donelan Office approach this work from different angles, but we share the same goal: helping students connect values to action. When those pieces come together in one room, students don’t just hear about programs, they start to see a path forward. They meet the people who can help them take the first step, and they hear how reflection and real-world experience can strengthen them in ways that matter long after graduation.

We hope to keep building on this momentum through future info sessions, workshops, and new student pathways. If you are curious about the certificates, or wondering how one might fit into your plans at Holy Cross, we would love to continue the conversation.