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
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
Matt McKenna
William McHale
Eva Muldoon
Sophia Pharaon
Luke Petitta
Sophia Pyne
Social Action & Civic Leadership Certificate
Claire Hunter
Peter LaBorin
Allison Sawyer