I hope this message finds you doing well. In a prior communication I touched upon the fact that two and a half years after the launch of the Holy Cross Gridiron Leadership Council in the fall of 2009, I see our collective efforts transitioning from merely building 'community' to establishing 'culture'.
A community is a group that has shared interest. A culture is much more than that. A group that has a set of shared values, beliefs, and programs to promote them....that is culture!! That is what I see developing in and around the HCGLC as we work to fulfill our mission, stated as "committed to excellence in helping Holy Cross Football win on and off the field".
Without readdressing our existing programs (Ring of Honor, Lifetime Achievement Awards, receptions, Career Nights, and more), I welcome sharing with you some new developments and programs that go straight to culture. What are they?
1. The Holy Cross Crusader Baseball program is in the process of launching the Holy Cross Diamond Club with many of their programs and initiatives modeled after the HCGLC. I was especially pleased to share with the leaders of the HC Diamond Club the blueprint for our 90-Wide Mentoring program so they can replicate it. That is spectacular!! Many thanks to Craig Cerretani for making this happen!!
I know I speak for everybody involved in the HCGLC in stating that we welcome helping each and every team, club, and group atop Mt. St. James launch a formal mentoring program. Mentoring is the essence of Jesuit education and values.
2. A senior college recruiting executive from Oracle will soon be visiting Mt. St. James to make a presentation on that dynamic corporation and simultaneously meet students to discuss employment and internship opportunities. How great is this? Spectacular. Who made this happen? None other than our HCGLC member and former Malden Catholic flash, Mark Cannon '77. Thank you Mark!!
3. Prior to the football luncheon on this Saturday morning, two time Crusader captain and current Morgan Stanley executive Casey Gough '08 will be presenting to both our current Crusaders and many of their parents on the "Do's and Don't of Networking". Thank you Casey!!
Each of these three initiatives is a result of a growing mindset and a spreading of values embedded in our leadership council. What are these values? I see them and promote them as "a pursuit of excellence encompassed by large doses of integrity, respect, and love." They are powerful and they work!!
I encourage others on this distribution to continue to think outside the box for ways in which we can utilize our values to further our mission and establish our culture. Thank you to everybody both on and off campus who are integrally involved in these efforts.
Other Points/ Stories of Interest
1. If you have not yet read the book Fraternity by Diane Brady, I strongly recommend it to you. A number of former HC gridders and coaches (Ted Wells, Eddie Jenkins, Joe Wilson, Rod De Leaver,Tom Boisture, Denny Golden et al) are profiled or mentioned in this spectacular book which highlights the efforts of Fr. John Brooks in recruiting and mentoring African American students who matriculated at HC in the late 1960s. For anybody who has an ounce of Purple blood, Fraternity is a MUST read!! I wrote the following review,
2. Congratulations to former gridders Steve Buchanan '74 and Ken Komodzinski '60 who were recently elected into the Holy Cross Hall of Fame. (http://www.goholycross.com/sports/m-footbl/2011-12/releases/20120201tx7i09).
3. Congratulations to Dan Adams '07 who recently completed an amazing feat known as Mission Kilimanjaro.
What was the mission? For Kyle Maynard and team, including our fellow Crusader Dan Adams, to summit the highest peak in Africa. Why is that so special? Click on the link to Kyle's name and you will learn why.
What was the purpose? "To send a message to our heroes in the veteran community and to kids with disabilities around the world that regardless of any challenge we face, no obstacle is too great to be conquered."
How awesome!! Congrats to Dan (standing on the far left), Kyle, and the entire team as they proudly display our colors at the summit!!
4. We will keep you informed as to our schedule of programs and events over the next few months (Spring game/Alumni Game/barbecue/, golf outing) BUT it is never too soon to circle the date of August 30th when our Crusaders will once again kickoff their season UNDER the LIGHTS at Fitton Field against the UNH Wildcats.
5. We welcome the incoming Freshman class of Crusaders to the HC Football family!! We also continue to pick up individuals who are interested in being on this distribution. Please share this message with your friends, family, neighbors, coaches so that our culture can continue to spread.
I know we have NO interest in losing.....so....
LET'S WIN!!!
Larry Doyle '83
Chair/HCGLC
Chair/HCGLC
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