College of the Holy Cross - Archives & Special Collections - Presidents

College Presidents

Rev.Peter J. Blenkinsop,S.J.

Rev. Edward D. Boone, S.J.

Rev. Robert W. Brady, S.J.

Rev. John E. Brooks, S.J.

Rev. Samuel Cahill, S.J.

Rev. James J. Carlin, S.J.

Rev. Anthony F. Ciampi,S.J.

Rev. James Clark, S.J.

MostRevJosephN.Dinand,S.J.

Rev. Francis J. Dolan, S.J.

Rev.William A.Donaghy,S.J.

Rev. John Early, S.J.

Rev. John M. Fox, S.J.

Rev.JosephF.Hanselman,S.J.

Rev. William J. Healy, S.J.

Rev. John F. Lehy, S.J.

Rev.Joseph RN Maxwell,S.J.

Rev.MichaelC.McFarland,S.J.

Rev. Edward A. McGurk, S.J.

Rev.Thomas F. Mulledy,S.J.

Rev.Thomas E. Murphy, S.J.

Rev. John A. O'Brien, S.J.

Rev.Joseph B. O'Hagan,S.J.

Rev. Michael O'Kane, S.J.

Rev. Gerard Reedy, S.J.

Rev. James Ryder, S.J.

Rev. Raymond J.Swords,S.J.

Frank Vellaccio, Ph.D.

Archives Home

Contact Information

Hours & Location

Policies & Procedures

Archives Home :: Presidents :: Swords

Presidents of the College of the Holy Cross:
Rev. Raymond J. Swords, S.J.

Twenty-fourth President of Holy Cross
1960 - 1970

President Swords    Raymond J. Swords was born in Springfield, MA, on February 9, 1918. Graduating form Cathedral High School, Springfield, he entered Holy Cross in 1934. After graduation, he entered the Society of Jesus in August, 1938.
   He made his philosophical and theological studies at Weston College, Weston, MA and graduate studies in Mathematics at Harvard University. He was ordained a priest in 1950. In 1952 he came to Holy Cross as Professor of Mathematics. Subsequently, he became Assistant Dean of Studies and Director of Admissions. In 1960, he was named President of Holy Cross.
   An era of expansion of facilities began with the construction of three dormitories: Healy, Clark, and Mulledy Halls, followed by the Loyola Residence and Infirmary, a Maintenance Building and the Hogan Campus Center.
   Rev. Swords held several administrative posts after he left Holy Cross in 1970. He was President of Cranwell Preparatory School, Lenox, MA (1972-1976); President of Regis High School, New York, NY (1976-1980); and President of Cheverus High School, Portland, ME (1983-1984).
    He died suddenly on January 12, 1984 and is buried in the Holy Cross College Cemetery.

back to Presidents' page