The Power of One

Name: Christine A. Kettmer ’03

Hometown: Washington, D.C.

Family: parents, Martha Kendrick-Kettmer and Harry Kettmer; brothers, Tommy (Providence College ’07) and Brian (Boston College ’09)

What she did at Holy Cross: vice chair of the Purple Key Society; participant in the magis program for leadership development; campus ministry co-coordinator of the greeter/hospitality program; SPUD volunteer for Abby’s House and the arts and crafts/storytelling programs; and tour guide for the Admissions Office

Current position: senior account executive at Hager Sharp, a public relations/communications firm in Washington, D.C.

How she keeps in touch: “I am serving on the Reunion Committee for the Class of 2003, and I enjoy seeing Holy Cross friends at different get-togethers and participating in alumni club events.”

The working life: “For the past two years, I have been working at a marketing and communications firm with primary responsibilities for various government contracts in the health, education and safety fields. My experience to date includes: implementing national campaigns; leading market research sessions; organizing media events and outreach; developing materials; and participating in industry meetings and trade shows on behalf of federal agencies. I am considering going back to school for an M.B.A.”

Memorable teachers or moments at Holy Cross: “Thanks to the recommendation of the Holy Cross Chaplains’ Office, I worked in Geneva, Switzerland, with Franciscans International for two years immediately after I graduated. The Spiritual Exercises and Mexico Immersion Program were truly life-changing events for me. Studying my junior year abroad in Palma de Mallorca, Spain, was also an incredible experience! There were only five of us from Holy Cross that year—and I have gone back to visit my host family a few times since then. Professor Jorge Valdés from the Spanish department and Professor Eugene McCarthy in English helped challenge me in my major classes, and I especially loved Professor Bill Ziobro’s Classical America course my senior year. “

Why she gives to Holy Cross: “From a young age, my parents instilled in me the importance of giving my time, energy, effort and resources. I grew up in a family where we were taught ‘to whom much is given, much is expected.’ I am grateful to Holy Cross for the lifelong friends whom I met and treasure, as well as the academic and service opportunities that I experienced. I appreciate how important Holy Cross experiences were in shaping my future and values. So many Holy Cross students truly are ‘men and women for others’; there’s a special connection when you meet a fellow Crusader and realize the bond you share.”