The Power of One

Name: Matthew S. Galligan ’04

Hometown: Manchester, Conn.

What he did at Holy Cross: “I rowed for the crew team all four years—and I was a member/co-chair of the Hanify-Howland Memorial Lecture Committee.”

The impression it left: “My four years at Holy Cross covered some tumultuous time periods, including the September 11 terrorist attacks and the death of my mother in November 2001. What amazed me about Holy Cross was the care and concern the College always showed for students. No matter the problem, the College always reacted with student well-being as its first and only priority. The kindness Holy Cross showed the student body makes me feel like I’m visiting family when I come back to campus, and not just one of my former schools.”

Current job: “I work for United Health Group as an underwriter for UnitedHealthcare National Accounts. It was only after joining the company that I learned of the large number of fellow Holy Cross alumni throughout the organization. My company seems to be a hub of Catholic college graduates with employees from Notre Dame, Providence College, Holy Cross and others.”

The working life: “The work I do as an underwriter is rewarding and of great consequence. My main responsibilities revolve around pricing health insurance coverage for some of the nation’s largest employers. I am very active with my local parish, as well as town politics.”

Memorable teachers at Holy Cross: “Professor David L. Schaefer was both a teacher of mine and faculty adviser to the Hanify-Howland Memorial Lecture Committee during my time at the College. I enjoyed his articulate presentations during class, and the enthusiasm he brought to Hanify-Howland as we organized the annual lecture each year. Outside of my political science major, Professor Joanna Ziegler was my favorite teacher. Her architecture courses and seminars stretched the mind and broadened my curiosity on many different levels. Professor Ziegler’s door was always open, and the care with which she taught showed me that this wasn’t simply a job for her, but a passion.”

Why he stays connected: “Staying connected to Holy Cross is about as natural as staying in touch with family.”

Why he believes in Holy Cross: “The College graduates adults who are intensely curious, with strong hearts of faith that are based in the teachings of Jesus Christ. With the combination of the educational and the religious, I know I could not have gotten a better degree anywhere else.”

Why he gives to Holy Cross: “It’s vitally important to support Holy Cross so future students can graduate with similar memories. While on the rowing team, I had the privilege of rowing with great guys. I also had the pleasure of working with Coach Tom Sullivan ’70—a model of professionalism and integrity. If my financial support of Holy Cross can help even one more student attend, or help our sports teams buy one more piece of equipment, then I know I’ve helped continue a great legacy at one of the finest colleges in America.”