Summer Orientation Team

Meet the Summer Orientation Team

Gateways Summer Orientation Leaders share their own stories and experiences to welcome students and families to the College of the Holy Cross.

Gateways Orientation Central Staff for the Class of 2026. Learn more about the student leaders.

Riley Flint '23

Pronouns: (he/him/his)
Role: Gateways Orientation Central Staff
Major: Political Science, Peace and Conflict Studies Concentration
Hometown: Ballston Spa, New York
Campus Involvement:
College Choir, Chapel Choir, Alexander Hamilton Society, College Honors Program, Washington Semester Program
Favorite Holy Cross Memory:
Laughing and sharing stories for hours with friends in Kimball Dining Hall, Hogan Campus Center, and the Hogan Oval.
One piece of advice to first-year students:
Enjoy every moment and opportunity on the Hill. Holy Cross can offer us lifelong friendships, provide a unique academic experience, and help us make connections beyond the Hill if we open our hearts and minds to its mission.

Kevin Hamilton '24

young man smiling at the camera with short hair wearing a blue shirt outside

Pronouns: (he/him/his)
Role: Gateways Orientation Central Staff and Parent Orientation Leader
Major: Political Science and Spanish; Peace and Conflict Studies Concentration
Hometown: Chelmsford, Massachusetts
Campus Involvement:
Admissions Tour Guide, Student Government Association, Research Associate, Residence Hall Association, Hall Council, Chapel Choir
Favorite Holy Cross Memory:
Spending time outside to enjoy the sun and many gathered informally filling campus with the sound of laughter on the first warm day of spring. It was a warm backdrop to the ordinary activities of college life - working, eating meals, relaxing.
One piece of advice to first-year students:
Be present and appreciate the joy that surrounds us here at Holy Cross. Stop to watch the sunset; wave hello to a professor; stay a bit longer in Kimball Dining Hall to laugh in the company of good friends.

Maggie Hannick '23

young woman leaning against the building with a pink sweater on smiling at the camera outside

Pronouns: (she/her/hers)
Role: Gateways Orientation Central Staff
Major: Health Studies and Mandarin Chinese
Hometown: St. Louis, Missouri
Campus Involvement:
Eco-Action, Feminist Forum, Pride, Student Government Association, Academic Internship Program, Arts Transcending Borders
Favorite Holy Cross Memory:
Participating in the Spring Break Immersion Program. From exploring Camden and Mobile, Alabama to virtually visiting Chicago, each trip gave me new friends and powerful experiences.
One piece of advice to first-year students:
You do not need to find your best friend or your niche on campus right away. Take your time in this self-discovery, do not put pressure on yourself to be perfect, and rely on your support systems.

Allison Leahy '24

close up of a woman with long brown hair wearing a black shirt and olive green jacket smiling at the camera with bushes behind her

Pronouns: (she/her/hers)
Role: Gateways Orientation Central Staff and Student Orientation Leader
Major: History, Peace and Conflict Studies Concentration
Hometown: St. Louis, Missouri
Campus Involvement:
Feminist Forum, Writer’s Workshop, Spring Break Immersion Program, Working For Worcester, History Student Advisory Committee
Favorite Holy Cross Memory:
Going to the Joyce Contemplative Center (JCC) on the Ignite Retreat, which is an opportunity for first-year students to make new friends as well as relax during a busy time of the school year
One piece of advice to first-year students:
Throughout the first few weeks of the semester, meet as many classmates as you can. The transition to college can be very overwhelming, but everyone is in the same boat in wanting to form meaningful relationships and create a support system.

Kyle McCabe '24

young man sitting on stairs he has red hair and light blue shirt smiling at the camera

Pronouns: (he/him/his)
Role: Gateways Orientation Central Staff and Student Orientation Leader
Major: Sociology
Hometown: Andover, Massachusetts
Campus Involvement:
Spring Break Immersion Program, Hall Council, Sales Club, Student Programs for Urban Development
Favorite Holy Cross Memory:
Seeing the Fall Concert featuring The Kid LAROI in fall 2021. That feeling of returning back to campus, being embraced by all my friends, and seeing an incredible artist with all the people in the Holy Cross community was a truly special moment.
One piece of advice to first-year students:
Be yourself! It’s very cliche, but extremely important in finding your people, and doing the things you love!

Anna Roman '24

Pronouns: (she/her/hers)
Role: Gateways Orientation Central Staff and Student Orientation Leader
Major: Psychology
Hometown: Norwell, Massachusetts
Campus Involvement:
Community Based Learning, Varsity Women’s Track and Field Team, Admissions Tour Guide, Psychology Department Student Advisory Committee
Favorite Holy Cross Memory:
Taking a course called “Psychopathology” which allowed me to learn my love for clinical psychology and mental health. I had such a wonderful and insightful professor and felt so curious and validated in the classroom. I was able to expand on my knowledge by learning from others and celebrate my unique perspective as well.
One piece of advice to first-year students:
Offer yourselves so much compassion during this time! The transition to college is challenging and the fact that you are participating in it and doing the best that you can is an absolute win!

Josh Azor '24

close up of a man wearing a dark blue shirt smiling at the camera

Pronouns: (he/him/his)
Role: Student Orientation Leader
Major: Neuroscience
Hometown: Woburn, Massachusetts
Campus Involvement: Resident Assistant (RA), Student Government Association, American Medical Student Association
Favorite Holy Cross Memory: Attending Noche Latina, an annual event hosted by the Latin American Student Organization (LASO), with my best friends.
One piece of advice to first-year students: Be yourself! We are all here to get to know each other.

Ginger Berry ‘25

close up of a woman smiling at the camera with long dark hair and dark red shirt

Pronouns: (she/her/hers)
Role: Parent Orientation Leader
Major: Spanish; International Studies
Hometown: Rumford, Rhode Island
Campus Involvement: Spanish Club, Working for Worcester, Women’s Swim and Dive Team
Favorite Holy Cross Memory: Kimball Dining Hall serving a holiday dinner at the end of the fall semester.
One piece of advice to first-year students: As unfamiliar as the transition can be, know that it will all work out and you will feel comfortable soon!

Anya Brown ‘25

close up of a woman with long blond hair wearing a blue shirt smiling at the camera with a bush in the background

Pronouns: (she/her/hers)
Role: Student Orientation Leader
Major: Sociology
Hometown: Westford, Massachusetts
Campus Involvement: Community Based Learning, Relationship Peer Educator, Residence Hall Council
Favorite Holy Cross Memory: Going on the Ignite Retreat through the Chaplains Office at the Joyce Contemplative Center
One piece of advice to first-year students: Be patient with yourself as you transition into college; it takes time.

Catherine Cannamela ‘24

close up of a woman smiling at the camera with long light brown hair, bushes behind her, wearing a white top

Pronouns: (she/her/hers)
Role: Parent Orientation Leader
Major: Psychology, Honors Program
Hometown: Westherfield, Connecticut
Campus Involvement: Community Based Learning, Pax Christi, Feminist Forum, Purple Key Society, Working for Worcester, Spring Break Immersion Program
Favorite Holy Cross Memory: Spending time with my parents during Family Weekend
One piece of advice to first-year students: Join at least one club when you get to campus. It is a great way to make friends and to get involved in something you're passionate about!

Julia Clarke ‘25

close up of a woman wearing a red top and white sweater, blond hair, smiling at the camera with bushes behind her

Pronouns: (she/her/hers)
Role: Office Staff
Major: Undecided
Hometown: Concord, Massachusetts
Campus Involvement: Campus Activity Board, Club Field Hockey, Women in Business, Student Programs for Urban Development (SPUD)
Favorite Holy Cross Memory: The first snowstorm on campus when my friends and I went sledding down the steep hills and enjoyed hot chocolate.
One piece of advice to first-year students: Stay gentle with yourself, the journey is so rewarding.

Leo Cruz ‘25

close up of a man with short black hair small amount of facial hair smiling at the camera wearing a black shirt and light colored background

Pronouns: (he/him/his)
Role: Parent Orientation Leader
Major: Biology
Hometown: Newark, New Jersey
Campus Involvement: Latin American Student Association (LASO), Latinidad Identidad
Favorite Holy Cross Memory: Performing with Latinidad Identidid at the annual Noche Latina
One piece of advice to first-year students: Don't be nervous to meet new people! Everyone is new to campus in their first year.

Emma Finnegan ‘24

close up of a woman with long curly hair smiling at the camera

Pronouns:(she/her/hers)
Role: Student Orientation Leader
Major: Psychology
Hometown: Asbury, New Jersey
Campus Involvement: Working for Worcester, Feminist Forum, Intramural
Soccer and Volleyball
Favorite Holy Cross Memory: At the start of the fall semester when all students were moved in - it was great to see my friends from my first-year after the summer.
One piece of advice to first-year students: Everyone else is experiencing the college transition too, don't be afraid to go out of your comfort zone!

Maya Guillotte ‘25

close up of a woman with long black hair and white top smiling at the camera with bushes behind her

Pronouns:(she/her/hers)
Role: Student Orientation Leader
Major: Neuroscience
Hometown: Westfield, Massachusetts
Campus Involvement: Student Government Association - Class Council, Club Field Hockey, Club Lacrosse, Spring Break Immersion Program
Favorite Holy Cross Memory: Walking to Kimball Dining Hall during the sunset with my friends (especially on chicken parm night!)
One piece of advice to first-year students: Finding a balance will get you through your first-year transition.

Molly Hamel ‘25

close up of a woman with long red hair wearing a blue and white strip shirt smiling at the camera outside

Pronouns: (she/her/hers)
Role: Student Orientation Leader
Major: Psychology
Hometown: Scituate, Massachusetts
Campus Involvement: American Medical Student Association, Community Based Learning, Office of Sustainability
Favorite Holy Cross Memory: Spending time with friends and family during football season in the fall.
One piece of advice to first-year students: It can be helpful to spread out your homework throughout your day

Carter Markett ‘24

close up of a man with his arms crossed in front braids in his hair wearing a light red shirt standing in front of a wall

Pronouns: (he/him/his)
Role: Student Orientation Leader
Major: Neuroscience and Political Science
Hometown: San Jose, California
Favorite Holy Cross Memory: Attending the Holy Cross Basketball game against Boston College
One piece of advice to first-year students: Don't be afraid to reach out to your new classmates.

Jake Morrow ‘24

close up of a man with short black hair smiling at the camera outside wearing a blue shirt

Pronouns: (he/him/his)
Role: Student Orientation Leader
Major: Political Science
Hometown: Melrose, Massachusetts
Campus Involvement: Pause Project, Mock Trial, WCHC Sports and Spring Break Immersion Program
Favorite Holy Cross Memory: Participating in Build Day for Working for Worcester, a local non-profit run by college students in Worcester (including Holy Cross students!)
One piece of advice to first-year students: Be patient with the process of your own transition - some things might take a while to develop and figure out.

Luca Moscetti ‘25

close up of a man with short brown hair, blue eyes smiling at the camera outside wearing a light blue shirt

Pronouns: (he/him/his)
Role: Student Orientation Leader
Major: Economics
Hometown: Martinsville, New Jersey
Campus Involvement: Varsity Swimming and Dive Team and Intramural Badminton
Favorite Holy Cross Memory: Spending time with my friends at Kimball dining hall and enjoying the beautiful views on campus.
One piece of advice to first-year students: Embrace and enjoy every minute of your first year, it's the best and it goes by fast!

Ryan Murray ‘25

close up of a woman with long blond hair wearing a black sun dress smiling at the camera outside

Pronouns: (she/her/hers)
Role: Office Staff
Major: Economics
Hometown: Wellesley, Massachusetts
Campus Involvement: Admissions Tour Guide, Club Tennis, and Purple Key Society
Favorite Holy Cross Memory: Attending home games for the Holy Cross football team
One piece of advice to first-year students: Keep a positive attitude and be open to new experiences!

Nicole Pimentel ‘24

close up of a woman with long hair wearing a white shirt smiling at the camera with bushes behind her

Pronouns: (she/her/hers)
Role: Student Orientation Leader
Major: Psychology
Hometown: Boston, Massachusetts
Campus Involvement: Resident Assistant, student worker in the Office of Student Involvement, Latinidad Identidad and Education Intern for the Nativity School
Favorite Holy Cross Memory: Getting to know members of my staff as a resident assistant and building community with the other RAs.
One piece of advice to first-year students: Your wellbeing is important - make sure to take care of yourself by drinking water and having self-care days!

Frederick Pohlen ‘24

close up of a man with short hair wearing a plaid shirt outside smiling at the camera

Pronouns: (he/him/his)
Role: Student Orientation Leader
Major: Psychology
Hometown: South Burlington, Vermont
Campus Involvement: Club Ultimate Frisbee, Alternate College Theatre, Performances in the Department of Theatre, Admissions Tour Guide
Favorite Holy Cross Memory: Going on walks to the Blackstone Valley Park right across the street from campus with friends.
One piece of advice to first-year students: You’re in a community that wants to support you; lean on your resources while you get your footing during this transition. It's ok to ask for help!

Natalia Powers ‘24

close up of a woman with long curly hair leaning against a building with an olive colored jacket over a white blouse

Pronouns: (she/her/hers)
Role: Student Orientation Leader
Major: History, Theatre, Honors Program
Hometown: Yarmouth, Maine
Campus Involvement: Alternate College Theatre, Performances in the Department of Theatre, Admissions Tour Guide, Fools on the Hill A Capella, and Club Ski Team
Favorite Holy Cross Memory: Performing in the winter musical, "She Loves Me”
One piece of advice to first-year students: Join activities with an open mind and hang out with a variety of people during your first semester.

Edwin Ryan ‘25

close up of a man with a blue shirt on standing in front of a building smiling at the camera

Pronouns: (he/him/his)
Role: Student Orientation Leader
Major: History
Hometown: Walpole, Massachusetts
Campus Involvement: Student Government Association, Admissions Tour Guide, Students Program for Urban Development, Pax Christi, History on the Hill
Favorite Holy Cross Memory: Cheering on my friends perform in Battle of the Bands, an annual spring event hosted by the Campus Activities Board
One piece of advice to first-year students: Get involved in clubs and organizations to meet new people!

Maile Sit ‘25

close up of a woman outside smiling at the camera wearing a white top she has long dark hair with light ends

Pronouns: (she/her/hers)
Role: Student Orientation Leader
Major: Psychology
Hometown: Great Neck, NY
Campus Involvement: Advocating Student Interest in Asia (ASIA), Admissions Tour Guide, WCHC Radio, Student Programs for Urban Development, Spring Break Immersion Program
Favorite Holy Cross Memory: Participating in the Spring Break Immersion Program organized by the Chaplain's Office
One piece of advice to first-year students: Take every opportunity that you can because it helps so much with transitioning into college!

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