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2026 Day of Scholarship & Faith
This year’s celebration will include a unified Convocation Mass, among other new traditions.
About the Program
In 2025, Stonehill College hosted its inaugural Day of Scholarship & Faith, a celebration of the institution’s mission to educate hearts and minds. The program included the Mass of the Holy Spirit, which brought community members together in prayer, as well as Academic Convocation, featuring the presentation of the senior class shovel, the first-year and senior class pins, and the Louise F. Hegarty Award for Excellence in Teaching.
Building upon the success of last year's event, the College is introducing several meaningful traditions as part of the 2026 Day of Scholarship & Faith, including combining the Mass of the Holy Spirit and Academic Convocation into a unified Convocation Mass.
"Bringing these celebrations together reflects something about the life of Stonehill College: that our intellectual and spiritual traditions are not separate pursuits but deeply connected dimensions of a shared mission," Vice President for Academic Affairs Peter Ubertaccio said.
As part of another new tradition, Stonehill staff members will process under their own banner during the Convocation Mass, joining faculty and alumni employees in honoring the valuable role they play in shaping the College's mission.
The College will also begin presenting pins to the sophomore and junior classes. Sophomores will receive an anchor pin inspired by the symbol long associated with the Congregation of Holy Cross, representing stability, faith and perseverance. Juniors will receive a Lux et Spes pin, drawn from Stonehill’s enduring motto, “Light and Hope,” symbolizing the transition into leadership, deeper purpose and preparation for the final chapter of their undergraduate experience.
"Together with the longstanding traditions of first-year class pins and senior seal pins, these additions help create a fuller four-year arc of belonging, identity and formation for our students," Ubertaccio said.
Schedule of Events
| Event | Description | Time & Location |
|---|---|---|
| Academic Department Meetings | To kick off the new academic year, students will have the opportunity to meet with faculty representatives from their majors. Locations will be announced soon. | 10 a.m., Locations TBD |
| Convocation Mass Lineup | For the first time, Stonehill staff members will process under their own banner during the Convocation Mass, joining faculty and alumni. Participants are asked to report to the designated lineup location, which will be announced soon. | 1:40 p.m., Ames Sports Complex |
| Convocation Mass | This event provides the Stonehill community an opportunity to commemorate the virtues of learning, faith, service and hope. | 2 p.m., Ames Sports Complex |
| Activities Fair | Interested in getting involved at Stonehill? Join us to learn more about the College's student-run clubs and organizations! | 3:30 p.m., Quad |
| Louise F. Hegarty Award Recipient Celebration | All faculty are invited to enjoy light refreshments. | 4 p.m., Donahue Hall (Herlihy Lounge) |