Convocation Mass Unites Community in Reflection, Faith and Celebration
The special occasion marked the start of the 2026–2027 academic year.
With the fall 2026 semester underway, Stonehill College honored its intertwined scholastic and Holy Cross traditions by bringing Academic Convocation and the Opening Mass of the Holy Spirit together in a single celebration. The Convocation Mass was held Thursday, August 27, in the Sally Blair Ames Sports Complex.
The speeches delivered during the gathering explored common themes, particularly the idea that the Stonehill experience is a shared journey that prepares students to lead lives of purpose and grace.
Connecting Generations of Students
In his welcome address, Vice President for Academic Affairs Peter Ubertaccio, master of ceremonies, highlighted the significance of the class pins presented to students at Convocation. This tradition has long included pins for first-year students, seniors and graduate students. This year, the College introduced pins for the sophomore and junior classes.
“Together, these pins create a series of milestones that mark the students’ journey through Stonehill, from arrival, through growth and discovery, to graduation and what comes next,” Ubertaccio said. “They remind us that while each students’ path is uniquely their own, they are also part of something larger: a community, a tradition and a mission that connects generations of Stonehill students.”
Vice President for Academic Affairs Peter Ubertaccio, master of ceremonies
Rev. John Denning, C.S.C., president of Stonehill College (center), with several confrères from the Congregation of Holy Cross
Embodying Mercy, Peace and Justice
Rev. John Denning, C.S.C., president of Stonehill College, delivered the homily. Drawing upon three of the Beatitudes—“Blessed are the merciful,” “Blessed are the peacemakers” and “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness”—he encouraged attendees to embody kindness in their daily lives.
“In a passage from St. Matthew’s Gospel, Jesus says, ‘You are the salt of the earth and you are the light of the world,’” Fr. Denning noted. “And we become light for others when we embody those words of mercy and peacemaking and hungering and thirst for justice. Let us pray that we put those Beatitudes into practice so that we might be light for others—for our community, for our society and for our world.”
Breaking New Ground, Building a Foundation
Class President Joel Thomas ’27 presented this year’s senior class shovel—a standard #2 round point blade with a split-D handle—to Fr. Denning. The shovel comes from Stonehill’s Ames Collection.
“To me, it looks like an arrow, pointing the shovel forward and giving it direction,” he said. “And I think that’s a perfect symbol for Stonehill. Stonehill is the shovel. It’s the tool that allows us to break new ground and build a foundation for our futures. But a tool still needs something to give it direction. That’s where we, the students, come in. We are the arrow.”
College President John Denning, C.S.C., and Class President Joel Thomas '27
Professor of Chemistry Leon Tilley, recipient of the 2025 Louise F. Hegarty Award for Excellence in Teaching
Associate Professor of Political Science & International Studies Anwar Mhajne, 2026 recipient of the Hegarty Award, with Professor of Practice in Political Science & International Studies Robert Rodgers
Guided by Light and Hope
Following Communion, Chantelle Miranda ’27 introduced Professor of Chemistry Leon Tilley, recipient of the 2025 Louise F. Hegarty Award for Excellence in Teaching. The senior remarked that Tilley’s guidance has empowered her to discover her passions and gain confidence in her skills.
“I will be forever thankful for the opportunities that allowed me to work with and get to know Professor Tilley, and I am proud to call him not only my mentor, but also my friend,” Miranda said.
In his address to the community, Tilley referred to various chemistry concepts as he offered practical advice to students of all class years.
“Just keep in mind as you start climbing up the activation energy barrier that any goal is achievable, but the pathway often defines and thereby is just as important as the goal,” he said. “Our Stonehill motto, Lux et Spes, is especially suitable for our journey since you should let light and hope guide you on your way wherever you may go.”
Read Professor Tilley’s remarks.
Sustained Dedication to Teaching Excellence and Student Success
Toward the end of the Convocation Mass, Associate Professor of Political Science & International Studies Anwar Mhajne was named the 2026 recipient of the Louise F. Hegarty Award for Excellence in Teaching. The award citation noted the faculty member’s “commitment to continual improvement and responsiveness to student needs.”
“She cultivates a classroom environment built on dialogue, reflection, and mutual respect, where students are encouraged to share feedback, explore diverse perspectives, and take ownership of their learning,” the citation stated. “Her willingness to adapt assignments, provide individualized support, and experiment with new pedagogical approaches reflects a sustained dedication to teaching excellence and student success.”