Stonehill Unveils New Presidential Portrait

Twelve years after retiring from his role as president of Stonehill College, Rev. Mark Cregan, C.S.C. ’78, returned to campus on Saturday, September 6, for a ceremony held in his honor. During the program, a portrait of the priest was unveiled. The painting has been installed on the main staircase of Donahue Hall alongside images of Fr. Cregan’s predecessors.

Speaking at the ceremony, Rev. John Denning, C.S.C., current president of Stonehill College, called it an honor to celebrate a person who faithfully stewarded the Stonehill community and its Holy Cross mission for over a decade.

“May this image serve as a lasting symbol of his extraordinary leadership and dedication,” Fr. Denning said.

During Fr. Cregan’s tenure as president, which lasted from 2000 to 2013, he ushered in an era of transformation for Stonehill. His accomplishments include, but are not limited to:

• Enhancing Academic Offerings: In addition to revitalizing Stonehill’s core curriculum, Fr. Cregan established academic programs in neuroscience, international business, environmental studies and other fields. He also led the institution in securing accreditation from the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) International.
• Expanding Infrastructure: Fr. Cregan oversaw the opening of several facilities, including the Shields Science Center, W.B. Mason Stadium and Bogan Hall. Furthermore, he initiated the renovation of the Sally Blair Ames Sports Complex and the construction of Fr. Thomas Feeley Bridge.  
• Elevating Brand Awareness: The College broke into U.S. News & World Report’s Top 100 Best National Liberal Arts Colleges list for the first time during Fr. Cregan’s administration.

The image honoring Fr. Cregan and his enduring contributions to Stonehill was created by Lauren Bass, a South Shore-based artist and daughter of Stonehill alumnus John T. Spinale ’56.

“As an artist who has been trained in the classical tradition, I strive to capture not only likeness but also spirit, using light and color to give the painting a life-like quality,” she said. “My hope is that this portrait conveys Fr. Cregan’s intellect, humility and service in a way that resonates with all who encounter it.”