Gathering the Heads of Build Day 2025

In the heart of Worcester, Massachusetts, the College of the Holy Cross is more than just an academic institution. For over a decade, the college has been home to Working for Worcester, an organization run by students that has been making a tangible impact on the local community.

Founded with the mission to engage directly with Worcester's neighborhoods and schools, Working for Worcester has been a driving force in strengthening the connections between Holy Cross students and Worcester residents. The student-led initiative organizes events like the annual Build Day, where students contribute by painting, using power tools, and performing other hands-on activities across numerous sites in Worcester. These efforts have resulted in the improvement of community spaces and the fostering of civic engagement.

The organization's primary focus is on supporting local institutions, including schools. By enhancing the physical environment of the community and promoting constructive collaboration, Working for Worcester embodies the Jesuit tradition of service that is integral to Holy Cross’s educational mission.

Kay McNamara, a Holy Cross junior, is the Chief Operations Officer of Working for Worcester. She started her journey with the organization as a site manager at City View Elementary School during her freshman year. McNamara shared that her experience with Working for Worcester inspired her to take on the role as COO.

Max Kudinov, another Holy Cross junior, is the site manager for Roosevelt Elementary School. Kudinov played an integral role in making the 2025 Build Day a success, an event that brought together thousands of Worcester college students to complete community service projects and improve recreation spaces. Kudinov was particularly moved by speaking with a Consigli worker whose child attends the school and was able to use an ADA-accessible swing that was constructed by Working for Worcester.

The College of the Holy Cross also hosts various events that contribute to the community welfare. For instance, the Athletics department hosted their annual "Pink the Rink" event for Breast Cancer research on Feb 1, 2025, at the Luth Athletic Center. Additionally, the Latin American Student Organization hosted the 24th annual Noche Latina at Mechanics Hall in Worcester on April 13, 2024. The theme of the event was "The Unfolding Family Tree: Las Fuentes del Pasado Alimentando Nuestras Raíces."

Moreover, students could "travel around the world" at the Peace of Mind Night Market. Hosted by Peace of Mind, the Night Market took place in the Loyola Ballroom on Feb 23rd, 2025, from 5:00-8:00 PM. Amelia Ciarleglio '27, the Features Editor for the College of the Holy Cross, took photos for both the Noche Latina and Peace of Mind Night Market events.

Working for Worcester projects range from the construction of playgrounds to the creation of library spaces for Worcester elementary schools. Through these initiatives, the organization continues to make a significant contribution to the community, reinforcing Holy Cross’s longstanding impact on Worcester beyond academics and athletics.

In summary, Working for Worcester is an important channel through which Holy Cross students actively participate in community service, making a tangible difference in the local schools and neighborhoods. The organization's efforts not only improve the physical environment but also foster strong town-gown relationships, embodying the college's commitment to civic leadership.

Working for Worcester, led by Holy Cross alumni Kay McNamara and Max Kudinov, has been a driving force in engaging with Worcester's community, strengthening connections between students and residents.
The organization's various events and initiatives, such as the annual Build Day, target the improvement of community spaces and the promotion of constructive collaboration, aligning with the Jesuit tradition of service integral to Holy Cross’s educational mission.
In line with the college's dedication to education-and-self-development and general news, the College of the Holy Cross also hosts events like the Athletics' "Pink the Rink" for Breast Cancer research and the Latin American Student Organization's Noche Latina, fostering a diverse lifestyle within the community.
Beyond academics and athletics, Working for Worcester contributes significantly to the community through projects like the construction of playgrounds and library spaces for local elementary schools.
Through these projects, the organization's efforts not only improve the physical environment but also foster strong town-gown relationships, embodying Holy Cross's commitment to civic leadership and making a tangible difference in Worcester.