Raised in a family with deep Catholic roots, Rougeau has spent his entire career working for institutions sharing the values of Holy Cross. He was working at Boston College when the opportunity to lead Holy Cross arose, and today, he is the first Black and first lay president of the Worcester-based Jesuit and Catholic institution. Four years later, Rougeau said he’s never been prouder to lead the school.
In 2023, the college launched a 10-year plan called “Aspire: Our Strategic Vision for a Hope-Filled Future.” Part of that means celebrating and partnering with the city it calls home, including through the Worcester Pillar Micro-Grant Pilot Program and the purchase of the former Rotmans Furniture building at 725 Southbridge St. The Rotmans campus was largely vacant for the past two years, and it will be redeveloped to contribute to the character of the neighborhood around the school.
Holy Cross supports more than 1,000 jobs in Worcester County, paying more than $50 million in salaries to its residents. The college contributes $20 million to Worcester County vendors. In October, the college expanded its full-tuition grant program to cover students whose families earn $100,000 or less.
Laura Finaldi is a former WBJ reporter and current freelance writer.
