The university will host a Homecoming Mass and reception on Oct. 17
NEW ORLEANS – The University of Holy Cross (UHC) will celebrate 110 years of history and service to New Orleans with a Homecoming Mass and cocktail reception on Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026, on its campus in Algiers. Mass begins at 4:30 p.m. in the Blessed Basil Moreau Center, followed by a reception until 8 p.m. The event is free and open to the public.
UHC was founded in 1916 by the Marianites of Holy Cross, a congregation whose work educating minds and hearts dates to 1848. The university was originally created to educate and prepare teachers to serve in schools across South Louisiana, addressing vital community needs in the aftermath of yellow fever. Today, it offers more than 50 undergraduate and graduate programs and remains the only four-year university on the West Bank of New Orleans, with distinctive career pathways in nursing, education, counseling and health sciences, among other disciplines.
“In the years since the pandemic, Louisiana has faced severe workforce shortages in key industries, including education and healthcare. University of Holy Cross was uniquely prepared to answer this call,” said Dr. Stanton F. McNeely III, president of the University of Holy Cross. “We hope every alumnus, student and neighbor will join us in fellowship and celebration.”
Event Details
What: Homecoming 2026 Mass and Cocktail Reception
When: Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026
Time: 4:30 p.m. Mass, followed by a cocktail reception until 8 p.m.
Where: Blessed Basil Moreau Center, University of Holy Cross
4123 Woodland Drive, New Orleans, LA 70131
The event is an opportunity for the wider University of Holy Cross community to reconnect. Guests are encouraged to register at uhcno.edu or follow @UniversityofHolyCross on Facebook.
About the University of Holy Cross:
Founded in 1916 by the Marianites of Holy Cross, the University of Holy Cross is a fully accredited Catholic university in New Orleans offering more than 50 undergraduate and graduate programs. Through the Marianite mission of educating minds and hearts, UHC is a recognized leader in the caring professions, including distinctive programs in nursing, education, counseling, and health sciences. Students benefit from a personalized academic experience enriched by spiritual values, service opportunities and an inclusive campus community. Learn more at uhcno.edu.