College Honors Barbara Rogers, RSCJ
By Frances Gimber, RSCJ
College of the Holy Cross in Worcester, Massachusetts, awarded Barbara Rogers, RSCJ, an honorary degree of Doctor of Humane Letters at this year’s commencement, May 23, 2025. Holy Cross President Vincent D. Rougeau said, “I’m thrilled to honor Dr. Linda LeMura [commencement speaker] and Sister Barbara Rogers at our commencement ceremonies this year. Their commitment to helping others specifically in the realm of education is an inspiration to everyone on campus. I appreciate their dedication to Holy Cross as former members of our board. We can all learn from each of them and follow in their footsteps. It’s a privilege to have them as our honorary degree recipients.”
Sister Rogers, who served as a trustee of Holy Cross from 2016 to 2024, is now head emerita of Newton Country Day School of the Sacred Heart. A graduate of Elmhurst, Portsmouth, Rhode Island, and Manhattanville College, she entered the Society of the Sacred Heart in 1977 and made final profession in 1985. She was appointed headmistress at Newton in 1989. During her 34 years as headmistress, she played a pivotal role in strengthening the school’s mission, expanding its facilities, and securing its financial stability. Her term of office saw the construction of the Sweeney-Husson building, containing a theater, science laboratories and middle school facilities, as well as the expansion of the library, the renovation of the chapel and the creation of the Kathleen R. Martin Wellness Center.
This honorary degree recognizes Sister Rogers for her commitment to Sacred Heart education and her ability to balance tradition with innovation. The citation read at the ceremony concludes:
That all may know of our greatest esteem for you and our strong support of your unwavering commitment to Catholic education, your transformative leadership, and your dedication to forming the hearts and minds of future women leaders, the College of the Holy Cross confers upon you this day the degree, Doctor of Humane Letters, honoris causa.
