On Friday, April 25th, excitement filled the halls of The Academy of the Holy Cross as we welcomed back 17 of our alumnae for Career Day 2025. This special event provided our current  Ladies of the Academy (LOTAs) with the unique opportunity to connect with former Tartans who are now thriving in numerous professional fields.

The day kicked off with a keynote address from Sylvia Cole Mackey ‘59.  She delivered an inspiring message, offering invaluable insights into the journey from high school to professional success, sharing with students what she’s learned through her career that’s gone from Syracuse graduate, to flight attendant, to the fashion runway, and most recently an NFL players advocate for those suffering from CTE, like her late husband and college sweetheart, football legend John Mackey.. A lively Q&A followed, giving students a chance to engage directly and ask thoughtful questions.

Following the keynote, Juniors and Seniors were dismissed to attend small group sessions aligned with their current interests, while Freshmen and Sophomores stayed in the theater to hear from an alumnae panel.

During the panel, three distinguished alumnae shared their career paths and personal stories, offering advice and inspiration to current students. The panel was interactive, with time for students to ask questions and gain deeper insights into various professional journeys.
Career Day 2025 was more than just a schedule of events—it was a celebration of connection, mentorship, and the enduring spirit of the Holy Cross community.

Thank you to all of our alumnae who returned to share their time and talents, and to the faculty, staff, and student volunteers who made the day run smoothly. We know this day has inspired our current LOTAs to become trailblazers in their own right, and maybe we’ll be lucky enough to say, “We knew them when…”