Cole Crusciel ’20 | English and Philosophy major
I believe that our world will become more loving and empathic if we gain a fuller understanding of how religion connects to and expresses the deepest parts of who we are as human beings.
Cole Crusciel ’20 wants to help build community, and it was his time on the Hilltop that made him realize he had responsibility to share his talent with those around him.
During his time at Saint Anselm College, Crusciel studied English and Philosophy, but after the program opened doors to a variety of opportunities, he discovered his talents stretch to a few other things as well. Now, he’s on his way to Harvard Divinity School, where he has accepted an offer to enroll in their distinguished Master of Theological Studies program.
Despite heading down the path of religious studies, Crusciel credits the English and Communication Department at Saint Anselm for preparing him to take on the unexpected.
“My time as an English major was full of rich conversations, analysis, and ideas that prepared me for the realities of working closely with people whom I am trying to support and edify,” Crusciel said.
Crusciel was also involved with the Anselmian Abbey Players, where he met many of his closest friends, and dedicated his time to the Philosophy Club, Lucubrations, the Center for Ethics in Society, and the College’s literary magazine, Quatrain.
At Saint Anselm, he took advantage of the opportunity to attend prayer with the monks at the Saint Anselm Abbey, a reflective experience that helped shape his plans for the future.
After completing his bachelor’s degree, Crusciel began teaching at Notre Dame Academy. Going beyond the classroom, he coached the soccer team, led the ski club, and supported the theater program.
Dabbling in additional roles isn’t something exclusive to his in-school life. Outside of teaching, Crusciel regularly shares his talent for lighting design, a trade he picked up at the Dana Center for the Performing Arts, with theaters in New England.
Closest to his heart, however, was volunteering for a hospice team in Worcester, Mass., something Crusciel explains that he “just felt called to since [he] was young.” With the emotionally taxing nature of this role, he believes the work must be approached from a service-oriented mindset.
Crusciel has learned that providing care to patients during their final moments aligns deeply with religious studies. He believes that religion, so often a profoundly personal experience, can be a good that allows people to connect with one another, rather than drive them apart.
Following the completion of his graduate degree, Crusciel hopes to pursue a career that builds connections through religion, whether it be in the classroom or beyond.
“I hope to live a life that facilitates more cohesive communities,” he explained. “I believe that the best way I can use my own talents to do so is by helping and encouraging people to learn about, take seriously, and engage with the differences we have as humans. In doing so, we foster compassion and empathy for those around us and often learn just as much about ourselves as we do about others.”