A Chat with Dr. Fauci - An Exploration of Thoughts at Night
Dr. Anthony Fauci, a renowned figure in the global fight against HIV/AIDS and emerging infectious diseases, returned to his alma mater, Holy Cross, for a multi-day campus residency in March 2025. The event was filled with engaging discussions, panels, and a dialogue dinner, all of which attracted a diverse audience, including students, families, alumni, and faculty.
One of the highlights of the residency was a panel discussion held in the St. Joseph Memorial Chapel, where Dr. Fauci shared insights about his time at Holy Cross and the Jesuit values that have shaped his career. The event was moderated by Mahri Leonard-Fleckman and attended by Dr. Fauci's wife, Christine Grady, who has been by his side for 40 years. According to Dr. Grady, their relationship has been "interesting" and they have had a "quite a ride."
On the evening of March 18, Dr. Fauci attended a Dialogue Dinner, hosted by SPEECH Peer Educators, where they discussed the politics of public health. The dialogue dinner was held in the Hogan Ballroom, providing an intimate setting for the discussion.
During his residency, Dr. Fauci was also the subject of two separate articles. The first, titled "The Fauci Effect," was published in The Spire, with Nathan Howard '25 serving as the Editor-in-Chief. The second, "Dr. Fauci Revealed as Econ Major: Classics Department In Shambles," was published in Eggplant, and guest-written by Tyler Brackett and Emma Hatem '27.
It was revealed in the latter article that Dr. Fauci, contrary to popular belief, did not major in Classics but in Economics. This revelation seems to have caused a stir in the Classics Department, with some expressing disappointment and others finding it amusing.
Dr. Fauci's career is not without controversy, but in 2025, during his final hours in office, President Biden pardoned him to protect him from potential legal or political actions related to his public health role. The pardon aimed to guard Fauci, the former director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), likely from investigations or prosecutions stemming from controversies during his tenure.
Throughout his career, Dr. Fauci has been a key advisor to seven US presidents on global HIV/AIDS issues and on preparedness against emerging infectious disease threats. Most recently, he was the Chief Medical Advisor to former President Joe Biden and was one of the lead members of the White House COVID-19 Response Team. Dr. Fauci and Dr. Grady concluded their series of panels at Holy Cross on March 19th, marking the end of a memorable residency.
- The faculty and students at Holy Cross University were eager to engage with Dr. Fauci during his campus residency in March 2025.
- The news of Dr. Fauci's pardon by President Biden sparked a wide range of opinions among the student body and faculty, with some finding it amusing and others expressing disappointment.
- During his residency, Dr. Fauci expressed his gratitude for his education in the humanities and science departments at Holy Cross University.
- The entertainment provided by the SPEECH Peer Educators during the Dialogue Dinner with Dr. Fauci was highly appreciated by the diverse audience in attendance.
- The announcement that Dr. Fauci did not major in Classics but in Economics at Holy Cross University caused quite a stir within the Classics Department, leading to a mix of reactions.
- The successful multi-day campus residency of Dr. Fauci at his alma mater, Holy Cross University, showcased the power of education in shaping careers and influencing events, not just in the field of science but also in entertainments, politics, and social issues.
