Weekly Crusader Recognition: Ben Lepper and Nathan Howard
**Two Holy Cross Students Lead The Spire Newspaper**
Ben Lepper '25 and Nathan Howard '25, both students from Wellesley and Rehoboth, Massachusetts respectively, are likely serving as Editors-In-Chief of The Spire, the weekly student newspaper at the College of the Holy Cross.
Lepper, a major in Art History and Political Science, and Howard, an English major with a French minor, have been active members of the Holy Cross community. Lepper is a massive fan of professional wrestling, particularly CM Punk, and enjoys the TV show Arrested Development. Howard, on the other hand, prefers Sunset Boulevard (1950) and The Good Wife or Downton Abbey.
The Spire, produced entirely by Holy Cross students, is a vital platform for campus discourse and student journalism. Lepper and Howard's leadership roles in the newspaper reflect their commitment to the Holy Cross community and their passion for journalism.
In addition to their roles at The Spire, Lepper and Howard are involved in various campus activities. Lepper is the Editor-in-Chief of The Criterion, an English Honors Program member, a player in Ultimate Frisbee, and a Senior Admissions Fellow. Howard is also involved with The Spire and Moot Court.
Post-graduation, Lepper plans to continue writing for Magnetic Magazine, work for the Worcester Red Sox, and seek full-time employment. Howard intends to continue studying Art History at Columbia in NYC.
Despite their busy schedules, Lepper and Howard have distinct preferences for their favourite spots on campus. Lepper favours The Spire office, where he's done most of his work this year, while Howard prefers the Dinand Debate Room.
Both Lepper and Howard have a list of favourite things that reflect their unique personalities. Lepper's favourite book is Eleutheria by Allegra Hyde, discovered in Prof. Whitmarsh's class, and his favourite song is "Gone" by Shallou. Howard's favourite book is The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde, and his favourite song is "Don't Cry for Me Argentina" from Evita.
While Lepper and Howard are known for their contributions to The Spire and the Holy Cross community, they also have their share of embarrassing moments. Lepper once got caught live on FloSports before calling a hockey game, talking about Minecraft College Football, and Howard still can't walk through the science complex without getting lost, four years into his college career.
As they prepare for their final year at Holy Cross, Lepper and Howard have a few items on their bucket list. Lepper hopes to get over to Miss Worcester at least once (time is running out!), while Howard aims to walk through the science complex without getting lost.
Despite the challenges they face, both Lepper and Howard remain optimistic about their future and the future of The Spire. Lepper is confident that his accomplishments will speak for themselves, while Howard is known as the "Mom of The Spire E-Board" by their features editor.
[1] The Spire: [2] The Spire Archives: [3] The Spire About Us:
[1] The Spire's commitment to campus discourse and student journalism is further highlighted by the leadership roles of Editors-In-Chief Ben Lepper '25 and Nathan Howard '25.[2] Lepper's passion for journalism is evident in his roles at The Spire and The Criterion, as well as his membership in the English Honors Program.[3] Howard, too, is deeply involved in campus activities, including The Spire and Moot Court, reflecting his dedication to education-and-self-development and personal-growth.[4] After graduation, Lepper plans to continue his career development in writing for Magnetic Magazine and the Worcester Red Sox, while Howard intends to pursue further education in Art History at Columbia in NYC.[5] learning isn't limited to the classroom for these students, as evidenced by Lepper's love for Art History and Political Science, and Howard's fascination with Sunset Boulevard and The Good Wife.[6] The College of the Holy Cross campus features a variety of events, sports, and activities that cater to diverse interests, such as Ultimate Frisbee for Lepper or Moot Court for Howard.[7] Football, specifically NCAA Football, is a shared passion among students, as Lepper is a fan of American football, while Howard prefers the English version, Sunset Boulevard.