Holy Cross Students Secure Nine Awards at Mediation Tourney

The Holy Cross Mediation Team took full advantage of hosting its first invitational academic mediation competition, winning an impressive nine awards during the October 5-6 competition. The College of the Holy Cross, in partnership with the International Academy of Dispute Resolution (INADR), hosted a tournament that was viewed as a success by all.

“As student tournament director, I am delighted to report that Holy Cross’s inaugural invitational operated smoothly and without issue,” said Brian Senier ’19, a member of the Mediation Team. “By all accounts, we acted as gracious hosts, and we were particularly proud to host students from across the country on Mount Saint James. Many students and coaches alike commented positively on things ranging from our beautiful, New England campus to our elegant receptions and hardworking Hogan Dining and J.D. Power Center staff.”

The award winners ranged from seasoned mediation veterans to newcomers, including Bridget Whelpley ’21. Whelpley, who won several individual and team awards, said of the tourney, “The team captains and coaches were so supportive and encouraging that I felt no pressure going into the tournament. It was great that the Holy Cross teams did well and represented the school at our tournament.”

The Mediation Team was founded in 2014 by Ed McDermott ’79, Distinguished Visiting Lecturer as well as Mock Trial coach. McDermott, who serves as Mediation Team coach, said that the team provides an opportunity for students to develop important skills that will serve them well even after graduation.

“The mediation tournaments seek to introduce students to a methodology for finding peaceful resolution,” said McDermott, “to train students in important communication and critical analytical skills; and to give the students the benefits of intercollegiate competition and camaraderie.  Mediation stands apart from other student advocacy competitions because of its focus on mutual respect and on upholding the dignity of one’s opponents, even in disagreement. Mediation offers students who are less combative by nature an option to compete outside of mock trial.”

The Holy Cross team will now move on to compete in the INADR National Undergraduate Championship, hosted at Drake Law School in Des, Moines, Iowa from November 16-17.

Holy Cross award winners from the Oct. 5-6 tourney are listed below:

• 1^st Place Mediation Team (Bridget Whelpley ‘21)
• 3^rd Place Mediation Team (Jessica Russo ’19)
• 1^st Place Individual Advocate/Client Pair (Jessica Russo ’19 and Brian Senier ’19)
• 10^th Place Individual Advocate/Client Pair (Brian Senier ’19 and Bridget Whelpley ’21)
• 1^st Place Individual Mediator (Bridget Whelpley ’21)
• 5^th Place Individual Mediator (Brian Senier ’19)
• 6^th Place Individual Mediator (Deep Bhattacharyya ’21)
• 7^th Place Individual Mediator (Jessica Russo ’19)