Cinthia Gannett offers a history of the multi-century aim of Jesuit humanistic education, eloquentia perfecta. She considers the present status of educating for eloquence, and prompt a discussion on ways that faculty, curricula, programs, and the broader educational culture at Holy Cross can engage the aim of eloquence in the 21st century. Gannett is associate professor of English at Fairfield University, where she directs the Core Writing Program. With her husband, John Brereton, she is co-editing a volume on "Traditions of Eloquence: The Jesuits and Rhetorical Studies." Holy Cross professors Patricia Bizzell, English, and Rev. Thomas Worcester, S.J., history, both contributors to Gannett's forthcoming book on eloquence, offer brief responses following her talk.