Charlie Baker to Deliver 2026 Commencement Address

Holy Cross has announced that Charlie Baker, president of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) and former governor of Massachusetts, will address this year’s graduates during the commencement ceremony on Friday, May 22, at 10 a.m. at the DCU Center in Worcester. This year's commencement marks the College's 180th graduating class.

Baker became the sixth president of the NCAA in 2023 during a period of significant change for college athletics. Leading a member-led organization made up of athletic programs at more than 1,100 schools and over 500,000 student-athletes nationwide, he has focused on improving the student-athlete experience, increasing the efficiency of the national office, and advocating for the future of college sports.

Before joining the NCAA, Baker served two terms as governor of Massachusetts. Known for his bipartisan leadership, he worked across party lines to pass major legislation while guiding the Commonwealth from a billion-dollar budget deficit to a surplus. His administration expanded broadband access, increased investments in education and infrastructure, improved access to behavioral health services, strengthened addiction and recovery programs, advanced clean energy initiatives, and enacted criminal justice and policing reforms. Throughout his tenure, Baker was consistently ranked among the most popular governors in the United States.

Previously, Baker served as CEO of Harvard Pilgrim Health Care and guided the company from near bankruptcy to becoming one of America’s top health care plans. He also held leadership roles in state government as Secretary of Administration and Finance and Secretary of Health and Human Services.

Baker earned a bachelor’s degree from Harvard University, where he was a member of the men’s varsity basketball team, and an MBA from the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University.

Baker will be awarded an honorary degree during the ceremony. Holy Cross will also award an honorary degree to Tim Garvin, president and CEO of the United Way of Central Massachusetts.

Tim Garvin

Garvin has led United Way of Central Massachusetts for more than two decades, overseeing initiatives that support the health, education, and financial stability of individuals and families across Worcester County. Under his leadership, the organization has strengthened partnerships with nonprofits, businesses, and community leaders to address regional challenges and expand opportunity.

Through initiatives focused on youth opportunity, early childhood development, financial empowerment and community resilience, Garvin has helped position United Way as a convener and catalyst for collective impact throughout Central Massachusetts.

Garvin has spent his entire career working in the social-services sector, serving others as a youth development volunteer for the Peace Corps in Jamaica with his wife Theresa, and later becoming the vice president and executive director of YMCA of Greater Boston.

Garvin earned a bachelor’s degree from Clark University and attended the American University in Cairo (Egypt) for a junior semester abroad.

“I'm thrilled to honor Charlie Baker and Tim Garvin at our commencement ceremonies this year. Their commitment to public service and strengthening communities reflects the values at the heart of a Holy Cross education. Our graduates can learn from their example and carry that spirit of leadership and service into the world. It's a privilege to recognize them as our honorary degree recipients,” said Holy Cross President Vincent D. Rougeau.

For more information on this year’s Commencement events, please visit the Commencement website.