Holy Cross conferred 803 Bachelor of Arts degrees at its 180th Commencement Exercises on May 22, 2026, at the DCU Center in Worcester.
College President Vincent D. Rougeau encouraged members of the class of 2026 to embrace empathy, service and hope as they enter the next chapter of their lives. “I see you choosing to engage in person, not just online. I see you discerning truths from fakes. I see you rejecting cynicism and stepping into the power of empathy,” Rougeau said.
Honorary degree recipient Charlie Baker, president of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) and former governor of Massachusetts, delivered the commencement address to the graduating class.
“Life is a journey, not a destination,” Baker said. “The goal is to take the paths that give you the best chance to grow, find meaning in what you do, and become the very best version of yourself. These are the paths that embrace perseverance, build character and define purpose.”
Tim Garvin, president and CEO of the United Way of Central Massachusetts, also received an honorary degree.
Peter Stamoulis '26, a classics major from Worcester, delivered the valedictory address.
“Wherever we go, we will carry this place with us,” Stamoulis said. “We will carry the lessons of this college and this city, the friendships that shaped us, and the Jesuit mission that now calls us forward.”
On the eve of Commencement, members of the Class of 2026 pose for photos on the historic Commencement Porch, located at the front of Fenwick Hall.
Newly commissioned officers in the United States Navy and the United States Marine Corps from Holy Cross, Brown University, Worcester Polytechnic Institute and Worcester State University celebrated at their NROTC ceremony on May 21.
Presidential Service Awards were presented by President Vincent D. Rougeau, assisted by Michele C. Murray, senior vice president for student development and mission, in Dinand Library on Thursday, May 21, 2026.
The Baccalaureate Mass of the Class of 2026 was celebrated on Thursday, May 21 on Fitton Field. Rev. Keith Maczkiewicz, S.J., associate vice president for mission and ministry, presided.
Members of the Class of 2026 and their families gathered on the Hoval on Thursday night to enjoy one final sunset on The Hill.
Graduates begin to take their seats for the 180th Commencement Exercises for the Class of 2026 on Friday, May 22, at the DCU Center, Worcester, Massachusetts.
Family members, friends and graduates were full of emotions as the 180th Commencement Exercises got underway.
President Vincent D. Rougeau remarked upon the impact the class of 2026, the largest class in Holy Cross' history, made: "You inspired us with your energy and passion, and you moved the college forward, helping us to more fully live our values."
Charlie Baker, president of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) and former governor of Massachusetts, delivered this year's address to the Class of 2026 and received an honorary degree.
Peter Stamoulis '26, a classics major from Worcester, delivered the valedictory address.
In his valedictory address, Stamoulis said to his classmates: "What we have built here together does not end today. In many ways, it begins."
