Holy Cross conferred 803 bachelor of arts degrees at its 180th commencement exercises this morning at the DCU Center. 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.
In his remarks, Baker emphasized the importance of resilience, personal growth and community, encouraging graduates to embrace life’s unexpected turns and define themselves through character.
“Life is a journey, not a destination,” said Baker. “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.”
College President Vincent Rougeau encouraged 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.
Graduating senior Peter Stamoulis, a classics major from Worcester, delivered the valedictory address.
In his speech, Stamoulis encouraged his fellow graduates to carry the values of Holy Cross and Worcester into the wider world. “Wherever we go, we will carry this place with us,” said Stamoulis. “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.”
Following graduation from Holy Cross, Stamoulis plans to pursue a Fulbright scholarship in Cyprus.
In addition to Baker, Holy Cross also awarded an honorary degree to Tim Garvin, president and CEO of the United Way of Central Massachusetts.
