The College of the Holy Cross conferred 733 Bachelor of Arts degrees at its 179th Commencement Exercises on Friday, May 23, at the DCU Center in Worcester, Massachusetts.
College President Vincent D. Rougeau encouraged members of the class of 2025 to step into the world with confidence, grounded in the values and skills they had developed at Holy Cross, and to remember the enduring support of their community as they begin the next chapter of their lives.
"Holy Cross taught you to encounter the world as it is and as you are," said Rougeau. "Feel confident in the skills you sharpened here. As individuals, you are strong. As a class, you are a force. You are not alone as you depart into the world after commencement — Holy Cross will be with you."
Honorary degree recipient Linda M. LeMura, president of Le Moyne College, delivered the commencement address to the class of 2025. She is the first female layperson to be named president of a Jesuit institution of higher education in the United States.
"Graduates, my wish for you — today, and every day — is that you will hold tight to your skills and to your dreams," LeMura said. "Treasure them both. Your dreams will inspire your work, and your work will inspire your dreams. Never let go of the whimsical, poetical, visionary dreamer that lives in each and every one of you."
Sister Barbara J. Rogers, headmistress of Newton Country Day School of the Sacred Heart from 1989 to 2023, also received an honorary degree. Both LeMura and Rogers are former board members of the College of the Holy Cross.
Claire Wolf '25 delivered the valedictory address.
"I ask you today to consider how you will lift others as you climb," said Wolf. "It is through these deeds, through lifting others up, that we reveal the never-ending love of God and send forth empowering waves of justice, peace and love from our own beloved hilltop."
Phi Beta Kappa National Honor Society welcomed new members to Pi of Massachusetts, the Holy Cross Chapter, in the Rehm Library at the College of the Holy Cross on Thursday, May 22, 2025. (Photo by Michael Ivins)
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, May 22. (Photo by Michael Ivins)
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 22, 2025. (Photo by Michael Ivins)
The Baccalaureate Mass of the class of 2025 was celebrated on Thursday, May 22. Rev. James M. Hayes, S.J. '72, associate chaplain for faith formation, presided. (Photo by Erika Sidor)
Students pose for a picture at the Baccalaureate Mass on May 22, 2025. (Photo by Erika Sidor)
Members of the class of 2025 arrive at the DCU Center in Worcester, Massachusetts, for the 179th Commencement Exercises of the College of the Holy Cross on Friday, May 23. (Photo by Michael Ivins)
Friends and family react as graduates take their seats for the 179th Commencement Exercises for the class of 2025 on Friday, May 23, at the DCU Center, Worcester, Massachusetts. (Photo by Michael Ivins)
College of the Holy Cross President Vincent D. Rougeau called upon graduates to encounter the world as it is and as they are: "As individuals, you are strong. As a class, you are a force." (Photo by Michael Ivins)
Claire Wolf '25, a political science major with a concentration in peace and conflict studies from Cleveland, Ohio, delivered the valedictory address. (Photo by Michael Ivins)
In her commencement address, Linda LeMura, president of LeMoyne College, said her wish for the graduates "is that you hold tight to your skills and your dreams. Treasure them both." (Photo by Michael Ivins)
