Spotlight

Holy Cross Celebrates 175th Commencement

Holy Cross announced 748 Bachelor of Arts degree candidates at its 175th commencement on May 21 held on Fitton Field. Linda ThomasGreenfield, United States ambassador to the United Nations, delivered this year’s address virtually to the class of 2021 and received an honorary degree.

A distinguished career diplomat with 35 years in the Foreign Service, Thomas-Greenfield reminded graduates that their education has equipped them to make a positive difference in the world.

“Class of 2021: I have hope – I have light in my eyes – because of you,” she told the graduates. “When I think of your promise, your potential, I swell with pride. With your Holy Cross mentors and role models by your side, I believe you will become men and

women for others. I trust you will go where you are needed. And graduates, I know you will keep hope alive.”

Emma Davison ’21, a political science and Middle Eastern studies double major with a concentration in peace and conflict studies from West Caldwell, New Jersey, delivered the valedictory address. She encouraged fellow graduates to be open to new experiences and let their future actions become a “living prayer” of what they have learned on The Hill.

“When a transformative change occurs, like graduating, the question of ‘Where do we go from here?’ often arises,” she said. “Such a question need not be elusive, but inviting: an invitation to engage with the world around us, to experience with devotion, with intention and with joy. If we commit to accepting this invitation, the translation of our resultant experiences will swell and joy will endure.”

In addition to Thomas-Greenfield, Holy Cross also awarded an honorary degree to Michael Collins, M.D., ’77, chancellor of the University of Massachusetts Medical School and senior vice president for the health sciences for the University of Massachusetts. ■