Holy Cross College announced honorary degrees will be awarded to Alex Jones, Thomas Gryp, John Gschwind and Sr. Ann Lacour during its 59th commencement ceremony.
“Each of these honorees reflects the very best of what we hope to cultivate in our students,” Holy Cross President Marco Clark said in the release. “Through leadership in business, law, education, religious life, and innovation, they demonstrate that a life rooted in faith and guided by purpose can have a profound impact on the Church and the world. We are honored to celebrate their witness as we send forth our graduates to lead with competence, compassion, and courage.”
Jones is the chief executive officer and founder of Hallow, a prayer and meditation app. He has also been named as the 2026 commencement speaker.
Gryp is the president of Notre Dame Federal Credit Union. Holding the position since 2010, he has been in the financial services industry for over 40 years. He also served on Holy Cross’ Board of Trustees and is an adjunct faculty member in the Mendoza College of Business.
Gschwind, senior vice president, general counsel and corporate secretary of Rexel USA, is a Notre Dame graduate. He is in his third term as chair of the Holy Cross Board of Trustees. He assisted the College in developing the Strategic Plan and the 20 year Master Plan.
Lacour is a congregation leader of the Marianites of Holy Cross and has formerly held positions within Catholic education, including being a teacher, principal and superintendent of Catholic Schools in the Diocese of Alexandria.
The baccalaureate Mass will be held on May 15, with the commencement ceremony occurring the following day.
