Holy Cross College will award honorary degrees to four distinguished leaders at its 59th Commencement Ceremony on Saturday, May 16. Each honoree reflects a life of leadership, service, and commitment to the common good, embodying the College’s mission to form scholars, citizens, leaders, and disciples. 

The 2026 honorary degree recipients are: 

  • Thomas J. Gryp, Chair/CEO, Notre Dame Federal Credit Union  
  • John C. Gschwind, Senior Vice President, General Counsel, and Corporate Secretary, Rexel USA, Inc.  
  • Sister Ann Lacour, MSC, Congregational Leader, Marianites of Holy Cross  
  • Alex Brett Jones, CEO and Co-Founder, Hallow  

“Each of these honorees reflects the very best of what we hope to cultivate in our students,” said Holy Cross College President Dr. Marco J. Clark. “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.”

About the Honorees 

Thomas J. Gryp
A respected leader in financial services, Thomas Gryp has served as Chair and CEO of Notre Dame Federal Credit Union since 2010, guiding a period of significant innovation and growth. A South Bend native and University of Notre Dame graduate, Gryp has also been a dedicated supporter of Holy Cross College, including service on the Board of Trustees and instrumental support of campus development projects. His leadership reflects a deep commitment to stewardship, community engagement, and Catholic values. 

John C. Gschwind
John Gschwind has been a transformative leader for Holy Cross College through his service on the Board of Trustees, including three terms as Chair. He played a central role in the presidential transition that brought Dr. Marco Clark to the College and helped guide the development of both a strategic plan and campus master plan. Professionally, he serves as Senior Vice President, General Counsel, and Corporate Secretary of Rexel USA, Inc., where he oversees legal, compliance, and governance functions. 

Sister Ann Lacour, MSC
A lifelong Marianite of Holy Cross, Sister Ann Lacour has dedicated decades to Catholic education and religious leadership as a teacher, principal, superintendent, and congregational leader. Currently serving as Congregational Leader of the Marianites of Holy Cross, she has guided the community through strategic initiatives while deepening its spiritual mission. Her work reflects a profound commitment to forming minds and hearts in the Holy Cross tradition. 

Alex Brett Jones
Alex Jones is the CEO and Co-Founder of Hallow, the world’s leading Catholic prayer and meditation app. Since its founding in 2018, Hallow has grown into a global platform reaching tens of millions of users across more than 150 countries, helping people deepen their relationship with God through guided prayer and reflection. A graduate of the University of Notre Dame and Stanford Graduate School of Business, Jones represents a new generation of faith-driven leadership at the intersection of technology and evangelization. 

The Commencement celebration will begin with the Baccalaureate Mass on Friday, May 15, at St. Joseph Chapel, followed by the Commencement Ceremony on Saturday, May 16, at the Pfeil Center. 

For more information about Commencement, visit:
https://www.hcc-nd.edu/commencement