Creator, Competitor, and Connector

From the outside, Jordyn Smith’s time at Holy Cross College looks like a highlight reel—Dean’s List honors, all-time assists leader for women’s basketball, a standout capstone presentation, and a dream opportunity at the University of Notre Dame’s Mendoza College of Business. But to understand her story is to see what lies beneath: a creative mind, a disciplined spirit, and a person who grew into her voice, her passions, and her future.

An Entrepreneur at Heart

Smith’s story starts early, with duct tape wallets, bookmarks, and handmade jewelry sold in middle school hallways. “I got in trouble for selling bookmarks in class,” she says with a smile. But that entrepreneurial spark ignited a real business in high school, shipping custom water bottles and designs around the world. “I learned how to manage customers, orders, and branding—it was a full operation,” she said.

That business mindset came with discipline. Even recovering from surgery didn’t slow her down. “I still had orders to fulfill. It taught me how to stay on task, even when things aren’t ideal.”

The Power of Holy Cross

Though she once imagined college far from home and in warmer weather, Holy Cross offered something unexpected: space to grow, and support when it mattered most.

“I thought I needed to go far to be independent,” Jordyn said. “But here, I had everything I needed—a close-knit community that allowed me to discover who I really am.”

Her freshman self wouldn’t recognize her now. “I was quiet, super focused on sports and school. I’ve grown so much—socially, creatively, and professionally. I’ve learned to loosen up, enjoy the moment, and still get things done.”

Creating Her Lane

Jordyn’s college career was defined by a unique blend of art, athletics, and ambition. She found mentors in teammates, professors, and professionals who helped open new doors. From a design role at Barry Media to social media management for Notre Dame women’s basketball, Jordyn found herself producing content for one of the top Division I programs in the country.

“Running their TikTok, being at practices, working media day—those were huge moments,” she said. “I filmed Olivia Miles returning to the court after injury, and that clip was reposted by OverTime. Being part of that team—even behind the scenes—was surreal.”

She did all this while balancing classes, practices, games, and part-time work as a nanny. “I like to stay busy,” she said, almost laughing. “But I don’t regret any of it.”

What Comes Next

Smith will begin Notre Dame’s brand-new M.S. in Digital Marketing program this fall. She plans to keep contributing creatively in athletics and marketing—ideally on a team where she feels connected to a larger mission.

“I love the feeling of being part of something bigger—of helping a group succeed behind the scenes,” she said. “Whether it’s digital marketing, social media, or storytelling, I just want to keep creating in community.”

And while her basketball playing days are done, her commitment to the sport lives on. She plans to coach, train young athletes, and stay close to the game. In the meantime? “I’m running a half marathon this weekend,” she said, already in motion.

Legacy of Leadership

As the College’s all-Time leader in assists and steals, Jordyn’s legacy is about more than stats. It’s about presence. Support. Reliability.

“I didn’t come in trying to break records. I just wanted to do what the team needed,” she said. “If people remember me as a good teammate—someone who showed up and helped us succeed—that means everything.”

As Holy Cross College prepares to celebrate the Class of 2025, few students embody personal transformation and authentic leadership like Tim Brown Jr. As the son of University of Notre Dame legend, Heisman Trophy winner and Pro Football Hall of Famer Tim Brown Sr, his name carried a particular legacy.  

Tim Jr. chose to build something entirely his own across the street at Holy Cross.

From Texas to South Bend on a Leap of Faith 

Growing up around game-day energy and spotlighted stadiums, college wasn’t always on Brown’s radar. “School was never really my thing,” he admits. “My sisters were the ones who crushed it in the classroom. I was just trying to find my lane.” 

That lane brought him from Texas to South Bend without ever visiting campus beforehand. “I didn’t see the school until Welcome Weekend,” he says. “But I had friends in the area, I liked the snow—and I just thought, ‘Why not?’” 

It was a decision made by instinct, but it led to a journey of discovery, service, and personal growth. 

Embracing Campus Life and Finding a Voice 

Majoring in psychology, Brown immersed himself in campus life. He served as a senator in the Student Government Association, helped guide new students during Welcome Weekend, and became a consistent and confident presence in the student body. 

Most notably, he served as president of the Black Student Association for three years, helping to build community and dialogue while raising the visibility of student voices. “I used to be the quiet one,” he says with a laugh. “My twin sister was my mouthpiece. But here, I found the space to step up.” 

Whether welcoming new students, leading campus tours, or advocating for inclusion, Brown discovered the impact of showing up and speaking out. “Holy Cross gave me the opportunity to lead,” he says. “And that changed everything.” 

A Role Beyond Campus: Leadership in Notre Dame Football 

While excelling on campus, Brown also stepped into a unique role with the University of Notre Dame’s football recruiting program.

Hosting high-profile recruits and their families, Brown operated with professionalism, hospitality, and poise. “It taught me to lead, to speak up, to represent something bigger than myself,” he says. “And I took pride in that.” 

Looking Forward with Gratitude and Purpose 

Though he once imagined a future in sports psychology, Brown now envisions a career in sports analytics. He’s weighing options in South Bend or closer to home in California, near his sisters. No matter where he lands, Brown carries with him the experience of being seen, trusted, and transformed. 

In a full-circle moment, Brown has been selected to give the welcome address at the 2025 Commencement ceremony—a fact that still catches him off guard. “It blows my mind,” he says. “I never thought I’d be the guy up front. But it means a lot that someone thought I should be.” 

When asked about his parents’ reaction to his journey, Brown’s tone turns thoughtful. “They’ve told me how proud they are,” he says quietly. “That means everything. Not because I’m trying to prove anything—but because I’ve become the kind of person they raised me to be.” 

From the shadows of NFL stadiums to the heart of Holy Cross, Tim Brown Jr. has built his own legacy—one of leadership, humility, and a voice that now carries far beyond the field. 

As Holy Cross College approaches its 2025 commencement, few stories capture the heart of the student experience like that of Bradley Szotko. A business major with marketing and political science minors, the valedictorian’s four-year journey reflects transformation through leadership, deep academic commitment, and personal faith. 

From Rejection to Revelation

Szotko arrived at Holy Cross with a strong academic background and a lifelong admiration for Notre Dame. “Notre Dame was my dream school,” he shared. “I had the resume—I had all the numbers, was an Eagle Scout, strong GPA—but I was rejected. That rejection letter turned out to be the best thing that ever happened to me because I got so many opportunities here.”

Academic Excellence and Campus Involvement

Valedictorian of the Class of 2025, Szotko earned that distinction with just a single A-minus across four years. But beyond grades, what changed was his relationship with learning. “It became more of a sport to me,” he said. “I can be proud of these skills and establish them show people what I can do.”

He credits much of that success to the faculty. “You know who’s assigning your work, and they know you. It’s a game-changer.”

Szotko’s impact reached far beyond the classroom. He served as a resident assistant, Student Government Association president and vice president, and a tour guide for three years, helping prospective students see themselves at Holy Cross.

“I always speak from the heart,” Szotko said. “I just focus on what I really enjoy about it. The people here really like it here and are involved in the community.”

Faith, Friendship, and the Four Pillars

Szotko was confirmed into the Catholic Church on campus, supported by close friends and mentors. “I grew up in a mixed-faith household. Being at Holy Cross—and seeing peers and leaders living their faith—made it real for me,” he says.

The College’s four pillars—Scholar, Citizen, Leader, Disciple—weren’t just aspirational. For Szotko , they became a lived experience as friends and mentors shared their faith and helped him grow in and out of class. “It’s been very integrated, which has been so cool. The leadership here is strong in their faith and they’re proud of it.”

Looking Ahead

After graduation, Szotko will begin the Master of Science in Finance (MSF) program at Notre Dame, fulfilling his lifelong ambition.

His long-term goal now is to work in corporate finance initially and eventually shift to nonprofit work, particularly in support of individuals with special needs. “That’s very dear to my heart.”

As he prepares to cross the commencement stage, Szotko carries with him more than accolades—he brings a sense of mission shaped by a college that saw who he could become and gave him the space to grow into it.

“It’ll definitely be bittersweet,” he conceded.