The College of the Holy Cross, a private Jesuit liberal arts college located in Worcester, Massachusetts, has produced a remarkable array of notable alumni from College of the Holy Cross who have left indelible marks on American society and beyond. Founded in 1843 as the oldest Catholic college in New England, Holy Cross emphasizes intellectual rigor, ethical leadership, and service, fostering graduates who excel in diverse fields like politics, public health, literature, journalism, and sports. With approximately 38,511 alumni as of recent years, the institution stands out as a top producer of Fulbright scholars, boasting 182 grantees who advance global research and cultural exchange.
The importance of these famous graduates of College of the Holy Cross cannot be overstated for prospective students, faculty, and job seekers. A strong alumni network opens doors to mentorship, internships, and careers—explore opportunities on higher ed jobs pages tailored for roles in academia and beyond. For instance, in politics, Clarence Thomas (Class of 1971), an Associate Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court since 1991, embodies the college's influence on shaping national jurisprudence through landmark decisions on constitutional law. Similarly, Anthony Fauci (Class of 1962), former director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), led the U.S. response to major public health crises like HIV/AIDS, Ebola, and COVID-19, highlighting Holy Cross's role in producing influential leaders in science and policy.
Literary and journalistic achievements further showcase the breadth of talent among notable alumni from College of the Holy Cross. Edward P. Jones (Class of 1972) won the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction in 2004 for The Known World, a novel exploring slavery's complexities, while Jack Higgins (Class of 1976) earned a Pulitzer for editorial cartooning at the Chicago Sun-Times. These successes underscore the liberal arts curriculum's power to cultivate critical thinking and creativity, with implications for aspiring writers seeking breakthroughs in publishing or media. Sports figures, historians like Michael Harrington (Class of 1947), whose book The Other America inspired President Lyndon Johnson's Great Society programs, and others demonstrate Holy Cross's unique blend of academic excellence and real-world impact.
Prospective students considering Holy Cross can draw inspiration from these paths, while job seekers in Massachusetts academia might connect via the alumni association. Check Rate My Professor for insights on Holy Cross faculty to gauge teaching quality. For more distinguished examples, particularly in politics, visit the official Alumni of Distinction page or the comprehensive Wikipedia list. This legacy not only elevates Holy Cross's reputation but also equips graduates for ethical leadership in a globalized world, making it a compelling choice for those eyeing transformative careers.
Discover the diverse achievements of College of the Holy Cross notable alumni and famous graduates of College of the Holy Cross, spanning politics, sports, literature, and more. This Jesuit liberal arts college in Worcester, Massachusetts, has produced influential leaders who embody its mission of rigorous education and service. While there are no U.S. presidents or confirmed billionaires among its graduates, Holy Cross boasts standout figures in public service, athletics, and the arts. Explore top talents below, with entertaining facts highlighting their journeys—perfect inspiration for students eyeing higher ed jobs or career paths. For full lists, check the politics, sports figures, and entertainment figures sections.
Holy Cross alumni have shaped American policy and justice, from Supreme Court benches to governorships and media commentary. Their stories reflect grit forged on the Hill.
Holy Cross is a powerhouse for hoops legends, fueling NCAA rivalries and pro careers with unyielding team spirit.
From Hollywood screens to cartoons, Holy Cross grads entertain millions with wit and creativity.
No Nobel laureates yet, but Pulitzers abound—Holy Cross nurtures storytellers tackling social truths.
These notable alumni from College of the Holy Cross highlight paths from campus to global impact. Dive deeper via the official Alumni of Distinction page or Wikipedia list. Considering Holy Cross? Rate My Professor reviews can guide your choice, and check academic jobs in Worcester.
Discover the captivating stories behind some of the most notable alumni from College of the Holy Cross, whose journeys from the Worcester campus to global stages offer endless inspiration for students eyeing higher ed paths. Picture Bob Cousy, the basketball wizard who graduated in 1950 and became a Boston Celtics legend, winning six NBA championships and earning Hall of Fame status for his dazzling playmaking—imagine the thrill of those college games fueling his pro stardom. Or Tommy Heinsohn, class of 1954, another Celtics icon who transitioned seamlessly from player to coach, snagging 10 titles and broadcasting games with his signature passion.
In politics, Justice Clarence Thomas (1971) rose from humble beginnings to the U.S. Supreme Court, his Holy Cross education in English shaping a resilient career amid controversies that keep legal circles buzzing. Then there's Jon Favreau (2003), the wordsmith behind Barack Obama's iconic speeches like 'Yes We Can,' proving a liberal arts degree hones communication skills for White House triumphs. Media maven Chris Matthews (1967) hosted MSNBC's Hardball for two decades, blending sharp wit with political savvy straight from his Holy Cross roots.
These famous graduates of College of the Holy Cross highlight the Jesuit emphasis on leadership and service, with alumni like Dartmouth President Philip Hanlon (1981) advancing math and academia. For more standout athletes, check the sports figures list. Dive deeper on the official Holy Cross notable alumni page. Whether you're a prospective student in Worcester, parents scouting Massachusetts gems, or job seekers via higher ed jobs, these tales show Holy Cross launches influential leaders. Rate My Professor reviews from campus can guide your choice, while higher ed career advice helps emulate their success.
Exploring the notable alumni from College of the Holy Cross reveals a legacy of excellence that can motivate students, parents, faculty, and job seekers alike. These star ratings evaluate achievements across key categories, drawing from trusted sources like the College's Alumni of Distinction page and detailed lists on Wikipedia and EduRank. Ratings consider the number, prominence, and impact of famous graduates of College of the Holy Cross, such as Pulitzer winners and influential leaders. For instance, while there are no Nobel laureates or billionaires prominently listed, the school's Jesuit roots foster leaders in public service and arts.
These ratings underscore why College of the Holy Cross notable alumni inspire globally. For students aiming high, advice includes immersing in interdisciplinary majors, joining service-oriented clubs reflective of Jesuit values, and networking via the robust alumni association (nearly 38,500 strong as of recent data). Job seekers, tap into this network for mentorship—check higher-ed-jobs or academic opportunities in Worcester, Massachusetts. Parents, encourage kids to review faculty on Rate My Professor for Holy Cross to pick courses fueling similar success. Faculty and staff can draw motivation from these paths while exploring higher-ed-career-advice. With a top-ranked liberal arts focus (per US News and Niche 2026 rankings), Holy Cross equips you for influential breakthroughs—start building your legacy today.
College of the Holy Cross alumni have made their mark in entertainment through literature, television, and visual arts, including authors, producers, and cartoonists; while prominent in writing and media, the institution also connects to broader fields like actors, musicians, composers, gamers, and chess masters. These graduates demonstrate the creative excellence fostered at Holy Cross, influencing popular culture and earning prestigious awards such as Pulitzers.
| Name | Job Title | Discipline | Class Year | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Michael Harvey | Author and Television Producer | 1980 | Author of The Chicago Way and The Fifth Floor, and co-creator of the TV program Cold Case Files. | |
| Jack Higgins | Editorial Cartoonist | 1976 | Pulitzer Prize-winning editorial cartoonist for the Chicago Sun-Times. | |
| Kristan Higgins | Romance Author | unknown | New York Times bestselling romance author. | |
| Edward P. Jones | Author | 1972 | MacArthur Fellow and winner of the 2004 Pulitzer Prize for Fiction for his novel The Known World. |
College of the Holy Cross alumni have excelled as athletes, particularly in basketball, with legends in the NBA and professional coaching; these figures highlight the Crusaders' storied athletic history in NCAA Division I Patriot League competition, including national championships and Olympic representation.
| Name | Job Title | Discipline | Class Year | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bob Cousy | NBA Hall of Fame Point Guard | 1950 | Legendary Boston Celtics player who won six NBA championships, earned 13 All-Star selections, and was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame as both player and contributor. | |
| Tom Heinsohn | NBA Champion Player and Coach | 1954 | Boston Celtics forward who won eight NBA championships as a player, coached the team to two titles, and was named one of the NBA's 50 Greatest Players. | |
| Joe Mullaney | College Basketball Coach | unknown | Longtime successful coach at Providence College and other programs, contributing to the legacy of Holy Cross basketball excellence. |
The politics section highlights notable alumni from College of the Holy Cross who have excelled in U.S. politics, with categories including U.S., International, and Royalty and Nobility, though the college's alumni are predominantly influential in American government and public service. These graduates have shaped policy, judiciary, and local leadership through dedicated public service and landmark decisions.
| Name | Job Title | Discipline | Class Year | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Clarence Thomas | Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States | English | 1971 | Appointed by President George H. W. Bush in 1991, he became the second African American Supreme Court Justice and has served for over three decades, influencing key conservative rulings. |
| Joseph E. Brennan | Governor of Maine | Government | 1958 | Served as Maine's 69th governor from 1979 to 1987, also as U.S. Representative for Maine's 1st district and state Attorney General, championing Democratic policies in New England. |
| Philip J. Philbin | U.S. Representative | 1911 | Represented Massachusetts's 3rd congressional district for nearly two decades from 1952 to 1971 as a conservative Democrat focused on veterans' affairs and agriculture. | |
| Michael J. O'Brien Jr. | Mayor of Worcester | 1965 | Elected as the 103rd Mayor of Worcester, Massachusetts, serving from 2008 to 2010 and advancing urban development and economic initiatives in his hometown. | |
| Chris Doherty | Mayor of Scranton | 1993 | Served two terms as Mayor of Scranton, Pennsylvania from 2006 to 2014, revitalizing the city's economy and infrastructure during challenging times. | |
| Jonathan D. Hale | Mayor of Warwick | 2001 | Elected Mayor of Warwick, Rhode Island in 2014, focusing on fiscal responsibility, public safety, and community development in local government. |
The College of the Holy Cross has produced distinguished alumni recognized with the Nobel Prize, highlighting the institution's strong emphasis on scientific excellence and innovation in fields like medicine. These laureates have made groundbreaking contributions that advanced global health and medical practices, inspiring current students in STEM disciplines.
| Name | Job Title | Discipline | Class Year | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Joseph Murray | Nobel Laureate in Physiology or Medicine | unknown | Awarded the 1990 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for pioneering organ transplantation, including the first successful human kidney transplant between identical twins. |
