Dear UHC Family & Friends,
There are moments in the life of a university that remind us exactly why we do what we do — and commencement is one of them. Watching our graduates cross that stage, diploma in hand and future wide open, fills me with an immense sense of pride and joy. This is what Holy Cross is all about: transforming lives, building futures, and celebrating the incredible journey each student takes to get here.
We are proud to confer 161 degrees at Commencement this year — 40 Doctorates, 61 Master's, 51 Bachelor's, and 9 Associate's degrees. This wide array of degrees showcases the depth and breadth of opportunity at the University of Holy Cross, reflecting our commitment to meeting students exactly where they are and walking alongside them toward wherever they are called to go — proof that no matter where a student begins their journey, this university is here to help them reach their full potential.
This season of new beginnings would not be possible without the dedication of so many. To our faculty and staff, thank you for your tireless commitment to excellence and your unwavering belief in every student who walks through our doors. To the families, friends, and support systems who cheered our graduates on through every late night, every challenge, and every triumph — your love and encouragement made all the difference. And to our graduates — you have shown courage, resilience, and determination that inspires us all.
Perhaps no one captures the spirit of this moment better than one of our own graduating students, who shared these words:
"UHC really helped build my confidence. The support from professors and the flexibility of the program made it possible for me to continue my education while working full-time. Instead of feeling like just another student, I felt supported and encouraged to succeed. What started as something I was unsure I could accomplish turned into something that pushed me to grow both personally and professionally. My experience at UHC showed me that it is never too late to go back to school and accomplish goals you once thought were out of reach."
These words speak to the heart of what we strive to create at the University of Holy Cross — a community where every student feels seen, supported, and empowered to succeed. As we celebrate this graduating class, we are reminded that new beginnings are not just for our graduates. They inspire all of us to keep growing, keep giving, and keep believing in the power of education to change lives.
Congratulations to the Class of 2026. We are proud to have been a part of your educational journey and career story. We look forward to seeing what's next!
Spes Unica,
Stanton F. McNeely III, Ed.D
President
Commencement Weekend — Celebrate With Us!
We warmly invite our graduates, families, and the entire UHC community to join us for a weekend full of celebration and ceremony!
🙏 Mass and Awards Ceremony Saturday, May 16, 2026 | 4:00 PM Moreau Center at the University of Holy Cross | 4123 Woodland Drive, New Orleans, LA 70131
🎓 Commencement Ceremony Sunday, May 17, 2026 | 12:00 PM John A. Alario Event Center | 2000 Segnette Boulevard, Westwego, LA 70094
This year's commencement ceremony will feature a very special address from our distinguished speaker, Dr. Kim Hunter Reed, Louisiana's Commissioner of Higher Education. A nationally recognized higher education leader and student advocate, Dr. Reed has held leadership roles at both the state and federal levels — including serving as Deputy Undersecretary at the U.S. Department of Education and leading the Colorado Department of Higher Education. In January 2023, she was named one of the nation's Top 10 Black higher education leaders by Forbes. We are truly honored to have her address the Class of 2026.
It's Not Too Late — Register Today!
The next chapter of your academic journey is just around the corner, and there's still time to make it happen! Whether you're looking to get ahead this summer or planning for the fall, the University of Holy Cross has flexible options to fit your life and your goals.
Summer 2026 classes begin Monday, June 1st — and registration is open now! Summer is a wonderful opportunity to accelerate your progress, explore new subjects, or lighten your fall course load, all while enjoying smaller class sizes and the personalized attention that makes Holy Cross special. Degree seeking students from other universities and visiting students are welcome at UHC each summer!
Fall 2026 registration is also open, with classes beginning August 17th. Now is the perfect time to secure your spot in classes for the fall.
Don't wait — we want to make sure you have access to the courses you need. Reach out to the Office of Admissions today to get the process started and take the next step toward your goals.
As one of our graduates reminded us — it is never too late to go back to school and accomplish goals you once thought were out of reach. Your next beginning starts now.
Exciting Changes Coming to the Hurricane Café!
Big news for one of our favorite campus spots — the Hurricane Café is getting a refresh! Starting July 1, the Café will be welcoming a new dining provider and a brand-new grab-and-go market concept with expanded menu items and hours of operation. More details will be released through our social media channels in the coming weeks, including a sneak peek at the menu!
UHC Hosts Post-Secondary Leadership Conference
On April 24th, the University of Holy Cross was proud to serve as host of the annual Conference of Louisiana Colleges and Universities (CLCU) — a premier convening of higher education leaders from across our great state. Bringing together presidents, provosts, and institutional leaders under one roof, the CLCU conference is a cornerstone event in shaping the direction of higher education policy, innovation, and collaboration in Louisiana.
This year's theme — "Louisiana Higher Education 2050: Where We Have Been, Where We Are Now, and Where We Are Going" — sparked vital conversations about our collective past, present realities, and the bold vision needed to carry Louisiana's students and institutions into the future.
Hosting this conference is a testament to UHC's reputation and leadership within the broader higher education community, and we extend our deepest gratitude to the entire team that worked to make it a success!
Grow With Us — Join the UHC Team!
As enrollment continues to grow at the University of Holy Cross, so does our need for talented and passionate faculty and staff.
We are currently hiring for the following positions and are looking for dedicated individuals who share our commitment to student success, academic excellence, and the Marianite mission of compassionate service:
- Director of Admissions
- Payroll / HR Specialist
- Nursing Faculty — Full-Time and Part-Time Positions
- Adjunct Instructor — Accounting
- Adjunct Instructor of Physics
If you or someone you know is looking for a rewarding career in higher education, we'd love to hear from you.
View full job descriptions and apply at uhcno.edu/hr/jobs
Contact Jennifer Jeansonne (jennifer.jeansonne@uhcno.edu) with any questions about these roles.
✅ Show your school pride with UHC gear.
✅ Mark your calendars for these upcoming dates and opportunities to engage with our UHC community:
May 16 - Commencement Mass
May 17 - Commencement 2026
June 1 - First Day of Summer 2026 Classes
August 17 - First Day of Fall 2026 Classes
✅ Show your support for our UHC faculty, staff, and students who are already achieving great things this year! Will you commit a small donation through the end of 2026?