Swampscott resident Charlie Baker, the former Massachusetts governor and current president of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), will deliver the commencement address at the College of the Holy Cross.
Baker will address the college’s 180th graduating class on Friday, May 22, at the DCU Center in Worcester. The college will also present honorary degrees to Baker and Tim Garvin, president and CEO of the United Way of Central Massachusetts.
““I’m thrilled to honor Charlie Baker and Tim Garvin at our commencement ceremonies this year,” Holy Cross President Vincent Rougeau said in a press release. “Their commitment to public service and strengthening communities reflects the values at the heart of a Holy Cross education. Our graduates can learn from their example and carry that spirit of leadership and service into the world. It’s a privilege to recognize them as our honorary degree recipients.”
Baker became the NCAA’s president in 2023.The organization oversees athletic programs at more than 1,100 schools and represents more than 500,000 student-athletes nationwide. Baker played on the men’s varsity basketball team while earning a bachelor’s degree from Harvard University.
Baker also has an MBA from the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University.
Prior to joining the NCAA, Baker served two terms as governor of Massachusetts. Known for his bipartisan leadership, Baker was often ranked among the most popular governors in the country.
Baker helped guide the Commonwealth from a billion-dollar budget deficit to a surplus. He worked to expand broadband access, increase investments in education and infrastructure, as well as improve access to behavioral health services and addiction and recovery programs.
Previously, Baker served as CEO of Harvard Pilgrim Health Care, guiding the company from near bankruptcy to becoming one of the country’s top health plans. He also held leadership roles in state government, serving as secretary of administration and finance and secretary of health and human services.
