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The Class of 2025: Their Journey to Commencement

Each year, 海角直播 seniors leave campus ready to make an impact鈥攔ooted in the mission and values that shaped their time here. This spotlight series celebrates members of the Class of 2025 who embody what it means to be a scholar, disciple, leader, and citizen.

Through their academic achievement, service to others, personal growth, and commitment to community, these students show how a Holy Cross education prepares graduates not just for careers, but for lives of meaning and purpose. Their stories are as unique as they are inspiring鈥攁nd together, they reflect the heart of the College.

Nicholas Surat: Meant to be a Saint

As 海角直播 prepares to celebrate its 2025 commencement, we are proud to highlight the inspiring journey of Nicholas Surat, a senior who has exemplified the values and mission of our institution. Surat’s story is one of dedication, service, and personal growth, highlighting how Holy Cross has afforded him opportunities and cultivated his future.

Home Away From Home

Nicholar Surat came to 海角直播 for his first year determined to be withdrawn, and to rely on his introverted instincts.

He’s leaving, a completely different person. Blessed with numerous opportunities to develop his leadership skills, Surat has become one of the bedrock student figures on campus during his years.

“It’s something I’m really appreciative of because I was a homeschool kid,” he reflects. Mentors like Dr. Dianne Barlas Professor Storer, and others played significant roles in his academic and personal growth. This spring, he was awarded the All Saints Award.

Holy Cross provided Surat with numerous opportunities to develop his leadership skills, which were particularly significant given his homeschool background. “Holy Cross allowed me to grow in leadership,” he reflects. Mentors like Dr. Dianne Barlas Professor Shawn Storer played significant roles in his academic and personal growth.

Surat’s connection to Holy Cross began through the Saints & Scholars program for high school students.

“I did that and just fell in love with the place,” Surat recalls. The welcoming community and the influence of his family in South Bend, who were connected to Holy Cross, played a significant role in his decision to attend the college. “When I was planning for college, this was my number one choice. I didn’t even wait for the other places to respond. They gave me full rides and all that stuff, and I said, No, I’m coming to Holy Cross.”

Academic Pursuits and Achievements

Initially split between theology and history, Surat ultimately chose theology as his major, driven by his passion for ministering to the church. “I wanted to go into theology, that’s what I wanted to do for the rest of my life,” he shares. His academic journey at Holy Cross has been marked by excellence and dedication, culminating in his acceptance into the prestigious Conversatio program at Saint John’s School of Theology and Seminary in Minnesota. This program includes a full tuition scholarship, room and board, and a stipend, providing Surat with the resources to continue his theological studies.

Involvement and Service

Surat’s at Holy Cross has been characterized by his extensive involvement in campus activities and his unwavering commitment to service. “I’ve done admissions, student government, and campus ministry. I’ve done it all. What I was always gravitating towards was service to others,” he says. His roles have included co-chair for the Social Concerns Committee, working with local organizations like Unity Gardens and Our Lady of the Road, and helping students with various service projects. “There was this aspect of Holy Cross where I really felt embraced by the community and wanted to serve the community.”

Future Aspirations

Looking ahead, Surat aims to pursue a doctorate in theology and hopes to teach theology in the future. “My long-term dream would be to get my doctorate in theology. I hope to be able to teach theology,” he shares. His passion for giving back to the community and spreading the mission of the church is evident in his aspirations. “I just want to give back. I’m eternally grateful for what Holy Cross has given to me.”

A Special Place

Surat’s believes journey at 海角直播 is a testament to the transformative power of a supportive and welcoming community. “I wasn’t just a number… The sense of home and belonging that Surat felt at Holy Cross was a significant and memorable aspect of his experience. I still remember to this day walking during my matriculation ceremony, walking underneath the arch, and (staff members) shaking my hand and saying, ‘Welcome home.’ It really did feel like I was coming home when I came here.”

Jordyn Smith: Creativity, Discipline, and a Drive to Build

Creator, Competitor, and Connector

From the outside, Jordyn Smith鈥檚 time at 海角直播 looks like a highlight reel鈥擠ean鈥檚 List honors, all-time assists leader for women鈥檚 basketball, a standout capstone presentation, and a dream opportunity at the University of Notre Dame鈥檚 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鈥檚 story starts early, with duct tape wallets, bookmarks, and handmade jewelry sold in middle school hallways. 鈥淚 got in trouble for selling bookmarks in class,鈥� 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. 鈥淚 learned how to manage customers, orders, and branding鈥攊t was a full operation,鈥� she said.

That business mindset came with discipline. Even recovering from surgery didn鈥檛 slow her down. 鈥淚 still had orders to fulfill. It taught me how to stay on task, even when things aren鈥檛 ideal.鈥�

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.

鈥淚 thought I needed to go far to be independent,鈥� Jordyn said. 鈥淏ut here, I had everything I needed鈥攁 close-knit community that allowed me to discover who I really am.鈥�

Her freshman self wouldn鈥檛 recognize her now. 鈥淚 was quiet, super focused on sports and school. I鈥檝e grown so much鈥攕ocially, creatively, and professionally. I鈥檝e learned to loosen up, enjoy the moment, and still get things done.鈥�

Creating Her Lane

Jordyn鈥檚 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鈥檚 basketball, Jordyn found herself producing content for one of the top Division I programs in the country.

鈥淩unning their TikTok, being at practices, working media day鈥攖hose were huge moments,鈥� she said. 鈥淚 filmed Olivia Miles returning to the court after injury, and that clip was reposted by OverTime. Being part of that team鈥攅ven behind the scenes鈥攚as surreal.鈥�

She did all this while balancing classes, practices, games, and part-time work as a nanny. 鈥淚 like to stay busy,鈥� she said, almost laughing. 鈥淏ut I don鈥檛 regret any of it.鈥�

What Comes Next

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

鈥淚 love the feeling of being part of something bigger鈥攐f helping a group succeed behind the scenes,鈥� she said. 鈥淲hether it鈥檚 digital marketing, social media, or storytelling, I just want to keep creating in community.鈥�

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? 鈥淚鈥檓 running a half marathon this weekend,鈥� she said, already in motion.

Legacy of Leadership

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

鈥淚 didn鈥檛 come in trying to break records. I just wanted to do what the team needed,鈥� she said. 鈥淚f people remember me as a good teammate鈥攕omeone who showed up and helped us succeed鈥攖hat means everything.鈥�

Tim Brown Jr. Forges His Own Path and Leaves a Legacy

As 海角直播 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. 听

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听

Growing up around game-day energy and spotlighted stadiums, college wasn鈥檛 always on Brown鈥檚 radar. 鈥淪chool was never really my thing,鈥� he admits. 鈥淢y sisters were the ones who crushed it in the classroom. I was just trying to find my lane.鈥�听

That lane brought him from Texas to South Bend without ever visiting campus beforehand. 鈥淚 didn鈥檛 see the school until Welcome Weekend,鈥� he says. 鈥淏ut I had friends in the area, I liked the snow鈥攁nd I just thought, 鈥榃hy not?鈥欌��听

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

Embracing Campus Life and Finding a Voice听

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.听

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. 鈥淚 used to be the quiet one,鈥� he says with a laugh. 鈥淢y twin sister was my mouthpiece. But here, I found the space to step up.鈥�听

Whether welcoming new students, leading campus tours, or advocating for inclusion, Brown discovered the impact of showing up and speaking out. 鈥淗oly Cross gave me the opportunity to lead,鈥� he says. 鈥淎nd that changed everything.鈥�听

A Role Beyond Campus: Leadership in Notre Dame Football听

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

Hosting high-profile recruits and their families, Brown operated with professionalism, hospitality, and poise. 鈥淚t taught me to lead, to speak up, to represent something bigger than myself,鈥� he says. 鈥淎nd I took pride in that.鈥�听

Looking Forward with Gratitude and Purpose听

Though he once imagined a future in sports psychology, Brown now envisions a career in sports analytics. He鈥檚 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.听

In a full-circle moment, Brown has been selected to give the welcome address at the 2025 Commencement ceremony鈥攁 fact that still catches him off guard. 鈥淚t blows my mind,鈥� he says. 鈥淚 never thought I鈥檇 be the guy up front. But it means a lot that someone thought I should be.鈥�听

When asked about his parents’ reaction to his journey, Brown鈥檚 tone turns thoughtful. 鈥淭hey鈥檝e told me how proud they are,鈥� he says quietly. 鈥淭hat means everything. Not because I鈥檓 trying to prove anything鈥攂ut because I鈥檝e become the kind of person they raised me to be.鈥�听

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

Bradley Szotko: Overcoming Adversity and Discovering the Leader Inside

As 海角直播 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.听

From Rejection to Revelation

Szotko arrived at Holy Cross with a strong academic background and a lifelong admiration for Notre Dame. 鈥淣otre Dame was my dream school,鈥� he shared. 鈥淚 had the resume鈥擨 had all the numbers, was an Eagle Scout, strong GPA鈥攂ut 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.鈥�

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. 鈥淚t became more of a sport to me,” he said. “I can be proud of these skills and establish them to show people what I can do.”

He credits much of that success to the faculty. 鈥淵ou know who鈥檚 assigning your work, and they know you. It鈥檚 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. 鈥淚 grew up in a mixed-faith household. Being at Holy Cross鈥攁nd seeing peers and leaders living their faith鈥攎ade it real for me,鈥� he says.

The College鈥檚 four pillars鈥擲cholar, Citizen, Leader, Disciple鈥攚eren鈥檛 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. 鈥淚t’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. 鈥淭hat鈥檚 very dear to my heart.”

As he prepares to cross the commencement stage, Szotko carries with him more than accolades鈥攈e 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.