Claire (McLaughlin) Cronin ’82

Since graduating from Stonehill in 1982, you have distinguished yourself as an accomplished attorney with your own practice, a mediator with proven problem-solving skills, a hardworking, effective State Representative and always a proud daughter of your hometown, Brockton. 

On Beacon Hill, you worked collaboratively to address critical areas such as criminal justice reform, local educational funding, expansion of civil rights, support for vulnerable populations and much more. 

In addition, at the State House, you broke barriers and expanded frontiers—you were the first woman to serve as Majority Leader of the Massachusetts House of Representatives and the first female Chair of the House Judiciary Committee. 

Most recently, you applied your diplomatic skills in serving the United States with distinction as our Ambassador to Ireland, a job in which you spearheaded the extensive preparations for President Biden’s historic whirlwind, four-day visit in 2023. 

Being of service to others is the hallmark of your career. That outreach has created a special bond with countless Stonehill students and young alumni who have served as interns in your office or became members of your professional staff. 

Through your mentorship and belief in them, you have been shepherding subsequent generations by providing not just opportunity but also priceless practical experience, career guidance and a truly inspiring role model. 

You have given of yourself unselfishly, and you do so with a spirit of collaboration and great affection for the College’s educational mission of Light and Hope. Therefore, in recognition of your many accomplishments, Stonehill College is pleased to present you with the President’s Award for Excellence. 

Given this twenty-ninth day of May,  
Two Thousand and Twenty-Five 

Reverend John F. Denning, C.S.C. 
President, Stonehill College