Connor McGill ’25 Earns Provincial Medal of Honor

Connor McGill ’25 has a long list of credits to his name: leading a team of 50-plus volunteers as director of the 2024 Special Olympics Eastern Fall Sectional, participating in the Ryan Leadership Institute, revitalizing the Association of Computing Machinery Club, and serving as both a resident advisor and SGA senator for residence life.

It’s no surprise that the computer science graduate earned the Provincial Medal of Honor at this year’s Commencement ceremony. The medal is awarded to the graduate who best exemplifies the spirit of our patron St. Francis de Sales. Provost Terese Wignot, Ph.D., announced the honor, and the Very Reverend Joseph A. Newman, OSFS ’07, M.Div., presented McGill with the award.

“Connor has challenged himself and grown immensely during his time at DeSales, particularly in our core values of hospitality and fostering community grounded in inclusion,” said Wignot. “Each student Connor befriends, he welcomes to be part of his community in service.”

McGill is the first to admit that his leadership journey didn’t happen overnight. While always eager to help others, he learned how to overcome trepidation by taking things step by step.

“My journey has been more about gradual growth, fueled by the constant encouragement of others and a personal willingness to step up, even when it felt uncomfortable,” he said.

McGill hopes to pursue a master’s degree to deepen his expertise in areas like cybersecurity. His ultimate dream? To become a chief information security officer.

“It feels like a natural culmination of combining my passion for technology with my commitment to leadership and service. My personal mission statement is: ‘Lead by doing: Seek opportunities, serve willingly, and grow continuously.’”