Whenever Jaclynn Cross ’10 visits Gettysburg College for events like Reunion Weekend, she always drives down Washington Street and loops around the perimeter of campus, reflecting on the moments that made up her Gettysburg experience. It’s her way of reconnecting with the place that will always be her forever home.
“Every time I come back, I feel renewed and refreshed. I’m reminded that this is the place that made me the freethinker, the person who is focused on community and making everyone feel included and part of something,” she said.
Cross credits Gettysburg’s culture of connection and curiosity with helping students discover who they are and who they want to become.
“We are inquisitive; we are people-people. We see each other as whole versions of ourselves,” she added. “That was the core of my Gettysburg experience: Create what you want. Think freely.”
As a student, Cross was an Africana studies and English double major, while participating in dozens of activities, clubs, and organizations. She was a member of the Black Student Union (BSU), NAACP, Sigma Gamma Rho, Panhellenic Council, National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC), Sigma Tau Delta International English Honor Society, Gospel Choir, and B.O.M.B. Squad, Gettysburg’s hip-hop dance team. Cross also worked as a tour guide for the Admissions Office, supported Alumni Relations, and assisted with the Senior Class Gift Campaign.
Today, Cross, a senior project manager for strategic impact at the U.S. Green Building Council, remains actively involved with her alma mater. As president of the Gettysburg Alumni of Color Council (GACC) since 2024, she works with members of the College community to foster communication, engagement, and philanthropy among current students and future alumni.
“Gettysburg gave me more than an education. It gave me the confidence to lead.”
– Jaclynn Cross ’10
A dedicated connector and fundraiser through Alumni Engagement and Annual Giving, Cross supported her fifth and 10th reunion committees and served as co-chair for the 15th reunion of her graduating class. She was also a featured presenter during the College’s annual Alumni J-Term series in 2024 and 2025.
In 2025, Gettysburg presented her with the Young Alumni Achievement Award for Service.
“Gettysburg gave me more than an education. It gave me the confidence to lead,” she said. “It taught me the value of community, leadership, and service, and those lessons continue to shape how I show up in the world.”
#HumansofGettysburg
By Michael Vyskocil
Main photo by Tyler Caruso; supporting photo by Doug Huber ’06/ProArts Media
Posted: 07/01/26