But his military career was just the first chapter in a long life of service. Learn more about Morrissey, who is one of four recipients of the Sanctae Crucis awards in 2025.
The Sanctae Crucis Award is the highest non-degree accolade that the College awards alumni. Those who earn the distinction have distinguished themselves professionally and in the service of justice, embodying the Jesuit ideals outlined in the College’s mission.
This year, we will highlight the four winners in a series of pieces, sharing their journeys toward personal and professional excellence.
David Hinchen '65 and Donald Morrissey '65 have earned the Outstanding Community Service award. Mary Ann Ormiston Scali '90 and Rev. Joseph Bruce S.J. ‘73 have earned the Distinguished Professional Achievement award.
Morrissey was a pilot during the Vietnam War and eventually earned the rank of colonel. He received multiple decorations for his 24 years of service, including The Legion of Merit, the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Air Medal with clusters and The Meritorious Service Medal.
At one point in his military career, Morrissey was on the Air Force National Security Briefing Team from the War College, which traveled throughout the Country presenting the then-current Soviet nuclear threat and America’s response options.
After retiring from the Air Force, Morrissey became a community college counselor, but the job turned into so much more. At what is now Lakes Region Community College, he held titles of Admissions Counselor, Dean of Admissions, Vice-President of Student Affairs and Interim College President.
In his “spare time”, Don volunteered to coach the Community College Men’s Hockey Team and has served as a Class of ’65 Holy Cross Alumni Fund Class Agent since the early 1970s.
Morrissey is a dedicated public servant, serving on three boards in the Lake Winnipesaukee area of New Hampshire as a volunteer, and another three — Camp Resilience, The Aviation Education Center at Winnipesaukee and Leadership Lakes Region — as a founding member.
Along with two other members of the Class of 1965 — Bob Morris and Paul “Jules” Giuliani — Morrissey worked to have a marker and bronze plaque placed next to the Weeping Cherry Tree in honor of Tom Gilliam and John Burke, who both died during their service in Vietnam.
Don Morrissey is an exemplar of what a Holy Cross graduate should be in the world: A lifelong helper of the poor and powerless, who instills feelings of hope and possibility in the people around him. A man who stands on faith without judgment, and who recognizes that even as a little kid from a working-class family south of Boston, he was privileged and blessed.
