William “Bill” Orkus had a long and very spirited relationship with Holy Cross. As he met and married his wife Pearl Daigle that relationship began as his brothers-in-law were all HC students and graduates – David Daigle ‘46, Eugene ‘50, and Robert who was the Valedictorian of the class of ‘53. 
Bill served in the Army during WWII and returned to meet his first son William III who was a graduate of the class of 1961. His other sons and HC graduates were Michael ’67, Gerry ’73, and Stephen ’74. His Tiger grandsons include Philip Hoffman ’98. Joshua ’03, Stephen ’03, and Gregory ’06. Jake Hoffman, a great-grandson, is a member of the 8th grade class of ’21.

Bill did not have the opportunity to complete high school before his time in the war but several decades later he was named an Honorary Alumnus of Holy Cross based upon his enthusiastic support of the school – especially the athletic teams and the Tiger Band. Anyone attending HC games in the ’50s, 60’s and 70’s would remember his booming voice yelling “Goooo Tigers” or enlisting a crowd response to “Two Bits.” Students in those decades may well remember him as a guest speaker at several pep rallies. His cheerleading prowess was unmatched and was even recognized by Tiger opponents. In one issue of the Archbishop Rummel student newspaper, an entire article talked about him with the words “Every School needs a Bill Orkus!”

Beyond his vocal exuberance, Bill and Pearl worked many years with the Parent’s Club at Bingos and as booth sponsors at the annual Fair. Bill and son Michael worked several years in the ’70s with the Development program visiting homes to ask for pledges to build various 4950 Campus buildings. Bill and Pearl sponsored the band director’s office in the then-new Student Center. In 1996, the Orkus Family was honored at the annual Holy Cross School Family Day.

Bill’s kindness and spirit played a significant part in many lives at Holy Cross as much a Holy Cross Man as any of the thousands of graduates who walked the halls as students. He certainly did his share of “praising thy glorious name!”