In the publication’s annual feature, Cross is one of eight Southern honorees recognized both for their contributions to Ireland and as an American of Irish Heritage. The fifth annual dinner honoring the group was held Oct. 16^th at the Commerce Club in Atlanta.

“As an American of Irish descent, it is an honor to be recognized by Irish America magazine alongside such notable individuals as Archbishop John F. Donoghue, Yeats scholar Joseph M. Hassett, and Betty Scott Noble, descendent of Agnes Scott College’s founder,” Cross said. “I accept this honor on behalf of the great team at Georgia Tech who made Georgia Tech’s program in Ireland possible and who lead it today. I’m proud of the impact we have had, the collaborations we have established with research universities and corporations there, and the benefits they are bring to Georgia Tech and our region. We have made accessible the enriching culture and enduring beauty of Ireland to our students.”

One of the founders of Georgia Tech Ireland, Cross also has served on the Queen’s University Belfast advisory board, as a Science Foundation Ireland consultant, and has worked with IDA (Industrial Development Agency) Ireland. Recently, he was invited to be a member of the board for the Atlantic Corridor in Tullamore, County Offaly.

“Dr. Cross is truly worthy of our Star of the South honor,” said magazine editor and co-founder Patricia Harty. “We were delighted to honor his contributions to American education and his innovative work in the technology sector. As one of the founders of Georgia Tech Ireland and through his work with Science Foundation Ireland and Queen's University Belfast, Dr. Cross has made a major contribution to the land of his ancestors. The benefits of Georgia Tech Ireland, and access that it affords students to one of the top research institutions in the world, is immeasurable.”

Irish America magazine has honored the top Irish Americans with an award ceremony in New York for the past 20 years. The growth and prominence of Scotch- and Irish-Americans in the South resulted in the “Stars of the South” feature and dinner, celebrating its fifth year.