Staff Stories
Notre Dame seeks to enhance our community by attracting employees from all walks of life. The work of maintaining and advancing our University requires individuals who approach challenges from unique perspectives borne of varied and nuanced personal experiences. Moreover, it requires learning from one another in an environment that welcomes open discussion and invites personal as well as professional growth in this area.
The stories below showcase the diversity of thought and experience of the people who work at Notre Dame.
The University of Notre Dame Press is proud to publish two profoundly moving books this spring that look at the history of the civil rights movement and a great abolitionist and archivist of the Underground Railroad.
Niele Ivey speaks up about speaking out
USA Today article highlights how Notre Dame's women's basketball coach balances sports with social justice
2020 Presidential Awards for staff announced
The Presidential Awards recognize staff members for their significant contributions to the betterment of the University and whose actions exemplify Notre Dame’s Core Values: Accountability, Teamwork, Integrity, Leadership in Excellence and Leadership in Mission. Congratulations to Darrell Rowell, Jennifer Wittenbrink Ortega, Calvin Metts, Tina Jankowski, Brandi Wampler and Scott Rinehart.
I Am ND: Meet Sharla Lewis
Spontaneous dancing happens. But most people aren’t in front of national cameras when it does. Sharla Lewis, Notre Dame women’s basketball program manager, couldn’t help herself after the team’s 2018 championship win, and ESPN captured her victory jig.
Notre Dame partners with Fulbright COMEXUS to strengthen ties between US, Mexico universities
The University of Notre Dame and partners are now accepting applications for the Becas Fulbright-García Robles COMEXUS Mexico Studies Chair, which funds a senior scholar from a Mexican university to be in residence for a semester.
“Everyday Religion” class delves into religious diversity
When one encounters the rich diversity of the world’s religions, working to understand different faith traditions can promote tolerance, interreligious dialogue, and peace.
This was the idea students explored during the second session of “Everyday Religion in a World of Many Faiths.” The class, offered by the Ansari Institute, meets online Thursday evenings and is free and open to the public.
Growing together: Young Singles Community celebrates one year
While a welcome situation for faculty and staff who come to Notre Dame with families, or who start families once here, South Bend can prove to be challenging for young single faculty and professional staff members who want to find and build community, a deeply-held value of Notre Dame.
Liu Institute announces fall 2020 events
The Liu Institute for Asia and Asian Studies will sponsor and cosponsor lectures, panel discussions, and book launches—all of them virtual—that range in topic from anti-Asian hostility during the coronavirus pandemic to Uyghur repression in China to “engaged” Buddhism in Asia.
Center for Civic Innovation coordinates remote assistance for low-income taxpayers amid coronavirus
The Center for Civic Innovation (CCI) coordinated assistance for 53 taxpayers via the videoconferencing app Zoom and referred another 100 taxpayers to Goodwill for assistance, representing those without access to Zoom or otherwise uncomfortable with the app.
ThinkND series to explore world religions
University of Notre Dame theologians from the World Religions World Church program will embark on a seven-session virtual teaching series examining the Catholic Church in a global religion context starting Jan. 26 (Tuesday) and running through October.
United Way in need of support, now more than ever
The COVID-19 pandemic has made 2020 a rough year for everybody. For some of our Michiana neighbors, it’s been unbearable. …
Trick flavors make the judges say ‘fa-boo-lous!’ on ‘Halloween Baking Championship’
When deciding to indulge in a tasty dessert, ingredients like black garlic and beets aren’t usually a go-to flavor choice. But taking risks with uncommon flavors helped to lift University of Notre Dame executive pastry chef Sinai Vespie into the finale of the Food Network “Halloween Baking Championship” series.
Notre Dame files formal comment with Department of Homeland Security
Three University of Notre Dame leaders have filed a formal comment on behalf of the University urging the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to withdraw a proposed rule that would make it harder…
Bridging the Divide speaker series adds event with Pete Buttigieg
Bridging the Divide is free and open to all members of the Notre Dame community as well as the public. Past events included "Exploring Racial and Social Injustice and Inequality in America," and the series will also tackle “The 19th Amendment and the Myth that All Women Vote the Same” among other topics.
Asian cultural events drew enthusiastic audiences in 2019-20
The three biggest cultural events sponsored and co-sponsored by the Liu Institute in 2019-2020 saw enthusiastic capacity audiences. …
Hispanic Heritage Month Reminds Us 1000+ ND Students are Latinx
Over 14% of incoming undergraduates self-identify as Latino/Hispanic students, making over 1000 of the 8731 undergraduates at ND Latinx, not including international and DACA students. The Institute for Latino Studies, the employee resource group AdelanteND and the Hispanic Alumni of Notre Dame (HAND) are observing Hispanic Heritage Month in a number of ways through Oct. 15.
A Message from Rev. John I. Jenkins, C.S.C. -- We must re-examine broader questions about diversity, equity, and inclusion at Notre Dame
Here at Notre Dame, we must not miss the opportunity for positive change. We have heard from students, alumni, faculty and staff, and it is clear that there is much to be done. We must improve the experience of our students from underrepresented groups, enhance the diversity of our faculty and staff, and deepen conversations and understanding about race and...
Virtual ThinkND series explores communicating across cultures
A new fall online series offered by the University of Notre Dame Alumni Association is aimed at helping participants develop communication skills critical to enhancing cultural awareness, knowledge and practical skills in the increasingly diverse contemporary workplace.
Video: "Inclusivity in the Post-Pandemic World" virtual discussion
Watch video of the panel discussion, hosted by the Liu Institute and Notre Dame International's Mumbai Global Center.
Wrongful Convictions: Notre Dame law students pursue exoneration cases in nearby Elkhart
Elliot Slosar was in a Zoom meeting in April with Notre Dame law students working on a wrongful conviction case when he got a call asking him to pick up Andy Royer, whom a judge had just freed after 16 years in prison.
Campus Dining prepares holiday meals for local centers
Campus Dining continues its tradition of preparing turkey and/or side dishes to three South Bend organizations hosting Thanksgiving meals. - the Center for the Homeless, St. Margaret’s House Day Center for Women and Children, and Hope Ministries.
Statement by Rev. John I. Jenkins, C.S.C., on Pope Francis elevating Archbishop Wilton Gregory to cardinal
"We offer Archbishop Gregory our warmest congratulations on his elevation to cardinal by Pope Francis and assure him of our prayers and support."
2020 United Way Campaign is underway
According to the United Way of St. Joseph County,…
The Snite Museum of Art Announces Important Acquisitions to its Mesoamerican Collection
The Snite Museum of Art announces five gifts to the Museum’s distinguished Mesoamerican collection. Mr. William. J. Gallagher Jr. ND’1950, was one of the original lenders of Pre-Columbian objects to the Snite Museum of Art when it opened its doors in the fall of 1980. These early loans from the Gallagher Family were foundational objects to the development of...
Notre Dame Police Department issues equity in policing report
In collaboration with a group of Black University of Notre Dame students, and after receiving suggestions from them as well as from faculty, staff and alumni, the Notre Dame Police Department (NDPD) has developed a report that includes acknowledgement of past problems, a commitment to equitable policing…
“Everyday Religion” online class begins, exploring big questions
The Ansari Institute’s new online class is free and open to the public. In each class, people from a variety of backgrounds draw on their personal experience and build on each other’s insights to explore issues from multiple perspectives.
Building an Anti-Racist Vocabulary
The Klau Center for Civil and Human Rights presents Building an Anti-Racist Vocabulary, a lecture series and associated course presenting preeminent scholars, thought leaders, and public intellectuals to guide our community through topics necessary to an understanding of systemic racism and racial justice.
Student Emergency Relief Fund aids in students’ return
In May, the Department of Development established the Student Emergency Relief Fund (…