Student Stories
Notre Dame endeavors to be a place where each student can grow individually in both mind and heart, and become a part of something larger than themselves. By celebrating the unique gifts each student brings to our shared community, student life is enriched immeasurably.
The stories below share just some of the ways Notre Dame students are celebrating and taking advantage of the wonderful diversity on our campus – through both scholarship and development and formation outside the classroom.
Nationwide, 14 percent of children ages 3 to 18, or about 9.4 million kids, lack access to home internet, according to the U.S. Department of Education. This digital divide disproportionately affects students from underserved communities, including underrepresented minority students.
An affinity for problem solving leads Program of Liberal Studies student to South Africa, Denmark — and to the Great Books major
Senior Sam Cannova’s affinity for problem solving has driven him to pursue a diverse range of experiences at Notre Dame. It has inspired him to dive deep into classic texts, volunteer for a nonprofit in the South Bend community, and travel to South Africa to conduct research on hip-hop culture.
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.
A Senior in the Latino Studies Scholars Program Reflects on Culture and Leadership
As the child of immigrants, Kelly Liang has always felt herself leaning on different sides of her identity.
Yet unlike other Chinese-Americans strongly influenced by two cultures — that of their parents' and of their birthland — Liang's worldview has also been shaped by the Latino diasporas of her native Miami.
Student Emergency Relief Fund aids in students’ return
In May, the Department of Development established the Student Emergency Relief Fund (…
Food rescue partnership reaches 100,000-pound milestone
The University of Notre Dame has reached a milestone in its relationship with Cultivate Food Rescue: 100,000 pounds of food donated to the nonprofit to battle hunger and reduce food waste.
Statement from Notre Dame President Rev. John I. Jenkins, C.S.C., on the status of international students
"I was heartened to learn that the government has abandoned plans which would have resulted in the deportation of foreign students enrolled at certain American colleges and universities. Their presence enriches us all. They should be welcomed, not threatened or sent home." Originally published…
Notre Dame to file brief in support of Harvard, MIT court motion
University of Notre Dame President Rev. John I. Jenkins, C.S.C., today announced that the University would in coming days file an amicus curiae brief in support of a court motion by Harvard University and MIT to prevent U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement from expelling international students who are enrolled exclusively online.
Diversity and inclusion resources available, conference planned
In spring 2021, the University of Notre Dame will hold a Diversity and Inclusion Conference for the Notre Dame, Saint Mary's College, and Holy Cross College campuses to come together for a day of learning, conversation, and community-building. While the conference is months away, conference organizers offer selected resources for education, reflection, and action.
Notre Dame Law School establishes Religious Liberty Clinic
With the receipt of a transformational gift from Matt and Lindsay Moroun and family, Notre Dame Law School will put its rich tradition of religious liberty scholarship into practice by creating the Notre Dame Religious Liberty Clinic.
Notre Dame signs agreement with Yad Vashem promoting Holocaust education and research
The University and its global network, including the University of Notre Dame at Tantur in Jerusalem, signed a memorandum of understanding agreement with Yad Vashem, the World Holocaust Remembrance Center.
From Here to There: Program helps underrepresented students advance their academic career
When Yamil Colón arrived at the University of Notre Dame from Puerto Rico, he had yet to spend much time outside of the island. A chemical and biomolecular engineering major, Colón grew up in Bayamón, a city…
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.
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.
Two ND Law students named National Black Law Students Association executives
Ijeoma Oti and Jaylen Amaker, both rising second-year students at Notre Dame Law School, have been appointed to the 2020-2021 National Black Law Students Association executive board.
Virtual discussion to address disability and inclusivity amid coronavirus
Experts from Asia and Notre Dame will…
Notre Dame joins 58 other universities in support of Harvard, MIT lawsuit
The University of Notre Dame joined during this past weekend with 58 other institutions of higher learning as amici in support of a court motion by Harvard University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) to prevent U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) from expelling international students who are enrolled exclusively online.
A Message from Rev. John I. Jenkins, C.S.C. -- Let us become more fully the Notre Dame we seek to be
The current moment, while deeply tragic, is also an opportunity for reflecting on the ways we can make Notre Dame more fully the community we want it to be and to combat racism wherever we find it. We must seize that opportunity. Yet any successful effort will be one which first considers initiatives that have been undertaken, assesses their effectiveness...
Juneteenth Rally and Walk for Unity
The University of Notre Dame, the Athletic Department and its football program invited members of the campus community to gather on Friday, June 19, to recognize and celebrate Juneteenth.
Notre Dame International introduces new virtual series focused on global challenges during pandemic and beyond
Notre Dame International (NDI) is launching a new series of virtual events dedicated to internationalizing conversations and introducing diverse perspectives. NDI’s Global Roundtable Series will partner with various departments and institutes across campus, as well as feature leaders from partner universities and institutions around the world.
“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.
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...
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.
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.
de Nicola Center for Ethics and Culture to host panel discussion about racism and the culture of life
Inspired by Pope Francis's observation that Christians "cannot tolerate or turn a blind eye to racism and exclusion in any form and yet claim to defend the sacredness of every human life," the de Nicola Center for Ethics and Culture will host a webinar discussion on racism and the culture of life on July 28 at 8 p.m. (EDT).
Ansari Institute will help change the conversation about religion with new grant
Thanks to a grant from the Arthur Vining Davis Foundations, the Ansari Institute for Global Engagement with Religion will host a series of workshops that will help change the conversation about religion by bringing journalists, scholars and faith practitioners together to learn from each other and better communicate their perspectives.
New initiative will tackle racism’s core concepts
The Klau Center for Civil and Human Rights announced a year-long initiative entitled “Building an Anti-Racist Vocabulary,” that seeks to educate students and members of the broader Notre Dame community, helping them explore and deconstruct concepts that undergird racism.
IDEA Center offers webinar on breaking down barriers to African American entrepreneurship
Entrepreneurship and venture capital have been largely closed to minorities, with African Americans impacted particularly hard.
Supreme Court DACA decision confirms executive branch action not absolute, expert says
Erin Corcoran, executive director of Notre Dame’s Kroc Institute for International Peace Studies, says the Supreme Court decision issued by the chief justice today on DACA is significant for two important reasons.
Immersed from afar: Canceled study abroad programs got creative to keep students connected
Of Notre Dame students who had to transition to distance learning, the most dramatic change came for those who left their study abroad programs to go home halfway through the semester. Though it sounds difficult, students, faculty and staff found creative ways to maintain their immersion experiences abroad from their living rooms in Illinois, California or Michigan.