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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.

First-year or freshman? Internal Communications offers guidance on gender-neutral language

Published: May 22, 2023

diversity.nd.edu

The Office of Internal Communications recently updated the University Style Guide to reflect a preference in the term “first-year” rather than “freshman” when referring to students. Doing so is aligned with recent publishing trends to avoid using needlessly gendered language.…

Ground broken, mural taking shape at Foundry Field, a true community project

Published: May 16, 2023

Erin Blasko and Carrie Gates

The proposed public-access baseball field is designed to celebrate the Foundry Giants and other underrepresented baseball teams from South Bend’s past. Active during the 1920s, the Giants were a predominantly Black baseball team whose players typically worked in the Studebaker Foundry. The team included several players who went on to play in the Negro Leagues.

Rev. John I. Jenkins, C.S.C., recognizes Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month

Published: May 01, 2023

diversity.nd.edu

“Our campus community is enriched by their contributions and cultures,” Jenkins said.

Count Me In Campaign

Published: April 17, 2023

Ashley Wright

The Count Me In Campaign is meant to encourage more Notre Dame employees to voluntarily self-identify their disability status. Only an estimated 25 percent of employees who could voluntarily self-identify actually do so. Currently, the Office of Human Resources reports that fewer than 300 faculty and staff members have voluntarily self-identified as having a disability, but more might have a...

Panelists share insights on Carson v. Makin and the legal landscape for school choice

Published: April 11, 2023

Arienne Calingo

On March 30, the Notre Dame Law School Religious Liberty Initiative hosted a panel discussion that explored the dynamic and complex intersection of education and religious liberty. The event featured accomplished attorneys who have taken up cases that pose questions about the interpretation of the Free Exercise Clause in relation to educational programs.…

Kenneth Heckel appointed director of Office of Military & Veterans Affairs

Published: March 21, 2023

Dennis Brown

Retired U.S. Army Lt. Col. Kenneth Heckel, director of regional development at the University of Notre Dame and previously director of academy advancement for the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, has been named director of Notre Dame’s Office of Military & Veterans Affairs (OMVA), effective April 10.

Five distinguished leaders to join former Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos as Notre Dame honorary degree recipients

Published: March 02, 2023

Notre Dame News

The University of Notre Dame will bestow honorary degrees on five distinguished leaders in science, business, music and community service at its 178th University Commencement Ceremony on May 21.

Permanent display of Potawatomi art to open Feb. 23 at Geddes Hall

Published: February 20, 2023

Erin Blasko

A new, permanent exhibition of Native American artwork will open at 4 p.m. Thursday (Feb. 23) at Geddes Hall Coffee House on the campus of the University of Notre Dame.

Foreign Language Week is Back!

Published: February 01, 2023

Luke Van de Walle

The LaFortune Ballroom came alive last year during Foreign Language Week 2022 with the smell of food, the beating of drums, the sound of music, and the grace of the dancers from different cultures. The Notre Dame community watched in awe as the performers transported them to different parts of the world, each dance telling a story of its own...

Lu Ella Webster ‘walks the walk,’ receives Rosa Parks Award

Published: January 24, 2023

Gwen O'Brien, Office of Public Affairs

Most of us are familiar with the story of Rosa Parks — the Black woman who, in 1955, was arrested in Montgomery, Alabama, for refusing to give her seat to a white man on a segregated bus. Her actions gave momentum to the civil rights movement. Activists, including a charismatic young pastor — the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. —...

Jewish American Heritage Month celebrated on campus and across the nation

Published: May 16, 2023

diversity.nd.edu

DeBartolo Performing Arts Center film festival and Hesburgh Library exhibit are among several ways to learn more about the Jewish experience.

The Creator's Game: Lacrosse

Published: May 09, 2023

NDWorks

Tara Kenjockety, undergraduate community engagement librarian, Hesburgh Libraries and member of the Indigenous Faculty and Staff Group and Tiffany Gillaspy, music librarian for Hesburgh Libraries hold the flag of the Pokagon Band of Potawatomi. Notre Dame’s lacrosse teams were recently recognized at the March 25 men’s game and the March 27 women’s game. Lacrosse, known as “the Creator’s Game” by its...

Notre Dame Law School holds second annual Interfaith Dinner in observance of Ramadan, Passover, Easter, and Ridvan

Published: April 24, 2023

Jonathan Bailey

Notre Dame Law School held its second annual Interfaith Dinner on April 12 in observance of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, the Jewish Passover, Easter, and the Baha’i festival of Ridvan.

New Gospel Mass premiering at the Basilica

Published: April 15, 2023

blackcatholicmessenger.com

On April 15, the Basilica of the Sacred Heart at the University of Notre Dame will host the debut of a new Gospel Mass composed by Fr Carl Gales, SVD, a Black Catholic priest serving in Chicago.

Five questions with Marisol LeBrón: Decolonizing scholarship in feminist studies/critical race and ethnic studies

Published: April 11, 2023

The Editors

Marisol LeBrón is an Associate Professor in Feminist Studies and Critical Race and Ethnic Studies at the University of California, Santa Cruz. Prior to arriving at UCSC, Dr. LeBrón held appointments at the University of Texas at Austin, Dickinson College, and Duke University. Dr. LeBrón received her PhD in American Studies from New York University and her bachelor’s degree in...

Sister Rosemary Connelly to receive 2023 Laetare Medal

Published: March 19, 2023

Carrie Gates

Sister Rosemary Connelly, R.S.M., former executive director of Misericordia and lifelong advocate for individuals with developmental disabilities, will receive the University of Notre Dame’s 2023 Laetare Medal — the oldest and most prestigious honor given to American Catholics — at Notre Dame’s 178th University Commencement Ceremony on May 21 (Sunday).

Campus Ministry's Diana Salgado Huicochea helps underrepresented students connect with their faith

Published: March 01, 2023

Bianca Feix

Diana Salgado Huicochea works in Campus Ministry as the assistant director of outreach for minority students. Recently, Bianca Feix ’25, a student assistant for the Liu Institute, interviewed Diana about her path to Notre Dame and the important work she does on campus. …

Notre Dame observes Black History Month with campus events

Published: February 09, 2023

Kristi Flaherty

The University of Notre Dame is celebrating Black History Month throughout February with a number of events.

Notre Dame joins with Habitat for Humanity to increase access to affordable housing close to campus

Published: January 31, 2023

Erin Blasko

The University of Notre Dame is joining with Habitat for Humanity of St. Joseph County to build as many as seven new homes over the next five years, all in or near the increasingly popular Northeast Neighborhood south of campus, walking distance to downtown, the East Bank and Eddy Street Commons.

Law School launches podcast focused on DEI

Published: January 24, 2023

Office of Strategic Content

Max Gaston talks about his role as the Law School's director of DEI, and how his podcast gives a window into his work.

May is Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month

Published: May 16, 2023

diversity.nd.edu

Get resources to learn more about the month, the cultures being celebrated and how you can help combat anti-Asian racism.

Global Religious Observances Calendar highlights diversity, promotes inclusion

Published: May 05, 2023

Cidni Sanders

The free resource is designed to help the Notre Dame community stay informed about faith traditions and celebrations that may be observed by students and colleagues.

Maria Mercedes Salmon named director of Mexico City Global Center

Published: April 18, 2023

Cory Hankins

Notre Dame International is excited to announce that Maria Mercedes Salmon has been appointed director of the University of Notre Dame’s Global Center in Mexico.

Expert on racial justice to speak at Notre Dame

Published: April 12, 2023

diversity.nd.edu

Dr. Khalil Gibran Muhammad, professor of history, race, and public policy at Harvard University’s John F. Kennedy School of Government, will speak at Notre Dame at 1:30 p.m., Friday, April 14.

VIDEO: Maria Ressa keynote address for 2023 Asia Leadership Forum

Published: April 03, 2023

Liu Institute

Maria Ressa, a Filipino and American journalist who won the 2021 Nobel Peace Prize for reporting on abuses of power and fake news, was the distinguished speaker for the Asia Leadership Forum at the University of Notre Dame on March 21, 2023. Notre Dame Law Professor Diane Desierto, a Liu Institute faculty fellow and international human rights attorney, moderated the discussion...

Learning at Work Academy Program is a recipe for success for two Campus Dining colleagues

Published: March 13, 2023

Susan Hurley, Office of Human Resources

Sabinna Andrews and Joy Wood did not start their positions in Campus Dining at the same time or at the same place. But if you spend even a minute with them, you would guess they have known each other forever. While both now work at Chick-fil-A in the Duncan Student Center, the two first met in the English as a...

Transformational Leaders Program: Staff and faculty shape student experience through personal accompaniment

Published: February 24, 2023

Jenna Liberto, Director of Internal Communications

It’s a wide-open room, filled with study tables and comfy chairs with colorful pillows. There are snacks in baskets beneath inspirational signs and plenty of outlets for phone and laptop charging. The wall art is eclectic, yet intentional— chosen to represent diverse cultures and the beauty of the human race. A local coffee shop? That’s not far off, at least...

Tax return preparation help available for local low-income taxpayers

Published: February 07, 2023

Carol Elliott

The University of Notre Dame and Saint Mary’s College will provide free tax return preparation services to low-income families again this year through the Vivian Harrington Gray Tax Assistance Program (TAP).

Transformational Leaders Program aims to help students reach their goals while staying healthy, grounded and connected

Published: January 26, 2023

Chloe McCotter

Developed to invest in students as the University of Notre Dame’s most important and precious resource, while acknowledging that not all students come to higher education with the same preparation or resources, Notre Dame’s Transformational Leaders Program (TLP) provides students with access to mentoring, education and outreach specialists, community-building activities, a dedicated gathering and study space and other academic resources.

Inspiring prayer service centered on unity and love among Walk the Walk Week highlights

Published: January 24, 2023

Sue Ryan

From start to finish, the annual University of Notre Dame Walk the Walk prayer service featured inspiring song and rousing words and prayer on Sunday (Jan. 22).