Father Gutiérrez, a Peruvian priest and pioneer of liberation theology, passed away last year at age 96. But scholars and students now have a new opportunity to learn from him — by exploring a digital archive of Father Gutiérrez’s own words.

On Friday (Nov. 14), the University of Notre Dame will host a symposium, commemorating the life and work of Father Gutiérrez and announcing the joint opening of the Gustavo Gutiérrez Merino, O.P. Collection — a 50-year archive of audio recordings from his theological conferences with Church leaders and scholars, from 1971 to 2020.

The event, which is part of the on the theme of “Cultivating Hope,” will also celebrate the posthumous publication of Father Gutiérrez’s “Vivir y pensar el Dios de los pobres.” Co-sponsored by the��, the , the and the , the symposium is free and open to all.

The archive will be available at only three locations worldwide: the Hesburgh Libraries at Notre Dame, the Instituto Bartolomé de las Casas in Lima and the Pontificia Universidad Católica del Perú in Lima.

“Gustavo attested that his theological work was ‘más que la palabra escrita’ (more than the written word),” said Timothy Matovina, a professor of theology. “This half century of his audio recordings from his live annual exchanges with pastoral leaders, activists, theologians and other scholars is one of the great treasures in the Gutiérrez archives.

“These resources — which until now even many advanced Gutiérrez scholars did not know about — will advance theological and other critical work on Father Gutiérrez’s thought for decades to come.”

The University has worked in partnership with Instituto Bartolomé and the Pontificia Universidad Católica for more than 10 years to digitize the archives, with funding from , Hesburgh Libraries, the Cushwa Center, the Department of Theology, the and the .

“This archive is an invaluable addition to the extensive Catholic research collections held by Hesburgh Libraries and the University Archives,” said Erika Hosselkus, associate dean of the Hesburgh Libraries. “Through this ongoing collaboration with our partners at the Instituto Bartolomé de las Casas and the Pontificia Universidad Católica del Perú, these unique recordings and the notes and outlines that accompany them will be preserved and available in perpetuity.

“It is rare for an archive to hold a nearly uninterrupted series of recordings spanning a half century. The scope and depth of the archive — and the extensive descriptions and transcriptions created by our partners in Lima — make it accessible to both experts and students here at Notre Dame and in Peru.”

The Cushwa Center will offer funding for scholars who may wish to visit the archives — which must be accessed in person — through their . The center has also established the to support projects in theology, history and the social sciences that engage or broadly take inspiration from Father Gutiérrez’s work on the preferential option for the poor.

“Gutiérrez’s way of doing theology is crucial for understanding the pastoral contribution of the Global South for the universal church in the 21st century, especially after Pope Francis,” said David Lantigua, an associate professor of theology and the William W. and Anna Jean Cushwa Co-Director of the Cushwa Center. “These nearly 50 years of conferences from Peru in Spanish on theological topics ranging from the Bible to the current ecological crisis offer unprecedented access to his brilliant mind and his love for the Church and the poor through teaching students.”

Father Gutiérrez, who was born in Lima, pursued studies in Leuven, Belgium; Lyon, France; and Rome as a young seminarian. He returned home in 1960 to serve in a parish and began teaching theology at the Pontificia Universidad Católica del Perú. And, in 1965, he participated in the fourth session of the Second Vatican Council.

His landmark text, “Teología de la liberación: Perspectivas,” was published in Spanish in 1971 and in English in 1973 as “A Theology of Liberation: History, Politics, and Salvation.” His writings have been translated into more than a dozen languages and have left an indelible mark on Christian theology globally. Father Gutiérrez was named to the American Academy of Arts and Sciences in 2002 and received more than 30 honorary degrees. He taught at the University of Notre Dame from 2001 until his retirement in 2018.

“Father Gustavo sometimes referred to these conferences in his own writings so his readers could explore in greater depth his theology that gives reasons for hope to the poor through the saving love of Jesus Christ,” Lantigua said. “Now scholars and students can appreciate even more the subtlety, originality and evolution of his vivacious thought, always tinged with his characteristic sense of humor.

“With these conferences made available through the collaboration of three institutions where Father Gustavo taught generations of students and faculty, his theological legacy will continue to grow and expand for a global Church amid a world facing the most drastic wealth inequality ever witnessed in history.”

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Contact: Carrie Gates, associate director of media relations, c.gates@nd.edu, 574-993-9220

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Researchers hope that pinpointing pH-sensitive structures in proteins would help them determine how proteins respond to pH changes in normal and diseased cells alike and, ultimately, to design drugs to treat these diseases.

Now, in a new study out today in , researchers at the University of Notre Dame present a computational process that can scan hundreds of proteins in a few days, screening for pH-sensitive protein structures.

“Before even picking up a pipette or running a single experiment, we can predict which proteins are sensitive to these pH changes, which proteins actually drive these critical processes like division, migration, cancer development and neurodegenerative disease development,” said , the Clare Boothe Luce Assistant Professor in the “No more searching for the needle in the haystack.”

Determining exactly how pH changes affect the behavior-driving proteins on a molecular level has been a challenge because researchers must laboriously test individual proteins in a signaling pathway for pH sensitivity one by one. Across biology, only 70 cytoplasmic proteins have been confirmed as pH-sensitive — though researchers hypothesize that there are many, many more — and of those, the molecular mechanisms of only 20 are known.

The new study, supported by funding from the National Science Foundation and the National Institutes of Health, developed and validated a modular, computational pipeline that predicts the location of pH-sensitive structures based on existing structural and experimental data.

In the process of developing the pipeline, White’s research group predicted and validated the pH sensitivity of a distinctive binding module known as the Src homology 2 (SH2) domain, which appears in proteins crucial for cell signaling, immune response and development, as well as the pH-dependent function of c-Src, an intensively studied enzyme that is activated in many cancers.

“These proteins are central to cell regulation in addition to being mutated in certain cancers, and in addition to showing that they are pH-sensitive, we’ve also found exactly where on the protein the pH regulation is occurring,” explained Papa Kobina Van Dyck, the lead study author and a recent doctoral graduate in . “We’ve managed to condense 25 years of work into a few weeks.”

“In addition to cancer and neurodegeneration, pH dynamics are associated with diabetes, autoimmune disorders and traumatic brain injury,” White said. “Our pipeline is a powerful tool for understanding and, ultimately, designing treatments for these conditions, with the potential to transform the field.”

To read the complete news story, visit .

Contact: Brandi Wampler, associate director of media relations, 574-631-2632, brandiwampler@nd.edu

Funded by a generous $15 million gift from Notre Dame alumnus Bill Angrick and his wife, Stephanie, the program will be housed within the . It will provide funds for up to 10 Angrick Military Scholars in each cohort.

The University, which has had a strong and valued relationship with the U.S. military for generations, is home to one of the nation’s largest ROTC programs outside of service academies and military colleges. In 2017, Notre Dame established the to expand its support for University-enrolled veterans and their families, active-duty and ROTC students and those who are dependents of service members.

“We are deeply grateful to the Angrick family for their generosity, vision and commitment to Notre Dame’s distinctive mission as a force for good,” said , president of the University. “By expanding access to a Notre Dame education for military-affiliated students, we honor the extraordinary sacrifice of these students and their families and prepare them to be exceptional leaders in their chosen fields. At the same time, our campus community is immeasurably enriched by their presence and by their example of dedication to our nation and to the common good.”

When selecting Angrick Military Scholars, preference will be given to eligible U.S. military and Coast Guard veterans who enroll in the Notre Dame MBA program, with first preference going to MBA candidates with families.

Each qualified scholar will receive $30,000 per year in wraparound funding, which may be used to cover relocation, housing and child care expenses. This funding is in addition to any merit-based or other financial awards the scholar may receive.

“We are deeply grateful to Bill and Stephanie Angrick for their generosity,” said , the Martin J. Gillen Dean of the Mendoza College of Business. “With this gift, the Notre Dame MBA will provide the most comprehensive financial support available to families of qualified military students. The Angrick Military Scholars Program will help us attract outstanding military and veteran leaders whose experience and service align with the mission and values of our MBA program and the entire Notre Dame community.”

The gift will also recognize one or more Angrick Scholars annually as Naticchia Fellows, based on their personal, academic and military service records, leadership potential and alignment with the mission of Notre Dame. The fellowship is named in honor of Marine Corps veteran Robert D. Naticchia, the late father of Stephanie (Naticchia) Angrick.

“The Angrick family’s transformational gift will ensure that Notre Dame is the premier institution for military leaders who embody high moral character, outstanding leadership and love of country for years to come,” said Ken Heckel, director of the Office of Military and Veterans Affairs. “These young people have served their country, and now the Angricks have empowered us to repay their service in a truly meaningful way.”

The Angricks have a long history of supporting the University of Notre Dame. This latest gift joins previous contributions to endow the construction of the Stayer Center third-floor executive lounge and offices and ESTEEM graduate program internships, as well as participation on the��Cavanaugh and Jesse Harper Councils.

Bill Angrick, a longtime member of the Business Advisory Council for the Mendoza College of Business, received a bachelor’s degree in business from Notre Dame in 1990 and an MBA from Northwestern University in 1995. He is the co-founder, chair and chief executive officer of Liquidity Services Inc., a leading circular economy e-commerce marketplace. He is also founder of Persimmon Capital Partners, a private investment company, and serves on the board of Big Brothers Big Sisters of the National Capitol Area. Stephanie Angrick earned a bachelor’s degree from Princeton University and a DDS from the University of Maryland. The Angricks, who reside in Flagler Beach, Florida, are parents to William Alexander “Will” Angrick and Matthew August “Matt” Angrick. A 2025 graduate of the Mendoza College of Business, Will Angrick is currently a graduate business student at the University and a member of the Fighting Irish men’s lacrosse team.

“We are humbled and delighted to help launch this new program and to see its impact grow over time,” Bill Angrick said. “We look forward to helping Notre Dame attract outstanding military veteran leaders with high potential so that the University’s MBA program can prepare these leaders to make an even greater positive impact on society.”

Contact: Carrie Gates, associate director of media relations, 574-993-9220, c.gates@nd.edu

Notre Dame is among three academic institutions to sign the UAOA Charter, joining a global coalition committed to safeguarding athletes and fostering a culture of respect in digital spaces.

Driven by Notre Dame’s , this agreement marks the FIA’s first academic collaboration in the United States. The initiative will produce research, digital literacy tools and policy recommendations to strengthen global efforts in protecting athletes from online abuse.

“This collaboration is a natural extension of Notre Dame’s mission as a force for good through research and education,” said , the Frank M. Freimann Professor of Computer Science and Engineering in the , founding director of the Lucy Family Institute for Data & Society, and Lucy Family Director for Data and AI Academic Strategy at Notre Dame. “We are excited to work with the FIA and to support the UAOA to create actionable solutions at the intersection of sports, AI and public policy.”

Chawla, the project’s principal investigator, will work with researchers at the Lucy Family Institute for Data & Society to investigate both the underlying causes and the visible impacts of online harassment targeting athletes. Through a combination of qualitative and quantitative research, the study aims to model the prevalence, nature and long-term consequences of this growing issue.

"This collaboration represents an important step forward in our mission to combat online abuse across all levels of sport. I look forward to working with the University of Notre Dame, one of the world’s leading research institutions, to explore innovative, AI-powered solutions and to develop evidence-based strategies to ensure a safer and more inclusive sporting environment for all. Our joint goal is to foster a safer inclusive online environment for athletes, teams and fans worldwide,” said Mohammed Ben Sulayem, FIA President and UAOA Founder.

Findings will directly contribute to the , expanding the evidence base for policymakers, athletic organizations and digital platforms. In addition, the collaboration will develop youth-focused digital literacy tools, including an AI-powered learning platform, designed to promote safer, more respectful online communities. Together, these efforts will advance understanding of online abuse while equipping the next generation with resources to reduce its harm.

Notre Dame’s insights will inform preventive strategies and athlete support programs. Additionally, in collaboration with FIA, the findings may contribute to new policy recommendations and practical guidelines for key stakeholders, including international sports federations, government regulators focused on online safety, tech platforms managing content moderation and schools and youth organizations promoting digital citizenship.

Emphasizing the broad significance of the project, Chawla added, “This collaboration shows how data and AI can advance common good. By turning research into real-world solutions for a growing challenge in sports, we put athlete well-being first—purposeful AI in action.”

The collaboration is supported by the FIA and the FIA Foundation to support the educational components.��

Contact: Brandi Wampler, associate director of media relations, 574-631-2632, brandiwampler@nd.edu

The University of Notre Dame and Under Armour announced a new, long-term and unprecedented partnership to pursue innovation through joint research. Over the next decade, both organizations will co-invest in research initiatives that span multiple colleges and disciplines, and allow Notre Dame’s faculty, staff and student researchers to work alongside Under Armour personnel to identify research questions and design solutions for impact on campus and beyond.

“Notre Dame and Under Armour already have a long-standing partnership focused on driving excellence on the playing field and shaping elite student-athletes,” said , the John and Catherine Martin Family Vice President for Research and professor in the . “We are thrilled by this evolution in our relationship, which will similarly drive excellence in the research lab and shape the next generation of elite scientific, engineering and business innovators.”

A key focus of the research collaborations will build upon the University’s long-standing expertise in materials and environmental science. This will include testing recyclable, biodegradable or low-impact fabrics and polymers; exploring the environmental impact of garment degradation; and researching novel polymer materials. Other initiatives will leverage Notre Dame’s established student-athlete health and performance testing protocols to evaluate Under Armour prototypes in the real world. Such cooperative testing will also enable the tailoring of products to meet the precise needs of Notre Dame student-athletes as they adapt to the ongoing effects of intense training and the travel inherent in college athletics.

“While standing on this strong internal foundation, partnering with Under Armour will add a new dimension of industry expertise that elevates our efforts to bring innovations from the lab to the playing field.”

In addition, the partnership will explore opportunities to leverage the University’s advanced capabilities in computation and predictive modeling to enhance performance insights and product development to better serve student-athletes at Notre Dame and across the country.

“At Under Armour, innovation is hardwired into everything we do — that includes designing and manufacturing products that help athletes at the highest levels gain that extra competitive edge, and that fulfill our core commitment to thinking, acting and operating sustainably,” said Kyle Blakely, Senior Vice President, Innovation, Development and Testing at Under Armour. “This is a perfect partnership because it will combine Under Armour’s expertise in producing the best-performing gear and apparel on the market with Notre Dame’s world-class research in materials and environmental science. Providing athletes with performance solutions that simultaneously help protect the planet is the dream, and through this partnership we’ll be able to get even closer to making that dream a reality.”

By engaging Under Armour’s commercial expertise in human performance and athletic product development on campus, the partnership also enables educational and professional advancement for undergraduate and graduate students, including research experiences, internships and employment opportunities.

The new agreement will further strengthen internal ties between and Notre Dame Athletics. Earlier this year, the two units awarded three research teams the first-ever , which provide funding to support exceptional research projects that contribute meaningfully to fields related to human health, well-being and performance.

“We are incredibly pleased with the momentum Athletics and Research have already built together,” said , the Pat and Jana Eilers Senior Associate Athletics Director for Sports Performance. “While standing on this strong internal foundation, partnering with Under Armour will add a new dimension of industry expertise that elevates our efforts to bring innovations from the lab to the playing field.”

To learn more about the ways Notre Dame Research is partnering with Notre Dame Athletics on research facilities, infrastructure, opportunities and funding related to the science of elite performance, contact sportsperformance@nd.edu or athleticsresearch-list@nd.edu.

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Contact: Erin Fennessy, writing program manager, Notre Dame Research, efenness@nd.edu, 574-631-8183

Sponsored by the Institute for Social Concerns, the annual lecture was created in 2009 to highlight justice issues and themes from Catholic social tradition related to human dignity and the common good. Dr. Donald Zimmer, an emergency medical specialist with Beacon Health System in South Bend, will introduce Catena.

Catena’s lecture, titled “Hope and Healing,” is also part of the , which is organized around the theme “Cultivating Hope.”

The event is free and open to the public.

“Catena embodies the spirit of Father Bernie and his ‘theory of enough,’ making him the perfect choice for this year’s lecture,” said , the Leo and Arlene Hawk Executive Director of the . “Undetered by restrictions on humanitarian aid and working with limited resources in Sudan, Catena has been able to make an outsized impact in a war-torn region that has been largely abandoned by larger Western relief organizations. His work and his story are truly inspiring.”

Catena is an American physician who has been practicing in Gidel in the Nuba Mountains of Sudan since 2008. The region has been an area of active conflict since the mid-1980s, and Catena is the only surgeon for the surrounding population of 750,000 people. Catena credits his Catholic faith for his work and says he is inspired by St. Francis of Assisi. He is known by locals as “Dr. Tom” and is widely respected by the population.

In 2015, Catena was named to the Time 100. In 2017, he was awarded the second annual Aurora Prize for Awakening Humanity. And in 2024, he was awarded the Theodore Roosevelt Award, the highest honor the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) may confer on an individual. He has also been awarded honorary doctorates from Brown University (2016), Yerevan State Medical University (2017) and Duke University (2022).

Catena is chair of the .

This year’s lecture is co-sponsored by the , , , , , , , , , , , , ��and the .

Learn more at .

Originally published by David Cramer at on Nov. 3.

Contact: Carrie Gates, associate director of media relations, 574-993-9220 or c.gates@nd.edu

Since its founding, the University of Notre Dame has sought to address the world’s most pressing challenges through scholarship, partnership and service. Responding to the growing urgency of environmental change requires precisely this kind of collaboration, bringing together universities, researchers and communities to create solutions that are just, sustainable and grounded in shared responsibility for our planet.

Inspired in part by Pope Francis’s call in Laudato si’ to care for “our common home,” in the for more than a decade. The University recognizes that the decisions and collaborations emerging from COP have a profound impact on global research, policy and innovation.

This November, COP30 will convene in Belém, Brazil. Capitalizing on Notre Dame’s presence in São Paulo, and will host a conference together with and the , the week before the international climate summit.

The two-day program is titled “,” a nod to the of “Cultivating Hope,” and it aims to bring together faculty from across departments at Notre Dame and universities in Brazil to explore the role of research in shaping just and hopeful climate solutions. The conference will be held at the University of São Paulo (USP), one of the leading universities in Latin America, and will feature representatives from several Notre Dame units including the Notre Dame Global Adaptation Initiative, Environmental Change Initiative, Notre Dame Research, the Center for Research Computing, the Keough 91��Ƶ of Global Affairs, the Mendoza College of Business, the College of Engineering and the College of Science. Panelists and speakers include the following Notre Dame faculty: Alvaro Acosto Serrano, Diogo Bolster, Jessica McManus Warnell, Jarek Nabrzyski, Ray Offenheiser, Sandra Vera-Munoz and Danielle Wood.

Notre Dame São Paulo Director shared: “Hosting the ‘Bridging Worlds’ program here in São Paulo highlights the University of Notre Dame’s commitment to building meaningful global partnerships. Notre Dame São Paulo serves as a bridge between Notre Dame and leading Brazilian institutions, enabling faculty and students to connect and collaborate on innovative solutions for pressing global challenges. We are proud to provide a space for shared research, dialogue and impact.”

Notre Dame faculty and faculty from preeminent institutions across São Paulo and Brazil will have the opportunity to build and strengthen research partnerships through working sessions and networking events. The sessions will prioritize collaborative work between the faculty members, while alumni and other friends of the University from the region will engage around the conference themes and stakeholder partners.

The evening before the conference begins, the Notre Dame Alumni Association and the Notre Dame Club of Brazil are sponsoring a on the theme of ethical leadership and sustainability to be held at Insper, a nonprofit higher education research institution. The lecture will feature Rex and Alice A. Martin Faculty Director of the Notre Dame Deloitte Center for Ethical Leadership and director of the McKenna Center for Human Development and Global Business . An Insper faculty member will serve as a respondent, offering reflections and local perspectives on the themes of ethical leadership and sustainability.

The lecture will provide the ideal introduction to the conference, inspiring conversations about climate risk assessment, sustainability, adaptive livelihoods, just transitions and more in the days to follow. Ultimately, the “Bridging Worlds” program hopes to be a catalyst for impactful research and partnerships between Brazil and Notre Dame.

“Notre Dame’s identity as a global Catholic research university compels us to engage in these conversations,” said , vice president and associate provost for internationalization at the University of Notre Dame. “Our faculty members and those of our partner institutions possess a wealth of knowledge on the subject of climate and sustainability, and by bringing them together, we are working towards a deeper understanding of how our local and global systems are intertwined.”

Originally published by Jessie Carson at on Oct. 27.

Contact: Tracy DeStazio, associate director of media relations, 574-631-9958 or tdestazi@nd.edu, and��Jessica Sieff, associate director of media relations, 574-631-3933 or jsieff@nd.edu

“Catholic Approaches to Mining is the result of a year-long consultation process with Catholic groups and individuals working in mining-affected areas,” said , assistant director of CPN. “It’s a collection of their insights, offering guidance for how others in the global Catholic community can more effectively engage issues of mining to promote peace, integral human development and environmental protection.”

The nearly 50-page report identifies problems associated with mining — social, economic and environmental among them — and analyzes these issues through Catholic social teaching to provide a path forward for mining-affected communities.

Mining is difficult and dangerous work and workers are often exploited, which impacts family relations and structure. Mining can have serious impacts on the health of local communities, especially for children and for women’s reproductive health. Its activities often generate unjust economic relations and can deepen poverty dynamics, with mining companies at times taking the place of the state as providers of public services. Collectively, these outcomes jeopardize the social fabric of local communities.

From an environmental standpoint, there are myriad negative ecological impacts associated with mining activities: deforestation, desertification, increased climate vulnerability, biodiversity loss, pollution and contamination. These contribute to permanent changes in the landscape, which introduce a new set of risks and vulnerabilities for mine-affected communities already confronting more extreme weather events induced by climate change. In turn, this can lead to loss of livelihoods and increased migration.

Furthermore, these social, economic and environmental factors often worsen violent conflict by pitting members of communities against one another, causing danger for civic leaders and defenders of human rights and the environment, or exacerbating existing conflict dynamics.

“In many parts of the world, the Catholic Church serves as a peacebuilder at the forefront of accompanying communities faced with systemic crises,” Montevecchio said. “Because of the power inequalities related to mining, it is imperative for Church actors to defend the rights of local communities, and with them determine local and global responses that promote integral human development, protect ecosystems and mitigate conflict.”

To that end, the report offers modes of engagement to help Church actors and their collaborators make informed decisions about mining and the most prudent path forward. All engagement stems from pastoral closeness, or what Catholic organizations call accompaniment. Among these accompaniment measures are documentation and communications, such as data collection, case studies and communication campaigns; training and capacity building in legal literacy, mediation and advocacy skills, scientific understanding, land management and alternative livelihoods; advocacy through legal prosecution, legislative reform and disinvestment campaigns; and nonviolent civil resistance.

Montevecchio moderated the panel discussion, which featured a slate of participants representing organizations that collaborated on the report: Cardinal Michael Czerny, SJ, prefect of the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development; Elena Sofia Fanciulli, Caritas Internationalis; Jing Rey Henderson, Caritas Internationalis; Liliana Zamudio Vaquiro, Caritas Colombia; Rev. Rigobert Minani, SJ, Centre d’Etudes pour l’Action Sociale (DRC); and Séverine Deneulin, Laudato Si’ Research Institute.

The consultation process leading up to Catholic Approaches to Mining involved a series of online workshops over the past year with 35 individuals from 18 countries. It culminated in an international conference, “,” in Bogotá, Colombia, in June that brought together another 60 people from around the globe who shared their experiences, challenges and successes facing problems from mining and gave additional input for the newly released report.

The Catholic Peacebuilding Network is made up of two dozen bishops’ conferences, universities, research centers and peace and development agencies that work to enhance the Catholic Church’s capacity for peacebuilding by deepening solidarity, sharing best practices and conducting research. Its accompaniment of conflict-affected communities led CPN to begin its�� in 2014.

After publishing�� in 2022, CPN sought to develop a practical publication aimed at an audience of Church leaders and practitioners. That effort was accelerated after CPN joined a 2024 meeting of the�� focused on conflict and mining. At that meeting, the African bishops voiced a desire for a manual that could serve as a starting point for Church organizations to learn more about mining and how to effectively defend communities from the mining-related conflict and harm that they were seeing in their dioceses.

“Catholic Approaches to Mining is an attempt to meet that need, not only for the bishops in Africa but for others in the worldwide Catholic community facing similar challenges,” said Montevecchio said.

“The framework we’ve created supports the concern of Pope Francis, who emphasized mining-related ecological and social issues in Laudato Si’ and elsewhere. It also sheds light on the teaching and experience of the Church in the Global South, where bishops and others have been on the front lines of confronting pollution, deforestation, land dispossession, violence and human rights violations in connection with mining.”

The report is a collaboration of CPN; the at ; the Holy See Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development; ; and the Kroc Institute.

Originally published by Kate Chester at on Oct. 21.

Contact: Tracy DeStazio, associate director of media relations, 574-631-9958 or tdestazi@nd.edu

Speaking about Deak’s hire, , the John and Catherine Martin Vice President for Research, said, “After an extensive national search, I am thrilled that we found our new leader right here at Notre Dame. Karen’s distinctive skills and collaborative mindset are exactly what the commercialization and innovation landscape at the University needs right now, especially as we look to build a partnership-centric unit that works hand-in-glove with our faculty, staff, and student researchers, our community, and our corporate partners.”

As interim director, Deak has led the refocusing of the team to better support the commercialization of University-created technology. Under this new framework, the team of researcher liaisons fully focuses on supporting faculty, postdoctoral scholars, and graduate student researchers across all disciplines by helping them identify research that is potentially patentable or commercially promising.

The new structure also includes a separate Technology Protection and Licensing Team, which focuses on identifying and maintaining intellectual property (IP) protection for inventions and University-created work. This team also includes experts who focus on licensing research to corporate partners who are interested in developing it into products and services that advance the common good.

The final piece of the IDEA Center’s new Research Commercialization framework is the Ventures and Strategic External Relations Team, which is responsible for exploring and initiating new external relationships, while also nurturing existing partnerships. This team is currently responsible for administering the IDEA Center's Pit Road Fund and the University's relationship with the 1842 Fund and Alloy Partners, and aims to significantly grow the number of external partnerships focused on commercializing Notre Dame’s research.

“I’m thrilled by the invitation to become a permanent member of such a great team,” Deak said. “I’ve greatly enjoyed my time in the interim role, and I’m humbled to have been selected to continue leading the IDEA Center as we work in partnership with the University’s researchers.”

Deak brings a diverse portfolio of experiences to her position, with expertise in patent law, philanthropic fundraising, student engagement, and project management, including previous roles in the early operations of the IDEA Center. She holds a doctorate in genetics from the University of Chicago and an undergraduate degree in biology from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

“With her extensive background in patent law and commercialization, Karen is well-positioned to lead the IDEA Center into a new chapter of supporting researchers and their ideas on the entire journey from early development to commercial launch."

Deak began her career at what is now the world's largest law firm, where she worked as a patent agent, representing clients as diverse as Washington University in St. Louis and large multinationals such as Monsanto, to help them prepare and prosecute patent applications at the U.S. Patent Office. Initially recruited to the University via the College of Science, Deak was tasked with planning, creating, and managing a master's-level program teaching patent law to prospective patent agents, which she directed for five years.

Before formally joining the IDEA Center’s staff in 2017, Deak was involved in its establishment and early growth. As commercialization specialist for Notre Dame Research, she served the faculty liaison to the developing IDEA Center. Deak expanded the impact of the center’s partnerships as director of network engagement, as she developed and leveraged a nationwide, multi-industry network of external alumni experts to help commercialize Notre Dame-generated innovations.

Deak then went on to lead the creation of strategic growth and fundraising plans for Notre Dame Research, , and the IDEA Center, as the academic advancement director within the . Prior to returning to the University to serve as interim director at the IDEA Center, Deak supported the work of two start-ups in a variety of roles.

“With her extensive background in patent law and commercialization, Karen is well-positioned to lead the IDEA Center into a new chapter of supporting researchers and their ideas on the entire journey from early development to commercial launch. We are excited to have her on the Notre Dame Research team,” said Rhoads.

Learn more about Deak and the IDEA Center on the .

Originally published by Erin Fennessy at on October 17, 2025.

Inspired by the inscription over the east entrance to the Basilica of the Sacred Heart — “God, Country, Notre Dame” — the center seeks to play a catalytic role in matters of global policy through actionable research, teaching and programming guided by the University’s Catholic character. It connects policymakers and the public with top-tier scholarship on issues of international security, especially on grand strategy — where, when and how states consider using military force among other instruments of statecraft to achieve foreign policy goals.

“For nearly two decades, the Notre Dame International Security Center has been an exemplary force both in impactful research and in shaping the lives and careers of future leaders,” said , the I.A. O’Shaughnessy Dean of the and a professor of political science. “This incredibly generous support from the O’Briens empowers us to expand our commitment to fostering critical conversations and forming influential voices on national security policy for generations to come.”

The O’Briens’ gift will sustain and significantly advance the research and curricular ambitions of the center, including endowing a newly created executive director position and launching the O’Brien Fellowship for two graduate students and two postdoctoral scholars.

It also provides sustainable funding for a research seminar and expands support for a doctoral program for active-duty officers, predoctoral and postdoctoral fellowship programs and collaborative partnerships on and off campus, as well as regular scholarly programming in Washington, D.C.

“Cynthia and Kevin not only talk the talk of public service in international security, they live it: Kevin is a decorated Gulf War veteran, and among Cynthia’s many charitable activities is one which supports active-duty military members and their families,” said , the Packey J. Dee Professor of International Relations and the Brian and Jeannelle Brady Family Director of the center. “My ONDISC colleagues and I are gratified by their support and honored to continue their family’s legacy of service.”

Since its inception, the center has focused on developing scholars and policy leaders in international security. Its , supported through the O’Briens’ benefaction, is home to the College of Arts & Letters’ minor in international security studies, a five-course sequence that includes coursework options across political science, history, philosophy and other disciplines, as well as an undergraduate fellows program that includes funding in support of students completing a yearlong senior thesis research project and an internship related to international security.

ONDISC also supports graduate students in many other ways, including sixth-year funding for doctoral students and research grants. The center’s supports doctoral candidates for one year in advancing their research while participating in seminars, a weeklong study trip to an international battlefield and a teaching workshop, while its hosts one scholar per year whose work involves innovative approaches to the study of U.S. grand strategy.

The center also offers targeted support for future military leaders, partnering with the to offer an accelerated three-year Ph.D. program for active-duty U.S. military officials, as well as a that brings senior officers from the U.S. Army or Marine Corps to campus for a year of advanced continuing education.

Since 2017, the center has hired three faculty and more than 10 postdoctoral fellows; appointed Jim Webb, a former U.S. senator from Virginia and secretary of the Navy, as its inaugural distinguished fellow; hosted more than 100 predoctoral fellows; and run a visiting faculty program.

Kevin O’Brien is a 1988 graduate of Notre Dame who majored in economics and English and was a Navy ROTC midshipman. He served four years as a commissioned officer in the U.S. Navy, including as a surface warfare officer on the USS Nicholas in combat operations during Operation Desert Storm, for which he earned a Bronze Star. After earning his Master of Business Administration from the University of Pennsylvania, he spent 21 years at private equity firms CCMP Capital and its predecessor, JPMorgan Partners, where he led the health care practice. He retired in 2021 and is now an investor and board member for several early-stage health care technology companies, serves on the board of the Special Operations Fund, and is an adviser to the Diplomatic 91��Ƶ Foundation.

“Our country needs leaders with a holistic understanding of history and policy, and Notre Dame is a place where students can uniquely develop this understanding with an eye��towards future service,” Kevin O’Brien said. “Professor Mike Desch and the team at ONDISC are a true force for good — taking on these critical topics and providing the mentorship and education to develop future leaders in a world that sorely needs them.”

Cynthia Craft O’Brien earned a bachelor’s degree from Pennsylvania State University and master’s degrees in business administration and environmental health from Temple University. She worked as a hazardous material specialist and professor of environmental engineering technology before devoting more than 20 years to service on nonprofit boards. She has been a member of the strategic planning, capital campaign and executive committees for the Ronald McDonald House of Dallas, as well as serving on the boards of the North Texas Military Foundation, the Alcuin 91��Ƶ and the Crested Butte Land Trust.

“I vividly remember being a 23-year-old newlywed when Kevin, at age 24, was deployed to the Persian Gulf. I was hoping that the people deciding to send our troops to war had exhausted all forms of diplomacy and understood what a military member and their family sacrifices for our country,” Cynthia O’Brien said. “I believe that Professor Desch and his team are educating incredibly bright students who will then be making policy and advising decision-makers on international security, protecting the best interests of active duty military members and their families.”

Contact: Tracy DeStazio, associate director of media relations, 574-631-9958 or tdestazi@nd.edu

The gift will enable UPBI, housed within the University’s , to expand its network of partner organizations across the United States and into Canada, including cities that will host the . The games will take place from June 11 to July 19, 2026.

As a partner of the FIFA World Cup 26, Coca-Cola is partnering with community groups, colleges and youth leadership programs across the country to drive economic growth and inclusion, help the next generation of leaders unlock their potential, and make positive and long-lasting contributions to local communities that extend beyond the tournament.

“We are thankful to Coca-Cola for this gift, which will allow us to grow the Urban Poverty and Business Initiative network and significantly increase the number of disadvantaged entrepreneurs we serve,” said , the Marilyn Keough Dean and professor of global affairs at the Keough 91��Ƶ. “This program is at the heart of the Keough 91��Ƶ and Notre Dame’s mission to foster human dignity through economic empowerment. By expanding into new cities, we are not only supporting entrepreneurs, but also strengthening local economies and communities.”

UPBI currently serves more than 3,000 business owners per year, many of whom are facing adverse circumstances or economic hardship. With support from Coca-Cola, the program was able to broaden its scope to include 13 additional cities — 11 in the United States and two in Canada — and will now serve more than 55 cities. This expansion will include the host locations of Atlanta, Boston, Dallas, Houston, Kansas City, Los Angeles, Miami, New York/New Jersey, Philadelphia, Seattle and San Francisco, as well as Toronto and Vancouver. Together, the partnership will support at least 50 business owners annually in each of the new partner locations, training and equipping another 2,400 entrepreneurs over the next three years.

“Through Coca-Cola’s support, we will be able to provide a turnkey training system of business skills and best practices to new partners, which can then be shared with small business owners in their own communities,” said , professor of the practice who specializes in entrepreneurship and social innovation. Morris holds a faculty appointment within the Keough 91��Ƶ’s and is the creator of the UPBI program.

“And when individuals start business ventures, and they can access programs such as UPBI as well as other elements of local entrepreneurial ecosystems, their ability to share in the economic boost provided by global events such as the next year’s tournament can be considerably enhanced,” Morris added.

The UPBI program equips partner organizations in each city with the model, structure, curriculum, content, tools and guidance to effectively create and launch their own entrepreneurship programs. Partner cities are also supported with a comprehensive resource website, regular partner meetings and site visits.

Using an activity-based approach that centers on 80 steps to a sustainable business, the program is modeled on the belief that for every step it can help an entrepreneur take, he or she will be enabled to take two or three more on their own. To achieve such success, the program employs a six-stage intervention process that unfolds over an 11-month period and includes training, mentoring, consulting, networking events to connect entrepreneurs to the larger community, a pathway to microcredit financing, and a database to track progress in these ventures over a three-year period.

Coca-Cola’s gift will enable Notre Dame to establish relationships with new key individuals and organizations in host cities, receive commitments from lead partners in each city to join the UPBI partnership and implement its model, and ensure each city implements all components of the UPBI approach.

The Coca-Cola Foundation, the company’s philanthropic arm, has already provided support to the UPBI network in the form of microgrants for entrepreneurs who complete benchmarked steps while they are enrolled in the program. “Hence, we are rewarding progress in moving their business ventures forward,” Morris explained. “The Coca-Cola Company’s gift would provide additional support as part of an enhanced microgrant program in the tournament host cities.”

Notre Dame’s McKenna Center seeks to better understand the critical role of global business in reducing poverty, underemployment and inequality by striving to stimulate economic growth and develop markets in communities struggling with those issues. They do so by fostering collaboration between the private sector, universities, nonprofit organizations and governmental entities to build and reinforce corporate cultures that epitomize responsible stewardship and exemplify the transformative power of entrepreneurship as a tool for social and economic inclusion. These ideas are consistent with the tenets of both

“Our experience is that entrepreneurship can truly provide a pathway out of poverty, which can be empowering for both individuals and communities alike,” Morris said.

Contact: Tracy DeStazio, associate director of media relations, 574-631-9958 or tdestazi@nd.edu

“This collaboration is a critical step in closing the gap between academic research and clinical care in our region,” said , the John and Catherine Martin Family Vice President for Research at Notre Dame. “We are proud to deepen our existing relationship with Beacon Health System and formalize a structure for research collaboration to ensure that our local community continues to benefit directly.”

A key goal of this agreement is to create significant impact, both within the participating organizations and in the community at large. Through its support of research and scientific discovery, the agreement aims to drive innovation in patient care, as well as disease prevention, diagnosis and treatment. Additionally, it will enable the recruitment of academics with interests in clinical research and physicians with interests in academic research, creating a pipeline to bring top talent to the region. The agreement will also provide workforce development opportunities for physicians and researchers.

“Beacon’s strength has always been its deep commitment to the communities we serve, and this partnership with Notre Dame amplifies that commitment,” said at Beacon Health System. “By partnering with Notre Dame’s research expertise, we can translate the latest scientific discoveries into improved treatments and care protocols while gaining deeper insights into the unique health needs of our community. This positions us to deliver cutting-edge care today while building the foundation for even stronger health outcomes tomorrow.”

This agreement also enables both organizations to take action on key strategic priorities. Notre Dame identifies health and well-being as an area of investment and emphasizes the need to build strong community partnerships in its . Beacon identifies clinical excellence and community responsiveness in its . By aligning more deeply these goals, the collaboration aims to advance institutional priorities and support the improvement of community health and well-being in northern Indiana and southwest Michigan.

The University of Notre Dame and Beacon Health System have a long history of working together. This new research agreement builds on the existing relationship between , which supports health and wellness in the local community. Further, experts from Notre Dame and Beacon have long worked together on cutting-edge research projects, including , , and . Currently, the Harper Cancer Research Institute at Notre Dame and Beacon are in the process of hiring a , which will be a joint appointment between the institutions — the first of its kind for the two partners.

To learn more about the collaboration, visit the��or online.

Contact: Erin Blasko, associate director of media relations, University of Notre Dame, 574-631-4127,��eblasko@nd.edu; Heidi Prescott, senior media relations strategist, Beacon Health System, 574-647-3001, hprescottwieneke@beaconhealthsystem.org

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This event is free and open to the public.

In a political landscape where many Americans believe political discourse has become unproductive, stressful and disrespectful, Cardinal McElroy will explore the roots of America’s societal divides and offer strategies to move forward together toward a more unified future.

Cardinal McElroy was appointed by Pope Francis to be the sixth bishop of San Diego in 2015, where he led a diverse community of nearly 1.4 million Catholics. Pope Francis then elevated him to the College of Cardinals in May 2022 and named him the eighth archbishop of Washington on Jan. 6, 2025.

A member of the Vatican’s Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development and the Dicastery for Laity, Family and Life, Cardinal McElroy is a steadfast advocate for the Church’s social justice mission, seeking to address the causes of social inequality, homelessness and immigration reform.

In his installation homily delivered at the National Shrine in Washington, D.C., on March 12, Cardinal McElroy emphasized the role of the Church in addressing suffering, saying, “We are called to be pilgrims of hope in a wounded world, not ignoring the suffering that abounds, but seeing it as a call to strive even more deeply to bring the Gospel of Jesus Christ into our lives and our nation and our world.”

Cardinal McElroy, who was born in San Francisco and grew up in nearby San Mateo County, has said he felt called to the priesthood from a young age. He earned a bachelor’s degree in American history from Harvard University and a master’s degree in American history from Stanford University before entering St. Patrick’s Seminary, where he earned a master’s degree in divinity.

Following his ordination in 1980, Cardinal McElroy continued to pursue advanced studies and received a licentiate in sacred theology from the Jesuit 91��Ƶ of Theology in Berkeley, California, a doctorate in political science from Stanford University and a doctorate in moral theology from the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome.

He has written two books, “The Search for an American Public Theology” and “Morality and American Foreign Policy.” He has also written articles on theology and public policy for a variety of journals.

Cardinal McElroy is no stranger to Notre Dame. In August, he, along with Cardinal Blase Cupich of Chicago, led a delegation, including Father Dowd, to Japan as part of a “Pilgrimage of Peace” to mark the 80th anniversary of the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. The pilgrimage included Notre Dame faculty, staff and students, along with representatives from other U.S. Catholic universities. In 2023, then-Bishop McElroy came to the University of Notre Dame to lead a discussion on the moral challenges of war and nuclear arms, as part of the 2022-23 Notre Dame Forum on the theme “War and Peace.”

The event will also be .

Contact: Carrie Gates, associate director of media relations, 574-993-9220, c.gates@nd.edu

Below, experts from the University of Notre Dame’s College of Arts and Letters, Keough 91��Ƶ of Global Affairs, Institute for Social Concerns and Institute for Educational Initiatives respond to the document.

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Rev. Dan Groody, C.S.C.: A civilization of love

“As Pope Leo writes, ‘In every rejected migrant, it is Christ himself who knocks at the door of the community.’ Pope Leo challenges us to respond with compassion and courage. In a world building higher walls, he urges us to build longer bridges. In a world increasingly fragmented, he calls us to be a unifying presence. And in a world paralyzed by fear, he invites us to promote justice, foster solidarity and help build a civilization of love — one that reflects God’s love for all creatures.”

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David Lantigua: A blueprint for authentic unity

“The exhortation is much needed in our divisive and polarizing times, where wealth has increased along with inequality,” Lantigua said. “It offers a profoundly biblical theology of poverty that recognizes both the evil of material poverty but also the saving power of voluntary poverty, both of which were embodied in Christ, the Church’s suffering founder.”

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Suzanne Mulligan: A spotlight on increasing inequality

“A feature of ‘Dilexi Te’ is Leo’s insistence that the poor must be heard when it comes to social transformation. Local wisdom and the lived experiences of those on the margins ought to inform strategy. Moreover, human dignity is enhanced when people have a voice, when they have some say over their lives, and when their wisdom and lived experiences help shape public decision-making. After all, ‘the poor are at the heart of the Church,’ Leo tells us in ‘Dilexi Te,’ and so their participation is not only pragmatic but is also a way of affirming their dignity and sacredness.”

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Jim Sullivan: ‘Love for the poor must move us to act — and to act wisely’

“Here at Notre Dame, we are called to cultivate a disciplined sensibility to the poverty, injustice and oppression that burden the lives of so many. And, as a research university, one of the ways we fulfill that calling is by working to create a world intolerant of poverty by expanding knowledge about how to solve it.”

Read more

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Scott Appleby: Pope Leo takes on a new tone of urgency

“‘Dilexi Te’ is radical in that it goes to the very roots of Christian teaching, that compassion for and solidarity with the poor is the most direct path to communion with Jesus Christ, who ‘identified himself with the lowest ranks of society’ and thereby ‘confirm[ed] the dignity of every human being.’”

Read more

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John Staud: The mission of Catholic education

“As we look to the future, Pope Leo’s words portend a renewed emphasis for his papacy on education, equity and formation. This document signals that the Church under his leadership intends to emphasize education as foundational to the Church’s mission, not as an optional ministry, but as a core form of service to the poor and to society. For those of us in Catholic education, we are called now to listen deeply, to act faithfully and to affirm the dignity of every child.”

Read more

“For more than two decades, the AmericasBarometer has been an essential resource for those studying democracy in the Americas,” said , director of the Kellogg Institute. “We are honored to collaborate with Vanderbilt on this research program at a time when public funding is suffering significant cuts.”

The initiative builds on the Kellogg Institute’s long-standing strength in the study of democracy in Latin America while drawing on the Center for Global Democracy’s expertise in survey research. The AmericasBarometer will continue to collect the most comprehensive and comparative data on democratic governance in the region. The 2025-26 survey will provide vital insights into how citizens perceive and support democracy — a critical need in a time of global democratic backsliding and declining trust in institutions.

“The insights from decades of AmericasBarometer surveys are invaluable for understanding democratic trends,” said Noam Lupu, director of the Center for Global Democracy. “This new collaboration with Notre Dame allows us to continue delivering high-quality, comparative data that helps researchers, policymakers and the public navigate the changing landscape of democracy in the Americas.”

Housed in the , the Kellogg Institute brings together scholars and practitioners who study democracy and development, with a particular focus on Latin America. For more than 40 years, the Kellogg Institute has produced research that informs policymakers, civil society and the public about how democracies function in the region. The institute, which plays a vital role in Notre Dame’s University-wide also trains students and emerging leaders, equipping them to strengthen democratic governance in Latin America and beyond.

Housed in the College of Arts and Science, the Center for Global Democracy is one of the Discovery Vanderbilt centers established through the Office of the Provost. Building on the legacy of Vanderbilt’s Latin American Public Opinion Project (LAPOP) Lab, the center advances rigorous, policy-relevant research on democracy worldwide while expanding the university’s leadership in global democracy studies.

Together, the Kellogg Institute and the Center for Global Democracy are helping to sustain AmericasBarometer as a resource for advancing democratic governance across the region.

Contact: Tracy DeStazio, associate director of media relations, 574-631-9958 or tdestazi@nd.edu

The at the University of Notre Dame announced that the late Wm. David Solomon, associate professor of philosophy emeritus and founding director of the center, has been named the recipient of the 15th annual , the nation’s most important award for heroes of the pro-life movement. The medal will be presented to Solomon’s family at a special Mass and dinner May 1, 2026, at the University of Notre Dame.

president of the University of Notre Dame, reflected on the significance of Solomon’s enduring impact. “Professor Solomon left a lasting legacy at Our Lady’s University — one of sincere pursuit of the truth in friendship and dialogue, and an unflagging commitment to the inherent dignity of all human life,” Father Dowd said. “That legacy lives on through the efforts of the de Nicola Center for Ethics and Culture, which he founded, as it shares the richness of the Catholic moral and intellectual tradition through teaching, research and dialogue. Notre Dame is deeply grateful for David’s transformative leadership and vision, and it is a special joy to honor his legacy with the Evangelium Vitae Medal.”

“David Solomon was a beloved scholar who dedicated his considerable talent to upholding the dignity of every human life with a generous spirit of hospitality,” said Jennifer Newsome Martin, director of the de Nicola Center for Ethics and Culture. “His entire career as a professor, colleague and mentor was a joyful witness to the magnetic power of the University’s distinctive Catholic mission to attract people from across the disciplines to build and sustain ‘a culture of life and civilization of love.’”

A native of Texas, Solomon earned his B.A. at Baylor University and his Ph.D. in philosophy at the University of Texas before joining the Notre Dame faculty in 1968. Over the course of nearly five decades, his teaching and scholarship focused on virtue ethics, ethical theory and medical ethics, shaping the minds of countless students and inspiring colleagues across the disciplines.

In 1999, Solomon founded the Center for Ethics and Culture at the University of Notre Dame with a bold vision to share the richness of the Catholic moral and intellectual tradition and bring the University’s voice into the public discussion of the most vital issues of our day. The center would build its work upon the charge of the University’s Task Force on Ethics, which affirmed that “normative teaching and inquiry at Notre Dame should be distinguished by fidelity to the core convictions of the tradition of thought Notre Dame has inherited: that human beings are created in the image of a God who loves us and calls us to eternal life; that we therefore have a dignity which cannot be alienated, overridden, or ignored; and that the most vulnerable among us have the most urgent claim on the consciences of us all.”

Under Solomon’s leadership, the Center for Ethics and Culture launched signature initiatives that established a community of scholars and students to consider enduring questions of justice, human dignity and the common good in friendship and community. He established the Fall Conference, now Notre Dame’s largest interdisciplinary academic gathering, which annually welcomes more than 1,200 guests and 150 speakers from around the world for three days of reflection and dialogue on broad topics in ethics, culture and public policy today. He also oversaw Notre Dame’s annual Medical Ethics Conference, which drew experts and professionals from across the country to engage with pressing issues in medical ethics and bioethics at the intersection of health care and human dignity.

In 2011, Solomon established two of the Center for Ethics and Culture’s landmark culture of life initiatives. The annual Vita Institute was designed to provide an intensive intellectual formation program for leaders working to build a culture of life both nationally and internationally, with a focus on questions in social science, biology, philosophy, theology, law and communication. That year, Solomon also inaugurated the Evangelium Vitae Medal itself, envisioning it as an enduring celebration of heroic individuals whose life work proclaims the gospel of life. The center also supported the University’s participation in the annual March for Life in Washington, D.C., leading Notre Dame students, faculty and staff in a joyful public witness to the dignity of all human life.

In all, Solomon ensured that the center remained a place of hospitality, friendship and joyful Christian witness, animated by his belief that dialogue and camaraderie are essential to the pursuit of truth. “David Solomon was one of Notre Dame’s most beloved and dedicated teachers, a shining light of creativity and dynamism in its philosophy department, and the visionary founder of what is now called the de Nicola Center for Ethics and Culture,” said O. Carter Snead, the Charles E. Rice Professor of Law and Solomon’s successor as director of the center. “He was a tireless and courageous voice at Notre Dame on behalf of the intrinsic equal dignity of all members of the human family, born and unborn. His passing earlier this year was heartbreaking for us all, and presenting the 2026 Notre Dame Evangelium Vitae Medal to his family is a fitting tribute to David’s tremendous legacy as a true champion for life.”

Solomon’s own life bore witness to the transformative power of the faith he so joyfully served. Born and raised a Southern Baptist, he and his wife, Lou, were received into the Catholic Church in May 2024. He died Feb. 26, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of scholarship, friendship and faith that continues to inspire all who knew him.

The Notre Dame Evangelium Vitae Medal, named after Pope St. John Paul II’s 1995 encyclical Evangelium Vitae, is awarded annually by the de��Nicola Center for Ethics and Culture to honor individuals and organizations whose outstanding contributions have advanced the proclamation of the sanctity of human life.

Announced annually on Respect Life Sunday, the first Sunday of October, the Notre Dame Evangelium Vitae award consists of a specially commissioned medal and $10,000 prize presented at a banquet following a celebratory Mass in the Basilica of the Sacred Heart. Registration for the 2026 Evangelium Vitae Medal Mass and dinner will be available through the de Nicola Center’s website in early 2026. For more information, visit .

Originally published by Kenneth Hallenius at on Oct. 5.

The��, formerly known as the Rooney Center for the Study of American Democracy, aims to advance Notre Dame’s role as a national and global leader in democracy scholarship and as a convener of bipartisan conversations about the future of democracy.

��“Notre Dame’s long tradition of cultivating civil discourse and our ability to convene prominent voices across a range of perspectives have enabled us to lead important conversations about democracy for decades,” said University President “Thanks to the extraordinary generosity and vision of Francis and Kathleen, generations of students and scholars will have the opportunity to engage with the political challenges and opportunities of their times in the context of both democratic principles and Catholic social teaching. We could not be more grateful to the Rooneys for advancing Notre Dame's mission and expanding our capacity to serve as an authoritative and influential voice in strengthening democracy in America."

Established in 2008 through a gift from the Francis and Kathleen Rooney Foundation, the Rooney Center has advanced impactful research on a range of topics, including representation and politics in legislatures, democratic participation, democratic inclusion, religion and American democracy and political psychology. It also partners closely with the , the University’s public policy minor; and the , which has supported more than 500 students in spending a semester studying and interning in Washington, D.C.

��The Rooneys’ gift provides permanent support for the institute’s signature programs, including the annual and semi-annual , and expands and enhances its . It also ensures the sustainability of new programming launched through the support of Notre Dame’s , including the Democracy Talks events series, a cohort of postdoctoral scholars and the Democracy Fellows Program, which supports and inspires the next generation of public servants.

��Establishing Notre Dame as a leading institution for the study and preservation of democracy was a key priority outlined in “,” prompting the creation of the University’s Democracy Initiative, led by political scientist David Campbell, who served for six years as the Rooney Center’s founding director.

��“The Rooney Democracy Institute is a bold step forward in strengthening Notre Dame’s ability to influence the future of our democracy through rigorous research, education and bipartisan conversation on the questions that matter most,” said , the Charles and Jill Fischer Provost. “As early and essential supporters of Notre Dame’s democracy-focused efforts, I am grateful to the Rooneys for their leadership as personal and professional exemplars of the kind of values-driven democracy defenders this institute will develop.”

��In future years, the Rooney Democracy Institute will build “dream teams” of senior and junior faculty, postdoctoral scholars and graduate students that will advance research on pressing issues related to democracy. The Rooneys’ gift will also support expansion of the institute’s staff to allow for further policy impact with lawmakers and engagement with the media and the public.

��"As a leading Catholic university, Notre Dame has a unique responsibility to address the social challenges of our time, including the health of our democracy,” said Matthew E.K. Hall, the institute’s director and the David A. Potenziani Memorial College Professor of Constitutional 91��Ƶ. “By creating this new institute, we will strengthen our capacity to better understand American democracy, to share that understanding with the broader society and to instill that knowledge in the next generation of American citizens and leaders.”

��Francis Rooney served as a member of the U.S. House for two terms, representing Florida’s 19th District from 2017-21. He served as U.S. Ambassador to the Holy See, appointed by President George W. Bush, from 2005-08. He was previously the chief executive officer of Rooney Holdings Inc., an investment and holding company based in Naples, Fla. He also served as the chairman of Manhattan Construction Company, whose projects include the construction of AT&T Stadium and Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas; NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas; and the Maynard H. Jackson Jr. International Terminal at Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport in Atlanta, Georgia. The company also built the Capitol Visitor Center addition to the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C.; the George H.W. Bush Presidential Library & Museum in College Station, Texas; and the George W. Bush Presidential Center in Dallas, Texas.

��Kathleen Rooney has served on numerous museum, philanthropic and community boards in Tulsa, Oklahoma, and Naples, Florida. The Rooneys have been active in Catholic, political and civic circles at the state and national levels. Other affiliations with Catholic organizations include the St. Francis Health System in Tulsa; Cascia Hall Preparatory 91��Ƶ, an Augustinian middle and high school in Tulsa; and the Sovereign Military Order of Malta. Their other charitable giving includes the Naples Comprehensive Health (NCH) Rooney Heart Institute and Georgetown University's Dahlgren Chapel. They are also both trustees emeriti of the Naples Children Foundation, which serves the at-risk and disadvantaged children of Collier County.

��Their past support for Notre Dame includes endowing the Rooney Center and the chair of the dean of the .

��The Rooneys have three children, all Notre Dame alumni — Larry ’04 (Porscha Radcliffe Rooney ’04), Michael ’06 J.D. ’09 (Frances Dayton) and Kathleen ’09.

��“Notre Dame is the gold standard for trust in higher education, and that perspective is needed nowhere more right now than in American politics,” Francis Rooney said. “Ever since Kathleen and I set foot on this campus many years ago, we felt that Notre Dame was blessed — and we are filled with hope for the way Notre Dame can be a blessing to our nation in the years ahead.”

Contact: Tracy DeStazio, Associate Director of Media Relations, tdestazi@nd.edu, 269-769-8804

While the virus is common in tropical and subtropical regions, including Asia, Africa and South America, public health officials have been tracking reported infections in Europe and, in September, a confirmed case in Long Island, New York.

Outbreaks of chikungunya have prompted the Centers for Disease Control to issue health notices to travelers bound for Bangladesh; Cuba; Guangdong Province, China; Kenya; Madagascar; Somalia; and Sri Lanka.

In Guangdong Province, an “unprecedented” outbreak recently prompted government officials in China to mandate quarantines for anyone suspected of being infected by the virus, spraying individuals with mosquito repellent and spraying impacted buildings and other areas with insecticide.

In a new study, , researchers at the University of Notre Dame analyzed more than 80 outbreaks of chikungunya virus to improve prediction of future outbreaks and inform vaccine trial development.

“Chikungunya outbreaks are unpredictable in both size and severity,” said , the Ann and Daniel Monahan Collegiate Professor of infectious disease epidemiology in the , and co-author of the study. “You can have one outbreak that infects just a few people, and another in a similar setting that infects tens of thousands. That unpredictability is what makes public health planning — and vaccine development — so difficult.”

For the study, Alexander Meyer, a postdoctoral researcher in Perkins’ lab and lead author of the study, and a team of researchers reconstructed and analyzed 86 chikungunya outbreaks, creating the largest comparative dataset of its kind.

“Instead of looking at outbreaks in isolation, looking at many, all of which varied in size and severity, allowed us to search for patterns among them,” Meyer said.

Chikungunya was first identified in the 1950s. Outbreaks have become increasingly frequent and widespread, but they’re also sporadic and difficult to predict, posing a challenge to public health officials when it comes to planning for and preventing infections.

Changes in outbreaks of chikungunya, transmitted by bites from infected mosquitoes — Aedes aegypti or Aedes albopictus are the primary vectors — and other mosquito-borne illnesses are often considered in relation to climate change, as warmer, more humid conditions can promote mosquito activity.

But Perkins said this study showed that climate isn’t necessarily the most important factor when trying to predict the severity of an outbreak of disease caused by a virus like chikungunya.

“Climate factors like temperature and rainfall can tell us where outbreaks are possible, but this study shows that they don’t help very much in predicting how severe they will be,” he said. “Local conditions matter — things like housing quality, mosquito density and how communities respond. Some variation is simply due to chance. That randomness is part of the story, too.”

Currently, only two vaccines for chikungunya have received regulatory approval — but they are not widely available in regions where the virus is most common.

That is why having such a large, comprehensive dataset is so helpful when it comes to vaccine development, Perkins said.

To test for efficacy, vaccine makers need accurate predictions of where an outbreak might occur before it happens, to conduct trials and monitor whether candidate vaccines are effective.

The study demonstrates how a more comprehensive analysis of past outbreaks can help public health officials prepare for future outbreaks, thereby protecting vulnerable populations and aiding vaccine development.

Additional co-authors include Kathryn B. Anderson at the State University of New York, Natalie Dean at Emory University, and Sandra Mendoza Guerrero and Steven T. Stoddard at Bavarian Nordic Inc., which provided funding for the study. This work was additionally supported by the Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Health Affairs.

Contact: Jessica Sieff, associate director of media relations, 574-631-3933 or jsieff@nd.edu

The Focused Postpartum Care (Focused-PPC) project will serve as many as 104 women and their children in Elkhart, Marshall and St. Joseph counties — with critical support from Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Foundation in the form of a two-year, $310,595 grant.

The project, previously recognized with grants from the Indiana Clinical and Translational Sciences Institute, the and the Ford Program in Human Development 91��Ƶ and Solidarity, is featured alongside the Eck Institute’s program in the , which will air at halftime of Saturday’s Notre Dame-Boise State football game.

Based in Indianapolis, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Foundation is the philanthropic arm of Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield Indiana, committed to addressing the physical, behavioral and social needs of vulnerable populations.

“By providing sustained support and monitoring throughout that critical first year, we can help prevent postpartum depression, identify health concerns early and ultimately save lives.”

“Whole health begins with ensuring mothers and babies have the care and support they need during the most critical stages of life,” said Anthem Indiana Medical Director Kirsten Kahle. “Postpartum care is far too often overlooked, yet it plays a vital role in preventing complications, supporting maternal mental health and giving children the healthiest possible start. We’re committed to investing in innovative, collaborative models like the Focused Postpartum Care project that can serve as blueprints for addressing complex health issues.”

Led by Adams, whose research focuses on postpartum care, maternal health and maternal mortality, the Focused-PPC project falls under one of the Eck Institute’s core areas of work, the��.

First introduced in Ghana, the Focused-PPC project is a group postpartum care, education and support model for postpartum women extending from delivery to one year post-birth.

Participants receive an initial postpartum visit within two weeks of giving birth; a routine postpartum visit at six weeks; additional monthly visits for 12 months; vital signs measurement at every visit; screenings for mental health and social drivers of health at certain intervals; and standardized education on various topics based on time frame after delivery, following a specially designed education guide.

The current standard for postpartum care in the U.S. is one doctor visit at six weeks after delivery.

“Six weeks is no longer sufficient,” Adams said. “If we want to improve maternal mortality and morbidity, we must prioritize quality postpartum care and education until one year post-birth.”

In Ghana, . They were less likely to experience postpartum depression and more likely to follow healthy eating habits, recognize post-birth warning signs and adopt family planning methods. Due to monitoring, cases of high blood pressure among the participants decreased over time.

Postpartum care is especially critical in Indiana, which ranks low for maternal and infant mortality. Low-income and disadvantaged women and children are especially at risk.

“Focused postpartum care has the potential to significantly improve maternal and infant health outcomes in our community,” said Kimberly Green Reeves, vice president of community impact and partnerships for Beacon Health System. “By providing sustained support and monitoring throughout that critical first year, we can help prevent postpartum depression, identify health concerns early and ultimately save lives.”

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Gen. Martin Dempsey, the retired 18th chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, will join University President , for a fireside chat at 4 p.m. Friday (Oct. 10), as part of the 2025-26 .

The discussion, titled “Hope, Global Stability and the Role of the United States,” is part of the exploration of this year’s Notre Dame Forum theme, “Cultivating Hope.” It will take place in Rooms 215/216 of McKenna Hall and . The event is free and open to the public.

As the United States and the globe face a myriad of complex foreign policy, economic and security challenges, Dempsey will discuss the opportunities that exist to create a more just and peaceful world. Drawing on his experiences as the senior leader of the United States military and as an award-winning author and professor of leadership, he will offer insights on how the U.S. can foster hope and build trusting relationships while navigating the world’s most daunting challenges.

Dempsey served as chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff from October 2011 until his retirement in September 2015. Prior to that role, he served as the U.S. Army’s 37th chief of staff.

A 1974 graduate of the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, Dempsey was a career Army officer whose assignments took him around the world during times of both war and peace. His military career began as a company-grade armory officer serving in Europe, and then took an unusual turn when he spent two years at Duke University earning a master’s degree in English, and later three years at West Point as an assistant professor of English. He has been known to quote Yeats and Shakespeare in his speeches, and he said his five years in academia made him “a clearer thinker, a better communicator.”

Before becoming the Army chief of staff, he served as deputy commander and then acting commander of U.S. Central Command and led U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command.

Dempsey’s many awards and decorations include the Defense Distinguished Service Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster, the Distinguished Service Medal with three Oak Leaf Clusters, the Defense Superior Service Medal, the Legion of Merit with two Oak Leaf Clusters, and the Bronze Star with “V” device and Oak Leaf Cluster. In 2016, Dempsey was named an honorary Knight Commander of the Order of the British Empire. The grandson of four Irish immigrants, he is also a member of the Irish America Hall of Fame.

In addition to a master’s degree in English, he holds master’s degrees in military art and national security studies.

Following 41 years of military service, he now teaches leadership at Duke University’s Fuqua 91��Ƶ of Business and consults for the National Basketball Association on leader development and social responsibility. Since 2016, Dempsey has also served as the chairman of the board of directors of USA Basketball, the national governing body for all of the United States’ international basketball competitions, men’s and women’s, 5x5 and 3x3, from ages 16 through the Olympics.

Dempsey is the co-author, with Ori Brafman, of the bestselling leadership book “Radical Inclusion: What the Post-9/11 World Should Have Taught Us About Leadership” and author of “No Time For Spectators: The Lessons that Mattered Most from West Point to the West Wing.”

Dempsey received an honorary degree and served as principal commencement speaker at Notre Dame’s 2016 Commencement in recognition of his “steady leadership for our nation’s armed forces in times of war and through periods of dramatic change … known for his wisdom imparted with candor, and his deep appreciation for the men and women under his charge; he cherished those who gave the ultimate sacrifice by adhering to a simple three-word phrase, ‘Make it matter.’”

He and his high school sweetheart, Deanie, have been married for 49 years. They have three children — each of whom served in the Army — and nine grandchildren.

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Contact: Carrie Gates, associate director of media relations, 574-993-9220, c.gates@nd.edu