News Archive

NDAA Welcomes New Director of Service
This month, Katie Zakas ’04 joined the ND Alumni Association as the director of service. A native of South Bend, Katie graduated from Notre Dame with a double major in German and philosophy. A summa cum laude graduate, Katie worked as a student assistant for the Alumni Association’s Continuing Education department from 2004-2006 where she collaborated on several innovative programming ideas. Katie participated in several service initiatives as a student, and devoted her attention to educational endeavors after graduation. Most recently, Katie taught at Good Shepherd Montessori School in South Bend, assisting students with learning and behavioral disabilities.

Nominate Outstanding Alumni
Each year, the Alumni Association recognizes distinguished alumni for their service and outstanding accomplishments. Now, you can visit the Alumni Association website and submit your nominations online.
Do you know an ND alum who has performed outstanding service in the field of government, patriotism, public service, or politics (Rev. John. J. Cavanaugh, C.S.C. Award)? Or perhaps someone who has demonstrated outstanding service to humankind (Dr. Thomas A. Dooley Award)? Click here to submit nominations for these awards and more. Nominations for these particular awards and several others are due by Aug. 1, 2008.
To view past award recipients, or to see the due dates for other alumni award nominations, click here.

5 Questions with John Affleck-Graves
Be sure to read the June issue of ND Today for an exclusive “5 Questions” segment with Notre Dame Executive Vice President John Affleck-Graves. The June edition of ND Today will be distributed to your inbox early next week. Not yet a subscriber? Click here to request a free subscription.

Spend the Summer in ND Family Hall
Notre Dame alumni and friends are invited back to campus to spend time in ND Family Hall, an annual event that offers families a chance to visit Notre Dame's remarkably beautiful campus at affordable rates. ND Family Hall runs from June 1-Aug. 2.  [Full Story]

What a Welcome Home!
Notre Dame welcomed nearly 3,000 Domers and their guests back to the University for Reunion 2008, which took place on campus May 30-June 1. For three days, attendees reconnected with classmates and friends while participating in educational seminars, open houses, class Masses and other recreational activities. Be sure to read the June edition of ND Today for complete Reunion 2008 coverage. In the meantime, click here to view photos from Reunion 2008.

Reunion 2008 is Here
Registration has closed for Reunion 2008, but you can still attend. Simply come to the Eck Visitors Center and register as a “walk on.” Reunion takes place from May 29-June 1, and will involve alumni in a full slate of activities, including seminars, golf, campus tours, class dinners and Masses, community service projects and professional networking. Click here for more Reunion details. Hope to see you there!

Alumni Association Honors Extraordinary Alumnus
This spring, Michael Sennett ’91 was honored posthumously with the 2008 William D. Reynolds Award for his exceptional work with young athletes. A captain of the 1991 Notre Dame men’s lacrosse team, Mike coached the DeSmet Jesuit High School team for 16 seasons and became a luminary figure in national lacrosse circles through his tireless passion for the sport. He passed away in April 2007.

Alumni Association Recognizes Outstanding Clubs
Approximately 135 Notre Dame clubs were represented at Alumni Senate, which took place April 25-26 on campus. During Senate, the Alumni Association recognized the clubs that excelled above all others in support of the University’s mission and in service to their constituents in 2007. [Full Story]

Are You Ready for Reunion?
Reunion 2008 takes place May 29-June 1. Register now to participate in a full slate of activities, including seminars, golf, campus tours, class dinners and Masses, community service projects and professional networking. Early registration at a discounted price will run until May 9. For complete details, including available packages, click here.

Five Questions with 2008 Valedictorian Joshua Hammack
Be sure to read the May issue of ND Today for an exclusive “5 Questions” segment with Notre Dame’s 2008 Valedictorian Joshua Hammack. The May edition of ND Today is available here. Not yet a subscriber? Click here to request a free subscription.

ND Club to Host Reception at 2008 Olympics
Join the ND family during the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games at a special Notre Dame celebration. This truly international event will be held at the Beijing American Club on Aug. 15. Notre Dame alumni, friends, faculty and students from around the world are invited to join this unique opportunity to celebrate the Notre Dame spirit during the Olympic Games. Space is limited. For more details and to register online, click here.

New Alumni Board President Elected
At this spring’s Alumni Board of Directors meeting, the Board elected Holly Colman ’86 as president. She will serve as president-elect beginning July 1 when Ceyl Prinster ’76 begins her one-year term as president. Holly spent 15 years in the broadcasting industry before entering the field of real estate development and management. Currently she is a property accountant for Fausset Neely, Inc., in Ventura, Calif. An active member of the ND Club of Ventura County, Holly served as club president for three years prior to her election to the Notre Dame Alumni Association Board of Directors in 2006.  The Board is comprised of 29 directors and a president. Its members are elected by Notre Dame alumni for three-year terms. Click here for additional Alumni Board information.

Register Now for Summer Cancer Retreat
This summer, the Notre Dame Alumni Association will team up with the Malibu, Calif.- based Simonton Cancer Center for a special retreat at Notre Dame. The five-day program (held June 15-20) will provide an opportunity for patients and their families to gather on campus for support and strength. [Full Story]

Alumni Association Mourns Death of Student in Thailand
The Alumni Association, along with the entire Notre Dame family, mourns the death of Andrew Bunikis, who died in a bus crash in the Phitsanulok Province of Thailand on April 18. He was 20. A junior from Phoenix, Andrew was an accountancy major and resident of Zahm Hall on campus. He was on a leave of absence from Notre Dame this semester, continuing his participation in a service program in a rural area of northern Thailand that he first undertook last summer through the University’s Student International Business Council. He taught English and organized other education programs while serving as a mentor and friend to children living in the area.  Plans for a funeral in Phoenix and a memorial Mass on campus are pending.  Our sincerest condolences go out to the Bunikis family, as well as to his classmates and friends.

Reunion 2008 is Almost Here
Are you ready to reconnect with your classmates? At Reunion 2008, which takes place May 29-June 1, alumni and their families can participate in a full slate of activities, including seminars, golf, campus tours, class dinners and Masses, community service projects and professional networking. Early registration at a discounted price will run until May 9. For complete details, including available packages, click here.

Celebrate Second Annual Month of Service
The Alumni Association will host the second annual Hesburgh Month of Service this May. Last year, 115 alumni groups across the nation volunteered their time to service projects to honor the 90^th birthday of Rev. Theodore M. Hesburgh, C.S.C. More than 4,000 participants spent 15,000 hours working to benefit a variety of shelters, churches, schools, children’s homes, community centers and the U.S. troops abroad. Clubs and classes interested in participating in the 2008 Hesburgh Month of Service can register here.