The Nanovic Institute is the focal point for European Studies on campus. Its mission: to cultivate an invigorating student experience that enables students to learn about themselves through the study of European societies and cultures.
“The Nanovic Institute is centered on the overall student experience,” said A. James McAdams, director of the Nanovic Institute and the William M. Scholl Professor of International Affairs. “We encourage them to immerse themselves in European communities because we want them to have a profoundly challenging experience, an experience that makes them reevaluate their own values and what they stand for. We want them to really think about what it means to be American. They learn more about themselves and their own country by traveling to Europe.”
Since its inception 15 years ago, the institute remains steadfast in its goal to enrich the educational experience of ND undergraduates and grad students by using its European focus to further ND’s commitment to internationalize its students, as well as the University itself.
Each spring, summer and fall, the Nanovic Institute brings in visiting scholars from all over Europe. It also assists in bringing European faculty to campus to serve as speakers for other departments. And in supporting the ND symposia in Europe--and building relationships with global European Studies institutes and centers--it sends the message to other higher education leaders worldwide that Notre Dame is a university of international interest, concern and reach.
The Nanovic Institute was founded in 1993, thanks to the generosity of Elizabeth and Robert Nanovic ’54. Currently, more than 100 Notre Dame faculty members from a dozen departments hold appointments as Nanovic fellows. In addition to its visiting scholars program, and research grants for faculty, graduate students and undergraduates, the institute also organizes conferences, seminars and lectures by internationally recognized scholars and government officials. The issues it tackles include nationalism, ethnicity, Catholicism, citizenship and the role Europe plays in the international community.
“That’s how we bring Europe alive on the Notre Dame campus,” Prof. McAdams explained. “When we aren’t sending students to Europe, we bring Europe’s great leaders, artists, academics and cultural figures directly to the students here.”
For example, the Nanovic Institute hosts a regular film series whereby students interact with European directors, actors and producers at film screenings.
“This isn’t just about kids watching a movie – it’s an experience for them,” Prof. McAdams said. “They get to ask questions of those involved with making the picture. It helps them learn more about the European culture.”
The Nanovic Institute also features a distinguished lectureship, inviting representatives from the Vatican to speak to students here on campus. Last fall, the Nanovic Institute welcomed Archbishop Celestino Migliore, the Vatican’s permanent observer to the United Nations, who spoke on “Catholicism and Islam: Points of Convergence and Divergence, Encounter and Cooperation.”
“We had an overflow audience for his lecture,” Prof. McAdams said. “It gave the students a chance to see the Catholic faith in action.”
And furthering the Catholic mission of the University is a fundamental goal of the Nanovic Institute.
“The Catholic mission of the University is not incidental in this program,” Prof. McAdams said. “It’s immensely important. It’s one of the main reasons students come here.”
The Nanovic Institute maintains close relationships with Catholic institutions all across Europe, including those in the Ukraine, Poland, Slovakia and Hungary. It takes advantage of these resources, sending students to these countries to take part in research missions or language programs.
Thanks to another significant donation from Elizabeth and Robert Nanovic in the amount of $10 million, the Nanovic Institute plans to expand its program of teaching, research, language training and leadership formation for students engaged in the study of European affairs, including those who want to minor in the program.
As the Nanovic Institute grows and evolves, it also continues to search for new ways to engage students. ND clubs throughout Europe can help. Clubs interested in creating student internships or those that would like to get involved in another way, can contact Prof. McAdams directly by clicking here.
For more information about the Nanovic Institute and its campus activities, click here.
