Connecting the Golden Dome With the Capitol Dome | November 2023

It has been a busy fall, both in DC and on campus. We welcomed a new VP of Research and a new VP of Public Affairs & Communications, who each have a strong passion for Notre Dame’s research contributions and convening power in DC. We also received news that University President Rev. John Jenkins will be stepping down at the end of the year. Amidst these transitions, we facilitated timely bipartisan discussions, bringing lawmakers to campus and ND experts to Congress, while continuing to build critical connections amongst changemakers in the ND community in DC. 

Please read on for more details about what we have been up to the past few months! Know someone in DC who should be on our list for news and events next year? Please forward our email and encourage them to follow us on LinkedIn.

Thank you to all who gathered with us on Capitol Hill for a "Shamrock Social" networking reception celebrating the bonds shared by the ND community in DC. We were happy to introduce everyone to JP Abercrumbie, ND's Executive Associate Athletics Director of Culture & Engagement, ahead of the ND women's basketball win against Illinois in the Citi Shamrock Classic. Special thanks to Emily Casey (‘18), UPS Public Affairs Director, for collaborating with us to make this event a reality!

Last month we convened ND students and friends working in government, policymaking, and advocacy for a networking breakfast in the heart of DC. University President, Rev. John I. Jenkins, C.S.C., also made a surprise appearance following a local meeting of the Association of American Universities. Brewing professional connections is a priority for our office because together, we can be a greater force for good in addressing today’s top issues in Washington. Stay tuned for more “Irish Coffees” in the future!

ND believes student-athletes are students, first and foremost. Last month, ND’s Athletic Director, Jack Swarbrick (ND ‘76), testified before the Senate Judiciary Committee at a hearing examining the changing landscape of college sports and the urgent need for federal regulatory and legislative action. The University has been a long-standing supporter and advocate of its student-athletes, with Fr. Jenkins being the first college president to call for the NCAA to eliminate its prohibition on the ability of student-athletes to benefit from the value of their name, image, likeness, and ideas. 

The Commerce Department’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) recognized two ND programs with a development grant and a Tech Hub designation. ND will lead the Midwest Wireless Innovation Strategy Development Consortium, developing a strategic network of 21 physical centers specializing in advanced technology innovation, commercialization and workforce training. We'll also partner on Heartland BioWorks, a collaboration of Indiana stakeholders ensuring bioproducts invented in America are produced domestically. These initiatives not only spur local economic growth but also enable ND foster significant national transformation in the wireless and biotech industries.

ND's Keough School of Global Affairs has been selected to work closely with the State Department's Bureau of Conflict and Stabilization Operations (CSO) on an exciting new initiative enabling students to conduct cutting-edge global conflict prevention research. According to Keith Noble, CSO’s chief data officer “contributions from the Keough School will help further CSO’s ongoing efforts to support key U.S. government priorities in the conflict space to include the women, peace and security and climate agendas.” 

University President Rev. John I. Jenkins, C.S.C., held a fireside chat with U.S. Senators Chris Coons (D-DE) and Todd Young (R-IN) on the importance of civic engagement and bipartisanship to overcome polarization and gridlock. The conversation was part of the 2023-24 ND Forum on “The Future of Democracy.” Both senators are widely recognized for their commitments to bipartisanship, public service, and effective policymaking. 

The Washington Office of the Keough School focuses on real-time impact, representing ND’s expertise in peacebuilding, migration, climate security, integral human development, and more from the epicenter of global engagement. In addition to its academic programs on campus, the Keough School frequently convenes stakeholders for policy discussions while actively translating its evidence-based research and analysis to the ethical and practical challenges of global policymaking. 

This week in particular there are two panels you won’t want to miss. 

Thursday, November 30 | 7th Anniversary of the Colombian Peace Accord

Marking the 7th anniversary of the historic Colombian Peace Accord, the Keough School’s Peace Accord Matrix project is hosting a thoughtful discussion on the progress made, the challenges that have arisen, and the opportunities that lie ahead in the journey to establish a lasting and sustainable peace in Colombia. Join us Thursday from 4:00 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. at the Keough School Washington Office (1400 16th St NW, Suite 120).

Friday, December 1 | Democracy & the Catholic Church in Nicaragua

The Keough School of Global Affairs, in partnership with the 2023-24 ND Forum on “The Future of Democracy” and the Center for Strategic & International Studies (CSIS) Americas Program, is hosting a panel discussion on democratic backsliding in Nicaragua and the role of the Catholic Church and faith-based society. Join us Friday from 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. at CSIS (1616 Rhode Island Ave NW).

See recent career updates and accomplishments from our ND community in DC, and be sure to submit yours below!

Greg Miller (‘22) was accepted into Y Combinator along with two peers from his Truman Scholarship cohort, working on a product that uses AI to help organizations and find and apply for grants. He will soon leave DC and his position at the Department of Housing and Urban Development to move to San Francisco for this opportunity. Colleen O’Leary (‘21, M.Ed. ‘23) became a Double Domer after graduating from the ACE program this summer, and has begun teaching algebra at Stone Ridge School of the Sacred Heart in Bethesda MD. Eduardo Pages (MGA ‘22) is beginning a new position as Evidence and Learning Specialist at the Keough School’s Pulte Institute for Global Development, while being based here in DC. Louis Bertolotti (‘17) is beginning a Masters in International Policy program at Texas A&M's Bush School campus here in DC. Leah Landry (‘17) was promoted to Senior Manager for Organizational Change and Culture at Bread for the City. Eleanor Shiori Hughes (SMC ‘16) began a new position as Research Assistant at Center for Strategic and Budgetary Assessments (CSBA). Jonell Lucca (J.D. ‘01) is now the associate director for prosecutorial operations with the DOJ Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces Executive Office in DC. Cas Taylor (‘56) passed away in April in Cumberland MD. He was the longest-serving speaker of the Maryland House of Delegates.

We invite you to connect with our partners at:

Alumni Club of DC | Washington Program | Keough School Washington Office

ND Research | ND News

Please forward this email to other alumni and friends of ND who might be interested in our updates moving forward.