Updates from Notre Dame's Washington Office

July 2025

FEATURED | DC BRIDGE BUILDERS

Inspired by University President Rev. Robert Dowd, C.S.C.'s call for Notre Dame to be a community of bridge-builders, the Notre Dame Washington Office is highlighting members of the Notre Dame family who are finding common ground and making an impact in public service, policy, and beyond.

This month, we featured Senator Todd Young. The University's home state Senator shared insights on working effectively across the aisle and the importance of forging common ground on Capitol Hill, on campus and beyond. Read Senator Young's full profile > 

Watch Senator Young's video message on the importance of bridge-building and the role of universities like Notre Dame:

We also featured our Executive Director for Federal Relations, Crystal Martinez '03, M.Ed. '05, and her story of serving as a powerful advocate for student access and affordability in higher education.

A first-gen college grad and former Alliance for Catholic Education teacher, Crystal led the national “Double the Pell” campaign and now strengthens Notre Dame’s policy voice in Washington.

Read Crystal's full profile > 

DOMERS IN THE DISTRICT

Notre Dame Navy ROTC and U.S. Naval Academy Midshipmen conducted a wreath-laying ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Arlington National Cemetery. Their visit was part of a two-week immersion for Notre Dame's military-connected students, including those from Air Force and Army ROTC programs, and the Notre Dame International Security Center. Students gained insights into military history, leadership and service, including meetings with top military officials at the Pentagon and Washington Navy Yard. 

Read more about the experiential education trip >

Notre Dame and U.S. Naval Academy Midshipmen lay a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Arlington National Cemetery.

Congressman Mike Kelly (ND '70) joins students during their visit to Arlington. 

Students from Notre Dame and the Naval Academy stop for a photo near the White House.

Thanks to the alumni, students, and friends who joined us for our summer networking social in our new Pennsylvania Ave office space, helping celebrate Notre Dame's growing impact in our nation's capital! 

Read more about the new space >

A special thank you to Matt Wich (ND '27), left, summer intern with the Wilson Sheehan Lab for Economic Opportunities, for his hard work this summer!

More than 30 students interning in DC joined South Bend’s representative in Congress, Rep. Rudy Yakym (ND MBA '19), for an off-the-record conversation about his path to public service and what it's like to serve in Congress. 

Hear Congressman Yakym's advice for students interning in DC >

We recently convened young professionals for a panel on legal careers in public policy, co-hosted with the Notre Dame Law School, the Office of General Counsel, and the Notre Dame Club of Washington, DC. Panelists discussed their diverse career paths and shared practical advice for navigating the evolving policy landscape with a law degree. 

Learn more about our Networking Series > 

Devan Patel, left, moderated a conversation with Notre Dame alumni and legal experts Kate O'Scannlain Johnson, Notre Dame's General Counsel Brandon Roach, Bill Anaya, and Kevin Jinks. 

Attendees listen to the panel discussion on navigating policy-focused legal careers. 

At a recent American Council on Education Commission on Faith-based Colleges and Universities event, Notre Dame president Fr. Bob Dowd spoke to how faith-based institutions expand access, affordability, and student success across higher education.

"We want our students to grow not only in understanding, in knowledge, and in technical skills but in wisdom, and we want them to grow in faith, hope, and love," he said. 

Father Dowd speaks at the ACE Commission on Faith-based Universities event at the Kennedy Center in Washington, DC. 

CAMPUS CORNER

Notre Dame's  Army ROTC was named the top Army collegiate program nationwide by the Department of Defense for 2023-24. The honor builds on the program's prior achievements, including consecutive wins of the 7th Brigade General Douglas MacArthur Award. 

Read more about this national recognition > 

Father Dowd attaches the MacArthur Award streamer to the ND Army ROTC guidon during the Presidential Pass in Review.

SCIENCE FOR SERVICE

Ukrainian Catholic University and Notre Dame are expanding their longstanding collaboration through new research partnerships, with seven faculty teams receiving grants for projects addressing critical issues in Ukraine. Jointly funded by Notre Dame Research and Notre Dame Global, the research will focus on resilient democracy, data science, religious freedom, collective trauma, veterans mental health, and security in Ukraine, with findings aiming to improve the security and well-being of those affected by the war.

Explore the new initiatives and Notre Dame's commitment to Ukraine >

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Learn more about our Washington Office team, and contact us at washingtonoffice@nd.edu.

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