August  27 , 2026 

A new chapter of innovation is taking shape in downtown South Bend. University of Notre Dame leaders joined city of South Bend officials, community partners, and development partner Ancora to break ground on Colfax Corner, a high-tech research and innovation hub transforming the former South Bend Tribune building and surrounding Main Street properties. The project is expected to create more than 400 jobs and generate an estimated $750 million in economic impact over the next decade.

A colorful new mural along Lincoln Way West celebrates the people, places, and stories that have shaped South Bend’s West Side. Created by South Bend native and Clay High School graduate Oscar Joyo, the mural at Faith Deliverance Center honors four local “exemplars”—Gladys Muhammad, Harold Brazier, Charles Martin, and Rosemary Sanders—alongside scenes representing neighborhood institutions and community life. The project, supported by Notre Dame’s Institute for Social Concerns, is designed as a celebration of the history, culture, and connections that continue to define the Lincoln Way West corridor.

What does it mean to meet a community where it is? In the latest episode of The Link, Notre Dame’s Amanda Zelechoski joins Lisa Kelly of Mental Health Awareness Michiana to explore the growing mental health needs across our region and the partnerships working to address them. The episode also brings in the voices of local teens and highlights how Notre Dame’s new Wilma and Peter Veldman Family Psychology Clinic is expanding access to affordable, evidence-based mental health care for individuals and families in the community. Listen to the latest episode of The Link.

Notre Dame’s School of Architecture is partnering with the city of Benton Harbor to help shape a long-term vision for the city’s riverfront and downtown. The work begins by listening to the people who know the community best, inviting residents, business owners, and local stakeholders to share their ideas through a series of public sessions. Their input will help guide plans for the riverfront and support the continued regeneration of downtown Benton Harbor.

The inaugural Notre Dame Arts Biennial will bring six months of art, performance, and creativity to Notre Dame and the South Bend region beginning in January 2027. More than 100 public events will feature internationally renowned artists and writers—including Maya Lin and Zadie Smith—along with performances, exhibitions, workshops, and collaborations with local arts organizations. Most events are free and open to the public, with additional programming to be announced this fall.

One of Notre Dame’s most beloved stories is returning to the place where it all happened. Flick on the Field brings Rudy to the video board at Notre Dame Stadium on Friday, Aug. 28, at 9 p.m. The event is free and open to the public, with stadium seating available for community members and free parking just south of the stadium. Gates open at 8:30 p.m., with popcorn, candy, and other movie-night concessions available for purchase.

"Beyond ND" highlights ways the University of Notre Dame is engaged with, invested in, and committed to the region through partnerships with community businesses, government, educators, and organizations. The University's Office of Public Affairs produces this newsletter. Read more at publicaffairs.nd.edu.

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