Updates from Notre Dame's Washington Office

May 2025

DOMERS IN THE DISTRICT

University President Rev. Robert A. Dowd, C.S.C., blessed Notre Dame’s new Washington Office, located just blocks from Capitol Hill and the White House. This space will serve as a national hub for advancing the University’s mission through research, scholarship, service, and faith.

The new office further strengthens the University’s role as a convener and contributor to national dialogue and policymaking and will complement Notre Dame’s existing footprint in our nation’s capital, including the nearby Keough School of Global Affairs Washington Office.

Read more about the office dedication > 

University President Father Dowd blesses the new Notre Dame Washington Office. 

The Notre Dame Washington Office launched DC Bridge Builders, a social media series spotlighting members of our ND in DC family who are finding common ground and making an impact in government, policymaking, service, and beyond. 

Hear from Father Dowd on the Catholic mission that inspires this work:

Know someone building bridges in DC? Nominate them here >

In April, Father Dowd co-hosted a prayer breakfast for Members of Congress with other leaders from faith-based institutions. The event highlighted how faith-based institutions prepare graduates to serve with courage, hope, and compassion.

Read more about the prayer breakfast > 

Father Dowd delivers a reflection on Notre Dame’s founding mission to serve as a force for good.

Rep. Mike Kelly (ND ‘70) offers a personal reflection on the Congressional call to serve.

This spring, Notre Dame students discerning careers in public policy visited DC for a career trek, including a Capitol Hill engagement where they heard from alumni working as senior staffers in the Senate. Faculty and staff also visited the Hill to champion Notre Dame's research impact and emphasize our commitment to advancing science for service. 

Learn more about Notre Dame research worth fighting for >

Students kicked off their time in DC with our Executive Director Crystal Martinez.

Three alumni on the Hill shared career insights with students.

Matthew Zyniewicz of the Institute for Scholarship in the Liberal Arts met with Rep. Rudy Yakym (ND MBA ’19) on Humanities Advocacy Day.

Zyniewicz also met with Rep. Jefferson Shreve (IN-06).

CAMPUS CORNER

Admiral Christopher Grady, Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and the nation’s second-highest-ranking military officer, addressed Notre Dame’s Class of 2025 at the University's 180th Commencement. A 1984 graduate, he also received an honorary degree.

Drawing on more than 40 years of public service, he urged graduates to hold fast to truth, self-improvement, and moral courage as they navigate a complex world: “Remember,” he said, “you were forged at Notre Dame. You are part of a force for good, and they do not call us the Fighting Irish for nothing!”

Watch the full address >

Admiral Christoper W. Grady ’84 delivers the 2025 Commencement address.

In March, the Office of Military & Veterans Affairs hosted former Secretary of Veterans Affairs Denis McDonough and Student Veterans of America (SVA) President & CEO Jared Lyon for a roundtable discussion with military-connected students on policy, advocacy, and veteran support. McDonough also spoke at the 2025 Notre Dame Veterans Law Symposium, where Law School Dean Marcus Cole announced the launch of a new Veterans Law Clinic opening in fall 2025.

Read more about the new Veterans Law Clinic > 

McDonough affirmed the mission of the Department of Veterans Affairs “to be the biggest advocate for veterans, for veterans’ health, and for families mourning a veteran.”

McDonough and Lyon with military-connected students.

As part of the Keough School’s ongoing Democracy Talks series, former U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations for Management and Reform Chris Lu joined Dean Mary Gallagher and students for a conversation on the global importance of American democracy. Drawing on his experience at the United Nations, Lu emphasized the role of civil society in maintaining democracy and offered insights into the rise of China.

Learn more about the ND Democracy Talks series >

Chris Lu speaks to the importance of American democracy during a conversation with Keough Dean Mary Gallagher.

SCIENCE FOR SERVICE

Notre Dame psychology professor Dr. Ryan Carpenter spoke on Capitol Hill at a Science Coalition event in April, showcasing how federal research funding is advancing addiction treatment and mental health care. He shared findings from his work on substance use disorders and mobile health interventions, underscoring the importance of evidence-based research in shaping effective policy.

Learn more about Notre Dame’s investment in mental health research >

Dr. Ryan Carpenter presents his research at The Science Coalition’s April 2 event on Capitol Hill.

Dr. Carpenter presents his research to Congressional staff and industry experts.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Current Notre Dame students interning or living in DC this summer are invited to a welcome dinner hosted by the Keough School and Notre Dame Washington Office. Join us after work for dinner, networking, and insights into Notre Dame’s work in Washington.

Date: Monday, June 16

Time: 6:00-8:00 p.m.

Location: Keough School of Global Affairs Washington Office | 1400 16th St NW

Students are encouraged to stay updated on summer programming by joining the DC Summer 2025 Google Group. Current students may join by searching “DC Summer 2025" on groups.google.com under "All Groups and Messages" and clicking "Join Group."

Know someone in DC who should be on our list for news and events? Please forward this email and encourage them to sign up for our newsletter. 

We invite you to follow us on LinkedIn and connect with our partners at:

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

ND Research | ND News

Learn more about our Washington Office team, and

contact us at washingtonoffice@nd.edu.