Connecting the Golden Dome With the Capitol Dome | October 2024

We’re thrilled to share three new additions to Notre Dame’s DC office. Over the past several months, we’ve welcomed Ciara Donovan (ND ‘21) as a Federal Research Associate, Irene Levering (ND ‘24) as a Federal Relations Associate, and Crystal Martinez (ND ‘03, ACE ‘05) as Executive Director for Federal Relations.

You can find our full team’s bios and contact information on Notre Dame's Federal Relations website - and read on for the latest updates from DC and campus.

Register here to attend a networking reception hosted by our colleagues at the Keough School of Global Affairs Washington office tomorrow, Tuesday, Oct. 22, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Meet the new dean of the Keough School, Mary Gallagher, and connect with fellow ND alumni and friends working in foreign policy and international development.

ND researchers are working with policymakers to improve hazard mitigation policies and build coastal resilience in the face of climate disasters, such as Hurricanes Helene and Milton. Tracy Kijewski-Correa, director of the William J. Pulte Institute for Global Development, recently briefed the bipartisan Senate Climate Solutions Caucus on the need for improved risk-modeling tools to ensure better prepared and more resilient coastal communities. Special thanks to Caucus co-chairs Senator Mike Braun and Senator Chris Coons for their engagement on data-driven policy solutions to the world’s biggest challenges.

September was a busy month for ND on the Hill, with faculty and staff from the Kroc Institute for International Peace Studies’ Peace Accords Matrix (PAM) and the Pulte Institute’s Central America Research Alliance (CARA) in town to share their research findings with lawmakers.

In a reflection of ND’s mission to be a global force for good, CARA researchers presented crucial insights on poverty, democracy, and human rights in Central America to policymakers, while PAM researchers met with staff from the Senate Foreign Relations Committee and other key congressional offices to discuss their work on monitoring implementation of the Colombian peace agreement. 

Click to learn more about PAM’s vital work in Colombia and beyond, and CARA’s efforts to combat democratic backsliding in Central America.

As part of his inauguration as ND’s 18th president this September, Fr. Bob Dowd, C.S.C., ‘87 delivered an inspiring inaugural address in which he called upon the University to embrace its collective responsibility as “bridge-builders” to a new era.

Fr. Dowd emphasized our distinct Catholic mission and the unique role the University plays around in the world, and unique responsibilities that come with it: “This is who we are, and are called to be. Seekers of truth. Sustainers of hope. Builders of bridges. Extending and expanding these gifts we’ve been given to others and to the world.” The Notre Dame Washington team is proud to help advance the University's force for good mission in partnership with the ND in DC community.

In his inaugural address, Notre Dame President Fr. Bob Dowd announced Pathways to Notre Dame, a historic expansion of the University’s affordability and financial aid initiatives aimed at giving all prospective undergraduates a bridge to the University. Recalling how his mother sacrificed to send him to Notre Dame, Fr. Dowd reinforced our commitment as the leading global Catholic research university to ensure all admitted students can afford a Notre Dame education. With the new policy, the University will adopt universal need-blind admissions and eliminate the need for student loans for all undergraduate students.

At last weekend’s Stanford game, ND reinforced its commitment to serving as bridge-builders for those in need by announcing a new partnership with the Military Spouse Advocacy Network (MSAN), a nonprofit organization that strengthens military families through education and empowerment. 

Beginning in spring 2025, ND faculty and its military-connected community will work with MSAN to administer two online courses for military spouses – one focused on ethical leadership skills for professional development and the other on resilience and mental health. The partnership was inspired by MSAN Board Advisor, Christine Grady, wife to Admiral Chris Grady, Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and a ‘84 ND alum.

By empowering and educating military spouses, ND reaffirms its support for those who serve our nation. Read more about ND’s partnership with MSAN here. 

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