E-Newsletter | November 2025
| |
|
Dear Friend of ILI,
One of my favorite pastimes in the fall is to witness the migration of Sandhill Cranes. Sandhill Cranes are large, long-necked, strikingly beautiful birds, whose trumpeting calls can be heard two miles distant. Not far from campus is a small nature preserve that is home to these graceful creatures, and I like to invite ILI fellows to walk with me each fall in the hopes we might see and hear them.
|
|
|
|
I often liken the cranes’ migration to the journey our fellows take each year—traveling through uncertain skies, navigating headwinds, strengthening their bonds along the way. To undertake such a journey is to hold out the possibility of transformation, to be changed by the experience.
The fellows of Cohort 7 are almost halfway through their ILI journey of discovery, discernment, and design. They have learned alongside Notre Dame students in their classes; found moments of tranquility walking the lakes; shared stories and formed community in their weekly dinners. Like the cranes, they are enroute.
We hope you will enjoy this edition of Insights. In it you will find a recap of our ILI Signature Event and a touching, beautifully written essay by ILI alum Laura Barker. Laura writes of her own ILI Journey, which began some twenty-five years before she set foot on campus as a fellow of Cohort 4. It is a thoughtful reflection on the past, present, and future following a year of the ILI experience.
Laura's story is just one of many, and it may have you reflecting on your own path. If you are considering an ILI journey of your own, I invite you to review the information below regarding our upcoming virtual Information Sessions and our Application timeline. For readers who may be contemplating applying for Cohort 8 (2026-2027 academic year), the deadline for Round 2 of the application is January 18, 2026. You’ll also find a number to call if you want to talk it over with a member of our team.
In closing, I wish you a happy fall! I hope to see you here on campus sometime.
Until then,
John
|
|
|
ILI Signature Event in Review |
|
|
|
In October, we hosted a distinguished group of guests and speakers for the annual ILI Signature Event. This annual event consists of an Exploration Session for prospective ILI candidates, while we simultaneously welcome back our ILI program alumni for an ILI Alumni Reunion.
Prospects were treated to various sessions and panel discussions featuring ILI leadership, Notre Dame faculty, ILI alumni, and undergraduate students, both to help them get a clear sense of what the ILI experience is like for fellows and spouses,and to expose them to the vibrant campus community at Notre Dame. The prospects and ILI alumni events overlapped for an afternoon of academic immersion featuring two distinguished Notre Dame faculty members, and an installment of our speaker series Leadership in Public Conversation, which was co-sponsored by the Keough School of Global Affairs. Read more...
|
|
|
Alumni Reflection | Laura Barker (Cohort 4) |
|
|
|
I found myself on Notre Dame’s campus for the first time in September 1995. It was a beautiful sunny day-- perfect weather to watch a football game with my new boyfriend, Ken. The campus was full of students and game-day visitors wearing blue, gold, and Kelly green. We strolled down Notre Dame Avenue past perfectly manicured grounds with classically designed buildings as we headed towards the administration building, the famed golden dome topped with a statue of the Virgin Mary.
|
|
|
We arrived just in time to hear the school band's trumpets play the fight song. Afterwards, we ventured into the Basilica packed with tourists. Looking up, I marveled at the detailed paintings of saints and the blue ceiling dotted with gold stars. Next, we visited the Grotto where a crowd waited to light candles in petition to Mary, followed by a walk around the lake. It was the most beautiful college campus filled with school spirit I had ever visited. Ken introduced me to his college friends who played for Lou Holtz, as well as his former swim teammates. They all reveled in the hopes of a winning season, but I was so in love that I didn’t care if the Fighting Irish won or lost.
Life sometimes can go back to a beginning, a memory from long ago that provides an opportunity to reimagine the future. Twenty-seven years later, I was back on Notre Dame’s campus, only this time to move into a small cottage on Twyckenham to participate in the Inspired Leadership Initiative. My goal: to discover, discern, and design my next act. Read more...
|
|
|
Are you interested in learning more, or looking for a refresher about ILI? We'd love to connect and share more! Check out the opportunities for further exploration below.
Visit our website or use the links below to express interest or register. Or contact us at ili.admissions@nd.edu or 574-631-8070.
|
| |
|
| Virtual Information Sessions
We hold virtual Information Sessions throughout the year via Zoom. Sessions are scheduled for the following dates:
January 14
February 25
We invite you to register to attend using this link.
|
|
|
Connect with the ILI Team
Connect with a member of our team to talk about your interests and whether the ILI program is right for you, or ask any questions you have. Click the link above and we will connect you with an individual from our team for a personal phone or Zoom call. Or if you are planning to visit campus, we'd love to meet in person!
|
| |
|
| We are accepting applications for our eighth cohort, which begins in August 2026.
There are two more opportunities to apply:
Round 2 Deadline: January 18
Round 3 Deadline: March 1
Visit our Admissions page below for more information on the selection process, admissions timeline, and a link to apply.
|
|
|
Follow our LinkedIn page for the most up to date news and announcements.
If you have any questions about our program, please contact us at ili@nd.edu or 574-631-8070.
|
|
|
Manage your preferences | Opt Out using TrueRemove™
Got this as a forward? Sign up to receive our future emails.
View this email online.
|
329 DeBartolo Hall | Notre Dame, IN 46556-5677 US
|
|
|
This email was sent to .
To continue receiving our emails, add us to your address book.
|
|
|
|
