Message from the
Executive Vice President
Notre Dame is built on the extraordinary vision, dedication, and generosity of many who have served and advanced our distinctive mission. Notably, I am indebted to my predecessor, John Affleck-Graves, our Trustees, and others who have established sound fiscal policies, fostered a culture of service, and provided a strong foundation upon which our University flourishes and is blessed.
As stewards of the preeminent Catholic research university, we are steadfastly committed to providing current and future students an unsurpassed undergraduate educational experience and to conducting groundbreaking research that makes a positive difference in the world. We continuously seek to improve our operational efficiencies and ensure the highest and best use of the University’s financial, physical, digital, and human resources. These practices, coupled with exceptionally generous benefaction and the strategic management of our Endowment Pool, allow students of all backgrounds to benefit from the gift of a life-changing Notre Dame education. We remain committed to need-blind admissions and our pledge to meet the full, demonstrated financial need of all undergraduate students. This year, nearly one-third of Endowment distributions were allocated to student financial aid.
Although hard hats, cranes, and construction vehicles are perhaps the most visible signs of progress at Notre Dame, they don’t fully reveal the thoughtful and carefully planned efforts to enhance our campus. This year, we have been working to faithfully restore and enhance a number of our iconic sacred spaces, residential buildings, and other facilities. During the summer, we completed work to make the Grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes a more beautiful and accessible setting for prayer and reflection. In the spring, we will complete the reconstruction of Corby Hall, home to the priests of the Congregation of Holy Cross, the religious order that founded Notre Dame and continues to play a critical role in its leadership and governance. In August 2019, we opened Baumer Hall, a new men’s residence hall, and in August 2020, we will open Johnson Family Hall, a residence hall for women. These are among several significant campus projects that enhance the life of our University community.
Beyond our physical campus, Notre Dame contributes to the vitality and economic growth of our region. Building on the momentum of the Indiana Regional Cities Initiative, Notre Dame received a transformational five-year $42.4 million grant from the Lilly Endowment Inc. in April 2019 to accelerate regional innovation and economic development. We are excited to engage with partners across the region to spur advancements in next-generation manufacturing, entrepreneurship, applied analytics, and technology.
We are deeply grateful for your support. While remaining faithful to its mission, Notre Dame continues to evolve and grow in exciting ways through the many new programs, facilities, and initiatives in which many of you have played an integral part. Ultimately, these efforts serve to enhance the inquiry, scholarship, and community central to the life of Notre Dame.
Shannon B. Cullinan
Executive Vice President