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University of Notre Dame
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University of Notre Dame Introduction
Every year in late August, freshmen converge upon Notre Dame’s campus in South Bend, Indiana, rushing from one freshman orientation event to the next. During the many dances, the Alumni Hall Tie Dye Party, and the Orientation Mass, a certain phrase resonates throughout the campus: “the Notre Dame family.” This one phrase, which has a slightly different meaning for each student and alum, is a distinctive element of the University of Notre Dame.
I experienced “the Notre Dame family” immediately during my initial days at the university. I first sensed the friendliness among the students when my parents and I arrived on campus. As we pulled up to my dorm, a number of my hall-mates descended upon our car, fully packed with all the essentials for college, and helped us carry all my stuff to my room. But the Notre Dame family is more than just friendliness; the campus has a sense of togetherness to it. During those first days on campus my parents and I immediately felt at home in my new surroundings and we began to realize that my Notre Dame experience would not only be for me, but would include my parents in many ways as well; they too would become part of the Notre Dame family.
The phrase “Notre Dame family” embodies three of the main characteristics of Notre Dame: community, tradition, and Catholic heritage.
The campus setting makes it easy to foster a close-knit community. With its tree-lined paths and two lakes, the 1,250-acre campus seems to be isolated from the rest of the world. The university is located ninety miles east of Chicago and has more than 130 buildings on campus. The dorms in particular are an integral part of the campus and enhance the feeling of community. Eighty percent of students live on campus, and most remain on campus for three or four years.
Notre Dame’s Catholic roots are a vital part of life at the university. Even the buildings on campus, such as Sacred Heart Basilica, the Grotto, and “Touchdown Jesus” on the side of the library, demonstrate the Catholic character and influence at the school. Eighty-five percent of Notre Dame students are Catholic, and the Catholic nature of the school is emphasized in all aspects of life at the university, including classes. In fact, one of the main social activities of the week for dorm residents and off-campus students is Sunday night mass in the dorm chapels.
The Notre Dame family can trace its roots back 162 years to when Fr. Sorin and his fellow Holy Cross religious brothers founded l’Université de Notre Dame du lac (Our Lady of the Lake) in three small log buildings. The campus has grown significantly since that time, but the strong desire to educate students in the classroom and beyond remains. By the time freshmen reach graduation day, they will realize that they are part of a unique group that extends beyond South Bend. And although the students may have different memories of what makes Notre Dame such a special place, each will have been shaped in some way by the elements of the Notre Dame family.
The plethora of activities, programs, and facilities at Notre Dame allows students to create their own experience while at the university. As the phrase “Notre Dame family” has a different connotation for each student and graduate, so does the “Notre Dame experience.” Although the school encourages students to be involved in all aspects of university life, students can choose if they want to focus more on academics, service, student government, or the arts. It is the same for social activities, where there is something for everyone.
The spirit of Notre Dame students and graduates proves that there is something special about the place. The fact that people affiliated with Notre Dame call it a family shows that students and graduates really care about the school and the people involved with it.
When I think about all of my experiences at Notre Dame, a certain image comes to my mind. No matter where we were, at a football game, mass, or special function, every time students and faculty heard the Notre Dame alma mater played, we put our arms around each other and swayed. Friends, strangers, teachers, students—it didn’t matter. It was always such a powerful and unifying sight to have everyone together for that moment and exhibiting what the “Notre Dame family” really meant.
All in all, it is the last lines of the Notre Dame alma mater, “Notre Dame, Our Mother,” that truly summarize how its students and graduates feel about the school: “And our hearts forever, Love thee, Notre Dame.”
University of Notre Dame Academics
For many students, Notre Dame marks the first time they are required to question and articulate their feelings about their faith, social beliefs, and politics. No longer are students asked to simply regurgitate information as they did in high school; instead, as students learn world history, finance, and calculus, they begin to define themselves and what is important to them. A Notre Dame graduate once stated, “In the Notre Dame classroom, the spirit and the intellect culminate.”
As a Catholic school, the university could easily expect that students believe only what the Catholic Church teaches, but often, the required theology and philosophy core classes force students to take a serious look at what they believe and why. The Notre Dame learning environment is a unique combination of faith and questioning.
The Colleges and Majors
Notre Dame is divided into five colleges: Arts and Letters (the largest), Business, Science, Engineering, and Architecture. Overall, the most popular majors are political science, finance, and accounting, with majors such as history and economics growing in popularity. Notre Dame also has a strong preprofessional studies program, which combine medical school prerequisite courses with a liberal arts major or additional science classes. Each college also has its own academic organizations and honor societies, including the Arts and Letters Business Society and the Management Club.
First Year of Studies
Before selecting a college, all students are enrolled into the First Year of Studies (FYS), a program created to help freshmen adjust to college-level academics. The FYS assigns each student an advisor, who guides students with course selection, choosing a college and/or a major, and with concerns about classes. The FYS center also provides students with tutors and study groups if necessary. Students must fulfill the core requirements of the FYS before they can enter sophomore year. Usually, students do not have any difficulty completing the required classes since approximately half of each incoming freshman class receives class credit for AP classes and SAT Subject Test scores.
Although taking calculus for a future political science major might seem like sheer agony, Notre Dame adheres to the philosophy of a well-rounded education, and offers its core classes as a way to achieve this purpose. For example, while in the FYS program, all students must complete one semester of Freshman Seminar and Composition and Literature (Comp and Lit). Freshman Seminar is a literature class that addresses any topic the professor selects, from reading Plato’s Republic the entire semester to studying the subject of leadership through reading books about Ghandi. Comp and Lit is more of a grammar class that focuses on improving the overall structure of a student’s writing through rewriting and peer evaluations.
By the end of their sophomore year, students are required to declare a major, but at this point, most students have created a program of study simply by taking electives that interest them.
College Seminar
If students declare Arts and Letters as their college, they are required to complete a unique course called College Seminar, a semester-long class with approximately thirteen to twenty students, guided by an Arts and Letters professor. Each course is built around the academic specialty of the instructor, but all explore the breadth of the liberal arts.
My class was lead by Professor T. R. Swartz of the economics department, a man of unmatched energy. The first action he took was to move our class from the uncomfortable, stiff chairs in O’Shaughnessy to the inviting lounge of a residence hall. Next, he limited our writing assignments to one page, exactly, no eight-point fonts and no wide margins. He forced us to write briefly, concisely, and weekly. Our class, a diverse group of students, became fast friends. No one missed class, and it was at 9:00 A.M., which is considered early in college. After an intense year of discussion and thought, T.R. told us, “Choose a theme for your life. Find a purpose and direct your actions toward it.” Never in my life have such simple words had such a profound effect on me.
Internships
Students have the opportunity to apply for internships that pique their interest, both on and off campus. For example, the local NBC affiliate, WNDU-TV, and the Notre Dame News and Information office offer internships to qualified students. Many students apply to be teachers’ assistants their senior year, a rewarding experience that allows upper- and lower-class students to work together closely.
My senior year I had the opportunity to design, implement, and write a thesis in psychology that incorporated my interests in children, minority populations, and psychological experience. Through the university’s strong connections to the community (in my case, Head Start of South Bend) and the guidance of the faculty, my work had an established framework in which I could create an experience that was meaningful to me. There was room for individuality and independence within a supportive structure, which is sometimes a tough balance to achieve, but an example of how the academic experience at Notre Dame is broader than the limited space of a classroom.
Study Abroad
Many students go abroad their sophomore or junior year. In fact, among research universities, Notre Dame has the third highest percentage of students engaged in international study programs. Some of the popular year-long programs are in Angers, France; Innsbruck, Austria; and Toledo, Spain. Students who participate in the year-long programs tend to go during their sophomore year and are required to take intensive language courses before they go. The favorite semester-long programs include London; Jerusalem; Santiago, Chile; and Fremantle, Australia. All of the abroad programs are competitive to get into, so often students end up enrolling in other universities’ programs, although it does sometimes affect class credit.
Physically Challenged Students
To further diversify Notre Dame academics, the university provides programs to accommodate students with disabilities. For example, students with challenges can get note takers, have extended time on exams, or use textbooks on disk to ensure equal access to all disciplines and facilities.
Libraries
Students also have access to almost three million volumes in the ten libraries located on campus. Most of these facilities have late hours and are open twenty-four hours a day during exams. In addition, there are ten computer clusters throughout the campus, many of which are always open.
Because Notre Dame is a highly competitive college that requires students to put in long hours of studying, it is common to see students heading off to the library on Friday and Saturday nights to do class work. Notre Dame students are dedicated to their education and are willing to put in the extra hours on the weekend if necessary, even if they are only going to be studying on the extremely social second floor of the Hesburgh Library.
After four years of intense learning at Notre Dame, students are armed with the tools of the Notre Dame academic environment—independence, questioning, and discipline—and are prepared to commence learning in the real world.
University of Notre Dame Admissions
The University of Notre Dame looks for students who are Renaissance individuals— intellectuals, leaders, athletes, artists, and volunteers. Basically, Notre Dame wants the best all-around students.
In a recent freshman class, 11,316 students applied for entrance, 3,581 were admitted, and 1,995 enrolled. On average, the students who enrolled graduated in the top five percent of their senior class; in fact, thirty-four percent ranked one, two, three, four, or five in their class.
As one recent Notre Dame grad put it:
I remember attending a freshman orientation program with my entire freshman class and their families. The Dean of Student Affairs asked those students who had been valedictorians or salutatorians of their high school classes to raise their hands. As I looked around, I was surrounded by a sea of raised arms. That’s when I realized my class was packed with students who were all accustomed to being number one.
So, how does Notre Dame evaluate all of the applications it receives every year? There are five areas on which students are judged: high school record, standardized tests, teachers’ evaluations, extracurricular accomplishments, and the essays and personal statement submitted with the application.
From a student’s high school record, Notre Dame considers the quality of the school’s curriculum. Notre Dame recommends that applying students take four years of English, math, science, foreign language, history, and electives. The admissions counselors especially look at stu- dents who have pushed themselves by taking honors and AP-level classes, in addition to courses such as precalculus or calculus, chemistry, and physics. A current Notre Dame student said:
The only reason I suffered through physics in high school was so it would be on my transcript when I applied to Notre Dame, even though I knew I was going to be an English major.
Notre Dame also considers a student’s class rank, grades, and the academic competition at the high school.
Standardized Tests
Notre Dame requires either the SAT or the ACT and candidly admits it places a great deal of emphasis on standardized tests. The mid fifty percent score ranges of entering freshmen are 1300–1450 (SAT, based on 1600) and 30–33 (ACT).
Recommendations
Because Notre Dame does not interview candidates, teacher recommendations are one way for the admissions counselors to learn about the applicants personally. Students should have a variety of teachers, who have worked with them extensively, write their evaluations.
Extracurricular Activities
As mentioned earlier, Notre Dame seeks enthusiastic students who have developed themselves inside and outside of the classroom; therefore, the university weighs extracurricular activities heavily. Students are judged on leadership positions in clubs and student government, school and community involvement, and special talents. Also, because service work is an important aspect of life at Notre Dame, the university looks for students who have volunteered at social service organizations such as nursing homes, soup kitchens, and day care centers.
Personal Statements
Finally, a student’s essays and personal statements are thrown into the evaluation mix; these compositions are vital to providing the admissions counselor with an inside look at the student. For instance, one essay asks students to reflect on how a book, poem, play, or piece of music has influenced their lives. Also, Notre Dame requires two long essays and three shorter essays, which is more than many schools’ applications.
Application Plans
Notre Dame has two application plans, Early Action and Regular Action. With Early Action, a good option for people who have exceptional grades and standardized test scores, applications are due the beginning of November. If admitted through Early Action, students do not have to withdraw their applications from other schools and they have until May 1 to inform Notre Dame of their decision. Most students still apply Regular Action, however, in which applications are due at the beginning of January.
International and Minority Students
The student body at Notre Dame is geographically diverse, representing all fifty states, more than 100 countries, and five continents. Notre Dame believes international students add a unique perspective to the campus and make the university an international center of teaching and research; however, due to the Catholic heritage of the school, Notre Dame is not very mixed ethnically. Only about seventeen percent of the student body are minority students.
Similar to many highly competitive colleges, Notre Dame has made a serious commitment to recruiting minority students; for example, Notre Dame hosts two events every year to introduce minority students to life at the school. One is the Fall Open House, which has become a popular event for prospective students. Later in the year, after acceptances are sent out, Notre Dame brings admitted students and their families to Notre Dame for a three-day campus visit to help them with the decision process.
Women
Notre Dame also has increased the number of women in its student body. About five years ago, the ratio of men to women was three to one; now it is almost one to one. To accommodate the increased number of women students, Notre Dame converted some male dorms into female dorms and constructed several new residence halls.
Children of Alums
Part of the reason Notre Dame has maintained its traditions and family feeling is the fact that about twenty-five percent of the students are children of Notre Dame alums. Each year the university aims to admit the appropriate number of daughters and sons of alums to maintain this statistic.
Although it is not unusual to have three generations from one family attend the University of Notre Dame, my grandfather, father, and I share a unique experience in that we all graduated exactly thirty years apart (’34, ’64, ’94). And while it is true we had individual experiences and memories spanning over half a century, we share a timeless bond with every other member who makes up the much larger “Notre Dame family”: an overwhelming sense of community, tradition, and pride.
Visits
For applying students who wish to visit the campus, Notre Dame will arrange an informational meeting with an admissions counselor and an overnight stay in a residence hall with a student host. To get the feeling of attending Notre Dame, the prospective student sits in on classes and eats at the dining hall. The program is a great way for students to experience the campus and decide if Notre Dame is the right fit for them.
University of Notre Dame Financial Aid
When compared to other Catholic and private universities that are nationally recognized for academic excellence, the overall costs for Notre Dame tend to be lower.
For a recent academic year, Notre Dame expected tuition and academic fees would be around $33,407, and room and board approximately $8,730. For books, students can expect to pay about $850 per year. To cut back on the cost of books, students often purchase course materials from each other or buy used books from Pandora’s Books, located on the corner of Howard Street and Notre Dame Avenue, about three blocks south of campus. The university reminds students to expect costs to increase annually in order to maintain Notre Dame’s solid academic environment.
As for personal expenses, the overall cost of living in South Bend is less than in other cities, but students typically spent $1,000 to $1,500 per year for incidentals as well as social and weekend activities, such as going out for dinner, movies, and other social activities.
In the last few years, the university has made aggressive efforts to substantially increase its financial aid funding.
According to Joe Russo, Director of Financial Aid:
In 1990, Notre Dame had $5.5 million for financial aid, and in 2003, the amount increased significantly, to more than $78 million. We have now reached the point where every student who gets into Notre Dame can afford to attend Notre Dame and experience the Notre Dame family.
This growth in funding stems from programs including post-season football bowl games, the Affinity credit card (each time alums use their Notre Dame credit card, money is donated to Notre Dame’s financial aid fund), the NBC contract to televise Notre Dame home football games, and licensing income from Notre Dame paraphernalia sold around the United States.
The Package
When a student receives financial aid from Notre Dame, the university works with the student and his or her family to create a financial aid package, often a combination of low-interest loans (Perkins Student Loans and Stafford Student Loans), scholarship money, and work-study. The university encourages work-study for students on financial aid to help cover their personal expenses. Options for on-campus employment include working in the dining halls, computer clusters, at the athletic department, and in the library. Also, the Notre Dame alumni clubs across the country provide hundreds of scholarships annually, now totaling more than $1 million, to incoming students.
Grants and Other Options
As part of Notre Dame’s efforts to increase the ethnic and socioeconomic diversity at the school, the university offers the Holy Cross Grants. These scholarship programs are awarded to students from disadvantaged backgrounds.
Other financial aid options include two-, three-, and four-year ROTC scholarships with the Air Force, Army, or Navy (includes Marines). These scholarships sometimes cover full tuition, and books, and provide a $150 monthly stipend. A little more than five percent of Notre Dame’s students are on one of the above ROTC scholarships. In fact, Notre Dame’s Navy ROTC unit is the second largest in the country (the Naval Academy is first).
To apply for financial aid, students are required to submit the standard Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and the PROFILE of the College Scholarship Service (CSS) by February 15, but are encouraged to file them as early as possible.
University of Notre Dame Students
Students at Notre Dame are as busy with club meetings and sports during the week as they are with their normal course load.
Although Notre Dame does not have a Greek system, students reside in the same dorm throughout their stay at Notre Dame and are often identified by the dorm they live in. For example, it is common to hear students refer to each other by saying, “She lives in Walsh” or “He used to live in Carroll Hall.” The dorms organize a large number of student activities, including volunteer tutoring at local schools, dinners with Brother/Sister dorms, and residence hall councils.
Volunteering
On the non-athletic side, the Center for Social Concerns (CSC) runs more than thirty-five community service clubs that offer students the opportunity to participate in volunteer programs in the South Bend area, as well as across the country and around the world. About seventy-five percent of the Notre Dame student body participated in programs coordinated through the CSC, including Big Brothers/Big Sisters, Habitat for Humanity, Neighborhood Study Help Program, and Recycling Irish. The CSC epitomizes the Notre Dame spirit. The center uses a holistic method by enhancing students’ spiritual and intellectual awareness of today’s social realities through service opportunities and seminars. The center also identifies volunteer programs to participate in around the country with service trips to areas such as Appalachia and the inner cities. In addition, each summer, more than 125 Notre Dame alumni clubs sponsor 200 Notre Dame students in Summer Service Projects around the United States. Said a recent graduate, who participated in a Summer Service Project while at Notre Dame:
I spent the summer before my senior year living in a Jersey City homeless shelter for women and their children. I was given the opportunity to see the tough realities of the world. One woman I clearly remember was a twenty-year-old mother who was wise beyond her years, struggling to find a job while being supported by the welfare system. Through her I learned what really matters in life: unconditional love, trust, and spirituality. I didn’t need to know anything else.
Special Interest Clubs
Notre Dame has more than twenty special interest clubs including College Republicans, College Democrats, and Knights of Columbus. In addition, the university offers twenty-three ethnic organizations such as the African and American Student Alliance, the Hispanic American Organization, and the Korean Club.
Performing Programs
Although Notre Dame historically has not been known as a performing arts school, that is quickly changing, especially with the construction of a new Performing Arts Center, which opened in fall 2004. Students currently have a variety of programs to choose from. There are a range of music groups, from Shenanigans, a song and dance troupe, to the Liturgical Choir, and nine instrumental music groups, including Concert Band. If students are interested in drama, a number of different troupes put on performances throughout the year, including The Freshmen Four, St. Edward’s Hall Players, and the Department of Film, Television, and Theatre, which produces four plays. The relocation of Actors From the London Stage to Notre Dame has prompted a surge in Shakespearean productions on campus.
Publications
For future Pulitzer Prize winners, Notre Dame has several student-run publications: The Observer, the daily newspaper; Scholastic, the weekly news magazine; and The Dome, Notre Dame’s yearbook. All of these publications have positions for students interested in copywriting, design, and photography. Students with a strong interest in music have the opportunity to be DJs at WVFI-AM, the alternative music station, and WSND-FM, the classical music station.
Additional special annual events on campus include the Sophomore Literary Festival, the Collegiate Jazz Festival, and the Black Cultural Arts Festival.
Weekend Activities
The weekends offer Notre Dame students plenty of social and recreational activities as well. In the fall, weekends are dominated by Notre Dame football games, both home and away. Students often have family and friends visit on these weekends to tailgate before the game, follow the marching band across campus, and dine by candlelight at the dining halls. Many people say that life at Notre Dame ends after football season, but, since Notre Dame has joined the Big East, other sports, such as men’s and women’s soccer, volleyball, hockey, lacrosse, and men’s and women’s basketball games, have become popular events. In fact, women’s basketball games average 7,800 fans since winning the 2001 National Championships.
Although traditional dating is not common at Notre Dame, dorms host dances and formals throughout the school year.
Notre Dame does not allow hard alcohol in dorm rooms, and the university has strict penalties if underage students are caught drinking in the halls or carrying alcohol across campus. On-campus parties usually end by 2:00 A.M. when parietals, or visiting hours, end. As a university that is based on Roman Catholic values, Notre Dame has single-sex dorms and enforces visiting hours. If a student is found in a dorm of the opposite sex after parietals, there are serious consequences.
Upper-class students often host parties at off-campus student housing complexes, such as Campus View and Lafayette Square, or hang out at popular bars, such as Club 23, Corby’s, and Legends, the restaurant/bar located on campus.
Many students enjoy dining out on the weekends at favorite local restaurants, such as Macri’s Deli for sandwiches, Bruno’s for pizza, Rocco’s for pasta, and CJ’s for burgers. Also, the Student Union Board (SUB) and the Snite Museum show recently released films on campus.
Popular Social Events
- Junior Parents Weekend
- Morrissey Film Festival
- Fisher Regatta
- Beaux Arts Ball
- Glee Club Christmas Concert
- Bengal Bouts
University of Notre Dame Athletics
Tradition is an important aspect of life at Notre Dame, and the most famous tradition at the university is football. From the “1812 Overture” played at the beginning of each game’s fourth quarter, to the world’s oldest marching band, to the legends of Knute Rockne and the Gipper, “Fightin’ Irish” football is rich in tradition. Because of the team’s national reputation, many believe Notre Dame is much larger than its average enrollment of 8,300 undergraduates. Overall, the Irish athletic programs annually rank among the top twenty in the nation for both men and women.
Intramural sports are very popular. Each dorm usually offers football (men), flag football (women), basketball, and soccer. Since the majority of students played varsity sports in high school, and many were captains of their teams, intramural sports are extremely competitive. In fact, Notre Dame may be the only school where students play intramural football wearing full gear. Women’s flag football is equally competitive; injuries such as concussions, broken wrists, and cuts requiring stitches are not uncommon. In line with Notre Dame’s love of football, the championship games for both of these football teams are played at Notre Dame Stadium.
After classes, students work out at the athletic facilities available on campus, including the Rockne Memorial (the Rock), the Joyce Center, Rolfs Sports Recreation Center, Rolfs Aquatic Center, and Loftus Center. Students are able to swim, run on tracks and treadmills, ride stationary bikes, lift weights, or participate in aerobics classes at these fitness centers. In addition, Notre Dame has a new Ben Crenshaw-designed golf course for students and alumni to play on from April through October.
The traditions of Notre Dame extend past the football season. Events such as the Keenan Review, a “talent” show performed by the residents of Keenan Hall; An Tostal, the student spring festival; Bookstore Basketball, the world’s largest five-on-five outdoor basketball tournament; and the Blue and Gold game, the spring inter-squad football scrimmage, all contribute to traditional life at Notre Dame.
University of Notre Dame Alumni
Every home football game, Notre Dame alumni wander around the campus, remembering the days when the university belonged to them. Wearing their green shamrock-covered pants, they visit the bookstore, stop by concession stands, and stroll past their old dorms. As the current students pass the old alums on their way to tailgate, Notre Dame students promise themselves they will never become sentimental graduates, but when graduation day arrives, they find themselves reminiscing about their time at Notre Dame as well. The recent grads might be wearing jeans instead of plaid pants, but suddenly they also become nostalgic about their alma mater. Notre Dame alums are known for being maudlin when it comes to the university, and are the butt of many jokes as a result, but it is difficult to leave Notre Dame and not realize that it is a special place. Once someone attends Notre Dame, whether it was in the 1940s or in the 21st century, that person is always a member. It isn’t a coincidence that Notre Dame boasts one of the largest and most loyal alumni networks of any U.S. college. The university has 218 clubs in the United States and fifty-four alumni clubs worldwide.
In 1996 the Office of Institutional Research at Notre Dame conducted a survey of the undergraduate Class of 1986. The survey intended to find how satisfied those graduates were with their Notre Dame educational experience, if they felt prepared for life after college, and if they would select Notre Dame again if they could relive their college experience. In all of the questionnaire areas, student satisfaction indicated that the overwhelming majority (eighty-five to ninety-five percent) of alums had positive and enthusiastic feelings about their experience at Notre Dame.
After graduating from Notre Dame, alumni locate all over the world and enter a wide array of professions. Every year, Notre Dame sends the largest percentage of its graduates into the career world. The most popular fields graduates enter into include, law, marketing and sales, engineering, medicine, and accounting.
Prominent Grads
- Regis Philbin, ’53, Television Personality
- Mark Shields, ’59, Political Analyst for CNN and PBS
- Bruce Babbitt, ’60, Former Secretary of the Interior
- Philip Purcell, ’64, CEO of Morgan Stanley Dean Witter & Co.
- Eric Wieschaus, ’69, Nobel Prize- Winning Scientist
- Condoleezza Rice, ’75, Master’s, National Security Advisor
- Judge Ann Williams, ’75, U.S. Appeals Court Judge for the Seventh Circuit
- James Weatherbee, ’74, Astronaut
- Hannah Storm, ’83, CBS News
Career Center
To help students secure positions in the business world, Notre Dame’s Career Center holds seminars about writing résumés and preparing for interviews, and also counsels students on what professional careers fit their interests. The Career Center invites a range of companies to the campus; however, many of the companies tend to be better matches for business and engineering students than for liberal arts majors.
Advanced Degrees
Many students go on to pursue advanced degrees, in law, medicine, MBA programs, or other graduate programs. Almost half of all Notre Dame grads eventually go on to complete at least one advanced degree.
Service Programs
After graduation, social service continues to be an integral part of many students’ lives. In recent years, about ten percent of each graduating class has entered into a one- or two-year service program, domestic and abroad. The Center for Social Concerns, which brings numerous postgraduate service programs to campus, advises students on what programs are available and would be a good match in terms of structure, location, and activity. Some of the more popular programs include Jesuit Volunteer Corps, Alliance for Catholic Education (ACE, a Notre Dame-founded program), Inner City Teaching Corps, and the Peace Corps.
Alumni Support
In terms of alumni annual giving, Notre Dame ranks third in the nation, but alumni are dedicated to Notre Dame more than just financially. Approximately 161,000 alums participate in events organized by the alumni clubs, such as golf outings, happy hours, and vacations. There are also activities meant to enhance the spiritual, educational, and professional aspects of alumni’s lives. For example, the Alumni Association has started a program that brings graduates back to South Bend to rehab houses in the area and the Chicago Alumni Club frequently hosts networking meetings for graduates.
When a student graduates from Notre Dame and is unclear what area he or she wants to enter or is looking for a career change later in life, the Notre Dame alumni make up a strong support network. Graduates often look to each other for career guidance, resources, and connections, even if they graduated generations apart.
Alums permeate every field worldwide, from politics and the film industry to medical research and education, yet they all share the moral, ethical, and spiritual framework of the Notre Dame family.
University of Notre Dame Faculty
The majority of classes at Notre Dame have fifteen to twenty-five students. With classes that size and a student-teacher ratio of thirteen to one, students and teachers develop close relationships, a crucial element of the educational experience at Notre Dame. Teachers often invite students to their homes for dinner to hold class discussions or simply socialize.
Academics at Notre Dame is a two-part machine, student and teacher, and when they are functioning in sync, they create the spirit of Notre Dame. Professors at the university guide their students, but allow them the necessary freedom to discover their interests and strengths.
Local News for University of Notre Dame
Senior captain's injury also hurting Irish women's soccer's offense September 30th
Michael Floyd is not the only Notre Dame offensive star out for a prolonged period right now. Notre Dame women's soccer senior captain Michele Weissenhofer has not seen playing time since the No. 10 Irish lost to No. 11 Santa Clara 2-0 on Sept. 11.
Notre Dame's run defense improving September 29th
The Irish defense was far from dominant in Saturday's heart-stopping 24-21 win at Purdue, but a quick look at the statistics shows Notre Dame did a pretty decent job of stopping the Boilermakers, particularly on the ground.
Second string shines for Irish in win over Boilermakers September 28th
For the storybook ending, it was the usual cast of Notre Dame stars that connected to give the Irish a 24-21 win at Purdue. But before Jimmy Clausen and Kyle Rudolph's heroics, it was an unheralded set of Irish backups that staked the injury-plagued team to an early 17-7 lead and set the stage before Clausen led the comeback win.
Information Summary
Ranks 16th overall and 1st in Indiana
| Overall Score
On StateUniversity.com (about) |
98.6 |
|---|---|
| Total Cost
On-Campus Attendance |
$46,727 |
| Admission
Success rate |
24% |
| ACT / SAT
75 %ile scores |
34 / 1510 |
| Student Ratio
Ratio of students to faculty |
13 : 1 |
| Retention
(Full-Time / Part-Time) |
98% / 50% |
| Enrollment
Total (all students) |
11,603 |
Demographics – Main Campus and Surrounding Areas
Reported area around or near Notre Dame, IN 46556
| Surrounding community | Large suburb (inside urban area but outside city, pop. over 250,000) |
|---|---|
| Total Population | 6,747 (6,747 urban / N/A rural) |
| Households | 17 (2.29 people per house) |
| Families | 12 (2.42 people per family) |
| Pop. — African American | 240 |
| Pop. — Asian | 238 |
| Pop. — Pacific Islander | 22 |
| Pop. — American Indian / Alaskan Native | 50 |
| Pop. — White (incl. Hispanic) | 6,155 |
| Pop. — Other | 218 |
Carnegie Foundation Classification
Research Universities (very high research activity)
| Undergraduate | Balanced arts & sciences/professions, high graduate coexistence |
|---|---|
| Graduate | Comprehensive doctoral (no medical/veterinary) |
| Undergraduate Population | Full-time four-year, more selective, lower transfer-in |
| Enrollment | Majority undergraduate |
| Size & Setting | Large four-year, highly residential |
General Characteristics
| Highest offering | Doctoral degree |
|---|---|
| Calendar System | Semester |
| Years of college work required | N/A |
| Variable Tuition |  |
Special Learning Opportunities
| Distance Learning |  |
|---|---|
| ROTC — Army / Navy / Air Force | —
/
/
|
| Study Abroad | |
| Weekend College | |
| Teacher Certification | |
Student Tuition Costs and Fees
What are the typical tuition costs and fees for attending University of Notre Dame?
Ranks 97th for total cost of attendance
| In District | In State | Out of State | |
|---|---|---|---|
| FT Undergraduate Tuition | $34,680 | $34,680 | $34,680 |
| FT Undergraduate Required Fees | $507 | $507 | $507 |
| PT Undergraduate per Credit Hour | $1,445 | $1,445 | $1,445 |
| FT Graduate Tuition | $34,580 | $34,580 | $34,580 |
| FT Graduate Required Fees | $520 | $520 | $520 |
| PT Graduate per Credit Hour | $1,921 | $1,921 | $1,921 |
| Total Cost of Attendance — On-Campus | $46,727 | $46,727 | $46,727 |
| Total Cost of Attendance — Off-Campus w/out Family | $36,037 | $36,037 | $36,037 |
| Total Cost of Attendance — Off-Campus with Family | $36,037 | $36,037 | $36,037 |
Student Tuition Costs for Professional Fields
What are the typical tuition costs and fees for getting a professional degree?
| In State | Out of State | |
|---|---|---|
| Theology Degree — Tuition | $34,580 | $34,580 |
| Theology Degree — Required Fees | $520 | $520 |
| Law Degree — Tuition | $35,490 | $35,490 |
| Law Degree — Required Fees | $460 | $460 |
Student Tuition Cost History and Trends
Three year history and trends on the cost of attending
| In District | In State | Out of State | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Published Tuition & Fees | $31,542  $35,187 |
$31,542  $35,187 |
$31,542  $35,187 |
| Cost (regardless of residency) | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Books & Supplies | $850  $850 |
||
| On-Campus – Room & Board | $8,010  $9,290 |
||
| On-Campus – Other Expenses | $1,400  $1,400 |
||
| Off-Campus w/out Family – Room & Board | N/A  N/A |
||
| Off-Campus w/out Family – Other Expenses | N/A  N/A |
||
| Off-Campus with Family – Room & Board | N/A  N/A |
||
Admission Details
| Application Fee Required | N/A |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate Application Fee | $65 |
| Graduate Application Fee | $35 |
| First Professional Application Fee | $60 |
| Applicants | 14,503 (7,430 male / 7,073 female) |
| Admitted | 3,549 (1,856 male / 1,693 female) |
| Admission rate | 24% |
| First-time Enrollment | 1,991 (1,042 male / 949 female) |
| FT Enrollment | 1,989 (1,041 male / 948 female) |
| PT Enrollment | 2 (1 male / 1 female) |
| Total Enrollment | 11,603 |
Admission Criteria
What criteria does University of Notre Dame use for admissions?
| Open Admissions | |
|---|---|
| Secondary School GPA / Rank / Record |  / / |
| College Prep. Completion |  |
| Recommendations | |
| Formal competency demo | N/A |
| Admission test scores | |
| TOEFL | |
| Other tests | N/A |
= Neither required nor recommended
Admission Credits Accepted
What types of credits does University of Notre Dame accept?
| Dual Credit | |
|---|---|
| Life Experience | |
| Advanced Placement (AP) | |
Athletics - Association Memberships
| Sports / Athletic Conference Memberships | NCAA |
|---|---|
| NCAA Football Conference | Division I-A Independents |
| NCAA Basketball Conference | Big East Conference |
| NCAA Baseball Conference | Big East Conference |
| NCAA Track & Field Conference | Big East Conference |
ACT Test Admission
Ranks 6th for 75pctl scores
| Applicants submitting ACT results | 42% |
|---|---|
| Verbal scores (25/75 %ile) | / |
| Math scores (25/75 %ile) | / |
| Cumulative scores (25/75 %ile) | 31 / 34 |
SAT Test Admission
Ranks 21st for 75pctl scores
| Applicants submitting SAT results | 58% |
|---|---|
| Verbal scores (25/75 %ile) | 640 / 750 |
| Math scores (25/75 %ile) | 660 / 760 |
| Cumulative scores (25/75 %ile) | 1300 / 1510 |
Student Services
| Remedial Services | |
|---|---|
| Academic / Career Counseling | |
| PT Cost-defraying Employment | |
| Career Placement | |
| On-Campus Day Care | |
| Library Facility | |
Student Living
| First-time Room / Board Required | |
|---|---|
| Dorm Capacity | 6,956 |
| Meals per Week | 21 |
| Room Fee | N/A |
| Board Fee | N/A |
Student Financial Aid Details
How many students use Financial Aid, and how much do they use?
University of Notre Dame Ranks 1268th for the average student loan amount.
| Average | Users | % of Attendees | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Federal Grant Aid | $38,786 | 187 |  10% |
| State & Local Grant Aid | $4,257 | 852 |  43% |
| Institutional Grant Aid | $19,017 | 1,032 |  53% |
| Student Loan Aid | $5,604 | 1,091 |  56% |
| Any financial aid type | 1,484 |  76% |
Student Enrollment Demographics
How many students are enrolled at University of Notre Dame?
| Men | Women | Total | |
|---|---|---|---|
Non Resident Alien | 548 | 320 | 868 |
Black Non-Hispanic | 212 | 200 | 412 |
Hispanic | 437 | 512 | 949 |
Asian / Pacific Islander | 335 | 362 | 697 |
American Indian / Alaskan Native | 38 | 43 | 81 |
White Non-Hispanic | 4,932 | 3,664 | 8,596 |
Race Unknown | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Total | 6,502 | 5,101 | 11,603 |
Student Graduation Demographics
How many students graduated at University of Notre Dame?
| Men | Women | Total | |
|---|---|---|---|
Non Resident Alien | 42 | 19 | 61 |
Black Non-Hispanic | 34 | 39 | 73 |
Hispanic | 65 | 82 | 147 |
Asian / Pacific Islander | 39 | 46 | 85 |
American Indian / Alaskan Native | 6 | 3 | 9 |
White Non-Hispanic | 850 | 730 | 1,580 |
Race Unknown | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Total | 1,036 | 919 | 1,955 |
Most Popular Fields of Study
The top 5 fields of study completed at University of Notre Dame.
| Men | Women | Total | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 196 | 124 | 320 | |
| 233 | 67 | 300 | |
| 110 | 99 | 209 | |
| 159 | 48 | 207 | |
| 110 | 74 | 184 |
Student Completion / Graduation Demographics
How many students are successful graduates?
Faculty Compensation / Salaries
University of Notre Dame Ranks 67th for the average full-time faculty salary.
| Tenure system | |
|---|---|
| Average FT Salary | $97,084 ($102,896 male / $80,051 female) |
| Number of FT Faculty | 853 (636 male / 217 female) |
| Number of PT Faculty | 142 |
| FT Faculty Ratio | 6 : 1 |
| Total Benefits | $24,042,606 |
Comment and Corrections Make a comment …
Familiar with this University? We would love to hear about your experience. Feel free to add comments or additional information regarding University of Notre Dame.
3 months ago
Shirley Schmidt
Please stop the hyperbolic language about 'baby killers' and 'pro-abortion' -- It's just plain divisive and does not lead to constructive discussion? Are your beliefs so weak that they cannot withstand the challenge of visit from a President who is striving to build consensus? Don't punish Notre Dame for engaging in meaningful discourse -- do you seriously promote only listening and/or engaging with people of your own viewpoint? I believe that is called bigotry -- use persuasion and reasoning, not belittling or disparaging language. THAT is the Notre Dame way; THAT is the Christian way.
5 months ago
Chere Stark cherestark ((at)) aol dot com
As a devout Catholic all my life,I am totally disgusted that you had Obama speak on your campus and especially at graduation. That should be a fun, happy memorable time and unfortunately many of these graduates will havae very negative memories of a very special day in their lives. At things like this, I feel like quitting my religion like when the sex scandals cam in to the news and nothing was done to the offenders and bishops involved are still working in their respective dioceses. So many Catholics are angry and disgusted that so many priests and bishops voted for Obama. This is so anti-Catholic, no morals like the rest of society these days. Many of us are disgusted with the direction of the Church and thank goodness, for our deep seated values that keep us going. Many Catholics have quit the Church, all of our adult children don't go to a Catholic church if they do go at all and the atmosphere of the Catholic Church has gotten very secular and Rome seems to be oblivious to the real needs of the Church these days. I think the people being in charge of getting Obama to this graduation should be dismissed.
5 months ago
CAROL SCHULTE
i have never been so ashamed to be a catholic.how hypicritical can you get.we are supposed to follow the rules of the church yet you honor someone who is willing to give abortions on demand no matter the reason.how will you feel then? shame on you
5 months ago
Esther deserr13 ((at)) bellsouth dot net
Familiar with this University? We would love to hear about your experience. Feel free to add comments or additional information regarding University of Notre Dame. Hmmmmmm. I thought this area was about the above, not politics. I for one am proud of our President and am glad he came to Notre Dame for graduation. What did Jesus teach? I believe it was something to do with loving and tolerance. I am a cradle Catholic.
5 months ago
joe c
No way, no how will my kids be making application to your once regarded University. There is no discussion about abortion and you are supposed to know it. Wait until Judgement Day! You are an embarrassment.
5 months ago
Eddie Bowie
Notre Dame - the hypocricy of the Catholic faith !!!
5 months ago
Bartlett Beebe Flywith68 ((at)) aol dot com
I cannot believe you would let your reporters to intererpt alot of the service.you are real jackasses and i really resent it.
5 months ago
not catholic anymore because of this asdfasd ((at)) yahoo dot com
You have lost another catholic because of this so called president getting a honorary degree at a catholic pro life suppossedly school. I will take my money elsewhere and I will advise all that I know as well. I can't believe people are so stupid to elect this trash. Life is precious!
5 months ago
Joan Shores Ortolano jmesorto ((at)) cox dot net
You are a disgrace to Catholic higher education and to the Roman Catholic Church. You have sold your soul for the prestige of having a United States President as a commencement speaker and you have forever blemished the reputation of Notre Dame University. Policies matter. Anyone who supports or condones laws that result in the killing of the unborn or who supports laws that criminalizes the refusal of health care workers to participate in abortions is unworthy to speak at the commencement ceremony of a of a Catholic institution. Your actions are scandalous.
5 months ago
marv849 marv849 ((at)) aol dot com
I am deeply annoyed with your student body that is boycotting the president speech.... maybe they would like a disbarred priest instead
5 months ago
Butch Whitmon buwhitmon ((at)) aol dot com
A few words about Pro-Life/Pro-Choice. This 66 yo remembers, prior to Rowe v Wade, the occassional article about a young girl found in a cheap motel, or perhaps a back alley, having hemorrhaged to death after an illegal abortion performed by the dirty hands of a quack "doctor". Many were not reported, instead, hidden behind a cloak of shame. Only the wealthy could afford a real doctor, in a secretive procedure. Many young girls having made a mistake, were trapped in a cruel nightmare, forced to raise perhaps three hundred dollars for a shadowy rendevous, many losing their lives in the process. Yes, a life is lost in an abortion. But if Rowe v Wade were to be overturned...what about the lives of innocent girls, good girls, who would be forced once again to the seedy motel, or back alley? Does Christianity, the Catholic Church have no compassion for them? In my opinion, Pro-lifers want to enforce a Taliban like extreme, at the expense of compassion and love for those lessor among us.
5 months ago
Butch Whitmon buwhitmon ((at)) aol dot com
How utterly venomous and hateful these accusations against President Obama are. At least one Catholic leader said the President promotes an anti-life, anti-family agenda!! How disgustingly disrespectful of the President and his Office. What planet is this guy living on? The protests against President Obama's invitation to speak are disturbing to say the least. I wonder what Jesus would say about this? Would he invite/allow Obama to speak in the temple? I think he would. Is this the kind of behavior Christians want to promote? Shameful!! Shame on all of you. Kudos to the majority of students who look forward to welcoming the President of the United States at your Commencement.
5 months ago
mage shopaa ((at)) aol dot com
this is to fr.jenkins and the board of ndu. Jesus said "IF YOU CAUSE SCANDEL TO THESE LITTLE ONES, IT WOULD BE BETTER IF YOU WERE NEVER BORN, & A BOULDER TIED AROUD YOUR NECK AND YOU BE THROWEN IN THE RIVER. REMEMBER THE WORDS OF JESUS AND TAKE THEM TO HEART!! MAY GOD HAVE MERCY ON YOUR SOULS.
5 months ago
Edward Ballor edwr564 ((at)) aol dot com
The Catholic church teaches us what GOD expects of us. What is right and what is wrong. obama has actively ried to demeanor the catholic faith. obama stands for everything that the catholic church teaches is wrong. If obama is allowed in Notre Dame, the school will be stained..how can you teach God's word, then let somebody like obama address our children???? This will devide the catholic faith,,,just what obama wants...The catholic religion is being attacked from all sides. The last thing that we need to do, is open the door to evil..Would Jesus have invited the devil to address his followers???We all know the answer to that...There will be alot of reprocussions is obama is allowed to speak in one of the oldest Catholic icons...The college will never have the same Grace or significance ..AGAIN... once this is done,,no body can undo it......The school and its reputation, will be soiled...
5 months ago
Mio Kemp mmmkemp ((at)) bellsouth dot net
I am very disappointed that Notre Dame is not only hosting but giving an honarary degree to B. OBama. In all of his short career as a politian, he has supported and voted for abortion, partial birth abortion and allowing children to die when partial birth abortion has failed. If our honored institutions cave, how can we survive. His office is honorable. His policies are not.
5 months ago
Vincent K Bell
It is pathetic on the part of NDU to have Obama speak to the graduates. He is PRO Abortion, Anti Religion, and a Joke as president. You might as well invite Nancy Pelosi and Harry Reed. Then all three of them can go to mass together. Maybe Obama will bring a few of the terrorists from GITMO and you all can hold hands and sing a few songs together. After all, Obama is so concerned with the people that have killed or tried to kill American citizens. You used to be a respected school, NOT ANY MORE............
5 months ago
J. D. Fossity foss35 ((at)) verizon dot net
I believe that NDU should be proud to have the president of our great USA address the '09 class and receive a doctorate degree. The behavior and protests of pro-life catholics is a total embarassment to me a very pro-life catholic. Are these catholics the same ones who have no objection to the Iraqi war, torture, capital punishment, death penalty, etc. etc. I sincerely hope and pray that this group will not mar the special graduation day. HOLD YOUR GROUND. peace, foss35
5 months ago
Kelly A. Thomas
I have supported Notre Dame; but now I am embarassed by any association with it. Just because he is the president of the US; doen't mean he is all knowing and a nice person. He shows no tolerance to any one else; if you disagree with him that's not acceptable to him. He stands for everything the church is against; and does the Pope really know whats going on here? Probably not. Truly, I believe he is the anti-christ. I am appalled that no one in the church will have the guts to open there mouths for what they believe in. I guess what it really does come down to is that Notre Dame is more worried about money; and prestige than what the Church really believes. Abortion is wrong-- taking a human life; but he doesn't appear to care about life or maybe just his own!!!
5 months ago
Ron & Lee Petersen ronandlee ((at)) zoominternet dot net
PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE! It's not too late. You need to disinvite the dictator person that very liberal and/or acorn people put in the office in our Washington, DC Whitehouse. Maybe the person doing the inviting didn't realize the kind of person being invited to the wonderful Notre Dame University. PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE STOP AND THINK. PLEASE ASK GOD TO HELP YOU MAKE THE CORRECT DECISION. IT'S NOT TOO LATE. THANK YOU KINDLY. Ron & Lee Petersen
5 months ago
A Catholic Believer
Well I am not surprised at the liberal Jesuits going against our Holy Catholic Church. They just don't get it! There Jesuit leader swears allegence to the pope and church on one hand and then on the other hand everything of the world goes. Ask A Jesuit about abortion, homosexuality, stem cell research or free masonry, you would be totally shocked by his answers. There arguments contradict our Mother Church's teachings. President Obama is our resident evil and whoever supports Notre Dame or the Jesuits bestowing this honorary degree on him is complicit in the murder of 40 million babies!
6 months ago
Sheila Haynes
Inviting Obama to speak at a Catholic University is a slap in the face to our Catholic faith. What is Fr. Jenkins thinking?? How can he substantiate such anti-Catholic actions...Obama stands for everything against the Catholic church, and you are honoring him??? What is going on here? Why can't the Bishop of the Diocese of Notre Dame step in and demand that this be stopped? I don't get it and no one has yet been able to explain it to me...hopefully you will come to your senses before it is too late...You are honoring someone who supports partial birth abortion and infanticide. Why are you blinded by the facts? What has possessed you to do this???Please pray about this and see if you don't change your mind.
6 months ago
Barbara Green Barbaragreen2323 ((at)) aol dot com
First of all, it is the most recongnized and respected University in the world. It is appalling to me and thousands of other catholics that you would invite Pres. Obama to speak at any time and God, forbid give him an honary degree at this year's graduation. I pray that you uninvite this man and have someone else who deserves to speak at this holy and majestic university. With his signing of stem cell research the first day he was in office and his support of abortion and gay marriages makes a mockery of what Notre Dame stands for. Please do the right thing. The whole world is watching. Most sincerely, Barbara Green
6 months ago
Robert F. Casale Robertfcasale ((at)) aol dot com
Rev. Jenkins As a Catholic I am for personal freedom as it stands today in our country. If gratuating students as well as alumni and Catholics like myself who hold ND as one of the pinacle's of the Catholic faith, do not desire to hear our President who is Pro abortion and pro stem cel research speek to them on such an important and joyous day in their lives, how dare a stand against Catholics who beleive in the teaching of our relegion. If I was President Obama I would let ND off the hook for the good of all.(and have a little pride) When it comes to Christianty our President is in a radical court after spending 20 years being influenced and taught by Rev. Wright
6 months ago
Ray Humble, ND 1953
56 years ago this month I graduated from the University of Notre Dame. I still treasure my diploma and admire Father Ted's and Father Sheedy's signatures when I use my treadmill, as well as my many experiences at this great University -- just to name a few-- the classes in the Main building, he daily masses in the hall chapels, then the walks in the snow to the South dining hall for breakfast, the trips to the Grotto to thank Our Lady and pray for special intentions, the basketball games and pep rallys in the old fieldhouse, the foorball games in the stadium, the Badin bookstore, and on and on. It's hard enough to fathom Rev. Jenkins and the trustees agreeing to have our current president speak at the graduation ceremony and to further grant him an honorary law degree from Cathoic University. Furthermore, if it is true, having the religious icons cloaked is simply ridiculous. Is the University going to close the Grotto, Sacred Heart Basilica and all the hall chapels, too? I won't throw my Notre Dame paraphenalia away, and I'll continue to wear and use everything I have, BUT the Pride will certainly be tarnished by what is happening at OUR LADY'S UNIVERSITY. Boycotting graduation would seem very appropriate. For "God, Country and Notre Dame, UNINVITE the pro-abortion president. It's NOT TOO LATE!!!!!!!!!!!!
6 months ago
A.J. Martorana,Sr ajmarto ((at)) gmail dot com
To Father Jenkins how could invite Pres.Obama to speak at N.D. This man represents a - strong pro-abortion stance.Question for you Father ? ARE you going to cover up all the religious symbols so you don't offend your anti- Catholic minority President. I pray for your soul Father.May our Lord in heaven enlighten you. Thank you
6 months ago
Mary Ann Fontana mafmms ((at)) aol dot com
It is with great sorrow that I come to learn of Notre Dame's postion on pro life issues. Obviously by inviting President Obama to speak the the University you have made it quite clear that there is a break down in understanding of our true Catholic beliefs. I am a parent and being one I am very concerned for the many students on campus,who are Catholic at Notre Dame, who are enrolled at a Catholic University under the thought that they will be guarded in Mother Church's teaching of Jesus Christ our King. You may be assured that there are many people who feel the same way I do. I pray for your conversion and repentance back into the church's teachings. I also pray that universities that use the name "Catholic" live and honor what that means and the religious orders and students that are in attendance at these universities remain strong in voice their protest agains actions that are anti pro life in any way shape or form. God does not call us to a life of convenience, rather He calls us to be holy, as he is holy - to follow Him in our states of life to the best of our abilities and to offer continuous prayers, sacrifices and thanksgiving for all of our blessings. You remain in my prayers that you will allow the true light of Christ to shine through your minds, which should strive to be the mind of Jesus Christ.
6 months ago
John H. Stauber jhstauber ((at)) tds dot net
Dear Father Jenkins: Re: President Obama Squabble I have called you several times about this matter, but have never gotten beyond your very efficient receptionist. So, I'll put my thoughts in writing. I've been reading the vitriolic comments on the ND websight (joined today by 55 bishops).I'm a 1942 graduate (English major via Francis J.T. O'Malley) so I feel I have standing to issue this comment. For Heaven's sake, the worst thing in this world you could do would be to succumb to their narrow mindedness. As a party of one, I think the choice is a great one, even if Mr. Obama is on the other side on these issues (snd I am a practicing Catholic as much as these mudslingers are. Hang in there, Father, you have my 100% support.
6 months ago
Jeff Beane jjakeb5 ((at)) aol dot com
Giving an honary degree to an individual with the pro abortion, views and voting record of President BH Obama by a reportedly Cathlic institution is a slap in the face to all catholics and a disgrace to ND. Be sure you have seen the last donation from me!
6 months ago
J. Anderson
"The Capitulating Irish" doesn't have quite the same ring...
6 months ago
Joseph Sivo giovi dot gg ((at)) hotmail dot com
Still giving an Honorary Degree to a sectualist, anti- Catholic President ? As a Roman Cathoic for 80 years, I pray that the Holy Spirit will enlighten those pseudo- intellectuals there at Norte Dame and turn their brains into truly intellectual ones ! Miracles do happen you know.
6 months ago
karen
I thought you were a Catholic Christian School. Have you no fear of God. Or, perhaps you might be thinking like a lot of other people, Obama is the messiah the world has been waiting for, Unbelievable!
6 months ago
Robert Hartnett www dot hartnettrobert ((at)) yahoo dot com
I would like to voice my personal opinion regarding the invitation to B. Obama to speak at the University. No matter what this man says while speaking to your student body you should well know what he stands for. I cannot believe you have done this and in no way can such an invitation send a positive message to our students and Catholics all-over the world. Perhaps you (I will not finish this thought)........
6 months ago
steve kenny svkenny ((at)) yahoo dot com
MY FATHER WAS BORN IN IRELAND. AS A KID GROWING UP IN BROOKLYN, THERE WERE ONLY 3 FOOTBALL TEAMS; ARMY, NAVY ND NORTE DAME. I HAVE BEEN AN IRISH FAN SINCE THEN, APPROXIMTELY 50 YEARS. I RESPECT THE PRESIDENCY OF OUR COUNTRY AND I AM A VETERAN. RECENTLY, PRES. OBAMA SIGNED THE STEM CELL BILL REVERSING THE BAN IMPOSED BY PRES. BUSH. AS THE MOST FAMOUS CATHOLIC UNIVERSITY IN THE U.S., I AM HORIFIED TO SEE THAT YOU HAVE ASKED HIM TO SPEAK AT YOUR COMMENCEMENT EXERCISES. PLEASE BE INFORMED, THAT IF HE DOES SPEAK AT YOUR COMMENCEMENT, I WILL NO LONGER SUPPORT NOTRE DAME IN ANY WAY. PLEASE RECONSIDER AND GET ANOTHER SPEAKER FOR YOUR GRADUATION. RESPECTFULLY SUBMITTED, STEVE KENNY
6 months ago
Dennis Beiter
As a Christian, a Catholic Christian, a Roman Catholic Christian, I am appalled at the choice to invite President Obama to speak at commencement. And even more so, to bestow on him an Honorary Law Degree. President Obama is the most anti-life, pro-abortion president in the history of the United States. How can the University of Notre Dame profess to be a Roman Catholic institution. "God, Country, Notre Dame", carved in the stone of Notre Dame's Basilica of the Sacred Heart - is this just for show? Your choice shows God can not be first in the heart of Notre Dame's officials. To present a Doctor of Law degree from a "Roman Catholic" institution to a person so profoundly against the sanctity of human life is beyond belief. From abortion, to the infanticide of "partial birth" abortion, to federal taxpayer funding of abortions in these United States and overseas, to elimination of parental notification this man has consistently professed the culture of death - death of the most innocent in our society. Our daughter attends another Jesuit university, and will be graduating soon this year. What message can President Obama give to our youth going forth into this world that can be stronger or more anti-Christ than his anti-life meassage in his speeches and actions? Hopefully our daughter will be more influenced by the teachings of our Bishops, our Pope, and most of all, Christ Himself. This is not the "change we can beleive in". President Obama is the elected president of these United States of America, and as such, should be respected as the office of the president should be respected. But the man, Barrack Obama is not Christian in his belief and actions regarding the sanctity of human life. And this is a commencement of graduates from a Roman Catholic university. As for covering icons of our Roman Catholic faith, if President Obama feels uncomfortable, maybe it is because he does not believe in the tenets of our Roman Catholic faith. So why is he speaking and being honored at a Roman Catholic institution? Those responsible for this decision should spend some time in serious reflection on their own priorities and Roman Catholic beliefs.
6 months ago
Fred Russo fgr732 ((at)) aol dot com
I am withholding any further contributions to your institution. An institution I was once proud to be associated with.--Let Obama Speak and while your at it explain the difference between Socialism and Capitalism.
6 months ago
R Jensen jensen308 ((at)) aol dot com
I attended ND but now refuse to admit I ever had anything to do with this once great institution. At the very least the President should be fired and excomunicated
6 months ago
Robert Jensen jensen308 ((at)) aol dot com
I attended ND for two years,'50-'51 on the GI bill and they were two of the best years of my life. I did very well in life and attributed much to ND. The recent actions concerning the President of the USA have sickened me to the point of disavowing any contact with this once great institution. R Jensen
6 months ago
Lane
I am sickened that they would even think about covering up the IHS Cross upon Obama's request because it represents Christ.....AT ONE TIME SO DID AMERICA!!!!
6 months ago
Eleanor Kehoe Brooklynnurse10 ((at)) aol dot com
As a Catholic I am not only truly disappointed in the decision to allow a pro choice person be the speaker at the graduation of a highly visible "Catholic" school;but as a Catholic I am embaressed as well.By having such a speaker your institution is publicly going against the teachings of the Catholic Church. I doubt very much that you would ever see a Jewish institution invite a guard from a concentration camp be their guest speaker - both the guard and the Presidents are in favor of innocents being murdered; and by Notre Dame having such a speaker is also publicly saying they too are for MURDER!Eleanor Kehoe,RN,PhD
6 months ago
Jean Smith joejean775 ((at)) hotmail dot com
I am sick at heart regarding the decision made by the Jesuits to have Mr. Obama speak at the commencement exercise this year. Why don't you just take the "Catholic University" off of the name of Notre Dame? I am ashamed to admit that you are Catholic. Don't bother trying to tell me about the "Office of President" and how it is to be honored. Why don't you practice what has been preached to Catholics for centuries?
6 months ago
sue martensen smartb ((at)) illicom dot net
It is inappropriate, scandalous and aginst the teachings of our bishops, the Pope,the Church, and our Lord Himself to honor pro-abortion politicians in any way at any time, including commencement. Father Jenkins, you are leading your sheep astray. Catholic universities have an obligation to witness for Christ, not for the Culture of Death as represented by the voting record and policies of a pro-abortion politician, no matter what office he/she might hold. I am an American Catholic who will not support Notre Dame via donations or student referrals. In fact, I shall not even cheer for your sporting teams until this outrage is corrected.
6 months ago
Jessie
God did give us the freedom to make our choices, but just as good choices bear good fruit, wrong choices come with severe consequences! Father Jenkins, please in the name of God, call upon the Holy Spirit to guide you in making a wise choice regarding President Obama. I cannot believe that the Spirit of God led you to this choice. You and all of Notre Dame continue to be in my prayers.
6 months ago
Marie M Martin Rhinemartin ((at)) aol dot com
It is absolutely inconceivable that this university has extended and invitation to the president knowing his position on abortion and also bending to the request of covering the icons that are part of this university sacred beliefs. Why are doing that? You know very well that receiving financial help will destroy you as catholic and a christian institution. Are you selling Christ for forty coins? Shame on you! Rethink what you are doing and restore your honor, integrity and beliefs.
6 months ago
Tim Baldwin
My brother and my dad went to ND....it is completely against all reason that this so-called Catholic institution would invite this country's biggest supporter of abortion to speak....I know my dad rolled over in his grave.....is this is what the Catholic institutions are coming to? If so, then it might be time to look elsewhere for a real Catholic education.....this is more than disgusting.....and I see some idiot thinks Hussein Obama will become a great president....same guy thinks Stalin and Marx were great people....probably thought Hitler did good by experimenting on people.
6 months ago
michael trujillo mikehuskernut ((at)) aol dot com
Today I heard one of your bishops state that Prs. Obama was a protestant and was not abiding the Catholic laws. Excuse me, saving all life and the preciousness of life is Gods law not only for Catholics, Protestants or any other religion. God's law. Your admin staff are a fouled up mess. No wonder you cannot get your own catholics to believe in the church anymore. Good luck in explaining to God why Pres. Obama is exempt from God's law of live and let live.
6 months ago
Ceil Sposato
Rev. Jenkins' determination to have President Obama speak at Notre Dame is telling the Catholic children of today, that it is alright to believe in abortion IF you are a Protestant. For a Catholic university and/or priest to defiantly go against our Catholic teachings, is wrong and Rev. Jenkins should be ashamed that he is "star struck" and determined to have this man speak on such a special day.
6 months ago
Arden Muller Arden dot Muller ((at)) gmail dot com
I have always believed that God gave humans the right to make their own decisions whether right, wrong or indifferent. President Obama is a christian man. Having said this, for catholics to be so judgemental goes against what God has taught us to do. Think of how Jesus Christ suffered and what he indurred for the sins of mankind. For those people who have just spent thousands of dollars to attend one of the finest universities in our nation and then crucify the President the same way that Jesus was is just plain wrong. You don't have to like any of his decisions, however, to accuse him of destroying the church is obsured and just plain wrong. You should have saved your money because you didn't learn anything.
6 months ago
Earl Hargroder earl4pearl ((at)) aol dot com
WHAT WERE YOU THINKING???????? A BABY KILLER AS YOUR COMMENCEMENT HERO??? DOES HE PROMICE NOT TO PROMOTE ABORTION IN HIS SPEECH??? I HOPE THAT YOUR ALUMNI ASSOCIATON IS PROTESTING
6 months ago
Kenneth Moore
What a sick, sad, sorry bunch of racist hypocrits all the people making these hateful comments about Barrack Obama are. He will probably go down as one of the greatest presidents this country has ever known. The Catholic Church doctrine on abortion is questionable to say the least. The Church has changed its position several times over the centuries as to when the soul enters the fetus. No one other than God himself knows when that moment is. Comments about Barack being a communist & destroying the Catholic Church are just plain idiotic.
6 months ago
Ken Rice
I am extremely disappointed with Notre Dame's invitation of President Obama for commencement. It shows a severe lack of intregrity of this university. Because you folks don't have the intregrity, I would NOT recommend any student to go to Notre Dame University and I will not attend any seminar's, business conferences, etc that are associated with this "fallen" university. I have just lost a tremendous amount of respect for Notre Dame. I think it is embarassing for this university to "open their arms" to such a person who operates "opposite" to Notre Dame's original believe system. Apparently MONEY RULES.
6 months ago
Mrs. Anne Kerrigan martker ((at)) aol dot com
Dear Sir, Congratulations on having President Obama as the keynote speaker at Notre Dame's commencement ceremonies. He is our President and deserves respect accordingly. It seems to me that the Bishops did not "boycott" President GW Bush, who started an immoral war, when he spoke at various college commencements.Isn't life precious in ALL cases? It is too bad the Bishops were not as vocal when children were being sexually abused and they were transferring pedophile priests. I guess they were too busy excommunicating people for various reasons and using the Eucharist as a weapon. It seems that everyone is "accountable" for their actions except the Bishops! On the whole, the Bishops are a cowardly lot who abuse power. They speak with "forked tongues." By the way, I am a mother of five and grandmother of nine and a practicing Catholic who loves my Church but has some problems with the inept and ignorant leadership who thinks that the Spirit ONLY speaks through them! Mrs. Anne Kerrigan, Long Island, NY
7 months ago
dr. raymond a catalano
i am a baptized roman catholic, and obtained my ph. d. in zoology from brigham young university. your decision to invite president obama to speak at your commencement and to confer upon him the honorary doctorate of law degree is indeed a very bad judgement. it disappoints and angers me! to invite him to speak is like printing his ideals and values about abortion and pre-marital sex on his academic regalia, as though it were a large marquee. it would also be as silly and wrong if byu, a fine church school, invited a person with equal celebrity as obama, and with proclivities toward pre-marital sex and/or polygamy, to be speaker at a commement! what would be even sillier, would then be to confer upon this person a doctorate in sociology in the field of family relationships!
7 months ago
Dorothy E. Trujillo Bingodottie ((at)) aol dot com
Shame on your administrative staff for inviting Pres. Obama after his policy on abortion. I'll never again make a donation to your University.
7 months ago
Mike De Dominic MDDprodeng ((at)) aol dot com
Dear Father Jenkins, You idea of 'engagment' with Obama is wrong headed. This man will destroy the Catholic Church if he can. Just look at his appointments to sensitive administrative posts. Something has to stop Obama and his Communist friends from destroying our Religion. Wake up before they start tossing us to the lions again.
7 months ago
j murray
it is disgracefull that notar dame would permit an individual with such anti catholic, pro abortion and pro late term abortion beliefs to step foot on campus. just days ago in europe, our nations spokesperson, mr. obama, proclaimed to the world, that "we do not consider ourselves as a nation of christians, but as a nation of citizens." and now he is being asked to speak to graduating students who spent their life believing in protecting the sactity of life and as our founding fathers made clear a nation built on a belief in GOD. meanwhile barack bows and kisses the hand of the saudi king. the president of notra dame should apologize and resign. a sad sad day for notra dame and catholics throughout these once great United States Of America
7 months ago
Christian Moore Barton
Dear Notre Dame: I think the selection of President Obama as keynote speaker was a great decision. President Obama is our national leader, and now has proven to be a world leader. It's been a long time since the US has been so well received on the international stage. He is able to bridge the vast divide, be tolerant of other beliefs and views, and respect our differences. The so-called "moralists" should take a lesson in tolerance and respect for others. Shame on the hypocrites. Remember the parable, when Christ said: "Let the first without sin, cast the first stone?" I guess most of the so-called "moralist" pick and choose what they want to believe.
7 months ago
Diane Anderson
To the President of Notre Dame: I am not Catholic but have always respected the Catholic Religion for what they stand for. My eldest grandson is a graduate of Notre Dame and I have always been very proud of that. My times at ND always filled me with awe at the pride and reverence everywhere on campus. Please rethink your invitation and stand up for the values you teach.
7 months ago
Dr. Ellen Woodruff
Reading your website today (April 8, 2009 Pray.ND.edu.) I was moved by the following: "Judas stands for every believer and follower of Jesus who in one moment praises the Christ with their lips and in the next moment betrays their faith by their actions." Reverend John I. Jenkins, C.S.C., President of the University of Notre Dame should pause and reflect on those very words. His grandiose action toward an avowed abortionist has killed my "trust" in his Catholic judgement. Shame on Notre Dame.
7 months ago
Jerry C.
I cannot believe you are thinking correctly by not only inviting but HONORING Barrack Hussein Obama with a degree; AND ALLOWING him to to give a commencement speech!?!?! As a Roman Catholic I do NOT condone his policies on abortion. It is murder of the innocent. Were he alive, you could have invited Hitler - same thing!!!
7 months ago
Norma Kathman norkath ((at)) cox dot net
I am so disappointed that Notre Dame would stoop so low to invite President Obama, who has so little respect for protection of the unborn, to speak at the commencement ceremony. I would have thought that this Catholic University would have chosen a role model that would characterize its values; or, have its values changed? Please reconsider your invitation and the message you are sending to the Nation.
7 months ago
Ann Brown
To the President of Notre Dame. My father is a ND grad and I attended classes at ND as well. Please do not bend to the hypocrits who are going crazy that President Obama is going to speak to the graduating class. Where were they and the cardinals when Bush spoke in 2001 at ND, Rudy Guliani spoke at Georgetown in 2002 and Condi Rice at Boston College in 2006. Please do not bend to the pressure of these fringe groups.
7 months ago
Emanuel J. Sbano
It is a sad day for all Catholics to see that Notre Dame is asking Obama to speak at its forthcomming graduation.
7 months ago
DRP
Father John L. Jenkins, I strongly urge you and the University to rescind your invitation to President Obama who is this year's commencement speaker. I feel that because of his anti-Catholic positions it would be most inappropriate for him to speak and be honored by the University.
7 months ago
Ron & Lee Petersen ronandlee ((at)) zoominternet dot net
We are so ashamed of Notre Dame. We hope your alumni will fail to give you donations to fund an abortionist such a the person some uneducated people put in as representing our country as president. I hope your conscience will have you reconsider the hell you are putting us Catholics through, and cancel this appearence. May God have you make this right decision. Us Petersens
7 months ago
Jo Marquez
I'm disappointed that the ND Board would approved of the addressee for their commencement. Why in the world would we invite someone who does not have same beliefs and values? It's almost like we're welcoming a terrorist to give his tutorial on how it's done. How can you say you're a Catholic and support this?...you may say you are but you don't practice it! Stick to your faith and do what is right and not give in on what "may" look right in your political eye. Don't put him on a pedestal just because he is the president. He may be welcome elsewhere but not at ND!
7 months ago
Michael George Trujillo Mikehuskernut ((at)) aol dot com
I am a Roman Catholic, as such I have to say what is in my heart. I am disappointed that Notre Dame has invited President Obama to ND and has offered him an honorary degree. The man is without conscience, the murder of unborn children is an abomination to humanity and to God. Your acceptance of this man is a stain upon the University. Please reconsider this travesty. Perhaps God will forgive the people who invited Obama to ND, I know I cant. Also, I will never donate another cent to the University in the future if this invite of President Obama comes to pass.
7 months ago
Philip Tallmadge philtrita ((at)) a0l dot com
President Obama should be denied speaking at the 09 graduation. His ethics spit in the face of Catholic teaching. I am a 1960 graduate of Marquette University and dislike another Catholic university providing a "welcome blessing" to this person's hienious beliefs. Obama stay home.
7 months ago
William S. Gross
How could you ?, How could you invite this most Anti-Catholic person to your University and even give him a Degree ?....I am Jewish, went to a Catholic Unversity (Villanova Univsity) and so understand some of the teachings of the Catholic faith...shame on you for inviting this Socialist to speak at your University. I would not blame all the graduating class from turning their backs to Obama when he takes the stage...He is an arrogant son of a bitch, who holds non of your most precious beliefs about the sanctity of life in any of his thoughts...Do the right thing and tell him to stay at the White House on your graduation day...It would be like Hebrew Univeristy inviting Adolf Hilter to speak at their graduation and then giving him a humanitarian award.
7 months ago
Dr.&Mrs. Eugene M. Sullivan. gypsysully ((at)) aol dot com
To the President of Notre Dame: We are shocked and appalled that you would invite" pro abortionist Obama" to speak at your commencement, and present him with an honorary degree(what"honorable" thing has he done since taking office?) Neither of us attended your university,but many of our family & friends have, and we have always held Notre Dame on a "pedestal", as representing what a good Catholic university stands for, and the values it is instilling in our children! What do we tell them now? That even Notre Dame has fallen prey to the rhetoric of this individual! God help us all! Please reconsider your invitation!!
7 months ago
M.L.B.
Shame on you, Notre Dame, your good Irish Catholic forefathers, must be crying many tears because of the way you are disregarding your basic Roman Catholic Religion and morals, by giving one of the most liberal, pro abortion presidents in our history an award to receive at your next commencement. He brags about making abortion available not only in our Country, but all over the world. He is for embryonic stem cell use, and even wants to make sure that if a baby lives through an abortion, the Dr. may kill him or her. God will want to have an answer from all of you at Notre Dame, "WHY, WHY HAVE YOU DESERTED ME?"
7 months ago
Smith
It is fine that the President speaks at the commencement ceremonies, because he is our Commander in Chief. But, receiving a degree seems inappropriate due to his beliefs. Although we can forgive Mr. Obama, as Christ forgave Pilate, we can not reward him for his actions with respect to the protection of the right to life. Above all, life is precious.
7 months ago
Joan Squitieri Jerseytoto ((at)) AOL dot com
I am distressed that Notre Dame University issued an invitation to Barack Obama to begin with knowing full well his stance on abortions & stem cell research all of which flies in the face of Christian doctrine & if Obama had any class at all he would rescind his invitation & not go to the graduation exercise, but I fear he is so enthralled with the sound of his own voice it would be a difficult thing for him to do.
7 months ago
Paige Gallagher Schweizer mpgs ((at)) nctv dot com
the decision to offer an invitation to obama leaves me speechless... a USC Trojan was right on when he wrote..it touched his heart the day the Irish died...
7 months ago
kim Shortridge kimberlyannshortridge ((at)) yahoo dot com
I am not catholic but have a lot of respect for the Catholic Church because of it's strong stand on sanctity of life and other Christian principles but I am very disapointed with Notre Dame who is supposed to be an extremely respected Catholic University invites a president to speak at its commencement exercise and give him an honorary degree who opposes almost everything the Catholic Church I thought stood for. Is the University reflecting the Catholic Church? I surely hope not and as a catholic I would be outraged.
7 months ago
Andrew E Andrews andyea918 ((at)) aol dot com
Just wanted to let you know that my wife, daughter and myself are against having B. H. Obama go to Notre Dame for any reason whatsoever. Thank you.
7 months ago
Richard Ostler rickostler ((at)) netzero dot com
Apparently your representatives, the governing board, approve of murdering babies with their fawning acceptance of a leading infanticide perp. By extrapolation, I must believe all participants at Notre Dame so approve. Disgusting. You insult all Catholics. I must leave the church to redeem myself.
7 months ago
Deacon Michael Chesley michaelchesley ((at)) comcast dot net
Dear Faculity of Norte Dame University I am very dissappointed in your recent decision to invite President Obama to graduation commencments. President Obama stands directly against the dignity of the human person is promotes laws supporting that view. Not a wise choice.
7 months ago
Garry T. Moore gmoore45 ((at)) roadrunner dot com
What does it profit a man...but for Obama? I suppose he has many admirable qualities but his support for late term abortions,i.e. infanticide,means that in honoring him you will be dishonoring yourself. Have you no shame?
7 months ago
Joe Gatti mjgatti ((at)) comcast dot net
You, as a Catholic university, are acting in a scandalous and hypocritical way in honoring President Obama. Jesus never honored those who supported views against the 10 Commandments.
7 months ago
K.Beaver
I don't know why or how Obama got elected, but he did and he is selling out my country. Now he is compromising the basic beliefs of my Catholic religion. By honoring him at Notre Dame U. you are giving him cadence to inflict his values on us even more. Evidently this move was not thought out on your part, the school named for Our Blessed Mother could not have been behind this! You must respectfully remove this invitation to the President. Its time the people of this country stand up for our beliefs and its time for our elected officials to do what the majority of the citizens of this country feel is right and political correctness be shunned!
7 months ago
Alice Tailfeathers aft ((at)) 3rivers dot net
I am very sad about what you have done. I would like to see you uninvite Mr. Obama. He is a man who is a good speaker and goes ahead and does exactly what HE wants. He will see that FOCA is passed no matter how hard we fight. He will tell us he really struggled with this issue and that he knows it is a very emotional issue, blah blah, blah, but! I no longer belong to any political party. I am an American and I am a Catholic. There is a value system conected to these titles. Lets get our army boots on and fight. Again please un invite him.
7 months ago
dominick riccardo tonigirl1113 ((at)) yahoo dot com
as a practicing catholic i am shocked and very saddened at this terrible decision that you've made, and i hope with prayer and reflection you will reverse your decision, not only is this wrong to do but it does not set a good example to your people who are suppose to be good catholics. what you are doing is wrong, i hope to god you do not let him receive the eucharist too, rethink this for the grace of god please!!!!!
7 months ago
Joan O'Brien noyacjoan ((at)) yahoo dot com
Big mistake by Notra Dame to invite the President to a catholic college. He has insulted all catholics with his pro-abortion and stem cell stand. My only hope is that every catholic boycotts the graduation and he stands alone. I also hope the Alumni thinks twice before donating.
7 months ago
A Kopera akopera ((at)) msn dot com
As a Catholic, I am very disappointed in Notre Dame’s decision to invite Barack Obama to speak at Notre Dame especially since his views are incompatible with the church's teaching on abortion and the use of embryonic stem cells in medical research. I have been under the impression that Notre Dame was a strong Christian Institution and would uphold the standards on the church. Apparently it isn’t the case anymore. I wanted to let you know my feelings as a catholic and former support of Notre Dame. Tony Kopera Clarksville, Maryland
7 months ago
Raymond Mehrens raymehrens ((at)) aol dot com
How very sad, a university that claims to be Roman Catholic invites a Man to speak who has supported death to the unborn, and newly born infants. Your "Core Values" proudly cites "Integrity" as it's first goal. This states "HIGH MORAL VALUE" as it's chief goal, how very sad.. Father President hang your head!
7 months ago
Joseph A. Apicella joseph_apicella ((at)) yahoo dot com
Can't wait to hear the President at Notre Dame. The University is diverse and open to ideas, Academic freedom at it's best.
7 months ago
Joe O'Hagan knight7306 ((at)) aol dot com
I am appalled, dismayed, angered and confused by the invitation of Obama to speak and also to receive an honor. He stands for everyhing that, we as Catholics, are against. He supports abortion, stem cell research, etc, etc. What are you people thinking there in South Bend. Please change your name and delete the word Catholic! I pray to Our Holy Mother you see the error of your decision and reverse it.
7 months ago
Gary M Beaton sr. theoledigger ((at)) aol dot com
Life long catholic-married 53 years-father of seven-22 grandchildren 31/2 greatgrandchildren--am appalled @ the Obama invitation!!! Fr Jenins, everyone takes his own skin to market. I,m hoping that you are not a free-loader of Christ!
7 months ago
Arden Harvison aharv ((at)) midstatesd dot net
As a practicing Catholic, I am incensed that a Catholic university would offer an honary degree to a person who is so openly opposed to so many beliefs of the Catholic faith. Please reconsider this action. Being elected President does not make Obama worthy of recogition by such a wellknown institutions.
7 months ago
J. P. Hudson cajun dot momma ((at)) cox dot net
Our Blessed Lady has been shedding tears since the enactiment of Roe vs Wade, but she must be beyond tears to find a supposedly Catholic Univerisity inviting a man who is so blatantly in favor of murdering helpless, unborn babies to speak at its commencement exercise and give him an honorary law degree. I propose that you change the name of your school and drop the word Catholic from your advertisement. Are you like Hitler's people and don't know what is going on. I don't believe that. We murder 4,000 babies a month in this country alone. God help us!
7 months ago
JoAnn Miller j_miller ((at)) qwest dot net
I am ashamed to learn that the most prestigious Catholic institution of learning has invited Pres. Obama to speak at and be given an honorary degree at graduation. The office of president deserves respect, however, this president is outspokenly pro-abortion, why are you giving him a bully pulpit? You have made a huge statement by doing this and can only correct that by rescinding your invitation. I expect your alumni will be thinking twice before donating any further to the University.
7 months ago
G. Boyd gdb4bdg ((at)) aol dot com
I am appalled that a Catholic University of such stature as Notre Dame would invite the most liberal, pro-abortion president in the history of America to receive an honorary degree and speak at commencement. It is a disgrace to everything you stand for.
7 months ago
kathy mojica bjirdiegirl51 ((at)) yahoo dot com
Please change your mind about allowing Pres. Obama to speak at your college. Give him an honnorary degree? Please say it isn't so. He is not the message your college should be sending. Are you a Catholic college or not? Don't be a cafeteria catholic. Kathy
7 months ago
Daniel Kelly ireland321 ((at)) verizon dot net
I am 73 years young and always hoped to attend Notre Dame, unfortunately, my father passed away. Now. I can't believe that Our Lady's University has the audacity to invite the president to speak, a president who represents everything Our Lady is opposed to. Shame on you and I pray the Alumni will tell you the same and withhold their contributions. It was bad enough when you had another pro choice speak, Gov. Cuomo a graduate of St. John's, the school I graduated from. They no longer saw my money.
7 months ago
Laurie Deibel lauriedeib ((at)) aol dot com
I hang my head in shame and disappointment that our present President was asked to address the graduates. I was also ashamed and disappointed when Catholic friends of mine put aside the president's stand on abortion and voted for him. This is one of the Big things that have taken our country down.....the bottom line......money. What ever happened to FAITH in God instead of FAITH IN THE DOLLAR? Stand up for what you stand for....The Catholic Church and its principles. SHame on you, Notre Dame!
7 months ago
Anthony DiPaula ajdipaula ((at)) dipaulalaw dot com
I never thought UND would sell out just to have the president at graduation, but to invite him and give him a degree with his position on abortion and stem cell research, among other issues, is unbelievable.
7 months ago
Edmund Kropidlowski gkropid8 ((at)) pacbell dot net
Obama, as a state senator,voted to allow fetuses to be killed if a 3rd trimester abortion was botched. His desires for free abortions and for other liberal causes are well known. A Catholic institution should fight for our principles. Father Hesburgh would turn over in his grave. SHAME! SHAME! SHAME! SHAME!
7 months ago
Pauline Patterson gr82behome ((at)) comcast dot net
I, too, am appalled at hearing that President Obama, known widely for his pro-abortion views, has been invited to your campus to speak. You have embarrassed me and made me ashamed of that Catholic institution that has the attention and respect of the nation fom many years. If you care to explain your rhetoric I would be willing to learn how you could be so uncaring about the church's teachings.
7 months ago
Peggy reynhout bratp2008 ((at)) aol dot com
I am really disappointed in your choice to let Obama speak at the graduation..His views are radical and pro abortion..You have a moral duty as a Christian school to pick someone that upholds high morals..this really saddens me and I bet it saddens Christ too
7 months ago
Valerie Matricciani VDMAT ((at)) aol dot com
I can not believe that being a Catholic University, anyone would even entertain the thought of having obama speak at graduation. Much less, reward him with an honoray degree. He goes against everything Catholics believe. Are you so hooked into his empty talk, trying to remove God from our schools and condoning abortions? This man is not a Christian and does not believe in Christan ways. SHAME ON YOU, NOTRE DAME. What a waist. As of today, you no longer are the "NOTRE DAME" I grew up admiring.
7 months ago
Lawrence Wolff wolffman ((at)) optonline dot net
As a member of the Ancient Order of Hibernians & a Catholic, I must protest your decision to invite the President to speak. Inviting a person to speak who advocates abortion at will is not what we stand for and I am VERY disappointed with your decision. You are setting the wrong example for students and our future Catholic leaders. Most Catholics that currently hold public office want to write their own religious values/doctrine and still be called Catholics in order to get our vote. To the administration of Notre Dame, I say to be proud of your faith and practice it. Don't honor those that would disgrace our principles of life.
7 months ago
alice tailfeathers aft ((at)) 3rivers dot net
How could you? Our society depends more than ever on Catholic/Christian strength. I am just sick about this. Please do not have Mr. Obama come to your campus. What are you trying to prove. The dismemberment of children is our biggest issue. I know God will not grace our nation as long as this genocide goes on. And you invite the biggest baby killer we have ever had. Shame on you.
7 months ago
romney Dickinson prdfau ((at)) tds dot net
To keep it short I say to the University, dean, chancellor, administration that to invite obama to the school and to give an honorary degree is bordering on criminality. To offend the leadership of the Catholic faith, the body of citizens, the donors and the tens of millions of Christians who do not believe in abortion is the heighth of arrogance. The offense is mean-spirited and hateful. I can say as one of millions that I will never respect, have faith/trust, or support the university in any way. I find this decision to be repulsive in every way possible. I also will extend nothing but the worst to the university in the future. May God damn you to hell.
7 months ago
richard c fiorella dolfanrichf ((at)) aol dot com
your going to give OBAMA a degree open your eyes.
7 months ago
Edwin D Shannon dsha100424 ((at)) aol dot com
I think that in my humble opinion that bringing a president that is opposed to so many Catholic teachings is a slap in the face of every practicing Catholic in the United states and abroad. Now try to do the right thing. Thank You
7 months ago
Andrew Cavazos pure444 ((at)) aol dot com
As a Catholic university, Notre Dame has an obligation to uphold and value Catholic dogma and tenets. President Obama is the antithesis of Catholicism. Inviting him to speak at the most prominent Catholic university in the United States is quite abhorrent. I hope the university will rescind the offer and not ask the President to speak. Mr. Obama supports abortion and myriad anti-Catholic views, now more than ever, Catholics must be faithful to the Holy See and Church canon. Supporting Mr. Obama is truly a travesty and saddening.
7 months ago
Dan Cavazos, MD orthoone ((at)) aol dot com
I am deeply saddened by ND's choice of President Obama to address the graduation class. A dialogue between Obama and ND Univ. should be a private conversation. I fail to see the logic in awarding an honorary degree to a person who doesn't even know when life begins or admits that the question is "beyond his paygrade". ND has further eroded it's credibility as a Catholic institution of higher learning. The Univ. must take a firm stand against those who espouse a pro-choice attitude toward life. NDU remains in my prayers.
7 months ago
Gail E. McDavid gemcdavid ((at)) centurytel dot net
As a catholic,I am greatly distrubed by your invitation of an outspoken advocate for abortion to speak at your university. This certianly sends the wrong message to your students and the nation. You are giving a plattform to an individual to futher promote his agenda of killing unborn babies. Its bad enough that our tax dollars are being spent in this unholy act, now our Catholic universities are aiding this administration by sanctioning their actions. Please cancel this invitation.
7 months ago
michael evans wb2rrd ((at)) earthlink dot net
Shame on Notre Dame University , lifting up a person who is against human life, the Catholic Church and reason. My respect for you i sin the dumpster.
7 months ago
John Flasch jmlflasch ((at)) sbcglobal dot net
I was very surprised and upset to just learn of your University's invitation to President Obama to attend your University's Graduation ceremonies and especially to give him an honorary degree. With his anti-life, pro-abortion beliefs and policies, these actions are contrary to what we as Catholics grew up with and believe. As a product of a Catholic high school and other Catholic universities, I ask that you rescind this invitation; otherwise your institution will have definitely "muddied the waters" as to what values your institution really represents!
7 months ago
Mary Ann O'Donnell grammyinbtown ((at)) comcast dot net
I am so disgusted with the University for hosting our SOCIALIST,Abortion Loving president! Shame!! Shame!! on you Notre Dame. What could you be thinking? I am appalled and will never, ever look at ND in the same light again. You are an embarrasment to our faith.God help us!
7 months ago
Phyllis Barth barth ((at)) comcast dot com
We have had two children who have been graduated from Notre Dame it WAS a source of great pride for us. W e considered the University of Notre Dame the finest CATHOLIC universities in the country, the recent decision to not only invite President Obama to speak but to bestow an honorary degree is appalling. WE are saddend at the poor judgement. Phyllis Barth
7 months ago
John Graham jkg1949 ((at)) myway dot com
Dear Father, I am very disappointed and confused about our President receiving an award at the Catholic University of Notre Dame. As a pastor of a parish with 3 schools, I am reminded each year by the Archdiocesan Office of Education about inviting speakers that represent(or do not represent) Catholic teaching to our graduation Masses and ceremonies. Our president seems to be deliberately acting against certain important dimensions of our faith --- right to life for every single person as well as stem cell research. He seems also to be able to find other Catholics for his cabinet and staff who agreed with him. Can you explain his invitation to speak at Notre Dame because I am certain that some of my parishioners will ask me. Thank you.
7 months ago
Marlene Rabidoux Baker marmax718 ((at)) charter dot net
My uncle, Brother Maynard Rabidoux CSC, (now deceased), along with Brother Andre (now Blessed), would be appalled at the University's decision to invite President Obama to speak at commencement exercises and convey on him a doctorate honor. Abortion and Stem Cell research are two subjects on which the Catholic Church speaks out in opposition to the President's obvious support. There are countless Catholic alumni of this college who could greatly influence the graduates in a full Christian spirit. Please re-think and re-plan. God wants it!
7 months ago
jerry ludwig lucy4jerry ((at)) aol dot com
My wife and I are totally appalled at the University's decision to invite a self-admitted abortionist as a speaker, and to receive a degree, at the Commencement. Not only is he an abortionist, but voted 3 times to terminate a baby's life when that baby survived an abortion attempt. Abortion is murder, and killing a baby that was born alive is infanticide. PLEASE change your decision in this matter, and decide with our GOD, and not the world.
7 months ago
linda lmcjmj ((at)) comcast dot net
I was literally shocked when I heard President Obama would speak at Notre Dame. Just because President Obama is well spoken and educated does not in no way excuse his incredible desire to promote the culture of death with his politcal agendas. The Catholic Church must be the light of the world, she must stand up for truth at all costs, this has been the church's weakness especially in this country of ours. Our Catholic leaders, churches and universites cannot get away with going against our Catholic teachings today, due to the ever increasing laitys' knowledge of their actions, Father Jenkins you should be ashamed of yourself, you will be held accountable, Jesus said it himself, that to the people that are given much, much will be expected!!!!!
7 months ago
Rosemarie Lyons d2lyon ((at)) aol dot com
I find it sad that Fr. Jenkins, a priest in a catholic university wishes to honor Mr. Obama with an honoree degree, a man who has no regard for human life which God has created. I find it also sad that so many catholics toss aside the values and morals they were brought up with fall into the trap of the secular world. If I looked for a catholic college to send my daughter or son to for a good catholic education, I would have to question Notre Dame.
7 months ago
Chris Peer jubalrocks ((at)) gmx dot com
As a Christian, I am VERY concerned about your decision to have Barack Hussein Obama as the commencement speaker at Notre Dame. President Obama with his many votes in favor of abortion and infanticide is NOT a friend of Catholics/Christians.
7 months ago
Glenda LaGarde gblagarde ((at)) hindscc dot edu
My son graduated from ND, my husband and I attended in grad. school. We are ashamed. Diversity and dialog are not excuses for honoring a President who in two months has opened abortion and funded embryonic research. One who strikes down protection for health personnel who object to aiding or performing abortion does not deserve an honorary degree in law. And seniors and parents deserve more respect than making graduation a bitter occasion.
7 months ago
NMarkworth rnosu08 ((at)) verizon dot net
I want to add my strong anger that a fine University would have Pres. O speak, when he wants abortions paid by the govt.Where is your Christian Faith? Our Pope would have major problems with Obama.
7 months ago
Tom Sturycz tom dot sturycz ((at)) gmail dot com
It does not look like University officials from Notre Dame have the courage to withdraw the invitation to have the current President speak on their campus. It appears that political concerns take precedence over beliefs. They have the right to stand up for what they believe in. For my part, I am known as "the rich uncle" in my family. I will, however, no longer fund any family members attending Notre Dame. Just standing up for my Catholic beliefs.
7 months ago
George Fox foxbaron ((at)) aol dot com
Gentlemen: The only question you must ask yourself is this. "Either we stand on principle or we don't" Nothing else matters. No kind of spin excuses a capitulation. Character, integrity and principle means everything or it means nothing. There is no decision to make. Stand on principle. We do.
7 months ago
Richard H. Feltman rhfeltman2 ((at)) aol dot com
Fr. John Jenkins, C.S.C. When you go to confession remember you are a Priest first and the Persident of Notre Dame second. The devil has tempted you to invite Barack Obama as a commencement speaker. You know what he stands for. I know you have a free will to destroy the reputation of a Catholic Instituation and will be judged, not by me but by Jesus. This is so serious I believe the Pope should excomunicate you. I recommend you give this more prayerfull considereation.
7 months ago
Malvine Zahratka malvinez ((at)) gmail dot com
I am in total disagreement with your decision to invite the President to your university. His stand has most clearly been the opposite of what the Catholic faith, and I had thought, a Catholic University, would stand for. Not only does he support abortion but refused to pass a bill allowing a physician to care for a newborn after a botched abortion - inhumane treatment. I will not encourage the next generation of our family to attend your school if this decision stands.
7 months ago
Joan Woodson joanwoodson ((at)) bellsouth dot net
It is shameful for N D to invite and "honor" Mr Obama who is for stem cell research,abortion,same sex marriage,agaist Catholic hospitals,doctors,nurses. I will pray for your decision makers who must also prayerfully reconsider their huge error.
7 months ago
Jade Scalone jmp32925 ((at)) aol dot com
The hypocrisy surrounding the Presidents visit shows you don't stand for your own principles. I suppose you haven't what it takes to stand for those principles so it's been a lie from the beginning. Pro-abortion is pro-choice, any way you cut it, and that is fine with you, little dead bodies will surround the visit, karma rights wrongs!
7 months ago
M. Krebs kkrebsbob ((at)) cs dot com
I just read your Mission Statement as it regards justice, human solidarity and concern for the oppressed. To learn that you are giving the honor of speaking and receiving an award to President Obama who believes in abortion whether the living child is inside the mother or outside and who wants to force doctors and nurses who oppose these atrocities to perform them or find other work, makes me wonder how your Mission connects with this President's actions. Has the Church's bedrock of "life from birth to natural death" changed? I didn't get that Vatican memo.
7 months ago
Mrs. JoAnn M. Roe lafleurette ((at)) comcast dot net
3-27-09 I am deeply disgusted and appalled, but, primarily, saddened by the University's decision to have President Obama speak at this year's commencement. Obviously, continuing the tradition of inviting presidents to address commencement and political correctness are more important than remaining true to our Catholic teachings regarding abortion and the killing of fetuses who survive the abortion procedure but who are killed outside the womb because it was the wish of the "mother". And this man now wants to rescind the clause which allows Doctors, health care providers and Catholic hospitals the right to not participate in an abortion procedure. I am sure that our Blessed Mother and her Son are weeping in heaven knowing that the most prestigious Catholic University in the United States is turning its back on its most basic teaching regarding the protection of life beginning at conception. My son graduated from N.D. in l977 and his daughter, my granddaughter, graduated in 2002. How sad this situation is for your students and all the people who love Notre Dame for her traditions of quality education and for preserving its strong Catholic teachings and traditions. And you are giving this murderer an honorary degree? This is shameful!!!
7 months ago
Nancy Brennan brennany ((at)) comcast dot net
What are you thinking?! I pray to God that someone there has the common sense to withdraw the invitation. I just thank God that I do not have a grandchild who is graduating from ND this spring. I am sure you will have many many graduates who will opt out of attending their graduation ceremony because of your choice of speakers. I also ojbect to the bestowing of an honorary degree. What kind of a message is ND sending to the rest of the world? I thought ND was a catholic university. I have a grandson; whose father is an ND graduate, whose goal is to attend ND. Don't think so!
7 months ago
S. Libudziewski hslibos ((at)) netzero dot com
I am a Catholic. Don't invite Pres. Obama to speak at the commencement. When the Church is in need of good stewards, this is a bad idea!
7 months ago
Jjoe Bluish jbluish ((at)) aol dot com
You have got to oppose the presence of Obama at a university that does not support infantacide. This man is an embarrasment to all catholics. The school is turning into a shadow of itself. I am a long time supporter of Dr. Gabriel.
7 months ago
Ken Yaeger kencando ((at)) 53066peoplepc dot com
How upset my family is over inviting President Obama to the Notre Dame Campus to receive an honorary Law Degree! What more can be said about his his pro-abort beliefs? He backs murder and you by your actions endorse his complicity. May the Roman Catholic Church never succumb to the Secular Society as you have.
7 months ago
Phillip Scheiber srinsurancservices ((at)) yahoo dot com
I find it reprehensible that the college of my grandfather, father, and 3 of my brothers would extend an invitation to Barack Obama to speak at Notre Dame. This is a slap in the face to my family's efforts in the pro-life movement, to your Knights of Columbus on campus Council, and to all who believe in the sanctity of life. This is like the Bnai 'Brith giving Josef Goebbels a platform in which to cloak himself in respectability. If the University stands for CATHOLIC teaching, then is should reject this purveyor of the culture of death, and his manic focus on materialism and personal control over our lives.
7 months ago
Bob Bussey bobidalc ((at)) aol dot com
I learned, with disbelief, that President Obama had been invited to speak at the school's 2009 Commencement. Agreed, a President of the United States should be respected for his office. However, this President does not hold the same moral values as the University should hold and does not deserve the opportunity to speak from the school's pulpit. I do not believe exceptions in core values can be made.
7 months ago
Karen Barringer karenpq ((at)) aol dot com
I am shocked that Notre Dame would even consider inviting President Obama as the key note speaker at the 2009 graduation not to mention awarding him an horary doctorate. Stand up for Catholic teachings against abortion!
7 months ago
Terence J.Keegan ter dot kee ((at)) zoominternet dot net
I have been a Notre Dame proponet and fan for as long as I can remember. However, I am extremely disappointed by ND's invitation to Pres. Obama to speak at the commencent. How can the University that is Catholic pay homage to a president that is diametrically opposed to the University's beliefs. And to make it worse, the University is giving him an honary Doctorate Degree. What an insult to all those who have graced the halls of ND. You can add my name to the 50,000 who oppose the insult.
7 months ago
doris kabureck dkabureck ((at)) aol dot com
While I am neither Christian nor associated with Notre Dame, I have the utmost respect for the university and am appalled at your inviting Obama to speak at your commencement. He has consistently backed views at odds with the Church teachings, teachings which many of us rely upon to help protect the moral health of our nation. Please, please reconsider.
7 months ago
Rev. Kenard J. Tuzeneu stmarys19 ((at)) comcast dot net
I was disheartened to learn of your invitation to President Obama. My parish, like many others across our country, have just finished a grass-roots postcard campaign to protest the potential enactment of FOCA, even by a subtle piece meal approach. All of that is undermined by a prominent symbol of the one obstacle that stands in the way of the radical agenda of this man who is unapologetically and boldly pro-abortion,namely the Catholic Church. I have betrayed and undermined. His presence at Notre Dame will only be interpreted as approval sending the unfortunate message that he can pursue his designs with impunity. A change of heart will, conversely, send the clear and important message that his pro-abortion policies are unacceptable and will have consequences. Please change your stance. In Christ, Ken Tuzeneu
7 months ago
Sean Hanrady djkdfk5300 ((at)) cs dot com
I will definitely not be sending my son to this formerly Roman Catholic college! My relatives have expressed praise for The University of Dayton ( a Marianist College ) and I don't believe that it is run by a left wing socialist! There are alternatives to ND and I fear that unless the socialist inspiration evident at ND is cut out like a cancer, the alumni support will vanish as I believe it is starting to do. How disgraceful! Mother Theresa is crying tears of shame about now!
7 months ago
tom bijak bijak7 ((at)) sbcglobal dot net
I want to express my total disappointment with Fr. Jenkins and the university for offering president Obama the opportunity to further influence our Catholic culture regarding his liberial idealogy and pro abortion policies. This position is directly apposed to the churches teachings and desires and is cause for great scandal in the Catholic community.
7 months ago
Marcelo Calero ccalivalle ((at)) aol dot com
If I am not wrong "Notre Dame" is french for "our Lady". Meaning the Virgin Mary , our mother in heaven, that we should honor, respect and follow as a model for all the mothers of the world. How you guys dare to invite and honor to your University to the most anti-life , anti-maternal president in the whole history of the United States?. As a reminder : abortion is not the removal of tissue, but the desmembering of a baby when he/she is in the fetus stage of his/her life , which causes DEATH, and killing is against the christian teachings .Probably you should consider to change the name of the University and make it more "politically correct" Thanks
7 months ago
Annette Stemhagen stemhagen01 ((at)) aol dot com
I was astonsihed, and greatly disturbed by your decision to invite President Obama to be the commencement speaker AND to receive an honorary degree from the University. You must be blind and deaf not to know his disregard and utter contempt for Catholics and our principles -- he is working hard to destroy Catholic hospitals and making it very difficult for health care practitioners who actually practice what your University supposedly espouses but clearly does NOT follow (instead you are folliwng the "glory" of having a president attend your graduation -- who are you trying to impress? Certanly not any of the Catholics you (falsely) represent - it is very clear that Univeristy of Notre Dame has moved away from its Catholic hertiage and does not even care!!!! You are setting the wrong example for your studuetns -- do as I say not as I do -- why should they work hard to be Catholics (and it is hard work) when their role models do care at all and are only looking for glory (and $$).Your Administration is a disgrace.
7 months ago
Rebecca Dolin rdolincpa ((at)) aol dot com
The last time I looked, Notre Dame was a Catholic university. I am deeply disappointed that the university administration seems to have forgotten that. It is time for Catholics to stand up for what our religious beliefs. Discussion? Of course. But I hope Catholics not only boycot your commencement, but your donations also! Rebecca Dolin Shawnee, OK
7 months ago
sherry kemner pskemner ((at)) comcast dot net
Please discontinue the fallicy of being a Catholic university. What a disgrace! Please remove the name Catholic from your status. Where is your regard for what religion has done for our country. President Obama's record speaks for itself. A Illinois resident
7 months ago
WILLIAM CHALFA wdc1674 ((at)) att dot net
to whom it may concern, why is the univeristy honoring presiden obama at your 2009 grad. i thought you are a catholic university. he is for abortions and stem cell. i am very upset who made this decision would like a reply thank you mr.chalfa.
7 months ago
Maureen Gipprich mgipprich1 ((at)) aol dot com
I am outraged at the invitation to President Obama to speak there. The University has become a disgrace to the Catholic Church.
7 months ago
Douglass W. Smith galahad330 ((at)) earthlink dot net
The stated intention of the University to present an award to President Obama is a travesty. He is overtly and intentionally supporting abortion, both in the U.S. and abroad, and is demeaning the Catholic faith in the worst possible way - killing the unborn. Why don't you stand up for our principles, disinvite him and revoke the award? That would send a message worthy of your institution.
7 months ago
William J Quinn qcuinne ((at)) aol dot com
Father Jenkins, 1933: "What's all the screaming about those Jews? He is Chancellor, after all, and all viewpoints are welcome at Notre Dame."
7 months ago
.Louis A. Houff houfflou ((at)) hughes dot net
The decision by the university to invite President Obama to address the graduating class and award him a Doctor of Laws degree is a slap in the face of ALL Catholics and should immeadiately be rescinded without explanation. There is no legitimate rationale for the U of ND to recognize and promote the most visable and outspoken supporter of abortion in the USA. The Catholic Church should excommunicate all Catholic parties envolved in the invite and non-Catholics fired. Your decision if not rescinded will have major and long lasting negative impact on the right to life philosophy and movement in the USA. Shame, shame on ND.
7 months ago
F.C. Bailey jimkay5 ((at)) centurytel dot net
I have been a Catholic my entire life and have overlooked the lapses the church has endured over the years. This last act by Notre Dame has disillusion me completely. Why would you invite the most pro abortion person in this country to speak? Evil is all around us but, because he is a rock star, or a politician you should not invite evil to speak to the student body. Being a Catholic and Christian college I pray you'll cancel Mr. Obama visit.
7 months ago
Millet DeAngles mdeangles ((at)) earthlink dot net
I am extremely disappointed over the invitation to president Obama to speak at Notre Dame.Repentance is for those who seek forgiveness. He stands firm in his position on abortion,a grievous sin. Notre dame you have lost your self respect to decent Catholics. Shame on you all.
7 months ago
Dr. Thomas B. Lucente lucentet ((at)) aol dot com
Considering the history and ideals of Notre Dame U..I am shocked and sad about the choice for Commencement speaker...How could a Christian university choose an anti-life politician to speak to its people? I am sure the University could have chosen a Liberal leader with less anti Christian philosophy.
7 months ago
peter carges pbacarges ((at)) mybizz dot net
As a Catholic I and my family are opposed to the plan to honor Barack Obama with a honorary degree from the university. His veiws are in direct conflict with the church. Let him speak but do not award or reward him for his pro choice views.Giving a honorary degree sends the wrong message in a time when the Church needs to stand strong against the ideals he professes and promotes.
7 months ago
Shar Guenthner doc1pg ((at)) aol dot com
How can your Bishop John D'Arcy say he will boycot Pres Obama'a speech because of his stand on stem cell research then have the university offer to confer an honorary degree to Pres Obama for speeking at the graduation ceremony this spring?
7 months ago
Joan Henderson hendersonjoan5 ((at)) gmail dot com
Although, I did not attend your university, I have visited your campus and have friends who have attended your university. I have always considered ND a great Catholic University ,therefore I was dismayed to hear that you had invited Pres Obama to speak at your 2009 commencement and to give him an honorary degree.He disregards the sanctity of human life with his stances on abortion and stem cell research. I implore you to reconsider your decision. I'm sure people will reconsider donations if this decision is not changed.
7 months ago
Alice H. Lauber Richy68 ((at)) aol dot com
SHAME ON NOTRE DAME UNIVERSITY UNIVERSITY for recognizing Obama at the Graduation in May. Mary must be crying at your mixed messages. If you are Catholic BE CATHOLIC - don't water it down!
7 months ago
J S Swart jsswart ((at)) comline dot com
I am greatly saddened, as a practicing Roman Catholic, to hear that you are inviting Barack Obama to give the graduation speech this coming May. This man is notoriously pro-abortion and in serious and direct opposition to everything the Church stands for. I urge you to reconsider the cancel the invitation.
7 months ago
Barbara Binder brbinder ((at)) comcast dot net
Please tell me it isn't true that you are giving Obama an Honerary degree in law and he will be the principal addresee at graduation. He supports abortion,goverment funding of abortion and goverment funding of stem cell research. And granting same-sex marriage. I always saw Notre Dame as the highest and most Catholic School in the world,not just the U.S.A. PleaSE don't let this happen.You will make us all look like fools. Barbara Binder