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Mark Campanale, Founder and Executive Director of the Carbon Tracker Initiative, emphasizes the need for investors to focus on long-term climate risks and opportunities rather than succumbing to short-term performance pressures. He calls for a shift in the financial community's approach to climate action, urging investors to lead the charge in transitioning away from fossil fuels and toward renewable energy, regardless of government action. As he prepares to address attendees at the Climate Investing Conference, Campanale highlights the growing separation between the financial and business communities in the context of climate commitments.
William F. Hederman of the U.S. Department of Energy emphasized the potential for attractive investments in climate-related initiatives during the "Industry and Policy" panel. He highlighted the need for public-private partnerships to address areas where the private sector may not proceed alone due to inadequate returns on investment. While outlining challenges like regulatory uncertainty, Hederman also pointed to numerous promising opportunities in energy conservation and emissions reduction, noting a significant shift in the energy sector towards positive developments over the past decade.
Salt and Light
Stephen Keppel (MARK '03) took a year after graduation to serve in Haiti, where he taught English at a boarding school and engaged with local communities on key issues like water access and waste management. Inspired by a sermon from Rev. Theodore M. Hesburgh, CSC, he sought to make a difference through creative problem-solving and found a new passion in helping graduates start their own businesses, highlighting the challenges they faced in entrepreneurship. Keppel's journey reflects a deeper commitment to social good, illustrating how stepping off a traditional path can lead to unexpected opportunities.
Mendoza News
Grocery shopping habits vary widely, from those who stick strictly to a list to impulsive buyers without any plan. A recent study examines how shopper behavior shifts during a grocery trip, revealing that longer stays typically lead to more unplanned purchases. Findings indicate that budget-conscious shoppers often counterbalance impulse buys with planned purchases, while those with larger budgets are more likely to make additional spontaneous choices, influenced by cues in the store. Shoppers are advised to stay aware of how time spent in the store can affect their buying decisions.
Salt and Light
In 2006, Nancy Amato was given a grim prognosis of three to six months after being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, but her determination to survive led her to defy odds for over eight years. Throughout her battle, Nancy not only nurtured her family but also inspired them to give back, resulting in the creation of Pants Off Racing (POR), a group dedicated to supporting families affected by pancreatic cancer. By organizing races and holiday drives, POR embodies Nancy's spirit of generosity, providing joy and companionship to those facing the same struggles she endured.
Tim Judge has been appointed as the new associate dean of faculty and research at Mendoza College, effective January 1. Bringing extensive experience from various universities and a strong record in leadership and research, Judge is set to enhance faculty engagement and research initiatives. Additionally, Paul J. Slaggert recently stepped in as the director of the Stayer Center for Executive Education, while John Rooney took on the role of director of Graduate Business Career Services. In program news, Notre Dame's MBA program was recognized by Inc. Magazine for its innovative curriculum in entrepreneurship and innovation, and both the graduate and undergraduate accountancy programs

Mendoza Profiles
Three young Mendoza grads in Houston have come together through the organization Young Catholic Professionals (YCP), aiming to strengthen faith and community among young Catholics. Kyle Smith, Mason Bashaw, and Katherine Kavanagh are leveraging their skills and connections to grow YCP and engage hundreds of participants, highlighting the desire for meaningful faith experiences in their professional lives. Their efforts include hosting events that attract significant attendance, reflecting a vibrant interest in networking among young Catholics in the area.
Salt and Light
Thomas Jindra's passion for service is deeply rooted in family tradition, starting with his father sneaking him into Christmas Eve Mass as a child. Now thriving in his career at Boeing, Jindra dedicates his time to St. Thomas the Apostle Church in Riverside, California, where he helped establish a parish council overseeing 63 ministries. From supporting food banks to delivering Communion to the homebound, Jindra upholds a legacy of giving that he now shares with his own children, marking the 100th anniversary of his family's Christmas Day service.
First Person
In a reflective piece, a priest recounts a pivotal late-night phone call in 1981 from Father Ted Hesburgh that changed his life forever. What began as a routine chat turned into a significant professional relationship as he agreed to serve as Hesburgh's executive assistant. Years later, he reflects on the profound impact Hesburgh had on his life, emphasizing the lessons of mentorship, spirituality, and the intertwining of administration and ministry that he learned from the legendary priest.
Alumni Community
Three brothers, Francisco, Fernando, and Eduardo Diez, have founded Free World United, an apparel company that supports various nonprofits through their collections. With each T-shirt sold, they donate $10 to causes such as wildlife conservation and aid for children in developing countries. Their passion for the Galapagos Islands, which face challenges from population growth and climate change, inspired this venture.