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Salt and Light
John Greenwald's journey from a high school graduate in Ludington, Michigan, to an organizer of a thriving charity music festival illustrates the power of community. After reconnecting with old friends, Greenwald helped establish Ludrock, which has grown from a casual gathering to a major event featuring 52 bands and raising over $100,000 for local charities. With the support of passionate volunteers, Ludrock not only celebrates music but also fosters a sense of unity and dedication to giving back to the beachfront community.
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Karen Kenny's journey after early retirement has led her to a fulfilling new chapter in music and community service. After returning to school to earn her degrees, she discovered a passion for cello at the MacPhail Center for Music and found joy in volunteering with the Giving Voices Chorus, a program for individuals with Alzheimer's disease. Despite the personal loss she faced, Kenny is motivated to help expand the program, hoping to bring joy and connection to even more people affected by dementia.
Salt and Light
Kevin Kreutner and his wife, Sheila, navigated a smooth international adoption process that brought their daughter Isabel from Guatemala in 2003, followed by her biological brother Samuel in 2005. Kreutner became deeply involved in the adoption community through Guatadopt.com, providing support and reliable information during turbulent times for Guatemalan adoptions. His passion for Guatemala extended beyond adoption, leading to a role on the board of Behrhorst Partners for Development, now known as ALDEA, where he works to improve living conditions in rural Mayan communities through partnerships that provide vital resources
Salt and Light
Marissa Gebhard, a dedicated adviser for the Notre Dame Best Buddies Club, finds deep fulfillment in connecting students with adults who have developmental disabilities. Featuring the inspiring story of Lucas, a long-time Best Buddies participant, the piece reflects on the meaningful relationships fostered through the program and how it provides stability and a sense of community for individuals like him. With a history of mentoring students since 1999, Gebhard values the friendships formed and the ongoing connections with alumni as they pursue their careers.
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Matt Knott (FIN '92) reflects on the important balance between personal ambition and social responsibility. After a successful corporate career at major companies like PepsiCo, he felt drawn to use his skills for a greater cause, leading him to become president of Feeding America, the largest domestic hunger-relief organization. Under his leadership, the organization focuses on reducing food waste and improving connections within the food supply chain, aiming to provide food assistance to millions of Americans each year.
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Mike Anello, a former Notre Dame football player, took on the thrilling challenge of swimming from Alcatraz Island to San Francisco as part of the Escape from Alcatraz triathlon. In memory of his late teammate Asaph "Ace" Schwapp, who passed away from non-Hodgkin lymphoma, Anello organized fundraising events through the St. Baldrick's Foundation, raising significant funds for childhood cancer research. Known for his resilience and character, Anello has continued to inspire others with his commitment to this cause, blending athletic achievement with heartfelt remembrance.
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Bob Burke founded Ladder Up in Chicago at 22, initially providing tax assistance to low-income families. The nonprofit has since expanded its services to include banking and college financial aid, helping over 225,000 families with the work of 24,000 volunteers. Alice Griesemer Sheehan aids her community through Community Cooks, providing homemade meals to shelter residents, while Jordan Karcher merges his love of coffee and animal rescue through Grounds & Hounds Coffee Company, donating a portion of sales to no-kill shelters. Luis Javier Lopez recalls his critical role in rescue efforts following a devastating earthquake
Salt and Light
Living a comfortable life is often seen as a goal, but many Mendoza alumni illustrate a different path focused on faith and service. This edition of the Salt & Light series shares inspiring stories of alumni embracing challenges with compassion and courage, honoring the college's mission and ideals. Their experiences demonstrate how the lessons learned at Mendoza can be applied in meaningful ways, showcasing a commitment to making a difference in the world.
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.
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.