Showing 30 of 36 articles
Mendoza Profiles
Marathon Love
Elizabeth Sadler's journey to the Boston Marathon is deeply personal, driven by her bond with her father, John, who inspired her love for running. After his battle with kidney cancer and eventual passing, Sadler joined the Dana-Farber Marathon Challenge Team, turning her training into a tribute to him and a shared fight against cancer. The team, made up of over 550 members, has become a supportive community for individuals connected by their experiences with cancer, aiming to raise significant funds for research.
Mendoza Profiles
More Cowbell
Laura Glassford, known for her vibrant personality in the Office of Undergraduate Studies, channels her love for music as the lead singer of The Rabbiteers, a rock-and-roll band with fellow Notre Dame faculty. Balancing her administrative role and musical pursuits, Glassford finds joy in performing at local events, bringing a sense of community and authenticity to her passions. From rehearsing in a basement to impromptu dance parties, her story showcases the heart and fun that music adds to life.
Mendoza Profiles
Play Like A Champion FOREVER
was that he had a deep drive and commitment to turn his dreams into reality. Schmidt's journey from a determined walk-on at Notre Dame to a player who learned the importance of perfection underscores his resilience and dedication. The narrative captures moments of struggle, insight, and personal growth as he navigated the challenges of college football, emphasizing that the path to achieving goals requires more than just passion; it demands relentless effort and a commitment to excellence.
Mendoza Profiles
Threadies for Refugees
Steve Lehmann's journey to create Threadies, teddy bears designed to comfort refugee children, began with a profound experience in the Azraq refugee camp on the Syrian-Jordanian border. Amid the stark conditions faced by families, particularly children, Lehmann realized the potential impact of a simple stuffed toy. Each purchase of a Threadie sends one bear to a child in need and another to a donor, accompanied by comforting messages and coping exercises. The idea merges his background in engineering, humanitarian work, and a deep desire to help, ultimately showcasing how a thoughtful approach can bridge the gap between compassion and creativity
Mendoza Profiles
A Tanzania Adventure: Mt. Kilimanjaro
the warmth of Father Tesha's hospitality. Over dinner, the initial worries of traveling to a new continent began to fade, replaced by curiosity and a sense of belonging. The experience marks the beginning of a transformative journey in East Africa, where new friendships and cultural insights await.
Mendoza Profiles
IT Girl
Germany. Alexa Monn, a junior majoring in IT management and German, combines her love for technology with her passion for helping people. With aspirations to bridge the gap between tech developers and clients, her optimism about women in technology was bolstered by her recent internship at Textron Systems, where she experienced a supportive environment with female role models. As she prepares for a two-month internship in Bonn, Monn looks forward to exploring the practical applications of IT across different cultures while continuing her journey in language and study abroad.
Mendoza Profiles
The Right Time
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.
Mendoza Profiles
A Poignant Journey
Takashi Yanagi's journey from high school student facing personal tragedy to junior at Mendoza College embodies resilience and determination. After losing his mother to cancer and assuming her caretaking responsibilities, Yanagi navigated the challenges of adolescence with remarkable strength, all while maintaining his academic focus. His story reflects the profound impact of his mother's support and the community they built together, ultimately leading him to fulfill her dream of attending a prestigious university.
Mendoza Profiles
On and Off the Fence
Gerek Meinhardt, the youngest fencer on Team USA, chose college life at Notre Dame over Olympic closing ceremonies after the 2008 Games. Now an MBA student, he has made significant contributions to Notre Dame's fencing program, winning an NCAA championship and aiming for the 2016 Olympics in Rio. Despite facing challenges from injuries, his determination continues to inspire, as he balances his passion for fencing with a love for basketball that worries his coaches.
Mendoza Profiles
Helping the Homeland
Christian Estrada, a senior at Mendoza, has launched Custom Elevation to support Nicaraguan artisans by offering handmade goods such as hammocks and wine-bottle holders, featuring the Notre Dame logo. With a mission to pay artisans fairly, Estrada has already generated over $30,000 in sales since starting the venture, while also contributing 5 percent of proceeds to a nonprofit focused on education in Nicaragua. As he prepares to graduate, Estrada aims to expand the business's reach to universities and restaurants, melding his passion for social entrepreneurship with a commitment to improving lives in his home country.