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Salt and Light
Thomas Jindra: The Mustard Seed
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.
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Alexander Taylor: From Father to Son
like their dad. Alexander Taylor has transformed his personal experiences with juvenile diabetes into a lifelong commitment to philanthropy and service. From organizing triathlons to raise funds for diabetes camps to spearheading charitable events in London, Taylor has dedicated himself to supporting children's health initiatives. Now a soon-to-be graduate of Notre Dame's MBA program, he prepares to take on a new role in financial planning, all while juggling family life with his wife and three young sons.
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Arturo Martinez: A Study in Character
At just 14, Arturo Martinez faced a daunting cancer diagnosis that shifted his perspective on life and competition. Despite the challenges of treatment, he remained determined to play basketball and focus on his education, using his journey to inspire others and reflect on his purpose. Drawing strength from his immigrant grandparents and their experiences, Martinez continued to embody resilience, celebrating milestones along the way as he pursues his Master of Science in Accountancy while remembering the lessons learned during his battle with Hodgkin's disease.
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Jamie Sarubbi: Sister Act
effective communication system. As the Sochi Games approached, the sisters became more than just family; they transformed into a tight-knit team preparing for the challenge of a lifetime. Jamie Sarubbi's journey to support her sister Caitlin's Paralympic ambitions showcases the power of familial bonds in overcoming obstacles and achieving dreams, reminding us how love and dedication can bridge any gap.
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Keith Butler: Do Well by Doing Good
Keith Butler, a seasoned attorney with over 20 years of experience, turned a personal challenge into a transformative mission by founding Valliant House, a residential treatment facility for women dealing with substance abuse. After encountering significant wait times for treatment while advocating for a relative, Butler harnessed his entrepreneurial spirit to create an in-patient program that has since supported over 1,700 women. His journey reflects a shift from initial business motivators to a deep commitment to service and community impact.
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Lauren Vidal: In the Thick
Lauren Vidal's journey as a congressional intern took an unexpected turn when the federal government shut down, thrusting her into a pivotal role within Congressman Mario Diaz-Balart's office. Vidal, a management consulting senior at Notre Dame, has been actively engaged in community service, including creating a youth leadership program for the Center for the Homeless and leading initiatives to enhance student safety and mental health on campus. As the first-generation Cuban-American student body president, her efforts reflect a strong commitment to making a meaningful impact at Notre Dame while honoring her family's legacy of resilience.
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Neil Jones: A Case for the Social Good
Neil Jones, a Notre Dame sophomore, is balancing final exams with launching his first business, Engraved Traditions, which offers custom wooden cell phone cases featuring the Notre Dame fight song. Inspired by his younger brother Dan, who has Down Syndrome, Jones aims to create a company that not only sells products but also provides job opportunities for individuals with special needs. With recent support from the Gigot Center for Entrepreneurship and a new law allowing tax-free savings accounts for people with disabilities, Jones is set on making a significant impact both in business and in his brother's future.
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Salt & Light
The latest edition of Salt & Light in Mendoza Business shifts the focus to students, showcasing their inspiring journeys and contributions to the community. Their stories reveal resilience in the face of adversity and a commitment to helping others, painting a hopeful picture of the future. By illustrating how they embody the call to be ‘salt and light,' these young individuals remind us of the profound impact they can have on the world around them.
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Jamie O'Brien: Cultivating Children
Jamie O'Brien, a Mendoza accountancy professor, has formed a heartfelt connection with Farm of the Child, an orphanage in Honduras, despite never visiting the country. In his role as chair of development, O'Brien is focused on fundraising efforts to support the mission of providing safety and care for children orphaned or abandoned in a region plagued by violence and poverty. His journey began through his teaching and student interactions, leading him to assist the organization more deeply, reflecting his commitment to pro-life advocacy and helping vulnerable communities.
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John Weber: The Importance of Being Turtles
John Weber, affectionately known as "Weebs," has transformed a simple summer activity with his grandchildren into a thriving community known as the Turtle Club. Founded on principles of fun, kindness, and reflection, the club now boasts over a thousand members, many of whom are current and former Notre Dame students. With monthly social events that foster connection and camaraderie, the Turtle Club not only nurtures friendships but also serves as a reminder to recognize the often-overlooked support networks that enrich our lives.