A $10 million gift to Notre Dame from alumnus Mark Gallogly and his wife Lise Strickler will endow the Rev. James E. McDonald, C.S.C., Center for Student Well-Being and increase support for mental health concerns among students, according to a University press release Sept. 15.
“The health of our students is an utmost priority, and the McDonald Center will enable us to more effectively and comprehensively support their mental and other health needs,” University President Fr. John Jenkins said in the press release.
The McDonald Center for Student Well-Being will focus on "prevention, intervention and education programs" and offer "assessment activities" for students on campus, the press release stated.
“This extraordinary gift will significantly enhance our ability to cultivate a healthy campus community and serve students with mental health needs in a compassionate and integrated manner,” Erin Hoffmann Harding, vice president for student affairs, said in the press release.
The Center's name comes from Fr. James E. McDonald, the assistant provincial and steward for the U.S. province of the Congregation of Holy Cross, according to the press release. He formerly served as an associate vice president and counselor to Jenkins and rector of Saint George's College in Santiago, Chile.
“Mark and Lise’s generosity in naming this center after their friend, Fr. McDonald, models the lifelong connections that we hope our students will form at Notre Dame by caring for and supporting one another,” Hoffmann Harding said. “We are honored to have the center’s name reinforce how the charism of Holy Cross informs all of our student services.”
