Erin Fennessy // The Observer

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Student Policy Network provides Notre Dame students with an avenue for learning about careers in public policy, advocacy

Erin Fennessy | Thursday, September 24, 2020

The Student Policy Network (SPN), a project of BridgeND that pursues student/firm partnerships in public policy, has launched three projects for the fall semester. Juniors Greg Miller and Patrick Aimone said they initiated the launch of SPN after identifying a gap in the opportunities for students to learn more about careers in public policy at

Viewpoint

Do the next right thing

Erin Fennessy | Monday, September 21, 2020

While I was living at home this summer, my mom convinced me to watch “Frozen 2” with her — which, for the record, is much better than the first “Frozen” movie. I could write an analysis of every song in the second one for the scene department, but I’ll spare you (for now) and limit

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Notre Dame singing groups adapt rehearsals, performances to meet COVID-19 challenges

Erin Fennessy | Friday, September 11, 2020

Various singing groups at Notre Dame are adapting their approaches to rehearsals and performances for the fall semester to meet the COVID-19 health guidelines put in place by the University. On June 22, vice president for student affairs Erin Hoffmann Harding announced in a letter to students that the University would not permit “group vocal

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Study Abroad Week’s virtual format increases accessibility for students, advisors

Erin Fennessy | Tuesday, September 1, 2020

Notre Dame Study Abroad Week debuted on Monday with a new virtual format to accommodate the logistical changes required by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The virtual week, which is set to run from Monday, Aug. 31 to Friday, Sept. 4, is a combination of live and pre-recorded sessions. Live events include open advising sessions, informational

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Students create ‘HERE’s the Why’ Instagram account to advocate for social responsibility

Erin Fennessy | Tuesday, August 25, 2020

The tri-campus community has taken the fight to bolster student compliance to COVID-19 health guidelines into their own hands via social media. A student-run Instagram page titled “HERE’s the Why” began sharing personal stories from students, alumni and other concerned members of the community late last week in an effort to promote reflection on individual responsibility.

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From the Archives: Ad Mania

Jim Moster, Evan McKenna, Sarah Kikel, Marirose Osborne, Erin Fennessy, Adriana Perez and Meghan Pryor | Monday, November 25, 2019

It’s difficult to separate American culture from American consumerism. Whether we’re eagerly anticipating Super Bowl commercials or mocking bizarre billboards on the highway, advertisements influence our perception of everyday life. Naturally, The Observer has helped provide a platform for this aspect of consumerism. This week, From the Archives takes a break from past topics like

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From the Archives: The Ghost of Washington Hall

Sarah Kikel, Evan McKenna, Erin Fennessy and Jim Moster | Monday, October 14, 2019

The tale of Notre Dame’s first All-American football player George Gipp is one of the University’s most storied legends. The story goes that Gipp contracted a strep throat infection and pneumonia after falling asleep outside of Washington Hall. He died Dec. 14, 1920. Following the death of the Gipper, many students claim to have experienced

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From the Archives: Controversial speakers on campus

Evan McKenna, Ellie Neff, Jim Moster and Erin Fennessy | Monday, September 30, 2019

University campuses are traditionally heralded as intellectual hubs that encourage rigorous discourse — students and faculty share a common space with the express purpose of teaching and growing in knowledge. Visiting speakers with divisive perspectives often challenge the precarious balance of this academic ecosystem. A speaker idolized by one group of students may be condemned