news

John McKiernan '05 appointed as new executive vice president and chief operating officer.jpg

Holy Cross appoints new executive vice president and chief operating officer

By Observer News Staff · Wednesday, March 18, 2026

John McKiernan has been selected as the new executive vice president and chief operating officer of Holy Cross College.

Lou Holtz’s visitation and funeral commemorates a life of ‘tough love’

By Mara Hall and Matthew Morin · Monday, March 16, 2026

Bringing over a thousand people through the Basilica, family, former players, students and well-wishers came to pay their respects to the former Notre Dame Football head coach Lou Holtz.

Saint Mary's commencement speakers and honorary recipients have been announced

Saint Mary's announces commencement speaker, honorary recipients

By Observer News Staff · Monday, March 16, 2026

Saint Mary's College President Katie Conboy recently announced Anne Thompson ’79 as the 179th commencement speaker. Jennifer Holmgren will be awarded a doctorate of science for her leadership work in sustainable companies, with Carmi and Chris Murphy ’68 being honored with the President's Medal.

Incoming student body president and vice president discuss new term

Vera, Fouts wins Holy Cross student government election

By Berhan Hagezom · Thursday, March 5, 2026

Following the conclusion of Holy Cross’ Student Government Association election, with the results announced on Wednesday, juniors Carlos Vera and Abigail Fouts discuss their objectives and goals for the upcoming term.

Dorm retreats foster community, encourage reflection

By Emily Barlett · Thursday, March 5, 2026

Residence hall staff and attendees discuss their experiences in organizing and participating in dorm retreats throughout this semester, as well as offer advice for interested individuals.

Saint Mary’s student reports sexual harassment by Uber driver

By Observer News Staff · Wednesday, March 4, 2026

Director of Campus Safety Phil Bambenek sent an email to Saint Mary’s students Tuesday afternoon informing them of a recent sexual harassment incident.

70 SMC community members march to support immigrants

By Aynslee Dellacca and Soledad Castellanos · Wednesday, March 4, 2026

Belles Unite Borders led a “March for Unity” in solidarity with immigrants, refugees and asylum seekers, drawing a crowd of roughly 70 students, faculty, religious sisters and community members.

Faculty discuss OIT updates, attendance policies and Ostermann at senate meeting

By Mara Hall · Wednesday, March 4, 2026

At this month’s faculty senate meeting, elected representatives of the faculty were briefed on updates to a resolution regarding OIT before moving to discuss the Ostermann controversy, the creation of a more universal preprofessional studies supplemental major and attendance and accommodations policies.

Holy Cross College spring formal returns with masquerade theme

By Eileen Doyle · Wednesday, March 4, 2026

Holy Cross College’s spring formal, “A Night in Disguise,” will feature a masquerade theme, lowered ticket pricing and menu adjustments based on student feedback. Organizers hope the changes will increase attendance and create an interactive experience.

Saint Mary's Donor Challenge Website Homepage

Saint Mary’s annual Donor Challenge brings in $1.3 million

By Sophie Lewandowski · Wednesday, March 4, 2026

The annual fundraising event centers upon raising money for the Saint Mary's Fund. This year, the Donor Challenge was extended to last throughout February rather than just one day. The funds raised from 2,751 donors will contribute to scholarships, technology and campus preservation.

SMC and ND communities react to death of Iranian supreme leader

By Mara Hall and Soledad Castellanos · Tuesday, March 3, 2026

Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed during airstrikes on Feb. 28 during U.S. military operation ‘Epic Fury.’

Students go to prison for ‘Inside-Out’ class

By Andrew Poulton and Jessica Mayor · Tuesday, March 3, 2026

The Institute for Social Concerns class visits Westville Correctional Facility as part of its curriculum.

Mendoza College of Business including honors program for students

Mendoza’s Business Honors Program fosters principled community

By Juliet Powell · Monday, March 2, 2026

Created with a mission to challenge its students with extra rigorous coursework and specialized programming, Mendoza’s Business Honors Program prepares students for not only business-related ventures but also ethical practices.

Snite Research Center in the Visual Arts will open next fall

Snite plans fall reopening after art exodus

By Chloe Hanford · Monday, March 2, 2026

Beginning next fall, University students and the public will now have the opportunity to visit and explore the Snite Research Center in the Visual Arts, where classes will also be taking place there.

Prayer service for ND’s Catholic mission concludes week of protest planning

By Mara Hall and Henry Jagodzinski · Saturday, Feb. 28, 2026

A planned protest shifted to a prayer service focused on “unity and gratitude” after professor Susan Ostermann declined her appointment to lead the Liu Institute for Asia and Asian Studies.

Prayer service held at the Grotto for march

Organizers shift protest to prayer service after Ostermann declines Liu directorship

By Observer News Staff · Friday, Feb. 27, 2026

Organizers have reframed the 6 p.m. prayer service as a celebratory moment and a unifying event focused on the Notre Dame’s Catholic identity.

Holy Cross announces housing updates ahead of fall 2026 residence hall opening

By Eileen Doyle · Friday, Feb. 27, 2026

Holy Cross College announced several housing updates ahead of the fall 2026 opening of its new residence hall, including designating the building as all-male, converting Pulte Hall into an all-female dorm and reducing off-campus housing at University Edge.

South Bend Civil Rights Movement exhibit

Students curate exhibit exploring South Bend’s history of racism

By Sophie Lewandowski · Friday, Feb. 27, 2026

Students in Professor Jamie Wagman’s first-year seminar curated an exhibit examining South Bend’s history of racism, now on display at Cushwa-Leighton Library at Saint Mary’s College.

Professors react to Supreme Court decision to strike down Trump’s tariffs

By Matthew Morin · Friday, Feb. 27, 2026

Learning Resources, Inc. v. Trump was decided by the Court on February 20th after four months of deliberation.

New STEM designation for finance major grants international students benefits

By Zach Ford and Zack Pohlman · Friday, Feb. 27, 2026

The University of Notre Dame’s Mendoza College of Business will designate its finance major as STEM beginning in January 2026, allowing international students to qualify for a 24-month OPT extension and increasing their chances of securing H-1B visas after graduation.