Reclaiming nearly 30 percent of the surrounding landscape with native vegetation and achieving a 41 percent reduction in water usage, the team proved that complex scientific infrastructure can lead the way in environmental stewardship and resilient campus design.

Congratulations to the McCourtney Hall East LEED Platinum Project Team for winning the Presidential Team Irish Award!

Originally published by NDWorks at ndworks.nd.edu on September 15, 2026.

According to Tony Polotto, senior director of construction and quality assurance in the Office of Facilities Design and Operations, the work was done by approximately 10 people from June through August. The goal? Support a healthier, more resilient, and more attractive campus landscape.

“Our director of landscaping brought the issue of invasive species overtaking the native plantings along the lake to our attention,” Polotto said. “This conversation led to a study and master plan to restore and provide ongoing upkeep to the shoreline.”

Removal of woody invasive species

Staff removed plants including white mulberry, as well as dead or dying willows, cottonwood, and white ash. Dead limbs in the canopy of the many black walnut trees along the southern shoreline were also removed. Invasive shrubs removed included Asian bush honeysuckle, autumn olive, privet, and Oriental bittersweet. During this process, workers carefully protected selected native shrubs—elderberry, redbud, willow, red-osier dogwood, and silky dogwood.

Next, five shallow aquatic shorelines were selected for enhancement following a detailed assessment of site conditions and long-term planting feasibility. Landscapers considered soil conditions, available planting shelves for saturated and shallow-water species, shoreline width and slope, aesthetic value, and existing tree and shrub canopy cover.

Plantings

Nearly 3,750 plants, consisting of 31 different species, were planted along the water’s edge. An additional 1,250 plants, comprising 15 species, were placed in select upland buffer areas. Establishing this emergent native vegetation—such as swamp milkweed, cup plant, swamp rose mallow, and joe-pye weed—along the shoreline of St. Mary’s Lake provides important ecological and shoreline stabilization benefits. These deep-rooted, moisture-tolerant species help bind shoreline soils, reduce erosion from wave action and runoff, slow and filter stormwater before it reaches the lake, and improve nearshore water quality.

“Their upright growth along the water’s edge also creates valuable habitat and cover for insects, birds, amphibians, and other wildlife, while their showy, nectar-rich flowers support monarch butterflies, native bees, hummingbirds, and other pollinators throughout the growing season,” Polotto explained. “Together, these plants create a resilient, biodiverse lakeshore buffer that enhances habitat value, improves aesthetics, and supports the long-term health of the aquatic ecosystem.”

For a comprehensive review of native plants, download the Stantec species report of Saint Mary's Lake [PDF, 2MB].

Protecting the plants

To help the newly planted vegetation become established, workers installed visible fencing and bright flagging, designed to discourage geese and other wildlife from consuming or uprooting the vulnerable plants during this early growth period. While these temporary protection measures may appear unsightly, they are purposeful and important to the success of the restoration. Look for the fences and flags to be removed in late summer or early fall, when the plants have had a chance to take hold along the shoreline.

“After the new plantings mature through the remainder of this year, the project will draw attention throughout the next growing season with colors that enhance the natural ecosystem of the lakes,” Polotto said.

Originally published by NDWorks at ndworks.nd.edu on September 01, 2026.

Starting Monday, June 8, Holy Cross Drive will be closed south of Dorr Road, near Burke Golf Course, to Main Gate. Drivers should follow posted detour signs and use East Gate for campus access. There will still be vehicle access to Duncan Hall and the construction sites of Coyle and Grojean Halls, as well as South Dining Hall, via northern routes. Closures and alternate routes are detailed on this map.

Sidewalks will remain open to pedestrian access during the extent of construction. Construction is expected to continue through the month of July.

Originally published by NDWorks at ndworks.nd.edu on May 19, 2026.

What do you like most about your job?

What I enjoy most about my job is being able to be creative in coming up with new ideas for different colors and designs for our annual flower displays, our tulips and daffodils, and designs for all the flower planters on campus. 

What makes you feel appreciated?

What makes me feel most appreciated are all the compliments I get from University faculty and staff, students, and visitors.  

What do you do?

In spring, summer, and fall, I am involved with all the flower beds from designing to planting, watering, and weeding. In the winter months, I plow snow in a plow truck. 

What do you like most about working at Notre Dame?

What I like most about working at Notre Dame is the friendly, welcoming people and atmosphere. It helps that this campus is absolutely gorgeous, and football weekends are pretty great, too!

What is a fun fact about you outside of work?

I love to travel and do it as much as I possibly can. I have seen some really beautiful places but, of course, my favorite so far is Ireland. 

(Photos by Matt Cashore/University of Notre Dame)

Originally published by Julia Wilson, Writer/Editor at ndworks.nd.edu on May 26, 2026.

On Earth Day, students, faculty, staff, and members of the Michiana community gathered for Notre Dame’s Third Annual Sustainability Celebration to honor the collective achievements of campus sustainability champions and recognize both external and internal partners who are part of Notre Dame’s ongoing journey to care for our common home. This year's gathering had a notable reason to celebrate: It's been ten years since Notre Dame's original Sustainability Strategy was published, and much has changed in the last decade.

During the celebration, University President Rev. Robert A. Dowd, C.S.C., offered reflections on the many sustainability achievements thus far, as well as the continuing work ahead for Notre Dame.

Reflections of progress

Before assuming his presidential role, Father Dowd was an original member of the Sustainability Strategy Standing Committee, which published the University’s first Sustainability Strategy a decade ago.

“Pope Francis’ encyclical Laudato si’ was a call to all of us, and we have done our best to answer that call,” he said.

Father Dowd reflected on his time as a member of the Committee and the process of envisioning possibilities for a more sustainable campus, saying, “We came up with all kinds of ideas, but of course, putting those ideas into action in the real world is the real heavy lifting.”

Father Dowd shared examples of the University’s commitment to sustainable endeavors, recounting the detailed work of special projects, including the hydroelectric facility and advancing decarbonization, achieving LEED building certifications, establishing sustainability-focused academic programs, and reducing food waste.

“We’re still at the very beginning of this work, and it’s going to be an ongoing effort to translate research and education into transformative action. I know, based on my conversation with Pope Leo, that [sustainability] matters to him,” said Father Dowd. “We must continue building on the legacy of Pope Francis and Laudato si’, ensuring that we are caring for our common home and caring for one another with special attention to those who are most vulnerable among us.”

Honoring external partners

Now in its seventh year, the External Partnership Sustainability Awards honored five campus partners. The award categories recognize the holistic nature of sustainability work, keeping in mind the three sustainability pillars: ecological, human, and economic health. Procurement Services and Notre Dame Sustainability presented repurposed slate roof tile plaques to five deserving organizations. The awardees were as follows:

Business Furnishings received the “Bridging to Business” Award. This recognition honors a local small business partner who not only provides the University with the highest level of customer service, but also serves as a model partner for other businesses in the region. Business Furnishings has consistently helped to repurpose and reuse furniture items from one project to another, saving money and supporting sustainability through circular use. Their work alongside the University has extended the lifespan of furniture across dozens of buildings and counting.

Leanpath received the “Innovative Food Solutions” Award. This company provides and supports the software and equipment that the University uses to track and categorize food waste in the Dining Halls. Using the Leanpath system, Notre Dame’s culinary teams receive real-time data to make informed decisions that help avoid food waste before it happens. Avoiding food waste through meal planning is considered one of the most effective ways to keep food out of the landfill.

Paramount Coffee was recognized for the “Human Rights and Social Responsibility” Award. Through this partnership, the University can serve coffee sourced directly from farms with traceable supply chains, supporting a respect for both the land and the people working on the coffee farms. Coffee is a crop that has considerable sustainability implications, and Paramount is a company dedicated to prioritizing both people and planet as a part of its business practices.

LiveRoof was honored with the “Resilience and Climate Impact Reduction” Award, which recognizes an outstanding partner whose work supports the areas of climate change mitigation and adaptation. Currently, Notre Dame has over 212,000 square feet of green roofs spanning across ten different buildings. Since 2009, LiveRoof has been instrumental in designing, installing, and maintaining these systems.

Finally, R&R Excavating was recognized with the “Operational Excellence” Award. R&R has been a major contributor to several sustainability projects executed by the University’s Utilities team, including South Campus Geothermal, ND Hydro, and West Campus Solar. Throughout these projects, R&R has acted as an extension of the University’s team, helping navigate complex challenges to deliver innovative and often collaborative solutions. This partner’s work aligns closely with the University’s long-term goals and operational mission. Their contributions have helped the University to reduce carbon emissions by 48% since 2005, as Notre Dame continues working to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050.

Recognizing internal sustainability champions

With the introduction of alcohol at the Stadium in fall 2025, it became critical to further refine the collection process of recyclable materials during game days and special events. Alcohol sales mean a higher number of recyclable materials are making their way into the Stadium—with the increased potential of not making it to a recycling bin. Collecting recyclables for large-scale events is no easy task; it is laborious work that requires dedication, consistency, and a desire for continuous improvement. Committed to reducing waste and increasing recycling collection, the Stadium Operations team stepped up to the challenge, increasing recycling by 80% from the 2024 to the 2025 football season. Through their efforts, the Stadium Operations team demonstrated the power of partnership to advance a common goal.

A wide variety of other internal partners were also recognized in verbal remarks, including student sustainability leaders such as the Sustainability Commissioners, Green Team members, and undergraduate and graduate student government leadership. Additionally, all current and past members of the Sustainability Strategy Standing Committee and Small Working Groups were recognized for their invaluable work to advance sustainability on campus.

As the University looks toward the future, the Third Annual Sustainability Celebration served as both a reflection on a decade of progress and a source of enthusiasm for the work yet to come. By honoring the synergy between innovative external partners and dedicated internal teams, coupled with the dedication of campus leadership, the University is well-positioned to meet the challenges of the next decade and beyond.

External Partner Sustainability Awardees are selected through an open nomination process for the Notre Dame Community. Students, faculty, and staff are eligible to nominate partners as a part of the annual process. Nominations are reviewed by a committee of students, faculty, and staff.

Year-round, Notre Dame Sustainability encourages the campus community to celebrate and elevate internal colleagues for consideration in our Sustainability Spotlight! You can nominate them to be featured in our monthly newsletter, The Green Ambassador. To stay up to speed with what is happening on campus, join the newsletter mailing list. Learn more about employee opportunities for sustainability involvement by visiting our staff and faculty resources page.

Originally published by Olivia Farrington & John Kalemkerian at green.nd.edu on May 06, 2026.

• 41% water savings via low-flow fixtures.
• LED lighting is 56% better than Indiana's energy code standard.
• A heat recovery system exists to capture waste heat to pre-cool and pre-heat air for the laboratories.
• 89% of the project waste was diverted from the landfill by separating waste streams where feasible, and engaging a local partner to separate co-mingled materials further.
• The geothermal campus heating water system was extended to the building to provide high-efficiency building heating and to move away from campus steam generation.
• 29% of the previously disturbed site area was restored with native or adapted vegetation.
• Biophilic design principles were incorporated with the exterior courtyard design, as well as bringing the site design into the building via layout, material selection, views of the exterior, and daylighting.
• Short- and long-term bicycle storage were provided alongside shower facilities to encourage building occupants to bike to campus.

Stay tuned for more news coming soon on the LEED-Platinum certification of McCourtney East.

Originally published by Olivia Farrington at green.nd.edu on May 08, 2026.

1. Tell us about yourself & your work on campus.

I am an electrical engineer with the Utilities department, where I’ve been since September of 2022. I support all things electrical in nature, like primary power to new construction, lighting controls installations and upgrades, power generation and distribution on campus, as well as a big focus on LED conversions across campus.

2. Share a bit about your work as it specifically relates to energy conservation work on campus.

I work a lot on LED conversions to existing buildings. To get the most payback, both financially and from an energy standpoint, we are working in phases of multiple buildings at once.

3. Can you share some examples of Notre Dame's energy conservation work?

We’ve successfully converted some of the larger buildings on campus, like Debartolo Hall and Stinson Remick, to LED by bypassing the existing ballast and putting in new LED lamps, which is way more cost-effective than a new LED fixture. We are targeting larger buildings that are primarily on/off lights to really maximize efficiency. We work closely with UND Maintenance and our campus partners to count and source the LED solutions, and run payback analysis. Once the payback analysis is complete, our campus partner, Navarre Services, gets to work. Another example is lighting controls – turning lights off when they aren’t in use. There’s some older versions that are now obsolete, leaving a lot of lights on 24/7. We are actively working to upgrade these to our current campus standard, and get back to using occupancy sensors to control lights, instead of relying on people to remember to turn them off, or having lights on 24/7, especially when not needed.

4. What is your favorite aspect of your job?

My favorite thing about my job is how many people on campus are impacted by what I do every day, but behind the scenes. There’s so much thought that goes into something seemingly simple, like lights turning on and off, to ensure they work when needed, but still making sure that it’s not wasteful. It’s great to work with so many people both in FDO and across campus that all have seemingly competing priorities, but coming together especially for these important sustainability projects.

5. What is one sustainability tip/action would you recommend people take on in their daily lives, whether at home or on campus, related to conserving energy and reducing emissions?

I myself have definitely focused on lights. At home, I always make sure we only have on the lights we need, and turn them off when leaving the room – even on campus in rooms where there’s a sensor or a timer – it may not seem like much, but 10 minutes of a handful of lights on in an empty room is a measurable amount of electricity used! It will add up.

6. What gives you hope for the future?

What gives me hope for the future is the little actions. It can feel really challenging at times, but seeing the work of others like those featured in the Sustainability Spotlight, some random advancement in medicine or technology, or even a small act of kindness. All of those little actions I can see every day are measurable, and every little action I can do is too, and I know I’m not alone in doing it. If we all keep going and keep doing the little measurable things, it may just add up to be enough to change the world.

Did you know? Notre Dame has achieved a 48% carbon reduction (2005), continuing on the path to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050. Learn more about campus decarbonization by viewing our greenhouse gas emissions page.

Do you know an individual or team who should be highlighted for their sustainability work? Submit a nomination for them here! Their story may be shared on our monthly Green Ambassador newsletter.

Originally published by Olivia Farrington at green.nd.edu on April 30, 2026.

In this episode of NDWorks Podcast, host Natalie Davis Miller sits down with Tony Polotto, the senior director of construction and quality assurance in the office of facilities design and operations. Polotto brings years of experience in a number of areas to our conversation about sustainability and green roofs on campus.

This episode of NDWorks Podcast was edited by Michael Wiens, with original music by Alex Mansour and additional music provided by Universal Production Music.

Originally published by Natalie Davis Miller, NDWorks at ndworks.nd.edu on April 27, 2026.

Tell us about yourself & your work on campus.

I am the Horticulturist for Landscape Services. My team and I are responsible for most things flowering in campus landscapes. We design, plan, install, and maintain all seasonal planting, such as annuals, mums, bulbs, and winter decor. We maintain most perennials and many flowering shrubs, like roses, on campus.

Share a little bit about your work as it specifically relates to the ongoing care of native pollinator gardens on campus.

I serve as a campus liaison with Stantec, the ecosystem restoration contractor that installs and maintains those areas. For other areas that focus on native pollinator plants, we at least maintain, for example, the World Peace Plaza, and sometimes are also responsible for design and installation, like the Class of 1976 Butterfly Garden.

Are there any goals or objectives you can share with us about the future of natives on campus?

Right now, our main project in this area of work is to establish new native pollinators at the solar array installation near WNDU. The species at the site need to be short enough not to obstruct the panels' ability to capture sunlight. A few notable plants include sand coreopsis, purple prairie clover, and hairy aster. Still, we are always looking for opportunities to add to the areas that we already have. Throughout campus, we continue to make a concerted effort in our in-house design projects to include as many native, pollinator-friendly, and water-wise plants as the parameters of the project allow. We often seek ways to include natives in projects, even when they might have a focus on annual plantings.

What is your favorite aspect of working on campus?

Simply the opportunity to plan and maintain spots on campus that we know bring joy to everyone present on campus: faculty, staff, students, and visitors.

What is one sustainability tip would you recommend people take on in their daily lives, whether at home or on campus?

Remember that even little things matter. Simple things can make a difference. I, for example, return one-gallon pots to a perennial nursery that reuses them. The small efforts of individuals really do add up.

Related to sustainability, what gives you hope for the future?

Sustainability is more and more built into the thinking and action of younger generations.

Learn more about the green spaces of campus by viewing our interactive green map.

Do you know an individual or team who should be highlighted for their sustainability work? Submit a nomination for them here! Their story may be shared on our monthly Green Ambassador newsletter.

Originally published by Olivia Farrington at green.nd.edu on March 17, 2026.

During his 90-day immersive training last fall, McFarland participated in a hands-on learning model focused on developing a deep understanding of university facilities operations while applying his extensive project management, systems engineering, and leadership expertise to real-world initiatives.

From his first interaction with Notre Dame, Devin felt an immediate sense of connection with the University’s mission and values. “From my first contact with the University of Notre Dame, the institution demonstrated a thoughtful, well-structured approach to supporting service members during this transition,” he shared. “I immediately felt aligned with an organization whose values of service, excellence, and community closely mirror those of the military.”

McFarland brought to the program a rare blend of strategic insight and tactical execution. His ability to adapt quickly, communicate effectively, and build rapport across departments made a significant impact. Though initially uncertain how his military experience would translate to a university setting, that question was answered almost immediately. “From day one, the maintenance department welcomed me as a teammate,” he noted, “creating an environment where military experience translated into real, measurable operational impact.”

This DoD-funded program allows transitioning service members to gain tailored, civilian workforce training at no cost to the University, while also enabling departments to proactively shape talent pipelines. While participation in SkillBridge does not guarantee employment at Notre Dame, it creates meaningful opportunities when institutional needs and timing align. In McFarland’s case, the experience exceeded expectations and ultimately led to continued service at the University. “My experience with the University’s SkillBridge program reinforced my confidence that the skills developed through military service can translate into lasting value within a mission-driven organization like Notre Dame,” he shared.

McFarland’s success as Notre Dame’s first SkillBridge intern sets a strong foundation for future partnerships between the University and our nation’s military leaders as they explore the next chapter of their careers. Reflecting on the experience, his supervisor Chip Farrell shared, “We could not be happier with our experience working with Devin. His US Army background in data analytics was the perfect fit for our team, as we were looking to restructure our work order metrics data collection and analysis. He hit the ground running and exceeded all expectations, building data analysis platforms that we will continue to use to strengthen and improve our maintenance operations.

Originally published by NDWorks at ndworks.nd.edu on January 28, 2026.

Today, the City of South Bend’s Redevelopment Commission pledged financial support for the development of Colfax Corner, a new 202,000-square-foot research and innovation hub led by Ancora in collaboration with the University of Notre Dame. The city’s financial support comes through an Innovation Development District (IDD) bond, which will be repaid by incremental tax revenue generated by the project. The IDD is a novel partnership between the City of South Bend and the State of Indiana that will be an asset for attracting additional jobs and investment into the community.

Colfax Corner represents the first phase of the DTSB Tech and Talent District, and was envisioned by the Downtown 2045 Plan to serve as a catalyst for broader revitalization activities.

The project will feature a restored South Bend Tribune building and an adjoining modern research and office facility. The two will be linked on the second floor, and together frame an outdoor public plaza designed for events, pop-up programming and everyday use. Vertical construction is anticipated to begin in summer 2026, with completion expected by summer 2028.

By locating more than 400 high-tech jobs to downtown South Bend and engaging the community with an active calendar of programming and events, Colfax Corner will spark renewed energy in the city, with a projected $750 million direct impact to the local economy over the next 10 years.

“This project shows what’s possible when a university, private partners and a city pull in the same direction — innovation speeds up, talent sticks and opportunity widens for South Bend,” said Josh Parker, chairman and CEO of Ancora, an investment management firm that partners with universities to deliver projects that support academic, research and community goals. Ancora is the development, construction, asset and property manager for the project.

More than a real estate project, Colfax Corner is the product of cross-sector collaboration among Notre Dame, Ancora, the City of South Bend, the State of Indiana, Lilly Endowment Inc. and the Judd Leighton Foundation. The announcement follows a $30 million grant from Lilly Endowment through its College and Community Collaboration program, aimed at fueling job creation, economic growth and improved quality of life in Indiana’s college towns.

“We are grateful for the support Colfax Corner has received from our public and nonprofit partners,” said Shannon Cullinan, executive vice president of Notre Dame. “Together with other new developments in downtown South Bend, we look forward to the positive impact this project will have on advancing our region.”

“This game-changing project will not only reshape the landscape of our downtown, but also catalyze shared growth in our community.”

Notre Dame, as the anchor tenant, will work alongside Ancora to attract world-class research and talent while also welcoming educational programs, events, and dining and retail experiences — creating a vibrant district where innovation connects with the broader community. The district will also host ethics and leadership training through Holy Cross College and youth and early childhood programming through South Bend City Church.

“We are proud to partner with Ancora and the University of Notre Dame on this transformative investment in the heart of South Bend,” South Bend Mayor James Mueller said. “This game-changing project will not only reshape the landscape of our downtown, but also catalyze shared growth in our community.”

The Tribune building, acquired by Notre Dame in 2023 to preserve it from demolition, will undergo full historic restoration to provide classroom, research and innovation space. The new adjacent building will strengthen downtown South Bend as a hub for technological advancement and collaboration.

Phase Two of the project will expand west across Lafayette Boulevard, further extending the district’s economic and cultural reach.

To learn more about the project, visit www.colfaxcorner.com.

Contact: Erin Blasko, associate director of media relations, 574-631-4127, eblasko@nd.edu

Originally published by Erin Blasko at news.nd.edu on December 18, 2025.

The Restorative Cleaning Technicians Team plays a critical, yet often unseen, role in keeping campus beautiful, safe, and ready for daily life at Notre Dame. This small group of skilled professionals maintains floors in more than 150 buildings—covering 7 million square feet of academic, administrative, athletic, and residential space. Their expertise ranges from carpet cleaning to stripping and refinishing a variety of floor types, whether brand-new or decades old.

Beyond their scheduled work, they respond to emergencies such as floods and last-minute event requests with remarkable flexibility and teamwork. Working in multiple shifts, the team ensures campus floor-care coverage 24 hours a day. Known for their reliability, attention to detail, and commitment to excellence, they embody the spirit of service that this award celebrates.

Congratulations to the team on winning the Presidential Team Irish Award.

Originally published by NDWorks at ndworks.nd.edu on November 17, 2025.

Recycling is more than a service—it’s a shared responsibility that reflects Notre Dame’s mission and Catholic values. Throughout the past year, Building Services and Sustainability partnered to strengthen campus recycling programs, navigating industry changes and inspiring the University community to join in caring for our common home.

Their work has produced impressive results: a 46% increase in everyday recycling on campus and a 66% increase in recycling per football game from 2023 to 2024. These achievements reflect not only operational improvements but also the collective commitment to a cleaner, more sustainable future. For their leadership, collaboration, and measurable impact, we proudly honor the recycling team with the Presidential Team Irish Award.

Originally published by NDWorks at ndworks.nd.edu on October 06, 2025.

Originally published by Erin Blasko at news.nd.edu on August 27, 2025.

Escaping the heat, some of the center’s predicted 150-plus infant and toddler beneficiaries were present and able to explore their new learning and care space. The bright, colorful rooms welcomed families to interact with staff and see where their children will learn and play.

Amid a few babies fussing, and after parents secured some active crawlers, Executive Vice President Shannon Cullinan, John McGreevy, the Charles and Jill Fischer Provost, and Heather Christophersen, vice president for human resources, opened the program with remarks.

Building on the recommendations of a committee convened in 2020 to look at childcare assistance opportunities, the new center is part of a commitment from University leaders to support faculty, staff, students, and their families.

“One thing became clear early on: There was, in this region and at Notre Dame, a significant shortage of childcare in our area, especially for infants. So here we are today. This new center is more than a building. It represents a meaningful investment in our people . . . who are our greatest asset,” McGreevy said.

Adjacent to University housing for married and parenting students, this KinderCare facility provides a central location for on-campus parents. When the center opens later this month it will serve more than 100 families: 30 from University faculty, 53 from staff, and 22 from graduate and professional students. “That is a true cross-section of the Notre Dame family,” McGreevy said.

McGreevy believes that opening this facility will create a positive ripple effect for the community. “This is a proactive investment in family support services. It’s one of the many ways that Notre Dame is working to ensure that our faculty, staff, and students can thrive professionally, of course, but also personally. This investment is exactly the kind of work that our University strategic framework calls us to do.”

The center has 21 teachers on staff, including the resident chef, to care for children ranging from 6 weeks to 5 years old. Classrooms are divided into age-specific programs for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers, with specialized activities designed to nurture developmental growth and personalize education.

Creating this space was not the only recent investment made by the University to support families, Cullinan added. “In addition to the construction of this facility, NDHR also doubled the adoption benefit for families and centralized websites for parenting resources.” Cullinan shared that the University also hired a full-time Family Services Consultant, Maureen Baska, to help staff navigate their family's caregiving needs and connect them with benefits and resources. Staff can schedule a consultation with Maureen at their convenience.

Cullinan emphasized the logistical feat of this construction, having broken ground in 2024 and completed on schedule for the 2025-26 academic year thanks to the collaborative effort between KinderCare and Notre Dame staff.

The new KinderCare facility is a tangible expression of the University's commitment to walk with community members, be they students or employees, in the moments that matter. This is another step in Notre Dame's mission to support families so that all can thrive, both personally and professionally.

Marlene DiPasquale, vice president of KinderCare for Employers, expressed her gratitude and excitement for the new facility. “Thank you for including us today in your celebration and kudos to you, University of Notre Dame. This is an outstanding step to take for your families, and I love the fact that you’re recognizing it’s for all members of your community.”

Rev. Gerry J. Olinger, C.S.C., vice president for student affairs, closed the program with a prayer and blessing of the facility. “I just want to speak on behalf of all of our students, especially our graduate, our professional students, our undergraduate students, and our parenting students, about how excited we are for this new facility, this new opportunity. It is such a blessing for us, and thank you to all those who have been involved in making this possible.”

KinderCare—the nation’s largest childcare and early education provider—has delivered expert early childhood education for more than 50 years and currently partners with several universities. The Early Childhood Development Center (ECDC) at Notre Dame and Saint Mary’s College will continue to operate on campus and work in collaboration with KinderCare.

More information on KinderCare and this facility.

Originally published by Julia Wilson, Writer/Editor at ndworks.nd.edu on August 12, 2025.

• Dorr Road Student Lot
• Rugby Student Lot
• Walsh Architecture Student Lot

Vehicles must be moved by noon on Monday, August 18th. Any remaining vehicles in these lots will be issued a citation and impounded at the owner’s expense.

*The Bookstore North Lot staging area (shown below in red) will close at 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday, August 19th. 

** The Fischer Faculty/Staff Lot—ADA and reserved parking spaces will remain open. EV charging stations in this lot will also be accessible during move-in week. The regular parking area within Fischer Lot will close fully at 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday, August 19th, and will remain closed until 4:00 p.m. on Sunday, August 24th.

All other faculty/staff and student lots remain open for parking as usual. Visit our website for more information.

For more information on how students will access campus and residence halls during move-in, please visit the Residential Life webpage. We appreciate your assistance in providing a welcoming atmosphere for our students and their families during this exciting time.

Originally published by NDWorks at ndworks.nd.edu on August 18, 2024.

Notre Dame's tree canopy has a rich history. In 1966, the University's first tree survey was conducted. Since then, two surveys at 25-year intervals have been conducted to catalog Notre Dame's tree canopy, led by Biodiversity Museum & Herbarium Curator Barbara Hellenthal.

The Arbor Day celebration in 2024 kicked off the Tree Campus USA campaign with the planting of five trees around Cavanaugh Hall. Led by Beau Barnett, director of landscape and grounds, several students volunteered and were instrumental in establishing this collaborative event.

“I know I’ve spoken to a lot of my long tenured employees — 30 to 35-plus years — and this is the first time we’ve done anything like this,” Barnett said.

All five trees planted are native to the region, emphasizing Tree Campus USA’s mission of planting with integrity and intention.

“They are all native species which are important for supporting the birds and the insects that the birds eat, who all thrive much better on native species than they do on any introduced species that are from other parts of the world or country,” Hellenthal said. “So these are really important because they are improving and increasing the proportion of native species that we have on campus. That’s a big push with the grounds crew right now.”

Joining Tree Campus USA requires following five overarching standards set by the Arbor Day Foundation.

• Establishment of a campus tree advisory committee

• Evidence of a campus tree care plan

• Verification of the plan’s dedicated annual expenditures

• Observing Arbor Day

• Creating a service-learning project aimed at engaging the student body

Lauren Farrell, an undergraduate student, has spearheaded the Campus Tree Care Plan (CTCP) Committee with Barnett. “We will continue to meet to ensure that we are successfully upholding the requirements of a Tree Campus USA. We will also explore other initiatives concerning our trees and increasing student engagement with them,” Farrell said.

The CTCP Committee identified key objectives for campus arboreal life: preservation, diversity, education, and sustainability.

“Our vision is to cultivate a campus environment where trees thrive, contributing to a sustainable, resilient, and aesthetically pleasing landscape and fostering an environment for students to learn, congregate, and grow,” Barnett said.

In addition to this national recognition, St. Joseph County has crowned 12 Big Tree Champions on Notre Dame’s campus. The largest tree recognized this year is a sycamore near Corby Hall.

Protecting and preserving the campus tree canopy does not stop here. CTCP is exploring opportunities with Arbnet, a global network for tree professionals based out of the Morton Arboretum in Illinois, to gain Level II accreditation.

The committee and student volunteers will hold another Arbor Day tree planting event April 25.

“[We want to] include the campus community in student/faculty engagement events to foster a sense of environmental stewardship,” Barnett said.

“This designation represents Notre Dame's commitment to protecting its beautiful trees and our initiative to get our campus community to be more engaged with them," Farrell said.

Originally published by Julia Wilson, Writer/Editor at ndworks.nd.edu on April 07, 2025.

The first year of construction will include establishing new and expanded serving areas, state-of-the-art kitchens, accessible restrooms, and a centralized dishroom. Work during year two will focus on the full restoration of the two dining rooms and creating a new public entry on the south side of the building. New, more energy-efficient mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems will be installed to further the University's goal of being carbon neutral by 2050.

“Throughout construction, the Campus Dining team will continue to provide an innovative dining experience for our students at South Dining Hall. Our team will be communicating service updates as the construction progresses,” Executive Director of Campus Dining Luigi Alberganti said.

Designed by famed Gothic Revival architect Ralph Adams Cram, South Dining Hall opened in 1927 and is regarded as one of the finest examples of a Collegiate Gothic dining facility in the United States. Its two large dining rooms each have the ability to serve 1,000 students. South Dining Hall served as the sole dining hall on campus until the construction of North Dining Hall in 1957. South Dining Hall, last updated in 1997, will be the first project on campus to meet the US Green Building Council LEED requirements for renovations of existing buildings.

Originally published by NDWorks at ndworks.nd.edu on April 29, 2025.

First held in 2023, Building Trades Day offers area high school students the opportunity to explore career pathways in the trades through conversations and hands-on activities with contractors and tradespeople and tours of active construction sites.

Nearly 1,100 students participated in the daylong event, along with nearly 80 local contractors, trades organizations and training partners, including Amazon Web Services, Ivy Tech Community College, Habitat for Humanity of St. Joseph County and Plumbers and Pipefitters Local Union 172, among others.

Led by the Facilities Design and Operations team within the Office of the Executive Vice President, the students toured three active construction sites on campus in various stages of completion: the Jack and Kathy Shields Family Hall (the new football facility), the Southeast Campus Geothermal Plant and the two new residence halls on the southwest side of campus.

The construction industry has been hampered by a labor shortage, with the supply of new tradespeople failing to keep up with demand — particularly in the wake of new federal investments in infrastructure and technology.

In response to this, Building Trades Day seeks to elevate the public perception of the trades and the valuable role tradespeople and the construction industry play in the economic growth of the region, state and country.

Anthony Polotto is the senior director of construction and quality assurance at Notre Dame.

“I’m really happy about the turnout,” Polotto said. “Essentially, what we have is our entire contracting industry is here today. A lot of hands-on activities. Let students install some stuff; install some slate and copper, weld some pipe, do some virtual reality to let people know what construction is really like in this day and age.”

Adriel Younger participated in the event from Niles High School, where he is part of the school’s career and technical education program. A senior, he is working on his welding certification with a career in the trades in mind.

“It’s a really good event,” Younger said. “It’s helpful for students to further expand their knowledge on what the (trades) actually have to offer them, and what kinds of jobs they can do.”

He said he would recommend the event to others his age.

“If you get this opportunity, definitely take advantage of it,” he said. “It will definitely help you in the long run.”

Contact: Erin Blasko, associate director of media relations, 574-631-4127, eblasko@nd.edu

Originally published by Erin Blasko at news.nd.edu on March 10, 2025.

The University of Notre Dame has appointed Dan Cook as its new University architect and vice president for facilities design and operations.

A 1996 Notre Dame alumnus, Cook succeeds Doug Marsh, who served as the inaugural University architect and will continue as a key leader of the facilities design and operations team through May.

Cook joined Notre Dame on Jan. 27 from the University of Texas at Austin, where he had served as the executive director of planning, design and construction since 2021.

“Dan is an accomplished architect and visionary leader who has a deep connection to Notre Dame, making him ideally suited for this position,” University President Rev. Robert A. Dowd, C.S.C.., said. “I am confident he will be an excellent steward of our campus, ensuring our natural environment and facilities contribute in meaningful ways to our mission as a global Catholic research university. I look forward to working closely with him in the years to come.”

As vice president and University architect, Cook will lead the planning, design and construction of new campus facilities, as well as the renovation, maintenance, utilities, landscape services and facilities information for more than 200 buildings and 1,000 acres of campus grounds. He will continue to further Notre Dame’s goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2050 in partnership with Assistant Vice President for Utilities and Maintenance Paul Kempf.

“I am thrilled to welcome Dan Cook back to Our Lady’s University. His leadership, architectural experience, humility and passion for our mission are tremendous assets for Notre Dame,” Executive Vice President Shannon Cullinan said. “Building upon the tradition of excellence established by Doug Marsh, under Dan’s leadership our Facilities Design and Operations Division will reach new heights in innovation, collaboration with campus partners, and efficiency.”

At the University of Texas, Cook led a team of 200 professionals responsible for planning, design, construction, project management, contracting and construction operations for more than 20 million square feet of facilities.

Prior to his role at Texas, he completed a 24-year career in the U.S. Navy, with deployments in Europe, Africa, Cuba and the Middle East. Cook held multiple positions of executive leadership with responsibility for planning, design, construction, utility systems operations, facility services, maintenance and energy solutions. During his last Naval assignment as commanding officer for a construction battalion, Cook guided a team of 1,200 personnel based on an 11-acre campus in San Diego.

Cook earned a bachelor’s degree from Notre Dame’s School of Architecture and a Master of Science in construction engineering and management from Purdue University. He holds a license to practice architecture in Indiana and is the recipient of the Legion of Merit, the Bronze Star and numerous other personal awards and accolades.

Cook is married to Emily Husted Cook, a Notre Dame alumna. Together, they are the parents of seven children, four of whom have attended Notre Dame. He is originally from Oklahoma City.

Originally published by Notre Dame News at news.nd.edu on February 19, 2025.