From the Dean's Desk

Guest Column: Mahaffey Business Library Team

Mahaffey Business Library Team

Mahaffey Business Library Team

Tuesday, 8 July 2025

Construction Updates: Mahaffey Business Library Services and Resources

Dear Colleagues,

We hope the summer is treating you well and you are surviving the hot weather!

As the Mahaffey Business Library prepares to relocate within the College, we're looking forward to this new chapter in our partnership with Mendoza. We want to keep you well-informed every step of the way, and we remain dedicated to providing you with the continuous support and seamless services you rely on during this transition. Following is more information about our upcoming move.

Construction Timeline

Through July 17 (pre-construction)
All Mahaffey Business Library services in L001 will remain the same through July 17.

July 18 – August 8 (relocation)
Most computers and equipment will be removed from the current library space (L001); many will be relocated to L064 (including with Bloomberg access) and the corridor outside of L064. Please note: Until the new Trading Room is open in Mendoza 123, the only access to Bloomberg terminals will still be in the Mahaffey Business Library. During this transitional time, the business librarians and core services, including Bloomberg access, will still be available.

August 13 (open in new space!)
We plan to be fully transitioned and open in the new space by Wednesday, August 13. Please note that this timeline may be subject to change.

Services and Resources
Following our space relocation, the Mahaffey Business Library team will be ready to serve you with enhanced expertise, services and resources to support and elevate your teaching and research goals. Here are more details: 

  • Business Library faculty and staff will be located in L012 (Pete’s current office).
  • Specialized research support will be available through onsite consultations and via email. Connect with us via Ask a Business Librarian or email askbuslib@nd.edu.
  • Class instruction sessions will be available upon request.
  • Access to print collections will remain available through Document Delivery and Interlibrary Loan, including paging for in-person pickup/delivery and scanning for electronic delivery.
  • Access to Course Reserves will remain unchanged for the fall.
  • Industry-leading business databases, journals, and other electronic resources will continue without interruption.
  • Several Bloomberg terminals will be accessible in L064 and in the new Trading Room.
  • A small area for print reserves will be located in L066.
  • The Business Library will remain a pick-up/drop-off location for Hesburgh Libraries' materials.

Contact a Business Librarian

  • A Business Librarian will be available in L012 Mendoza, from 9 a.m.–6 p.m., Monday through Friday. We are also available for Zoom meetings.
  • Use our Ask a Business Librarian service available on the Business Library webpage.
  • Visit the front desk, which will be located in the corridor outside of L064, during business hours.

Since the Mahaffey Business Library opened 30 years ago, we have engaged with students, faculty and visiting scholars at the point of need, in-person and online, to educate and connect them with specialized library services and resources critical to their teaching, research and educational goals. We're pleased to continue our tradition of providing excellent research support and business library services. Please don't hesitate to reach out! We're here to help and welcome the opportunity to connect with you anytime.

Sincerely,

Pete Pietraszewski (bpietras@nd.edu)
Michael Deike (mdeike@nd.edu)
Kim Ferraro (kferraro@nd.edu)


Bishop's Conference and Summer Activities

Dean Martijn Cremers

Dean Martijn Cremers

Monday, 16 June 2025

Summer in the College remains a busy time, especially this year with multiple construction projects throughout the building, financial and annual planning, and the start of several graduate programs.

We've already welcomed new students from several graduate programs: 48 students in the Master of Science in Finance, 30 in the Master of Science in Business Analytics (with two more cohorts starting in the fall semester) and 46 in the Executive Master of Nonprofit Administration. Tomorrow, we'll greet 38 new students beginning the Master of Science in Management program. 

The College also hosted an event that highlighted the connection between business and our Catholic faith.

During the week of June 9, more than 20 Catholic bishops from across the country gathered at Notre Dame for the Bishop’s Ministry of Governance Seminar, a week-long conference focused on what governance means in the life and work of a bishop. 

The seminar was a partnership between Mendoza, Notre Dame's Office of Mission Engagement and Church Affairs, and the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. Participants engaged in learning modules taught by Mendoza faculty that focused on business and administrative topics that are essential for bishops but often not part of any training or education they receive. These learning modules were followed by practicum sessions led by experts who work as administrators in the Catholic Church in the United States.

In addition to learning business and administrative principles from our faculty members, the seminar gave bishops a chance to discuss these issues among themselves, hear reflections from fellow bishops and theologians, and pray together.

Serving as host to the summit reinforces our long-standing commitment to serving the Catholic Church. My thanks to those of you who helped with the event: Kristen Collett-Schmitt, associate dean for Undergraduate Studies and Specialized Master's Programs; Chuck Lamphier, executive director of Notre Dame's Office of Mission Engagement and Church Affairs; and Joseph Torma, program and events manager.

I also want to recognize our Mendoza faculty presenters: Jonathan Boulos, Frank Germann, Amanda McKendree, John Michel, Cindy Muir, Kris Muir and Kelly Rubey. Their expertise and dedication shaped the program and provided the bishops with valuable insights. Thank you to all!

In Notre Dame,

Martijn


Guest Column: Letecia McKinney

Letecia McKinney

Letecia McKinney

Tuesday, 27 May 2025

Dear Colleagues, 

I’m pleased to announce the opening of the new Behavioral Research Lab. This state-of-the-art facility is located on the lower level of Mendoza in the former Café Commons space and the adjacent computer classroom. We are scheduled to move in by early June, with full operations launching in time for the fall semester.

The new lab reflects Mendoza’s continued commitment to advancing research and innovation. Designed specifically for behavioral studies, the lab is outfitted with advanced technology and supported by a dedicated team of research assistants. It will serve our current behavioral research faculty and warmly welcome new faculty affiliates from across the College.

Key Goals for the Behavioral Lab

The lab marks an exciting new chapter for the behavioral research program. Our primary goals include:

  1. Fostering innovation and technology-driven research through enhanced infrastructure.
  2. Supporting robust data collection in a professional environment staffed by trained research assistants. 
  3. Expanding in-person participant engagement to include the broader Notre Dame student community, neighboring campuses, University staff and research panel members.
  4. Providing accessible, flexible spaces for studies offering Mendoza class credit or researcher-funded compensation.

Lab Facilities

 

MBL Plans

 

The lab includes several distinct spaces designed to meet a range of research needs:

  • Waiting/Check-In Room: Accommodates 36 participants, featuring two displays (including a hallway digital sign) and a paperless check-in system. This flexible space also supports training and debriefing sessions.
  • Biometric Rooms: Includes two rooms, each equipped with a participant and research assistant station, separated by a movable divider. Each room includes two ceiling-mounted Vaddio RoboFLIP cameras. The iMotions platform features include: 
    • Screen-based eye tracking
    • Facial expression analysis and galvanic skin response
    • A pair of eye-tracking glasses from Pupil Labs for mobile field studies
  • Computer Lab: Consists of a 36-seat lab with front and rear displays, table-mounted displays, removable privacy dividers and a mobile charging cart with 15 Meta Quest 3 virtual reality headsets. Designed for flexible, team-based research. 
  • Team Rooms: Includes four rooms, each with a round table for four, display computer and two RoboFLIP cameras — ideal for small-group studies and collaboration.
  • Conference Room: Seats eight and includes a display, computer and two RoboFLIP cameras. Perfect for consultations, simulations and breakout sessions.
  • Kitchen, Storage & AV Control: Features a microwave, sink, full-size refrigerator and ample storage for study-related materials, food and beverage samples. A dedicated AV control area manages centralized recording systems.

Research Assistant Support

Beth Smith, who rejoined Mendoza this year as a professional research staff member, will oversee lab operations. Beth and the student research team will support study implementation, participant recruitment, data entry and coding, and online research tasks. Beth will also manage room and equipment scheduling to ensure smooth operations.

We’re excited to welcome faculty, students and research panel participants to the Behavioral Research lab this fall. Thank you for your continued support as we grow the Behavioral Research Program at Mendoza.

Warm regards,

Letecia N. McKinney

Sr. Behavioral Research Program Director
Mendoza College of Business


Commencement Weekend Wrap Up

Dean Martijn Cremers

Dean Martijn Cremers

Monday, 19 May 2025

Commencement Weekend was a terrific success, thanks to so many of you. I’m sure our graduates and their families took home memories that will last their lifetimes.

Your contributions — from creating the ceremony's pageantry, organizing food and arranging beautiful decorations, to warmly welcoming our students, parents and guests — have made this important occasion truly special. Thank you all for your hard work!!!

The College awarded 573 undergraduate degrees and 535 graduate degrees. Following is a roundup of the weekend — the people who helped with the events, a breakdown of the degrees awarded and the listing of faculty awards. 

I was especially moved by the testimonial provided during the Graduate Diploma Ceremony by MBA student Kingsley Ukaulor about why he chose Notre Dame. He wrote in part:

“Notre Dame wasn’t my backup plan. It was a divine alignment… Because here, the doors don’t just open. They stay open long enough for you to find your way home. And for that, I will always find ways to give back.”

Kingsley’s words testify to the effort that you devote to serving our students all year long, and speak to our mission and the connections we build as part of the Notre Dame family.

I am also pleased to highlight that Rob Easley received the University’s Faculty Award. The Faculty Award recognizes impactful and lasting service to the University of Notre Dame as a leader among faculty colleagues. Rob was recognized as a “highly respected and trusted leader, mentor, and colleague across the Mendoza College of Business and the University, known for his collaborative spirit, deep expertise, and visionary thinking.”

As we close out the 2024-25 academic year, I am again deeply grateful for all you do. I hope the summer months ahead offer you a time of peace, restoration and renewal. 

In Notre Dame,

Martijn

 

MENDOZA COMMENCEMENT 2025

UNDERGRADUATE DIPLOMA CEREMONY COMMITTEE AND VOLUNTEERS: Charissa Adishian, Katherine Alan, Fernando Briones, Katie Coleman, Brian Connelly, Heather DeCourval, Philip DeJonge, Drew Espeseth, Sam Fisher, Claire Fitzgibbon, Jessica Frazier, Chris Fruehwirth, Laura Glassford, Chris Grenert, Ashley Heberling, Lisa Heming, Sarah Joyce-Baker, Rachel Karnafel, Helen Keefe, Rob Kelly, Morgan Leach, Jeremy May, Shane McCoy, Minhee Myung, Maggie Neenan-Michel, Jessica Noffsinger, Kristy Patterson, Sarah Priebe, Amy Radvansky, Amanda Rink, Gina Shropshire, Marnie Stahl, Taylor Thomas, Andrew Wendelborn, Barb Westraand Rebecca Wood.

GRADUATE DIPLOMA CEREMONY COMMITTEE AND VOLUNTEERS: Katherine Alan, Shelley Arredondo-Rice, Mary Atkins, Sarah Joyce Baker, Chase Bair, Crystal Boser, Jennifer Brewer, Kim Brumbaugh, Katie Coleman, Brian Connelly, Samantha Crisp, Heather Decorval, Philip DeJonge, Chad DeWeese, Phil Drendall, Stephanie Drudge, Brian Edlefson, Lucas Eggers, Mikale Elliott, Nadia Ewing, Claire Fitzgibbon, Quin Gallagher, Christine Gramhofer, Ron Grisoli, Dave Grundy, Kalynda Hamilton, Helen High, Meghan Huff, Rob Kelly, Cathi Kennedy, Tabitha Kingsbury, Cassie Kline, Nickolas Kubik, Tracy Kulwicki, Santhosh Lakkaraju, Emily Marrese, Shane McCoy, Lisa Michaels, Teage Minier, Zara Osterman, Megan Piersma, Tracey Plenzler, Ryan Retartha, Paige Risser, Bill Schenher, Jessica Stookey, Jessica Tezich, Joseph Torma, Teresa True, Annette Tysver, Connie Varga, Wendy Walker, Diego Wang, Ben Wilson, Rebecca Wood, Janel Zakrzewski-Kuntzand Abby Zelenka.

 

PROGRAMS & EVENTS: Shelley Arredondo-Rice, Meghan Huff, Jean Meade, Joseph Torma and Wendy Walker.

FACILITIES AND PROGRAM OPERATIONS: Chad DeWeese, Ron Grisoli and Dana Pierce.

VIDEO, PHOTOGRAPHY AND SOCIAL MEDIA SUPPORT: Katie Coleman, Brian Edlefson, Carol Elliott, Jessica Frazier, Teage Minier andRebecca Wood.

SWAG SALE VOLUNTEERS: Chase Bair, Fernando Briones, Javier Carrillo, Katie Coleman, Brian Connelly, Hannah Crane, Heather DeCourval, Philip DeJonge, Brian Edlefson, Carol Elliott, Jessica Frazier, Dave Grundy, Santhosh Kumar Lakkaraju, Shane McCoy, Teage Minier, Min Hee Myung, Zara Osterman, Paige Risser, Cassie Smithand Rebecca Wood.

 

UNDERGRADUATE STUDIES DEGREES AWARDED

A total of 573 undergraduates received their diplomas:

  • Accountancy: 68
  • Business Analytics: 114
  • Finance: 304
  • Management Consulting: 39
  • Marketing: 47
  • Strategic Management: 1

 

UNDERGRADUATE FACULTY TEACHING AWARDS

COLLEGE LEVEL AWARD

Joe and Gina Prochaska Family Teaching Award: Tonia Murphy

ACADEMIC DEPARTMENT AWARDS

Accountancy

  • James Dincolo Outstanding Undergraduate Professor Award: James O'Brien
  • James Dincolo Outstanding Research Award: John Donovan 
  • James Dincolo Outstanding Teaching Award: Michael Favorite 
  • James Dincolo Outstanding Teaching Award: Illona Bastiaansen 
  • James Dincolo Outstanding Service Award: Colleen M. Creighton
  • James Dincolo Outstanding Service Award: Tim Morrison

Finance

  • Outstanding Undergraduate Professor Award: Jason Reed
  • Outstanding Research Award: Ben Matthies 
  • Prochaska Outstanding Teaching Award: John Shim
  • Department of Finance Outstanding Teaching Award: Kristen Collett-Schmitt 
  • Department of Finance Faculty Service Award: Jim Leady

IT, Analytics, and Operations

  • Zachary Plantz Outstanding Undergraduate Teaching Award: Jennifer R. Waddell
  • Outstanding Research Award: Yoon Son
  • Prochaska Family Teaching Award: Francis Bilson Darku 
  • Outstanding Teaching Professor Award: Brandon Erlacher
  • ITAO Department Faculty Service Award: Ahmed Abbasi

Management & Organization

  • Outstanding Undergraduate Professor Award: Tim Balko
  • M&O Distinguished Researcher Award: John Busenbark
  • Prochaska Outstanding Teaching Award: Mike Mannor
  • M&O Outstanding Teaching Faculty Award: Angela Logan
  • M&O Faculty Service Award: Jessica McManus Warnell

Marketing

  • Outstanding Undergraduate Marketing Professor: John Costello
  • Outstanding Teaching Professor Award: Mitchell Olsen
  • Prochaska Outstanding Teaching Award for a Tenured or Tenure-track Faculty Member: Joonhyuk Yang
  • Outstanding Research Award: Yixing Chen
  • Marketing Faculty Service Award: Kevin Hartman

 

GRADUATE PROGRAMS DEGREES AWARDED

Altogether, we awarded 535 graduate business diplomas:

  • MNA: 41
  • EMNA: 20
  • MSM: 52
  • MSBA: 69
  • MSBA-SA: 25
  • MSBA-Chicago: 19
  • MSA: 79
  • MSF: 41
  • EMBA-Chicago: 22
  • EMBA South Bend: 63 (*one posthumously)
  • MBA: 104 (*one posthumously)

GRADUATE PROGRAM TEACHING AWARDS

  • Leo Burke Outstanding Professor Award for the Chicago Executive MBA Program: John Busenbark
  • Arnie Ludwig Outstanding Professor Award EMBA-South Bend: John Busenbark
  • Master of Science in Business Analytics-Chicago Outstanding Professor Award: Seth Berry
  • Executive Master of Nonprofit Administration Outstanding Professor Award: Kristen Collett-Schmitt
  • Master of Nonprofit Administration Outstanding Professor Award: Angela Logan
  • Traditional MBA Outstanding Professor Award: Walter Clements
  • Master of Science in Business Analytics-Residential Outstanding Professor Award: Jeff Cai
  • Master of Science in Business Analytics-Sports Analytics Outstanding Professor Award: Francis Bilson Darku
  • Master of Science in Finance-Residential Outstanding Professor Award: Martin Barron
  • Master of Science in Management Outstanding Professor Award: Jennifer Waddell
  • James Dincolo Outstanding Professor Award: TJ Brecht

 


Guest Column: Ron Grisoli

Ron Grisoli

Ron Grisoli

Monday, 12 May 2025

Summer Construction Updates

Under the leadership and vision of Dean Cremers, we are embarking on a bold expansion of our facilities and resources to advance the College's strategic priorities. Building the Good in Business: A New Era of Business Education at Notre Dame is an initiative comprising a series of construction projects to support the College’s mission as a leading business school guided by the University’s Catholic identity.

You may already have heard the “sounds of progress” as several construction projects are currently underway. As summer approaches, more initiatives will begin, bringing the total to 10 active construction projects. These projects will touch nearly every part of the building, from the roof and exterior masonry to multiple interior spaces. This marks the most significant construction effort at Mendoza since its original opening in 1996.

Given the scope and scale of the work planned for this summer and beyond, some disruptions will be unavoidable. We are working closely with contractors to minimize the impact, but factors such as weather and supply chain issues may affect timelines. As a result, we may not always be able to provide advance notice for all disruptions. For regular updates, please visit the Mendoza Exchange website. Urgent updates and alerts will be communicated via email.

For detailed information on logistics and affected areas, please refer to the MCoB Construction Logistics plan.

 

Overlay of construction projects on an aerial photo of Mendoza College of Business.

 

Project Highlights & Updates

Following is an overview of the active projects:

BEHAVIORAL LAB
Status: On Schedule
Expected Completion: June 2, 2025 (Move-in date)

  • Final stage underway: technology and furniture installations in progress

 

NORTH ADDITION
Status: On Schedule
Expected Completion: August 2026

  • Current Work:
    • Concrete footings and retaining walls to be completed by the end of June.
    • Dean’s suite support staff to be relocated from June 1, 2025, through June 9, 2026, to allow exterior wall connection.
  • Next Steps:
    • Structural steel assembly: July–August
    • Basement Foundation Cutting: May 19 – June 30 (Disruptive at times)
      • Six openings to be cut into foundation walls to access the addition’s basement mechanical area
      • Temporary barriers will contain slurry from wet concrete saws
      • Classrooms L003, L014, L050, and L051 offline from June 5–30
    • Slab Pour: June 25–26
  • Structural Steel & Decking: June 30 – August 13

 

JORDAN AUDITORIUM VIDEO WALL
Status: On Schedule
Expected Completion: August 18, 2025

  • Support structure complete; DLED component installation begins May 19
  • Calibration scheduled through August 18
  • Auditorium will reopen in time for fall semester

 

132 SUITE RENOVATION
Status: Completed (Punch List Pending)
Completion Date: May 5, 2025

  • Marketing & Brand Strategy Team moved in on schedule
  • Minor remaining punch-list items being addressed

 

TRADING ROOM
Status: On Schedule
Expected Completion: August 18, 2025

  • Demolition began May 5
  • Temporary construction walls to be installed in atrium post-commencement

 

BUSINESS LIBRARY RELOCATION
Status: Planning
Expected Completion: August 2025

  • Finalizing construction documents
  • Cost estimation and scheduling underway

 

CLASSROOM FINISHES REFRESH
Status: Scheduled
Expected Completion: August 22, 2025

  • Includes new lighting, carpet, paint, and updated horseshoe tables
  • Phases:
    • Group 1 (May 12 – June 29): Classrooms 160 & 161
    • Group 2 (June 30 – August 22): Classrooms 122 & 133
  • Additional classrooms will be refreshed over the next 2–3 years

 

MENDOZA RESTROOM RENOVATIONS
Status: Scheduled
Phased Completion:

    • Group 1 (May 19 – August 15): Lower Level & 2nd Floor
    • Group 2 (Summer 2026): Floors 1 & 3

  • Updates include new fixtures, tile, lighting, and partitions

 

MENDOZA ROOF PROJECT
Status: Scheduled
Expected Completion: October 31, 2025

  • Replacing flat roof membrane, installing green roof features, irrigation, and safety systems
  • Slate roof repairs included
  • The majority of the work is to be completed by August 30; plant and irrigation installation through October 31
  • Sequenced to ensure the courtyard remains usable during home football weekends

See full details: Mendoza Sequence Roof Plan & Logistics.pdf

 

MENDOZA MASONRY REPAIRS
Status: Scheduled
Expected Completion: October 31, 2025

  • Includes brick repair/replacement, cleaning, and sealing around the entire exterior of the building.

 

We’re thrilled about the new and enhanced spaces and amenities these projects will bring to our students. At the same time, we understand that ongoing construction may affect your daily routine, and we’re doing everything we can to minimize the disruption. Your patience and understanding are truly appreciated as we continue Building the Good in Business.

In Notre Dame,

Ron 

Ron Grisoli
Facilities Program Director
Facilities & Program Operations

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