A blessed Holy Week.
April 20 marks the College’s “official” 100th anniversary when the University established the College of Foreign and Domestic Commerce with Father John O’Hara, C.S.C., as dean. At the start, the College had an enrollment of nearly 400 students and a 13-member faculty.
Pre-COVID, we had planned to celebrate the Centennial with receptions and other in-person events such as a conference. Even though pandemic-related restrictions are easing, we have decided to delay in-person celebrations that involve significant travels until 2022 out of an abundance of caution.
We will commemorate our anniversary this year in other ways, however. Here are a few projects underway:
· The Mendoza Business magazine’s cover story, “The Century Mark,” to be published in May, presents both the legacy of the College and the significance of our mission as we look to the future.
· “Hidden History” is an ongoing Mendoza Morning Brew newsletter feature that highlights Mendoza history.
· The Century Mark website, scheduled for launch in April, will include stories about the founding of the College, a timeline of historical events and an essay series called “Make Your Mark.” The series features contributions by students, faculty, staff, alums and friends of the College as they reflect on the impact that Notre Dame and Mendoza have had on their lives. More information about how you can contribute will be sent soon.
· Commemorative commencement gifts to all 2021 graduates of “The Great Wave” print will include the Centennial logo.
· A new edition of “O'Hara's Heirs: Business Education at Notre Dame,” with new chapters added to bring the history up to date, will be presented this fall.
· A special Centennial-themed Staff Appreciation Day is being planned for spring 2022 to thank our staff for their hard work, dedication and commitment to the College.
The Mendoza Centennial is a momentous occasion that provides us with the opportunity to reflect on our legacy as well as plan for the future. Above all, it is an occasion to recognize and remember the many people — faculty, staff, students, alums and others — whose lives and contributions formed the College as we know it today. As Kerry Temple wrote in “O’Hara’s Heirs,” “The story of the College is largely a story of its people …” I’m thankful to the many of you who contribute to the story of Mendoza every day.
“Dear brothers and sisters, every moment of our lives is a time for believing, hoping and loving. The call to experience Lent as a journey of conversion, prayer and sharing of our goods, helps us – as communities and as individuals – to revive the faith that comes from the living Christ, the hope inspired by the breath of the Holy Spirit and the love flowing from the merciful heart of the Father.
May Mary, Mother of the Saviour, ever faithful at the foot of the cross and in the heart of the Church, sustain us with her loving presence. May the blessing of the risen Lord accompany all of us on our journey towards the light of Easter.”
Happy Easter!
Martijn