The SSP ‘Ripple’ and the Legacy of Jim Andrews

CSC News & Reflections
Spring 2004

As students prepare for their eight-week Summer Service Project Internships, Jim Andrews’ (’60) legacy and the work of his wife Kathleen Andrews (’63), will be one of the primary reasons they will have the opportunity to touch so many lives and explore the social issues of our times.

Because of the support of the Andrews family and of Jim’s business partner, John McMeel (and his wife, Susan McMeel), the Summer Service Project Internship has racked up an impressive track record in its 24 years.

Over 2,845 students have participated in Summer Service Project Internships since its inception, making it the largest and oldest 3-credit service program at Notre Dame. Almost half the students received assistance from the Andrews Scholarship Fund.

It is also one the best examples of a service program fostering an alumni-student dialogue.

Because of these and other factors, the Summer Service Project Internship Program has been recognized as one of the most innovative and respected programs of its kind.
“ Jim was able to bring forth the best out of people,” said Kathleen Andrews. “He would have been so proud of what the program has become and its impact on the students and those they serve.”

Kathleen Andrews’ work on the Summer Service Project Internship and other activities has not gone unnoticed at the University. On June 5, at the Alumni Association Reunion Banquet, she will receive the Rev. Edward F. Sorin, CSC, Award for distinguished service to the University.

She also serves on the University of Notre Dame Board of Trustees, holds the distinction of being the first female Fellow of the University, and has received an honorary degree.
The story of the founding of the SSPI begins at Jim Andrews’ funeral, where Abigal Van Buren (aka Dear Abby) asked Kathleen how she could help keep Jim’s memory alive. (Dear Abby was one of the largest initial donors to the program.)

As co-founder of Universal Press Syndicate, he was an important reason that “Doonsbury,” “Calvin and Hobbs” and “Dear Abby” became a part of the fabric of American life.

“ Jim was so passionate about social justice,” recalls Andrews. “He saw a need for a calling to action and getting people to work for change.”

Kathleen Andrews and John McMeel started thinking about how to answer Dear Abby’s question. After much discussion with family friend Richard Conklin, then assistant vice president of Information Services, and Rev. Don McNeil, CSC, former executive director at the CSC, they hit upon the idea of creating an “experiential learning program.”

When the program started in 1980, just five students participated in the SSPI. In 2003, 185 students participated and 75 received the $1,000 Andrews-McMeel scholarship to assist them. Sponsoring alumni clubs provide a $2,000 student tuition scholarship many with help from the Andrews Scholarship Fund.

Especially significant to the SSPI has been the involvement of the ND Alumni Association and the members who support students financially, socially and spiritually. In addition to contributing funding for student scholarships, they also find the agencies where students serve and provide room and board free of charge.

“ The students are like stones thrown into the water,” said Kathleen Andrews. “Their ripple effect impacts everything around them.

“ When I look at the work of these young people and what they accomplish, I can’t help thinking that the future looks bright in the world.”