A peek behind the stories—recent appointments reimagine communications at the Institute for Social Concerns

A peek behind the stories

Recent appointments reimagine communications at the Institute for Social Concerns

February 20, 2025

The new year brings a refresh to the communications staff at the Institute for Social Concerns (SOCO) at the University of Notre Dame. In January, Todd Boruff advanced from communications program director to assistant director, communications. Joining him is David Cramer as communications assistant program director and Javi Zubizarreta as communications program director.

Whether it’s creating a distinctive look and voice, building a community on social media, or telling the bigger story of the institute, the staff are reimagining SOCO’s approach to communications.

Boruff leads the communications staff, developing a comprehensive communications strategy and managing the day-to-day implementation of the strategy across various media. “The institute has such strong programs and so many stories to tell,” he said. “In my assistant director role, I want to hone our communications to showcase both the unity and breadth of what the institute has to offer.”

Cramer is the primary storyteller, working with the communications staff and all his colleagues at the institute to amplify their work and the effect it is having in communities. “I’m looking forward to drawing on my writing and editing experience to expand the human-interest side of the institute’s narrative,” Cramer said, “and to deepen and broaden the scope of our storytelling by elevating the diverse voices and perspectives of my colleagues.”

Zubizarreta helps to bring the impact and mission of the institute to life across social and digital platforms. “There is so much vibrancy and character to the work of the institute and its people,” he reflected. “There is life, color, and real conviction here—it’s such fertile ground to build up and refine the institute’s brand.”

Their collaborative energy was on display in a recent story about a mural and photography exhibit honoring Building Services staff at the University. Drawing on his experience producing video stories and a documentary, Boruff produced a timelapse of the mural’s creation for SOCO’s YouTube channel and paired engaging photography and video highlight reels of the mural and exhibit celebration.

*David Cramer interviews student Holly Hruskoci* *| Photo by Peter Ringenberg/University of Notre Dame*

Cramer added his background as a theologian and writer for national magazines to craft a narrative that brings the human-dignity component of the story to the fore. And Zubizarreta added his social media and graphic design expertise from his previous role as director of Grotto Network to create a stunning visual version of the story.

Rather than simply reporting on the many events and projects at the institute, the communications staff endeavors to create stories that immerse the reader or viewer in the experience of the institute’s scholarship, research, and critical conversations about how to create a more just and beautiful world.

“At the Institute, we endeavor to be intentional not just with what we do but with how we do it,” said Suzanne Shanahan, Leo and Arlene Hawk Executive Director Professor of the Practice. “It is a joy to see David, Javi, and Todd already sparking creativity with each other. With attention to both details and the big picture, I am confident that they will enable the institute to more effectively convey the nuances of our work.”

Be sure to follow their work on Facebook, Instagram, X (formerly Twitter), YouTube, and LinkedIn and to subscribe to the SOCO newsletter, The Current, so you don’t miss out on all the action at SOCO!