In The News

Center partners with FADICA to pilot Catholic social tradition course for philanthropists July 29, 2022 This spring, the Foundations and Donors Interested in Catholic Activities (FADICA) partnered with the Institute for Social Concerns’ director of Catholic Social Tradition (CST), Bill Purcell, M.Div., to develop an online course on CST and philanthropy. The 9-week pilot course…

Study examines correlation between college student community engagement and prosocial behavior July 29, 2022 Does involvement in community engagement impact college students’ moral development and sense of responsibility to others? Recent research published by Tara Hudson, Ph.D., associate professor of higher education administration at Kent State University and Jay Brandenberger, Ph.D., professor of the practice…

Faculty member designs writing course around crafting new local narrative June 24, 2022 South Bend is a special place. That was the message Nicole MacLaughlin wanted her course to convey. An associate teaching professor in the University Writing Program, MacLaughlin has taught community-engaged learning classes for more than ten years. In each class, she created…

Inaugural class of summer labor fellows engages in research, organizing for the common good June 24, 2022 This June the Institute for Social Concerns launches its new summer labor fellowship program, giving three undergraduates a fully-funded opportunity to engage in labor-focused, project-based work while developing their skills in organizing, research, advocacy, and communications. In a…

Alum and student co-founder of center wins Dooley Award June 13, 2022 The University of Notre Dame Alumni Association has announced the winners of its annual spring awards, recognizing members of the Notre Dame family for their outstanding achievements. Mary Meg McCarthy, class of 1980 and one of the students who founded the Institute for…

Neuroscience and Behavior students featured on MTV Mental Health Action Day for innovative project June 13, 2022 After the end of the fall 2019 semester, Lisa Anderson, founder of the Clubhouse of St. Joseph County and professor for the center’s Living with Mental Illness course, decided on her two student teaching assistants for next year’s…

Faculty fellow captures better picture of role religious congregations play in Chicago communities May 26, 2022 Institute for Social Concerns Faculty Fellow and professor of Sociology Kraig Beyerlein taught community-engaged courses through the center from the moment he joined Notre Dame. He teaches the undergraduate US-Mexico Border course which was so popular he helped design…

Center faculty member co-edits new volume on intercessory prayer in Mennonite and Catholic traditions May 16, 2022 In 2003 Pope John Paul II canonized South Tyrolean missionary priest Father Joseph Freinademetz, S.V.D., (1852-1908) in part because prayers for his intercession on behalf of a terminally ill Japanese Mennonite student are believed to have cured the…

Institute for Social Concerns launches new pre-orientation program May 13, 2022 The Institute for Social Concerns is launching a new pre-orientation program that matches incoming first-year students with communities and community organizations working to address social challenges. Students will be able to participate in one of two versions of the program. RISE: Hometown takes place…

Center’s juried art exhibit demonstrates varied approaches to questions of dignity May 2, 2022 The Institute for Social Concerns’ Arts of Dignity Series culminated with an undergraduate art exhibit on the first floor of Geddes Hall the week of April 25. The exhibit featured 25 works in various media by students at the University of…