GENESIS
Lead. Create. Ignite.
Share Your Passion for Justice! Genesis is an exceptional cohort of ten dynamic, creative, and motivated students who collaboratively develop initiatives that support, extend, and deepen the work of the Institute for Social Concerns (SOCO) across campus.
These students are passionate about the work of SOCO and seek to invite others to share in this mission. Students in Genesis will design and lead signature events, such as Stories of Courage and The Art of Justice. In addition, they will develop personal connections to students through engagement with interested students, dorm communities, academic units, and more. This work will involve designing and implementing events, engaging the South Bend and regional community through service and conversation, hosting pop-up events in response to topical justice challenges, connecting with students, and contributing to SOCO communications and social media material. Genesis is the student face of SOCO! Genesis leaders receive a $600 stipend each semester, their responsibilities are estimated at 5–6 hours per week.
Applications are now open for Genesis 2026-2027! Please review the full program requirements before applying.
Upcoming Events
In spring 2026, Genesis is hosting two events at SOCO. The Art of Justice Exhibition will showcase student and community artworks that spotlight the intrinsic link between artistic expression and the work of justice in the world. The exhibition will open with an event in the McNeill Gallery at Geddes Hall on Thursday, April 9, from 5:00pm to 7:00pm.
Stories of Courage will showcase student stories of challenge, inspiration, humanity, perseverance, and transformation, cultivating in others the same capacity to do what is right, just, and fair. The event will take place on Tuesday, April 14, from 5:00 to 7:00pm in the Andrews Auditorium in Geddes Hall, followed by a festive reception in the McNeill Gallery.
2025-2026 Cohort
Jack Carter
I’m a proud member of Coyle Hall, pursuing a political science degree with a minor in constitutional studies. I’m from College Station, Texas, where I worked this past summer as a member of the RISE Hometown team to address the issue of food insecurity in Central Texas. I am also a member of multiple campus governmental policy and faith-based clubs. I joined SOCO as a Genesis leader because I believe SOCO embodies everything right about Notre Dame. Entering my freshman year, I was struck by how SOCO embodies Notre Dame’s mission to “go and do good in the world” while offering life-changing experiences to students from any disciplinary background. My time at Notre Dame has transformed because of my involvement in SOCO, so I am beyond excited to share this institute with my peers.
Ivy Clark
I’m a neuroscience and behavior student with minors in Global Health and the Glynn Family Honors Program. I live off campus now as a senior, but my home at ND is Johnson Family Hall, although I am originally from Saint Louis, Missouri! On campus, I am heavily involved in the Eck Institute of Global Health, where I was most recently on the winning case competition team that advanced to the international competition at Emory University! I also perform research on maternal malaria outcomes in the Koepfli lab and am currently completing my senior thesis on liberation theology and a preferential option for the poor with a focus on end-of-life care. After completing a summer fellowship with SOCO in Kolkata, India, I feel called to continue exploration of accompaniment in all of its forms, but especially as a mode of affirming human dignity in the Catholic perspective.
Adriana Tzul Gutierrez
I am originally from Houston, Texas, and currently living in Pasquerilla East Hall. I am studying accounting and finance. On campus, I have been involved in NDBridge, SIBC (Student International Business Council), LFR (Latino First Year Retreat), LRC (Latino Recognition Ceremony Committee), and MariachiND. I joined SOCO as a Genesis leader because I saw it as an opportunity to invite others to share in the mission of SOCO and Notre Dame, that of service and community. Having experienced it myself through the NDBridge program, I would like to motivate others to be a force for good.
Jack Johnson
I’m from beautiful Helena, Montana, and I live in Dunne Hall. I’m a sophomore in the College of Arts and Letters, double majoring in history and political science. I’m part of the Genesis program because I believe one of the best things we can do as people is work to improve the quality of life for those around us, especially those in need. This commitment to service and community is what drew me to Notre Dame and the Genesis program, and it’s one of the many reasons I love this university. Go Irish!
Mary Jordan
I am a neuroscience and behavior major on the premedical track from East Greenbush, NY, and a resident of Johnson Family Hall. Through the RISE program, I discovered SOCO and have since grown through NDBridge at Boston Healthcare for the Homeless, leading Appalachia seminars, and pursuing a Poverty Studies minor. My semester abroad in Santiago, Chile, deepened my passion for connecting across language and culture. I joined SOCO as a Genesis leader because I hope to share the Institute’s justice-centered mission with the larger student body that has profoundly shaped my time at Notre Dame.
Eavan Kelly
I’m a sophomore from South Bend majoring in neuroscience and Spanish in the College of Arts and Letters. On campus, I live in Lyons Hall, where I serve as both academic and service commissioner. I also act, produce, and direct with the Not-So-Royal Shakespeare Company. This past summer, I participated in the NDBridge program, living and working at Claver House in St. Louis, where I helped the Ville neighborhood recover from a recent tornado and taught computer programming at Claver House’s STEAM summer camp. Through Genesis, I hope to show the greater Notre Dame community that the work of justice is a responsibility that we’re confronted with daily. The Institute for Social Concerns equips students to navigate these encounters during and beyond their time at Notre Dame, and I’m eager to help my peers discern how their strengths can promote the common good.
Ashley Ramirez-Casanova
I am a finance and Spanish double major from Brownsville, Texas, and I currently live in Farley Hall. On campus, I serve as a research assistant at the Mendoza Behavioral Lab and am a former RISE Hometown and NDBridge participant. I joined Genesis because I am passionate about creating an inclusive community, inspiring students to pursue their fullest potential, and inviting them to engage with the transformative opportunities offered through the Institute for Social Concerns. Through this work, I strive to live out Notre Dame’s mission of service and to help others embrace it as well, using leadership and collaboration to build a more just, compassionate, and hopeful world.
Jenifer Guadalupe Solano Becerra
I’m a neuroscience and behavior major with a minor in chemistry, and I grew up in Lincoln, Nebraska. As a first-generation Latina student, I’m passionate about using education and service to create opportunities for others, especially immigrant and underrepresented communities. In addition to Genesis, I volunteer weekly at the Robinson Community Learning Center preschool and contribute to the CARE Lab, where I research resilience and well-being in youth. My time at Notre Dame has been shaped by hands-on service work, community engagement, and a desire to bridge cultural and language barriers. I joined Genesis because I believe meaningful change begins with relationships and that every person deserves to feel seen, supported, and empowered.
Thomas Solano
I am a junior studying computer engineering with a minor in musical theater originally from Rapid City, South Dakota, and residing in O’Neill Family Hall. The past two fall semesters I have had the privilege to travel to Tennessee and West Virginia as part of the Appalachia course. My experiences there have ignited in me a passion for justice. In particular, I am passionate about granting greater access and exposure for overlooked and impoverished communities in the United States. As a member Genesis, I am so excited to get the ball rolling, sharing these stories with the Notre Dame community, and providing actionable resources for other passionate students like me.
Nick White
I’m studying strategic management and accountancy as a member of the Class of 2029. Originally from Bethesda, Maryland, I now call Knott Hall home. I’ve been actively involved with the Institute for Social Concerns through RISE Hometown, where I partnered with a local nonprofit to support those coping with the emotional side of cancer. On campus, I work as a communications and feature video track intern for the Fighting Irish Agency and am involved in the Real Estate Club, Sports Analytics Club, Ping Pong Club, and Campus Ministry, where I serve at Basilica Masses. I joined Genesis because I want to build on my experiences and deepen my commitment to justice through collaboration, creativity, and faith.
Application
The 2026-2027 Genesis application is now open! Please review the program requirements and submit your application by April 6th.
Questions?
Contact Ed Jurkovic at ejurkovi@nd.edu.