Lead by former Notre Dame professor Luis Fraga, Mayor of San Antonio Julian Castro engaged with a spirited Notre Dame audience genuinely, generously, and intelligently, in what felt more like a conversation with an old friend than a politician in a public space. Throughout the evening, Mayor Castro answered a series of questions ranging from how students might ensure they get the most out of their time at a prestigious university like Notre Dame to what was next for the urban landscape of his own hometown and his political aspirations. Afterwards, Mayor Castro continued to speak with individuals from the audience, addressing their concerns and even taking photos, too.

Many thanks to the Building Bridges Lecture Series, the Institute for Latino Studies Transformative Latino Leadership Lecture Series, and the Rooney Center for the Study of American Democracy whose efforts and support were vital in seeing this event succeed.