Team,

As I previously shared, Careen Quinlan is retiring on December 6 after 13 year as a leader on our IT team. I am now pleased to share that Patty Kokesh has agreed to serve as the interim leader of this team for the next few months. Patty has been a member of our Development team since 2017, spending the majority of that time in data analytics roles on the IT team prior to assuming her current role as Senior Director of Financial Administration and Strategy in 2023.

Patty is well positioned to lead this team during this time of transition, and is inheriting a skilled and talented team who continue to evolve our IT processes and data analytics functions. Over the next several months, I will work with Patty and the leadership of the ITS team (Andrew Yocum, Dean Ernzen, Tracey Mulheirn, Mayuri Changede, Rose Michalski, and Matt LaFlash) to ensure we have the right structure in place before undertaking the task of identifying a permanent leader of this important team, which we hope to have in place before the end of this fiscal year, if not sooner. During the transition time period, Patty will also maintain oversight of the Financial Administration and Strategy team.

Please join me in thanking and congratulating both Carleen and Patty for their leadership during this time of transition.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Brian

Hi team,

I am ecstatic to announce that we have a new colleague, Bob Patzer! Bob starts as the Marketing Program Manager at the NDAA on Monday, December 2nd.

Bob is excited to join the NDAA marcom team. Born and raised in Benton Harbor, Michigan, and a graduate of the Art Institute of Chicago, Bob brings a diverse background in creative strategy, project management, and brand development. He has successfully led cross-functional teams and managed projects across industries including manufacturing, retail, and marketing and advertising agencies. Bob excels at building dynamic relationships, turning complex challenges into innovative solutions, and driving impactful results that foster brand growth and customer engagement.

Outside of his professional life, Bob is passionate about cooking, grilling, baking, and gardening, and enjoys spending quality time with family and friends. He also enjoys long walks on the beach, collecting beach glass and Indian beads. Bob’s creative eye extends to his appreciation for art and architecture, which influences both his personal and professional pursuits. He is eager to bring his expertise, creativity, and enthusiasm to contribute meaningfully to the Notre Dame community.

Happy Thanksgiving,

Molly

Decorative wall coverings will be installed on the back walls of the huddle rooms in the library quad on 12/5 & 12/6. There are tvs mounted on the back walls of the  Basilica Room (3115), Laetare Room (3119), and Bengal Bouts Room  (3123) that will be removed on 12/4 and reinstalled on 12/6 after the wall covering installation is completed.

If you have any questions, please contact Nancy.

Thank you for your flexibility during this update.

I am thrilled and honored to share the news that James Christopher Imfeld was born on Friday, November 15th, weighing 7.5 lbs and measuring 20.5 inches. Mother and baby are happy and healthy! As many of you know, Lauren and Zack walked the Camino de Santiago while expecting James, and he is named for the Camino’s patron. (Camino de Santiago translates “The Way of St. James”). Our heartfelt congratulations to Lauren and Zack on the newest member of their family!

Best,

Joe

Dear Team,

I am excited to announce that Iliana Contreras will be joining our team as the new Program Director of Internal Engagement, effective December 20, 2024.

Iliana, (currently Young Alumni & Current Student Program Director in our world-class Notre Dame Alumni Association), brings a wealth of experience in fostering connection, collaboration, innovation and outreach within organizations. Her background includes strategic collaboration, community engagement, and values-driven leadership, all of which align perfectly with our goals of enhancing engagement and inclusivity across our division.

In her role, Iliana will focus on fostering inclusive and strategic communications, while initiating and curating meaningful and engaging programs, helping us continue to build a vibrant and connected culture within University Relations.

Please join me in welcoming Iliana to our team! I look forward to introducing her to you all and am confident her talents and leadership will make a meaningful impact.

Warm regards,
James

Our deepest condolences are with Thomas Speranza and his family following the passing of his grandmother, Eleanore Frances Deasy, on November 14. Grandma Nora’s obituary can be found here. We’re so sorry for your loss, Thomas.

It is with heavy hearts that we share the news of the loss of Riley Koval’s grandmother on November 18. Mrs. Koval’s obituary can be found here. Riley, we are sorry for your loss.

With heavy hearts we share the news of the loss of Angel Hess’ mother, Elizabeth Jane (Kohler) Chamberlin on November 16. Mrs. Chamberlin’s obituary can be found here. Angel, we are sorry for your loss.

Dear colleagues,

It is with tremendous gratitude that I share the news that Carleen Quinlan, Senior Director of Information Technology and Services, will be retiring from Notre Dame effective Friday, December 6.

Carleen has been a valued member of the Development and University Relations team since 2011, and during that time has advanced the work of our team through the development of new tools, advanced analytics, and technological process efficiencies. Every piece of our Development operation has felt the impact of Carleen’s leadership. Moreover, she has hired, trained, and grown a team of talented IT professionals who are committed to the mission of Notre Dame and the work of our Development team. No doubt the biggest achievement of Carleen’s tenure was the launch of the AsceND platform earlier this year, which has provided us with a CRM infrastructure that will fuel our work for many years to come.

Through her entire tenure, Carleen has led with humility, drive, and a commitment to excellence. She would be the first to give all the credit to her team, though we know that great teams always shine brighter by the reflection of their leader. Carleen looks forward to spending more time with her husband, Mark, their three daughters, and her mom as she steps into her well deserved retirement!

I am working through a transition plan and will share more details in the near future. In the meantime, please join me in thanking Carleen for her work and dedication to Notre Dame and our team, and wishing her all the best in retirement.

Brian

Friends, please join me in congratulating Annabelle Hilson on her promotion to the Prospect Management Consultant team! Over the last year Annabelle has grown quickly with the DC team, playing a key role on Athletics Advancement and taking part in the department’s ChatGPT pilot. Annabelle brings a wealth of data analysis experience with a bachelor’s in business analytics and an MNA (both from Mendoza), in addition to her time as an undergraduate and graduate student manager building the analytics efforts for Notre Dame Softball.

Annabelle will formally transition on December 2, when she will begin onboarding as Consultant for our Northwest region.

Congratulations, Annabelle!

-Jonathan Retartha