New AI Tool DeepSeek and What You Need to Know

⭐ What’s new?
DeepSeek refers to a new set of frontier AI models.
DeepSeek is not a University-approved AI tool.
It was recently reported that a vulnerability in DeepSeek’s website left data exposed, including user chats.

👥 Who is affected?
We advise that end users (students, staff and faculty) avoid using deepseek.com or DeepSeek’s mobile app.
Developers or researchers interested in experimenting with the AI model itself, contact AI Enablement for information on how to access DeepSeek securely.
Do not build Deepseek’s open source model into production services.

❗Why it matters:
This new tool is receiving a lot of media attention, and is causing disruption in the AI space.

🐋 Go deeper:
For more about DeepSeek and its implications for the AI landscape, read DeepSeek Explained at ai.nd.edu. You can learn more about approved AI tools for campus at AI@ND.

For 24/7 self-service assistance including the virtual agent, go to servicenow.nd.edu or contact the Service Desk during business hours at 574-631-8111 or oithelp@nd.edu.

University of Notre Dame
Office of Information Technology

Dear Team,

It is with deep sadness that I share the news of the passing of Bob Morton’s mother, Debra Morton Cook, on January 10, 2025.

Let us come together to extend our condolences to Bob, Heather, and their family, and continue to keep them in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.

A visitation to honor Debbie’s life will be held on Friday, February 7, 2025, from 3:00 PM to 6:30 PM at Brown Funeral Home, 521 E. Main Street, Niles.

Memorial contributions in Debbie’s memory may be made to the Debra Morton Cook Memorial Fund at the University of Notre Dame. Gifts can be made:

• Online: giving.nd.edu/morton-cook-memorial
• By Phone: (574) 631-5150
• By Mail: University of Notre Dame, Department of Development, 1100 Grace Hall, Notre Dame, IN 46556

In lieu of a contribution, Debbie would have deeply appreciated your support for your local humane society.

To read the full, beautiful obituary written by Bob, please visit this site.

Thank you, for your prayers and support.

With gratitude,

Nadia

Below, you will find a personal note from Bob in memory of his beloved mother, Debra:

“Friends, It is with immense pride in a race well run that I share that at 11:50 PM on January 10th, my mother, Debra Morton Cook, crossed the threshold between Heaven and Earth and went home to Jesus. Her final breath came upon the end of the first verse of Go Rest High Upon the Mountain, fitting as she chose that very song to say goodbye to my father just over 18 years ago. She will be remembered as a loving wife, a devoted mother, a fun and rebellious grandmother, a rambunctious youngest sister, a doted-upon third child, and a special lady to all who met her. Just yesterday, she was visited by dozens of the staff at Brentwood, arriving on their days off or staying late after their shift, to share stories and express their profound love for her. In a life cut undeservedly short by the devastatingly long goodbye of dementia, she still found a way to leave her mark on friends, her family, and anyone else who found her as irresistible as the rest of us. And it was my absolute honor to help her transition from this life to the next.”

Dear Colleagues,

We hope this message finds you well. We write to inform you that Pier White is no longer with the University of Notre Dame. His last day was Monday, January 27, 2025.

Pier has served as a Regional Director since 2012. We are grateful for his 13 years of service to the mission of Notre Dame and the relationships he fostered with our incredible families.

We wish him well in this next chapter and in his future endeavors.

Thank you,

East Coast Region

Dear Colleagues,

Today, we will send 2024 Cumulative Statements electronically. This population is roughly 22,000. We have individually receipted all legal donors already, this cumulative statement is a courtesy. Questions or donor comments should be sent directly to givegift@nd.edu.

Details of the send:
Subject line: 2024 Charitable Giving Tax Statement: University of Notre Dame
Sender: givegift@nd.edu
To: Individual deemed head of household

FAQs can be found here.

This annual project is huge undertaking for my team. While we continue to improve every year, we welcome your feedback! Thank you for your partnership.

Thanks,
Alyssa

Please join me in congratulating Ben Nowalk on his promotion to Senior Director of Leadership Events. Ben succeeds Ashley Bennett who transitioned to a new role in the Keough School of Global Affairs late last year. Ben transitioned to this role at the beginning of January and definitely experienced “baptism by fire” as he led the execution of our events throughout the College Football Playoff!

In his new role, Ben will provide oversight of the Leadership Events team within UOES in the planning and execution of events across Development functions, in addition to events for the Board of Trustees and the Offices of the President, Provost, and Executive Vice President.

Ben has been a member of the Leadership Events team for three years and most recently has been the lead on events for Advisory Councils, Friends of Ted and Ned, Cavanaugh Council, and President’s Circle. A native of Culver, Indiana, Ben received his Bachelor’s Degree at Purdue University. He and his wife, Anna, have three children: Annemarie, Harrison, and Caroline.

I know Ben looks forward to working more closely with colleagues across Development in this new role. Please join me on congratulating Ben on this promotion and on a successful run through the CFP!

Best,
Brian

After nearly eight years working at Notre Dame, Paige has decided to return home to Detriot to pursue a new opportunity and be closer to her family. We are grateful for Paige’s impact on our team, our Law School and Graduate Business benefactors, and the University through her previous work in the Division of Student Affairs. Her last day will be February 3. Please join me in wishing Paige all the best!

If you have any ongoing projects with Paige, please contact me for assistance. We will post this role soon. In the meantime, please refer any potential candidates to me.

Thank you,

Conor

Dear Team,

It is with profound sadness that I share the news of the passing of Zach Thurston’s father, Marc Thurston, on Monday, January 20. Marc was a loving, supportive father to Zach and a devoted husband to Judy. Please keep Zach and his family in your hearts and prayers during this difficult time.

A visitation will take place on Saturday, January 25 at 10:00 a.m., followed by a memorial service at 11:00 a.m. at Midland Church of the Nazarene (5700 Jefferson Ave, Midland, MI 48640).

In lieu of flowers, the Thurston family requests that donations be made in Marc’s memory to the new Veldman Psychology Clinic and Notre Dame’s Mental Health Initiative.

Should you need any work-related assistance from Zach at this time, please reach out to me directly.

– Brandon Tabor

I am so excited to share that Brooke and her husband Mitch and big brother Joey welcomed Dylan Michael Speer on 1/11/25 at 5:38pm, 7lbs 10oz. Brooke and Dylan are doing well! Please join me in congratulating them on the wonderful addition to their lives!

-Conor Montijo

The Office of Gift Planning will be closed this Friday, January 17 in recognition of our team’s work during the year end!