The Internal Engagement Team is excited to share that our UR Blog is getting a fresh new home!

Starting June 1, all blog updates will officially move to our new platform: “News &
Community” in asceND. Get ready for a better way to stay connected with all the great things happening at University Relations! Our new site is more organized, super easy to use, and even a bit more fun – picture this: photos, quick updates, and lots of chances
to celebrate our awesome team!)

Here’s how the transition will work:

• For the month of May, we’ll post every update on BOTH the current blog (ur.nd.edu) and the new News & Community site in asceND.
• At the end of each blog post, you’ll find a link that takes you to the same content on our new site.)
• This “double-posting” in May will give everyone a chance to get familiar with the new platform while still getting updates in the old spot you’re used to.

On June 1, we’ll fully transition — all new updates will only be posted on News & Community through asceND. You’ll still get all the content you love, just in a new, easier-to access place!

Thanks for rolling with us through this transition. If you have any questions, please reach out to Iliana Contreras or James Riley. We’re excited for this next chapter of staying connected and celebrating the amazing people of University Relations!

Show Your Support on Denim Day – April 30th, 2025

Next Wednesday, join us in taking a powerful stand against sexual violence by participating in Denim Day 2025. This globally recognized campaign encourages individuals to wear denim as a visible sign of solidarity with survivors of sexual violence. Denim Day is more than just a dress code. It’s a movement sparked by a powerful story of injustice, and it now serves as a unifying call to action to raise awareness and support survivors around the world. By simply wearing denim, you’re helping spark conversations, challenge harmful myths, and show that you stand with survivors.

If you have meetings or professional obligations that day, please be mindful of workplace dress expectations.

Dear Team,

It is with deep sadness that I share the news of the passing of Amanda McKee’s mother, Rebecca J. (Derda) McKee, on April 12, 2025. Let us come together to extend our condolences to Amanda and her family, and continue to keep them in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.

Visitation will be held from 4:00pm – 8:00pm with recitation of the rosary at 7:00pm, on Tuesday, April 15, 2025 at Palmer Funeral Home – Hickey Chapel, 17131 Cleveland Rd., South Bend, IN 46635. Mass of Christian burial will be held at 11:00am, Wednesday, April 16, 2025 at St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, 219 S. State St., Niles, MI 49120. Entombment will immediately follow at Highland Cemetery, South Bend, IN.

To read the full obituary, please click here.

We hope you can join us on March 17th for lunch in Foley’s after the Blueprint Meeting! Lunch will be available starting at 11:30am and will conclude by 1pm.

The Irish-themed lunch, will include:

• Irish Stew
• Corned Beef Sliders
• Shepard’s Pie
• Seafood Chowder
• Steamed Red Potatoes with Parsley
• Grilled vegetables
• Irish soda bread
• plus some excellent desserts

If you have any questions, please reach out to Lana Taylor or Iliana Contreras.

It is with heartfelt sadness that I share the news of the passing of Alex Servin’s brother, Adam Jesus Servin “A.J.”.  Please keep Alex and his family in your thoughts and prayers during this very sad time.

A visitation will take place Saturday, February 15, from 1-7 p.m. central time at the Elmwood Chapel Funeral Home in Chicago.  

Adam’s obituary can be found here.  Alex, we are sorry for you and your family’s loss.

Dear Colleagues,

The first spring renewal mailing (renew #1) dropped in mailboxes on Friday, February 7, to our unrestricted and giving society benefactors. As a reminder, this mailing is sent to all assigned and unassigned benefactors whose annual giving is less than $25,000, asking them to renew their previous calendar year gift by their respective fund owner. This mailing was sent to over 10,000 households and will be followed by an email reminder this week. If you have any questions regarding our renewal strategy, please reach out to the appropriate fund (Sorin, Rockne, Law, etc.) owner on the annual giving team, and they will assist you.

Thanks!
Annual Giving Team

Please be courteous to your colleagues by booking your hot desk when you are in the office. If you do not reserve the space where you are seated and the individual who has booked the space arrives, they can ask you to find a new work space. As a reminder, you can access Tango Reserve a few different ways  — go.nd.edu/ndrtango or via the Tango Reserve by AgilQuest mobile app. The full set of instructions can be found here. Please contact Patty Kokesh with any questions.