Condolences to the Morton Family

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.

As additional information becomes available regarding arrangements, we will share those details in accordance with Bob’s wishes.

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.”

Welcome to the Annual Giving team, Anneliese!

I am thrilled to share that Anneliese Hammer will be stepping into the Director of Marketing & Operations position on the Annual Giving team effective today.

Anneliese is a 2004 graduate of Saint Mary’s College with a BA in English Writing. She has over a decade of marketing-specific experience working with small and large organizations on strategic initiatives to drive revenue. She spent 9 years working at Pathfinders Advertising as an Account Director launching B2C crowdfunding campaigns, re-engaging dormant clients, supervising high-performing teams, and managing relationships with large clients. Most recently, she worked with SIREN Creative to launch 35 brands and campaigns across many industries. Anneliese brings a wealth of marketing, leadership, and operational knowledge to our team and we can’t wait to work alongside her.

Welcome to the team, Anneliese!

-Katie Kerby

Welcome, Joshua Crudup!

The DC team is excited to welcome Josh Crudup to University Relations! As a recent graduate from Indiana University with a degree in Public Policy Analysis, Josh is returning home to the Notre Dame community. Josh grew up participating in the youth programs at the Robinson Community Learning Center and later served as an AmeriCorps member there prior to attending IU. Josh is looking forward to contributing to Notre Dame’s faith-based mission and connecting with everyone here in University Relations!

Josh will begin working as a Development Coordinator with Athletics starting today, January 13th.

Please join me in welcoming Josh!

-Michelle Jones

Welcome, Brook Tracy!

Hi UR team,

Brook will be joining the Alumni Association on Monday, January 13, as our digital marketing specialist. She will create compelling content and manage our digital presence with a special emphasis on social media. Over time, she will also serve as a strategic partner with all of you to advise us on best practices in digital engagement.

Brook comes to us after several years “behind the scenes” in the newsroom at WRTV in Indianapolis. There, she was a news producer responsible for all elements of the television news broadcast. I am excited to see her translate this valuable experience into new digital storytelling ideas for the NDAA.

A bit more about Brook: She has 2 cats, Kipper and Scout, who she found as stray kittens back when she was in eighth grade. She is originally from Petoskey, Michigan, and looks forward to the holiday season every year when family from around the country gather back up north. Donuts from the local bakery is a family tradition on Christmas morning! 🍩 As someone new to the South Bend area, Brook asked for recommendations on the best pizza place in town…I’ve warned her she’ll get a long list of conflicting opinions on this one!

Please join me in welcoming Brook to the team. Her email is: btracy2@nd.edu

-Ti Lavers

Congratulations, Paul Hernandez

Friends,

I’m ​thrilled to share ​that Paul Hernandez and his wife, Kelly, welcomed ​their 4th baby​ boy into the world​ on December 30, 2024. ​Enzo James is 8 lbs, 9 ounces, 21 inches. Both Kelly and the baby​ are healthy and doing wonderfully. Please join us in congratulating Paul and his family on this joyful addition to their lives!

Jerry

Congratulations to Colleen Bailey-Knapke

Friends,

I’m very pleased to share the wonderful news that Colleen Bailey-Knapke and her husband Kyle welcomed their 4th child, son Charles Louis (Charlie) (7 lbs, 11 ounces and 20″) on December 29! Charlie and the whole family are doing well. Colleen is away on maternity leave but I’m sure she would welcome your prayers, well-wishes, and words of congratulation for their growing family.

TJ

Condolences to the Cox Family

Dear Team,

Our deepest condolences are with Jasher Cox and his family following the passing of his father,  Ruben Cox, on December 28th.

Please join us in extending our heartfelt thoughts and prayers to Jasher and his family during this time of loss. Your support and kindness will mean a great deal as they navigate the days ahead.

Sincerely,
Jerry

Condolences to the Goldrick Family

Dear Team,

It is with deep sadness that I share the news of the passing of Shaheen Goldrick’s mother, Jacqueline Goldrick, on December 24th, surrounded by her family.

During this time of loss, our thoughts and prayers are with Shaheen and her family. Let us come together to support her in any way we can, offering our condolences and understanding in the days ahead.

Sincerely,

Jerry

Sister Jean Room Update

Dear Team,

We are implementing an updated Zoom Cart for the Sister Jean Room to ensure a smoother and more efficient experience for everyone using the space for virtual meetings. Please see the link below for instructions.

We believe these updates will enhance the usability of the Sister Jean Room for all your virtual meeting needs. If you have any questions or feedback, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

Thank you for your cooperation!

IT and Support Team

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1YKptj7nVqb1MKG4_0FPBDGUQpSxol-X0AL-xdVcQmtw/edit?tab=t.0

Best Wishes, Pablo!

Dear Team,

I write to share the bittersweet news that Pablo Martinez will be leaving his role in Regional Development on January 3. Since July 2011, Pablo has served in multiple roles across University Relations, from managing the Student Phone Center (now NDListens), leading a record-breaking Notre Dame Day and, most recently, spearheading our Global Advancement efforts. He has exemplified authentic servant leadership while embodying the virtues of Our Lady’s Mission. 

Please join me in thanking Pablo for sharing his gifts with us and wishing him all the best as he moves forward serving the Ecuadorian community as COO of US Operations at Andean Health & Development.

Thanks,

George