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
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
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
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
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
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
I am thrilled to announce that Patrick Borders will be joining us as an Associate Regional Director, starting on January 6.
Patrick holds an MBA and a Bachelor’s degree from Wake Forest University, but we won’t hold that against him.
Patrick joined Notre Dame 9 years ago, starting with the Annual Giving team. Over the years, he has gained valuable experience in the Office of the President, where he spent over 3 years working in communications, event planning, and coordination. Most recently, Patrick spent more than 2 years with LEO, contributing to their policy and impact team. There, he helped anti-poverty program providers share their research with funders, the public, and policymakers, with the goal of scaling their programs to reach more people.
Having spent several years in Annual Giving, Patrick is excited to return to THE TEAM where it all began. Even though he’s in a new role, he looks forward to leveraging his ND experience, along with his background in marketing and storytelling, to help members of the Notre Dame family deepen their connection with the University.
Please join me in welcoming Patrick Borders!
Indi
Patrick Fun Facts:
– Married to his best friend, Susanne, and they have 2 kids (and 1 dog)
– LOVES living in South Bend and all it has to offer
– Patrick and Susanne are trying to get to games at all 30 MLB ballparks and are currently at 15
– On Friday mornings, the Borders family blasts Taylor Swift as they’re making breakfast for his daughter’s (Jojo) favorite morning of the week “Taytay Friday”
– Grew up in Tell City, IN is is proud of being from such a small, but mighty, town
Friends and Colleagues,
I am excited to announce that Christine (Chris) O’Brien is joining Academic Advancement as the team’s Development Associate. She will be a great first point of contact for colleagues who are looking to learn more about academic fundraising priorities.
With more than 30 years of higher education experience, Chris brings a breadth and diversity of experience that I am confident will serve our team well. For the last 10 years, she has worked at Notre Dame, most recently as a Senior Administrative Assistant in the Division of Student Affairs.
Her first day in the office will be January 6. Please feel free to stop by and introduce yourself in the new year!
Sincerely,
Matt Gelchion
Dear Team,
I look forward to all of you meeting Mikaela Pieri when she joins the NDAA team on Monday, January 6. Mikaela is our new Professional and Alumni Education Programs Coordinator. She will support IrishCompass, Game Changers, ThinkND, Hesburgh Lecture Series, and Reunion Alumni Ed programming, among other projects and initiatives.
Mikaela has two degrees from Ball State University and has worked most recently as the Community Engagement Specialist for the Mishawaka Penn Harris Public Library. There she honed her skills planning and executing library programs for all ages — virtually and in community. She enjoys working with data, reports, and metrics. Mikaela has also held roles in academic advising and counseling.
Mikaela loves to read, bake, and craft. Her husband, Kendall Smith, works at the University as an analyst and consultant in the Institutional Research, Innovation, and Strategy team. They hope to have pets soon but for now, they tend to lots of indoor houseplants!
Please join me in welcoming Mikaela to the NDAA!
Sharon
Please join me in welcoming Erica Dolcini,who will serve as a Regional Director of Development on the Southern Team! Her first day was Monday, December 16th.
Since her graduation from Notre Dame’s two-year MBA program, Erica has spent six years in the technology and impact space in sales roles. Erica will be relocating from Atlanta, GA, to South Bend for the role. She previously lived in the Bay Area of California, where she grew up. She graduated from the University of Southern California in 2011 with a degree in urban planning and still considers herself an architecture nerd.
Erica’s family is located across the US, but is excited to bring her senior rescue pup Rocco with her on this exciting adventure and move. Erica is excited to reactivate her old email at edolcini@nd.edu. Feel free to reach out with recommendations for Thai food, beach volleyball courts, or any other advise
Tim Kelly