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

Please welcome Ariel Roche to the Marketing Operations, Annual Giving team as our new Content Marketing Specialist. Her first day is Monday, November 11. Ariel comes to us from Marquette University, where she spent 7 years crafting compelling content on behalf of campus leaders—including the president, vice president, and deans. Her 11 years of work in Advancement and the President’s Office will lend itself well to our storytelling, fundraising, and digital marketing efforts in Annual Giving.

She will be busy developing solicitation and stewardship content, as well as managing our digital platforms in conjunction with the Marketing Operations team. If you have great student stories, please send them her way.

We’re so thankful she chose Notre Dame. Please join me in welcoming Ariel to the team!

Lauren Dolzan

Friends and colleagues, it is a great joy to share with you news of the arrival of Zelie Isabella “Zelie Bellie” Feeks, born early in the morning of Thursday, October 31! Gracie and baby were champs and all is well as shared by Joe, who despite significant sleep deprivation and increased parental responsibility has already filled out his weekly RD update form. Zelie’s siblings Indy and Liam also report immediate increases in happiness, joy, and fun.

Please join me in congratulating Joe, Gracie, Indy, and Liam on this incomparably wonderful addition to the Feeks family!

Cheers,
Pete