Young Alumni Blog

Elle Metz

Young Alumni Programs Manager

The title of this post is misleading. Yes, I’m about to make a remark about South Bend weather. Who else will update you on the Bend’s bipolar climate? While usually a winter lover, I’ve had enough. It is supposedly “officially spring,” but this week was characterized by high winds, below freezing temps and shocker of shocks, snow. For all you living in warm climates right now, yes, I resent you. Oh wait, the sun just came out.

On to more important topics. If you’ve been on Facebook in the past couple days, you know that the Mendoza College of Business was once again ranked #1 on Bloomberg Business Week’s “Best Undergraduate Business School” rankings. Nothing amuses me more than the proud social media posts when these rankings come out. So bold. So earnest. All those years of being told that smart kids aren’t cool and don’t know how to have fun and that ND is just a bunch of nerds—vindication! Did you go to the #1 undergrad business school? Because I did. Some of my favorites:

“Four years running! Here’s to four more!”

“Tell everyone, then tell them to hire me”

“”I wonder what ND’s business school was ranked this year?” -Said no one facebook friends with anyone in the business school, ever. (four years=forever)”

“Proud to be 1RISH”

Like I said, we’re so cool. All jokes aside, this is a great accomplishment and something to be proud of. As a Mendoza grad, I took part in the bragging. I’ll admit it. Read the full story here.

In other news, the Morris Inn is still under construction, but man are those construction workers diligent–often working late into the evening by the light of a giant spotlight. And that ND flag waving from the top of the crane? Tugs at the heartstrings. I have a front row seat as the construction zone is conveniently located outside my window. I like to think of myself as somewhat of an expert on the project. So allow me to show you just what the newly completed Inn (set to open in August 2013) will look like with this sweet virtual tour. (Note: I did not create this virtual tour despite my expert status)

Finally, for all you who know ND hopefuls out there, you can now tell them that all regular action decisions are in the mail. I hear the University sends them out this week so they arrive before Easter (wouldn’t want to ruin Easter weekend with a rejection–makes sense). As per usual, ND went above and beyond in announcing this on their Facebook page by making this charming little graphic. Check it at the top of this post. You can almost hear Our Lady proclaiming “Everyone! I declare that the regular decision letters are. in. the. mail. Brace yourselves”

Elle Metz

Young Alumni Programs Manager

Earlier today, I attended a special Mass for our new Pope at the Basilica of the Sacred Heart. I’ll be honest, I didn’t realize this was a special mass–I was going because it was one of my Lenten promises. Once I got there, I was happy to be a part of the celebration though. The Catholic Church has a new leader, and that is a big deal. Whether you are Catholic or not, the decisions of the Church have far reaching effects and the potential to do a lot of good.

At the beginning of mass, the priest apologized for not being able to tell us anything more about the new pontiff as he had not met him personally. So to the vast media coverage we go for more information! Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio hails from Buenos Aires (when I told my mother this, she asked somewhat indignantly “don’t they get the Olympics too?” No, Mom, no. That would be Rio de Janeiro) and as such, is the first ever South American pope. He is also the first non-European pontiff in nearly 1,200 years, the first Jesuit to ever lead the Roman Catholic Church, and the first to choose the name Francis (I’m not sure why–who doesn’t like the animal-loving Saint Francis?).

Praising Cardinal Bergoglio’s history as an advocate for the poor, President Obama sent him this message soon after he was elected: “As a champion of the poor and the most vulnerable among us, he carries forth the message of love and compassion that has inspired the world for more than 2,000 years — that in each other we see the face of God.” Another president, Father John Jenkins had this to say: ““We at Notre Dame join the Church in rejoicing in the election of Pope Francis…read more“

Elle Metz

Young Alumni Programs Manager

Pope Benedict XVI shocked the world on February 11, 2013 when he announced he would be resigning from the papacy. He cited advanced age and declining health as the reasons for his resignation. Though, the fact remains that his reign was riddled with scandal and he leaves a troubled Catholic Church. Judging from papal history, these sort of things are never as cut and dry as they’re made out to be.

So what does this mean for the church? Who will the next Pope be? And is the church at the crossroads that many are saying it is? While we wait for the white smoke to rise above St. Peter’s, check out what Notre Dame  faculty members have to say about the transition here.

Didn’t get that white smoke reference? Perhaps you want to study up on your conclave rules. If you’re like me, all your knowledge of this intricate Catholic ritual comes from reading The Da Vinci Code (hey, at least it doesn’t come from watching the movie). In preparation for the upcoming conclave, check out its history and explanation here.

And for an overview of the resignation, potential papal candidates and the Catholic Church’s current issues (one of which is better engaging young people–that’s us!), check out this New York Times article “Successor to Benedict Will Lead a Church at a Crossroads.”