Letter from the President

A message from our president On the Go with Constant and Continual Improvement

Happy Summer to our Friends, Families, and Alumni of Notre Dame Schools! It was so warm this summer, it reminded me of picture day in first grade. My parents had chosen a lovely brown wool sweater over an oxford cloth button down shirt. I loved recess and it was so warm.

My teachers asked me to take a picture after recess. I smiled! Later, when the picture packet came home, my parents asked me “what happened to the sweater?”

I hope throughout their time on campus, our students recognize that they are loved, challenged to be great, and called to find joy everyday. I hope this letter finds you well, enjoying time with family and friends and relishing warmer weather. We have had a truly remarkable summer on campus.

Three moments, in particular stand out for me: • It was July 4th at 6pm. I had returned to campus to water the grass seed at Lion Stadium. A number of us had been taking turns with this task for the hot and dry weeks this First grader Michael Bates on picture day 1977 summer, wanting everything to be ready for our students’ return in August. On this holiday weekend, working every day were David, Jesus, Jorge, and Victor. Four of the most decent, hardest working people I have ever met. In less than three weeks, working every day – including the holiday weekend – they built the new 1400 seat grandstand and press box. We educate leaders who transform the world. These gentlemen build tirelessly throughout the country so we all can inspire communities.

• Replacing so much 30 year old roofing at NDCL this summer, we anticipated challenges. We had them. Significant portions of rusted roof deck yielded building floods on too many occasions, including five times this summer. On a Saturday, without question, our Assistant Director of Facilities, Elmore James, our roofing consultant, Joe Slattery, and our custodians Savedra and Chris, rallied to address a flood so significant it went through two floors and 8 classrooms. Though these hallways and classrooms had already been cleaned and prepared for the fall semester, they did not give up. They leaned in with ready help on a weekend to get the work done. We ask our students “to live the truth in love.” In deed and in truth, our staff rallied all summer.

Dr. Bates with stadium builders David, Jesus, Jorge, and Victor.

• Playing varsity sports in high school is challenging enough. Kicking for a top 5 NCAA football program at the University of Oklahoma and getting signed by the Green Bay Packers is a wholly greater challenge. On a few occasions this summer, NDCL alum Gabe Brkic ’18 came back home to kick on his favorite field at Lion Stadium. Our core values are Justice, Respect, Integrity, Community, and Excellence. Witnessing Gabe kick, knowing his love of our school, and knowing how he rallies our community with hope, inspires me greatly, knowing our core values live in our student community and flourish in our alumni.

Dr. Bates with NDCL Alum and Green Bay Packer, Gabe Brkic ’18, before his practice at Lion Stadium.