The Heart of NDP: Alumnae Book Club

Since the early 2000s, Notre Dame Prep alumnae have come together to share a love of lifelong learning and NDP connection through the Alumnae Book Club.

The diverse group of graduates from the early 1970s through the 2010s meet bimonthly to celebrate their shared Notre Dame Prep experience while also forging new friendships and discovering different perspectives. “A key tenet of the group is that all opinions are respected,” says Rose Schmitz Marcin ’77, the current organizer of the Book Club.

From mysteries and thrillers to romance, historical fiction, nonfiction, and contemporary novels, the Book Club reads it all. It’s this eclectic mix of genres and personalities that makes each meeting truly special. And no matter the book, the Book Club always makes room for every member to share her thoughts, ask questions, and engage in thoughtful dialogue.

There’s something undeniably special about reflecting on books with fellow alumnae who understand what it was like to wear that uniform, sit in those classrooms, and navigate those formative years at NDP. Longtime Book Club member, Karen Rolfes Godspeed ’82, shares, “Whenever I mention going to book club to other people, they are always amazed it is a high school alumnae group.”

With Rose’s help, the Book Club's popularity skyrocketed when pictures of the Club’s book boxes (yes, those adorable, stacked-up literary treasures) made their way to social media. Occasionally local authors will attend the meeting, offering a behind-the-scenes look at their writing process and stories; one such moment was when author Shawn Nocher discussed her book, The Precious Jules. Even the COVID-19 pandemic could not interrupt the rhythm of the group, which met virtually for their spirited discussions.

Want to join the Alumnae Book Club? The club meets the second Tuesday of odd months (January, March, etc.) at 6:30 p.m. in the Fishbowl at NDP. It’s a fun, informal way to connect with fellow alumnae and chat about great reads. Open to all alumnae and free to attend, you’re never too young or too old to experience the joy of literature and the warmth of the NDP sisterhood. Email Roz Healy '78, Associate Director of Alumnae Relations, to learn more and sign up.