Print Edition for The Observer for Monday, April 29, 2024

$19B endowment lags behind markets

Return fails to exceed internal benchmark, yet University maintains positive outlook

By MAGGIE EASTLAND Editor-in-Chief Emeritus

The Notre Dame endowment has ended the 2023 fiscal year at the same value it began — $18.9 billion. Between July 2022 and June 2023, the endowment returned 1.32% and paid out $559 million to fund financial aid, academic programs and operations.

Public markets rebounded this year, but the University endowment did not manage to keep up with inflation. The endowment’s return broke free from last year’s negative slide but failed to outclass investing benchmarks. Private equity, once the driver of Notre

Dame’s outsized endowment returns, dragged returns below the public markets in fiscal 2023.

“A rebound in the public equity markets was offset by a reduction in private equity valuations, particularly venture capital,” the annual report said.

Since 2000, the endowment has earned higher returns than the internal benchmark except in 2009 and in 2023. More than a decade has passed since the endowment return did not exceed the strategic policy portfolio. In 2009, the comparison portfolio returned -19.5% while the endowment returned -20.8%. This year’s underperformance is much larger. The report notes that the strategic policy portfolio can have low short-term correlations with the endowment.

After seven interest rate hikes

Public indices and the University’s own internal benchmark tower above this year’s 1.32% endowment return. Over the same fiscal year, the S&P 500 returned about 16.3%, and the University’s strategic policy portfolio, an internal benchmark of public equities, returned 11.5%. The endowment also lost buying power, failing to keep up with the 3% rate of inflation between July 2022 and June 2023.

Dorms compete in ‘Belleympics’ $4M donated shatters ND Day fundraising record

By AYNSLEE DELLACCA Saint Mary’s News Editor

On a sunny Saturday afternoon, dozens of students from all six Saint Mary’s dorms rallied together to compete in the first-ever and newly annual ‘Belleympics.’

From 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., the Le Mans Hall Angels, Holy Cross Hall Stars, McCandless Hall Marigolds, Regina Hall Queens,

Annunciata Hall Moons and Opus Hall Blossoms competed in various field games and enjoyed free Kona Ice in between rounds of competition.

Sophomore Bella Perry, the chair of the hall improvements committee within the Residence Hall Association (RHA), said she created ‘Belleympics’ in an effort to encourage greater

By LIAM KELLY Notre Dame News Editor

From Tuesday evening to Wednesday evening of this past week, Notre Dame held its 11th annual Notre Dame Day fundraising effort, garnering a total of $4,003,575 from 35,100 donors.

820 organizations received donations including

sports teams, student clubs, residence halls and charitable organizations, among others. On ND Day, the University held a 14hour broadcast in which these organizations advertised their causes.

(Editor’s Note: The Observer participated in Notre Dame Day this year and thanks to the generosity of its supporters and raised

a total of $22,137 from donations and its share of the challenge fund. Thank you immensely.)

“Through this event, we celebrate the contributions and talents of our incredible students, faculty, staff and our alumni, parents and friends,” University President Fr. John Jenkins

University launches Democracy Initiative

By CHRIS YANG News Writer

This spring, the University launched the Notre Dame Democracy Initiative, one of six initiatives part of the strategic framework of Notre Dame for 2033. Through the initiative, the University aims to be a “global catalyst” for bolstering democracy.

The initiative is centered around collaboration

between scholars at the University’s programs and those from across the United States. Not only does the initiative work to engage people from many sources, but it also aims to engage people from many disciplines of study and political perspectives.

“Democracy is under threat both in the U.S. and over the world,” Packey J. Dee Professor of

American Democracy and director of the Democracy Initiative David Campbell said.

According to Campbell, Notre Dame, in adhering to its Catholic mission, has been at the forefront of vitalizing democracy around the world. The Democracy Initiative aims to build on the strength and actions of previous Notre

AMAYA VEGA-FERNANDEZ | The Observer

Students from all six Saint Mary’s residence halls competed in the first-ever Belleympics Saturday afternoon to build dorm community.

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“Not joining bagpipe band.”

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Monday

PJ Study Party

Madeleva 211A

7:30 p.m. - 9 p.m.

Enjoy snacks, music and community before finals.

MMIW

Demonstration

South Quad

9 a.m. - 11 p.m.

Promoting the MMIW Wear Red campiagn.

Tuesday

Red Cross Blood Drive

Rasmus Club 11 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Donate blood and help out your community.

NSR ‘Unrehearsed’

Henry IV Part 2

Hagerty Cafe Stage

7 p.m. - 9 p.m.

Have fun with NSR at Henry IV.

Wednesday

Games on the Green O’Connor Commons 4 p.m. - 6 p.m. Enjoy some food, community and relax before finals.

Halftime Spring Concert

Washington Hall 7:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m. Enjoy Halftime’s endof-year concert.

Thursday

Dog Day Event

HCC Ave Brew 3:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Celebrate the end of the semester and enjoy the weather.

Undertones Concert

Washington Hall 7 p.m. - 9:45 p.m.

The Undertones perform their end-ofsemester concert.

Friday

Saint Mary’s vs Albion Purcell Athletic Fields 3 p.m. Come out and cheer on Saint Mary’s softball.

ND vs Pittsburgh Frank Eck Stadium 6:30 p.m.

Cheer on Notre Dame baseball at their game against Pittsburgh.

from the Federal Reserve during the fiscal year, private equity exposure stifled investment returns. Notre Dame believes below-market returns are only temporary. Notre Dame’s endowment ranks in the top-ten largest in the U.S. and rivals the GDP of several countries, including Jamaica and Mongolia.

“Notre Dame is fortunate to have one of the highest-quality, bestperforming private equity portfolios in the country,” executive vice president Shannon Cullinan wrote in an email. “We are very long-term investors and are comfortable with short-term periods of volatility in returns.”

The endowment pool is composed of 48.3% private equity investments. The portion invested in private equity has grown significantly over the last few years, up from 26.8% private equity in 2017 and 19.8% in 2002. Private equity firms typically buy companies and restructure them to increase profit and efficiency before selling them at a markup. Most retail investors have limited access to private investments, but big-money funds and endowments have capitalized in recent years.

Jason Reed, associate faculty director of the Notre Dame Institute for Global Investing, said private markets have become “increasingly attractive for outsized returns”

among many endowments, pension funds and retirement funds.

Despite a downturn this year, Reed said in an email that 2024’s private equity outlook is positive. Reed added that endowments have a long-term focus and that Notre Dame’s has a “storied history of success that will surely continue.”

Cullinan wrote that private equity has been the endowment’s highest-performing asset class for decades, “generating more than double the investment returns of the public equity markets over long periods of time.” The annual report notes that private equity is the reason for the endowment’s long-term success, even if it resulted in low returns this year.

According to Bloomberg News, private equity returns in 2023 dipped to their lowest level since the global financial crisis 15 years ago. Increasing interest rates made it difficult for private investors to sell investments and launch initial public offerings. As federal interest rates increased from about 1.75% to 5.25% in less than a year, private equity and venture capital deals dried up. According to a report by Bain & Company, private equity deal value declined 37% and exit value plummeted 44%. Now that interest rates have stabilized, the report notes abundant capital ready to deploy in 2024.

Reed said that central bank policy rates were “the biggest reason for PE and VC valuations to decline,” but that “short-term interest

rate movements, even over the course of a year, have limited impact on [endowments’] long-term outcomes.“

Notre Dame’s returns are similar to many other large university endowments with the same fiscal calendar. Harvard’s endowment returned 2.9%. MIT and Duke posted endowment return losses this year. Dartmouth, the University of Pennsylvania and Yale all ended the year below 2%.

Other large university endowments adopt a similar strategy with a large percentage of money invested in private equity.

“The long-term success of the endowment is where the focus should be,” Reed said about endowments in general. “Short-term headwinds will inevitably happen, but investment offices continue to find excess returns across various strategies and assets.”

Earlier this month, news broke that chief investment officer Mike Donovan decided to retire. Donovan led the endowment for four years after his former roommate Scott Malpass retired in 2020. Before taking on the role of chief investment officer, Donovan worked in the office for 27 years.

Effective July 1, Tim Dolezal will be chief investment officer, overseeing $18.9 billion in assets. Dolezal was the valedictorian for the Class of 2002. Dolezal declined to comment on this year’s endowment return.

“Mike and Tim have worked

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closely together as partners for over 20 years, so this is a seamless generational transition,” Cullinan wrote in an email.

Despite this year’s modest return, the endowment paid out $559 million, a 10% increase from last year. Cullinan said payout growth is calculated based on “the most recent 3-year investment performance to buffer against short-term market volatility in one particular year.”

The payout is the University’s largest individual source of operating revenues, but about two-thirds of its value is earmarked for specific purposes due to donor restrictions. The endowment is a collection of more than 7,000 individual funds that allow donors to direct money to a specific purpose. Tuition revenue remains a source of cash that is not donor-restricted.

As the endowment has grown over the last two decades, the amount paid out to cover financial aid, academic programs and similar initiatives has also increased.

About 41% of the endowment, $216 million, funds scholarships and fellowships. Another 41% is divided between academic program support and faculty chair pay. The remaining funds go toward general operations, athletics and other expenses.

“The largest portion of the endowment payout each year goes to financial aid, which makes a Notre Dame education affordable and accessible,” Cullinan said.

Tuition increased by 2.5% between 2022 and 2023, slower than the rate of inflation. Net tuition, after accounting for financial aid and fellowships, decreased from $369 million in fiscal 2022 to $364 million in fiscal 2023. The amount of money the University collected from tuition declined overall.

Half of all first-year students received need-based aid this year, with an average award exceeding $48,000. The endowment is a key factor in allowing Notre Dame to offer need-blind admission to all U.S. students who apply and meet 100% demonstrated financial need for all admitted students, Cullinan said.

The annual report also noted that Notre Dame received $216 million in research awards for fiscal 2023. The 824 awards set a record for the largest amount in the University’s history. Federal agencies paid for the largest share of the funding, with the National Science Foundation contributing $42.5 million, the Department of Defense $35.8 million, the Department of Health and Human Services $32.2 million, the Department of Energy $16.7 million and the Department of Education $11 million.

Academic and non-academic staff also received wage increases this year, totaling $92 million in raises based on merit and inflationary pressure, according to the report.

Contact Maggie Eastland at meastlan@nd.edu

University Chair Public Lecture Series

A Journey Towards Human-centered AI

Wednesday, May 1st

3 pm lecture

4 pm reception

Jordan Auditorium, Mendoza College of Business

Joe

Saint Mary’s students gather at cookout

By ELIZABETH BURT News Writer

On the afternoon of April 25, the Saint Mary’s College Office for Student Equity, in collaboration with the SMC First Gen Family and Black Student Association (BSA), hosted a family-style cookout for the tri-campus community.

According to event programming, the cookout was open to all members of the Saint Mary’s, Notre Dame and Holy Cross communities who identity as first-generation college students. Taking place at Belle’s Backyard, the event

Belleympics

community within and between the halls.

“We really wanted to incorporate the halls this year, so we were looking to do something that builds community within and then between the halls,” Perry said during the event. “The result of that was ‘Belleympics,’ and I think it’s working really well, and it looks like a lot of fun.”

Perry said the RHA hopes to host ‘Belleympics’ annually and make it a new

ND Day

said during the broadcast.

Brandon Tabor, associate vice president for development and University relations, said this year was record-breaking for the University.

“This was a record-breaking year, in terms of the number of people who donated, the amount of money they donated and the number of Notre Dame student causes, clubs and residence halls that they support,” Tabor noted.

Causes also received money from the $250,000 challenge fund, with shares distributed based on each

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

Dame forums, studies and efforts.

The 2023-2024 Notre Dame forum, “The Future of Democracy,” invited scholars and students to stimulate reflection and dialogue regarding increasing threats to global democracy. Additionally, the forum’s events pushed attendees to consider how democracy can be revitalized

featured catered homestyle food, a DJ and family games like buckets and spades.

Organizers “wanted to make it feel as homey as possible,” BSA president Nyah Porter said.

The BSA and First Gen Family wanted the event to feel similar to a family cookout. Porter also noted that because the College is a predominantly white institution, the event’s organizers wanted the cookout to be open to students of color.

“[We] wanted to celebrate not only our first-year students, but also our students of color,” Porter said. “I think bridging that gap is

tradition for the College. She explained the winners and overall finishing scores from ‘Belleympics’ will be taken into consideration for determining the Hall of the Year award, which will be making a comeback in the near future.

“Hall of the Year used to be more of a thing at Saint Mary’s, but now it isn’t, really,” Perry said. “The Residence Hall Association wants to work more to implement Hall of the Year, but instead of this [event] just being the deciding factor for this year, we’re kind of kicking off more hall

unique donor who made donations to an organization. Other prize funds and matches also raised money for causes.

The Ara Parseghian Medical Fund received the most amount of money, collecting $733,899.93, followed by the Rockne Athletic Fund, which received $135,241.62. The Ara Parseghian Medical Fund also attracted the most individual donors at 2,394, while financial aid, in second place, brought in 994 donors.

When it came to residence halls, St. Edward’s Hall towered over the rest, raising $83,483.72, followed by Dillon Hall, which raised $63,963.07, and O’Neill

both domestically and internationally to effectively handle the modern challenges the world faces today.

“[The goal of the initiative is to] ensure that [the] education we are providing to students equips and prepares the students to be a contributing member of the democratic society,”

Campbell said.

The initiative is focused on research, education and convening.

According to Campbell,

very important.”

Porter said that having BSA sponsor an event could be turn-off to some students, but she wanted to show the Saint Mary’s community that BSA events are not just for people of color.

According to Porter, the event was held so the community could recognize those identities within the community at large.

“We all should be celebrated,” Porter said.

Leanne Saul, the president of First Gen Family, agreed that bringing these two groups together is important. She said the event was planned to both emphasize

involvement with this event [in general], and then we want to implement Hall of the Year more in years to come.”

Field games during ‘Belleympics’ included a three-legged race, sack race, wheelbarrow race and a sponge relay race, among others. The hall teams also competed in Simon Says and a dodgeball tournament.

Freshman Clara Venia, a Regina Hall resident, participated in ‘Belleympics’ because she thought it would be a good way to grow closer to her dorm.

Family Hall, which raised $31,016.19.

Tabor explained that the planning for the event is separated into the fundraising campaign and the live television broadcast.

He said the development office collects stories of Notre Dame alumni and students doing notable things throughout the year, which they then begin to sort through in January to prepare for the broadcast.

“In the first week of January, we go through and we say ‘What are the stories we’re going to tell and what clubs need to raise money and how can we put a campaign together to inspire

the initiative hopes, that by providing spaces and resources for students and scholars to ask important questions about democracy, Notre Dame will produce students and scholars who can actively inform the government in developing policies that enhance democracy around the world.

In partnership with the Hesburgh Democracy Fellows Program, the initiative also launched “Democracy Talks,” a

community and fun while offering students a “distraction before finals.”

At the cookout, attendees played the “heads, knees, cup” game, which was met with cheers and laughter, even when players lost. Additionally, BSA student leaders taught students how to do a “soul train line,” a popular TikTok trend.

Natalie Gonzalez, the treasurer of First Gen Family, said these events showcase the diversity, not only of the involved groups, but of the community as a whole. Gonzalez said everyone can be a part of these groups.

“I thought it would be a good dorm bonding activity, and it sounded like fun,” Venia said. “I’m also very competitive, and so I wanted to win.”

After totaling the number of points that each hall had won, Perry named Holy Cross Hall as the event’s winner. Regina Hall took second place, and Opus Hall placed third. McCandless Hall placed fourth, and Annunciata Hall and Le Mans Hall tied for fifth place.

“Please remember that you guys are all Belles, you all are Smicks

people to give and put a story package together that’s worthy of people’s time?’”

Tambor said.

Tabor said the development office spends the three to four weeks before ND Day beginning to fundraise by reaching out to student clubs, residence halls, donors and alumni organizations. Key to this year’s success, Tabor said, was the decision to require at least 50% of the stories on the broadcast be about students.

“We made an aggressive decision to include students more in our storytelling,” he emphasized. “We can say that the Notre Dame family wants to hear about sports,

speaker series that discusses a broad range of topics around democracy. In May, the “Keeping the Republic Conference” and “Global Democracy Conference” will bring together prominent scholars and researchers to discuss the ways that individuals and social institutions can be contributing members to the revitalization of American democracy.

Campbell invites students who wish to contribute to democracy to become

“I think you could definitely find your people no matter what,” Gonzalez said.

Referring to her tenure as BSA president, Porter said the cookout was just an extension of her work where she aims to facilitate conversation on difficult topics.

“I just want everybody to feel like we can conquer stuff together and also just knowing that it’s okay to sometimes not feel [the] most comfortable being in spaces,” Porter said.

Contact Elizabeth Burt at eburt01@saintmarys.edu

and you all love each other,” Perry reminded the crowd, emphasizing the event was meant to build community, not competition between one another.

After announcing finishing places, Perry told the participants and crowd of supporting students the Residence Hall Association plans to award the winners of ‘Belleympics’ with a plaque each year for the halls to hang up in their respective dormitories.

Contact Aynslee Dellacca at adallacca01@saintmarys.edu

and about superstars and you know, whatever else, but we made a bet on the students this year, and it paid off.”

Tabor stressed how unique ND Day is amongst other universities.

“We’re the only school in the world that does this because no one else is crazy enough to attempt it,” he joked.

Tambor stressed that the preparation that goes into the event is all ultimately worthwhile.

“All that work is worth it because it has a real-life impact on other people,” he said.

Contact Liam Kelly at lkelly8@nd.edu

engaged with the community and their neighbors. Campbell emphasized the need for engagement with people of different backgrounds, so students can have more constructive conversations regarding the topic.

“Any democracy is fragile,” Campbell said. “No one should assume that democracy will continue without the efforts of individual citizens.”

Contact Chris Yang at tyang5@nd.edu

Joy Agwu

Not being afraid to ‘eff it up’

The comedian Scott Adsit once said, “The rules of improvisation apply beautifully to life. Never say no — you have to be interested to be interesting, and your job is to support your partners.”

As I prepare to bid adieu to my tenure at The Observer and my beloved column, “Lessons I’ve Learned From Media,” I find myself compelled to bend the rules a bit. Throughout my time here, I’ve explored the vast landscape of media, dissecting books, songs, movies, musicals, TV shows — I’ve even done a TikTok trend. But for this final piece, I want to veer off the beaten path.

Instead of delving into a specific work of art, I’d like to shine a spotlight on a collective of creatives. A whimsical, chaotic group that has been a haven for me for the past four years: the Humor Artists (HA), Notre Dame’s premier student organization for improvisational comedy.

Whenever I tell someone that I do improv, they often respond along the lines of:

1. “Oh cool, can you tell me something funny?” (Literally not how that works. Please stop asking.)

2. “I could never do that.” (You definitely can, and I’m about to tell you why.)

After four years of being in HA, I have learned dozens of lessons that I can share with you, drawn from every uproarious show and zany practice session. Yet, amidst the chaos and laughter, one particular lesson shines brightest, shared with me from the very first improv practice and reinforced on multiple occasions ever since.

Most people know that the first rule of improv is “Yes, and.” Fewer people know that the second rule of improv, at least in the Humor Artists, is “Don’t be afraid to eff it up.”

For new members of the club, this rule is a call to arms, urging them to shed inhibitions and dive headfirst into the unpredictable waters of improv. It’s a rallying cry to embrace the absurd, to

revel in the uncertainty and to dare greatly. We can’t guarantee you laughs, but I can promise you that you’re better off making a joke and learning from dead silence than constantly playing it safe. With time, you discover the nuances of your comedic style. Certain tropes, accents and comedic devices will become your allies as you navigate the ever-shifting landscape of each scene. Some will resonate while others will miss the mark, and that’s perfectly okay.

When you’re a newbie, this rule reminds you that effing it up is bound to happen. After you’ve become a seasoned HA member, you realize there is an unspoken part to that rule: “Don’t be afraid to eff it up, because your scene partner is there to support you.”

“Don’t be afraid to eff it up” isn’t a dismissal of the significance of mistakes. It’s a reminder that even in moments of vulnerability, you’re not alone on stage. This is where the essence of “yes, and” truly shines. When your joke flops, there is always another person there to help you out, ready to build on whatever you’ve introduced to this little, make-believe world.

Throughout this column, I’ve reveled in sharing insights on personal growth and development. Yet, it’s crucial to underscore a fundamental truth: no one exists in isolation. Just like in improv, you will eff it up, “it” being a job, a relationship, a professional opportunity … you name it. Expectations, both selfimposed and external, loom large.

And inevitably, you may find yourself falling short from time to time. It will hurt. But it need not be devastating.

When you stumble, it’s important to remember you are not alone. Someone, somewhere, has trodden a similar path, faced similar challenges and emerged stronger. Moreover, within your circle of loved ones, there will likely be various people in your life who are more than willing to support you just because they love you. Let them help you. Find solace in the knowledge that you are cherished and supported. With a safety net of love and encouragement, failure becomes merely a stepping stone on the path to growth and resilience.

For me, forging those meaningful connections meant immersing myself in campus clubs and engaging in dorm life, where I found kindred spirits and formed lasting bonds. Additionally, the unwavering support of my family and friends from home has been a steadfast source of strength. Everyone’s support network may manifest differently, and cultivating it may not always be effortless. However, I couldn’t be more grateful for the people who have sustained me through each misstep, lifting me up and propelling me forward.

To the class of 2024, as we move into the next chapter of our lives and leave Our Lady’s familiar embrace, I implore you to prioritize the cultivation and preservation of your relationships. Love and be loved. Extend a helping hand and seek support when needed. Adulting is hard. So, through every triumph and tribulation, let us lean on one another, drawing courage and solace from the rich tapestry of experiences we’ve woven together over the past few years at Notre Dame.

Be fearless and resilient in the pursuit of your dreams. Embrace the inevitability of setbacks, and press on anyway. As you go into the world, take risks and do what makes you happy — or dare I say, do what brings you joy.

Above all things, don’t be afraid to eff it up.

Thank you, and farewell, dear readers,

Joy Agwu is a senior at Pasquerilla West, originally from Bowie, Maryland. She is pursuing a degree in philosophy with a minor in constitutional studies. In her free time, she finds great pleasure in consuming media and reflecting on the deeper meanings behind the content she encounters. Whether you have recommendations for TV shows, movies, podcasts or any other form of media, or if would like to further discuss an idea presented in a column, feel free to reach out to her on Instagram @JoyfulJoyousss.

The views expressed in this column are those of the author and not necessarily those of The Observer.

On non-violent protests and campus activism

Grace Sullivan I.M.P.A.C.T.

As the brutal harassment, assault and arrest of students, activists and faculty continues to erupt across the country, it becomes increasingly difficult to imagine a world where the U.S. condemns Israel’s genocide of Palestinians. Peaceful protests in the form of encampments have broke out on college campuses across the country to stand in solidarity with Palestinians, protest against the genocide and urge each institution to divest from firms that support Israel and call for an immediate ceasefire.

An official declaration from colleges and universities opposing the ongoing genocide of Palestinians could persuade the U.S. government to call for a ceasefire and divest funding from firms that support Israel’s military.

From protests against the Vietnam War to anti-South African apartheid movements, college campuses have served as a rich ecosystem where activism grows and thrives. As young people are surrounded by a plethora of academia at their institutions, the ability to critically contest, analyze and process political issues in a nuanced and comprehensive manner steadily increases with time. This effective contestation of mainstream political discourse holds immense potential to enact change and promote social justice. This statement is not hypothetical: we have seen this play out in real time throughout the history of social justice movements.

Currently, pro-Palestinian discourse has been suppressed in mainstream media as a tool to justify U.S. support for Israel. These efforts are supported by both Israeli propaganda and steadfast commitment of the U.S. to spreading democracy in the Middle East.

The media draws on the history of the Holocaust, antisemitism and Islamophobia to construct a strict binary of Israel as “good” and Palestinians as “evil.” The horrific history of the Holocaust is used to paint Israel as a moral nation built for the protection of an oppressed ethnicity, which fundamentally ignores the colonial erasure of Palestinians to create space for Jewish refugees.

Antisemitism is a very real, dangerous and threatening ideology that is both dehumanizing and oppressive. At the same time,

this intense form of hatred has been weaponized to justify the erasure, displacement and murder of Palestinians in the pursuit of a homogeneous ethnic state devoted to the protection of an oppressed Jewish people. The trauma of the Holocaust cannot be used to justify the systemic erasure of another group of people, and yet we see this Zionist narrative continue to unfold in Israeli and Western discourse that positions people who are pro-Palestine as antisemitic.

This harmful rhetoric undermines the overtly complex reality of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Not only is there a long, painful history of colonialism that is often overlooked, but the ongoing Israeli occupation of Palestine is erased from our collective perception of the conflict. Context matters, and it has the power to deconstruct harmful narratives that justify actions that should never be validated.

October 7th was a horrific tragedy that cannot be justified, and its occurrence can be understood in the context of the broader history of an oppressed people that has been under Israeli occupation for 75 years. However, more often than not, a large shadow is cast over this perspective to promote an “us vs. them” binary that undermines the intricate and complex reality of the situation.

The encampments across college campuses have provided powerful imagery in contesting mainstream discourse that is justifying the genocide of Palestinians. As students stand in solidarity with Palestinians, they are met with brutal force, censorship and violence. On the 25th of April, students at the Notre Dame participated in a temporary encampment to show support for the efforts of other college students and urge the University to divest its funding for firms that are actively contributing to the genocide in Gaza. As outlined in a letter to Fr. Jenkins from the students, faculty and staff of Notre Dame, while Fr. Jenkins called for an immediate and permanent ceasefire on Feb. 24th, the University may continue to associate with companies such as Lockheed Martin, Raytheon, Boeing, Northrop Gruman and General Dynamics through investments and funding.

These companies are profiting from the genocide of Palestinians as they manufacture and supply weapons to the Israeli army. Words must be met with action, and it is essential that the University of Notre Dame acknowledges its role in the

genocide of Palestinians to take action preventing its complicity and uphold the Catholic values of justice and human dignity.

During Notre Dame’s temporary encampment last Thursday, students peacefully protested by displaying signs and flags while they chanted calling for justice for Palestinians. Students were met with aggression from NDPD, who forcefully removed the tents they set up. Additionally, students were met with hurtful comments from their peers that ranged from accusations of antisemitism to being terrorist sympathizers.

This counter-contestation serves as a reminder to the harm of binary perspectives that produce unproductive arguments, which overlook the intricate composition of a long painful history of exile, destruction and dehumanization on both sides. At the root of this issue lies horrendous experiences of oppression in diverse forms. One form of oppression does not justify another, and it is essential that we remain in conversation to create space for nuanced perspectives that accurately reflect the reality of the situation.

The reality that we exist in a world where you can be arrested on your college campus for peacefully protesting against genocide is frightening. As student protests continue to spread and contest mainstream public discourse on Israel and Palestine, we must all make a conscious effort to continue to question overly simplistic explanations of a richly multifaceted issue to work towards a shared contextualized understanding that recognizes, challenges and opposes human atrocities.

Editor’s Note: This is an abridged version of the column. The full version can be found online at ndsmcobserver.com.

Grace Sullivan is a sophomore at Notre Dame studying global affairs with minors in gender and peace studies. In her column I.M.P.A.C.T. (Intersectionality Makes Political Activist Change Transpire), she is passionate about looking at global social justice issues through an intersectional feminist lens. Outside of The Observer, she enjoys hiking, painting and being a plant mom. She can be reached at gsulli22@nd.edu.

The views expressed in this column are those of the author and not necessarily those of The Observer.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Negative coverage of Saint Mary’s

I am disheartened to see the ongoing negative coverage of Saint Mary’s College by The Observer. As the President of the Sisters of the Holy Cross, founders and continuing sponsors of Saint Mary’s College, many of the statements that have been made in your pages about Saint Mary’s, its Board of Trustees, and administrative leadership are subjective judgments, misinformation, and certainly are no longer “news.”

The College advanced a policy in 2023, and in response to our Bishop’s public statement, Dr. Conboy and I engaged Bishop Kevin C. Rhoades in a productive conversation that led the Board of Trustees of the College to choose to retain the language of its previous admission policy. Since then, the Board, Administration and Congregation have made extraordinary efforts to listen, to rebuild trust and to communicate more robustly with various constituencies, none of which has received attention from The Observer.

As President of the Sisters of the Holy Cross, I also wish to point out that the Church of Our Lady of Loretto is the conventual chapel of the Sisters, not owned by Saint Mary’s College. “The Loretto Trust” has no connection with the Sisters and does not raise money on our behalf. The use of the title “Loretto” by the Trust is misleading and potentially harmful to the Sisters.

From the beginning of its educational ministry, the Sisters have followed in the footsteps of Blessed Basil Moreau, founder of the Congregations of Holy Cross, who said, “If at times you show preference to any young person, it should be the poor, those who have no one else to show them preference… and those who are not Catholic or Christian”. We continue to walk that path. We reach out to students, faculty, parents and friends, regardless of faith or economic status, to engage them in the education of minds and hearts, and to deepen their desire to participate in the creating of a world better than our own. This, too, is the charism of Holy Cross.

I live and minister on the campus shared by the Sisters of the

Holy Cross and Saint Mary’s College. I was surprised to read in your April 19th issue that some believe one has to “go hunting for” the College’s Catholic identity. That identity is alive and thriving for all to see both at the College and at the conventual places on campus. There is no separating our Catholic identity from our commitment to DEIJ, that is, our commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion and justice. This commitment finds its inspiration in our founding mission, the Church’s Catholic Social Teachings and is echoed in the essential values of Catholic Intellectual Thought. President Conboy, the Board of Trustees and the Sisters of the Holy Cross are not “establishing” DEIJ at Saint Mary’s, we continue the proud legacy of the Congregation and Catholic Church. Saint Mary’s is part of a tri-campus community where many newsworthy events occur every day; however, these do not seem to merit attention by The Observer.

Women are blessed to have a choice of three Catholic Holy Cross institutions in Notre Dame, Indiana, each with a unique way of engaging its students. Nationally, there are even more choices. As an alumna of Saint Mary’s and the University of Notre Dame, and a frequent participant in the events of Holy Cross College, I can attest that each institution uniquely lives its Catholic mission and adheres to the tenets of its Holy Cross Philosophy of Education. As President of The Sisters of the Holy Cross, I take very seriously my duty to see that Saint Mary’s College and all our sponsored ministries around the world realize their missions. As a publication purportedly supporting the tri-campus community, I hope that The Observer will find better ways to support and accurately report about each of these institutions, their rich heritage and their diverse ways of living their Catholic mission.

Sister M. Veronique, CSC President of the Sisters of the Holy Cross April 22

Editor’s Note: While we appreciate Sr. Veronique’s letter, I take issue specifically with her criticism of our paper. The Observer has not taken any position in ongoing controversy on and around Saint Mary’s campus with regards to the admissions policy, nor does it intend to. We have simply reported on developments around organized resistance to the policy and various Saint Mary’s policies, stories we believe are worthy of coverage regardless of one’s stance on the issues at hand. Having publicized the admissions policy in the offset, raising the question publicly for the first time to figures such as Bishop Rhoades, we take our duty seriously to cover all stories pertinent to the tri-campus, not just those that please administrators. It does not need to be said that quotes we include in stories reflect only the views of the person that said them. Furthermore, Sr. Veronique points to “efforts to listen, rebuild trust and communicate,” which she says have received no attention. When an Observer writer attempted to take part in a listening session that was part of such efforts — despite saying she did not intend to represent any organization — she heard nothing back from administrators. In addition, an Observer interview with President Conboy was repeatedly postponed and ultimately canceled. We cannot report on what we are not given access to. We make every effort to correct factual inaccuracies and stand behind our reporting as such.

We admit certain shortcomings. With a limited staff, there are only so many things we can cover, though our pages contain many stories about various facets of life at Saint Mary’s, including two today: one on a residence hall competition, and another on a cookout for first-generation and minority students. Sr. Veronique writes that “many newsworthy events occur every day” that “do not seem to merit attention by The Observer.” I ask that she take a closer look to the many stories we publish each and every week. We look forward to continuing our coverage of all elements of the story and as always, we invite interviews from the administration and board to share their perspective.

Isa Sheikh, Editor-in-Chief

Think about Hamas Palestine needs us

First, who is buying all the tents? They are likely just Amazon knock-offs, but they aren’t free. If students now have excess cash to buy tents, then why are all the loans needed?

Why are you wearing keffiyeh? Historically, it was worn by nomadic communities or Bedouins but it was brought to fame by Yasser Arafat, a terrorist, and was worn by many, if not all, of the Oct. 7 murderers and rapists. Is this who you’re wearing the keffiyeh to honor? Because most Palestinians who are not Hamas don’t wear them. So, why? None of the 150+ hostages would wear a keffiyeh, though of course the world doubts there are that many left alive.

The Hamas principles begin with “Palestine is a land that was seized by a racist, anti-human and colonial Zionist project”. They define: “The Zionist project is a racist, aggressive, colonial and expansionist project based on seizing the properties of others; it is hostile to the Palestinian people and to their aspiration for freedom, liberation, return and selfdetermination. The Israeli entity is the plaything of the Zionist project and its base of aggression”.

I’d like to emphasize that Hamas believes Jews are anti-human.

Speaking of Israel, the Hamas principles state that “Hamas believes that no part of the land of

Palestine shall be compromised or conceded, irrespective of the causes, the circumstances and the pressures and no matter how long the occupation lasts. Hamas rejects any alternative to the full and complete liberation of Palestine, from the river to the sea.”

And finally: “There shall be no recognition of the legitimacy of the Zionist entity.”

So what happens to the 8.3 million Israelis, 20% of whom are Arab, who are living between the river and the sea? What happens to those with a gender identity that doesn’t match their birth gender? You could ask Ahmad Abu Murkhiyeh if he still had his head.

Israel is not perfect, but they are not sworn to take over Palestine. They are paranoid about extinction, and for good reason. At present they are engaged in a war to eliminate Hamas. Wars are dangerous and destructive. But if I had to choose a side to support, it would be Israel, not those who are sworn to destroy them as anti-humans.

All I ask is for you to think.

John

Editor’s Note: this letter to the editor was written before the Thursday, April 25 student protests at Notre Dame.

Truly the thing that I fear comes upon me, and what I dread befalls me (Job 3:25). Yep, that’s right — to my great dismay, I have become one of those crazy alumni who write to The Observer to complain about the current students. But I simply could not help myself.

You see, I have been following the news about pro-Palestinian protests on campuses across the country like Columbia, Harvard, our fellow Catholic, Georgetown and even our sworn enemy, USC. “I wonder where the Domers built their camp,” I said to myself (or maybe to my confused husband). So I Googled… and I could not find any evidence of such an undertaking.

I was surprised. Many of the protests are at schools with high percentages of Jewish students (such as the source of my master’s degree, UPenn) — in

fact, many of the protests were actually led by Jewish students who are placing themselves at risk in many ways, including within their own communities. It seemed to me that Notre Dame was a relatively lower-risk site for an encampment because of its different religious background — one with fewer complicated ties to an attempted ethnostate that is actively committing genocide and incorrectly justifying it with religion.

So, I was rather baffled that there were no students out there on South Quad making a statement about their support for all the innocent Palestinian people being murdered (and yes, also the Israelis that have been killed). I know it’s been a while for me, but they are still teaching that being pro-life is about more than just being anti-abortion, right?

Dueker University of Notre Dame class of 1974 April 26

Joanna (Sullivan) Full University of Notre Dame class of 2013 April

‘WE’RE HOME’: A PEMCO REVUE REVIEW

By CLAIRE LYONS Viewpoint Editor Emerita

Every year, Pasquerilla East Musical Company (PEMCo) puts on an annual revue to raise money for St. Margaret’s House, a charitable day center in South Bend intended to help women and children in poverty meet their basic needs. The revue also serves as a training ground for incoming PEMCo producers and as a goodbye to outgoing seniors.

Typically, The Observer doesn’t review revues. There’s something about the nature of the genre (first, being a variety show and secondly, being at the end of the year) that doesn’t lend itself well to news coverage. But I’ve been the PEMCo beat reporter for The Observer for the past three years, so when Caroline Mereness, one of their marketing producers, asked me to come, I figured, “Why not?”

I sat through the show in Washington Hall’s Black Box Theater last Wednesday, willfully ignoring my senior thesis, and to be honest, I’m still struggling to figure out how to review this. To be clear, it’s not because I didn’t enjoy it! I’m just not sure if have the words.

I remember, as a sophomore, standing out in the rain

by Washington Hall, trying my absolute best to figure out how in the world I was supposed to get inside to see the “Bright Star” dress rehearsal. I remember being nervous, shaking somebody’s hands with my egregiously sweaty palms and pelting the director with way too many questions. Then, I remember the villain of the show (Andrew Crecca) complimenting me on the review I wrote later that week in class.

Flash forward three years, and I’ve got “Big Fish” director Josh Vo in my ear, telling me nobody on stage knows “the reporter” is here because they’ve got some nervous freshmen on stage. Guys, trust me, I remember the feeling. I could write a whole essay about the relationship between Scene and the performance arts groups on campus, but I’ll spare you the lecture.

At “We’re Home: A PEMCo Revue,” I can’t help but feel (weirdly?) proud. Over the years, I’ve seen these actors and actresses grow and improve on stage and, man, has it been such a joy. For instance, I saw Bryce Bustamante in probably his first serious role as Usnavi de la Vega from “In the Heights.” (Dude, seriously, big fan. But I have to ask: Is it really serious if you’re rapping in a reprise of a Lin Manuel-Miranda

role? That one’s up for debate.) This cast is full of freshmen, and they’ve reassured me the future is in good hands.

When the show ended, I was nearly in tears — but not particularly because I felt moved by the senior song (“Lighthouse”) or the finale (“Finale” from “In the Heights”). It was because this was the last time I would be in the Washington Hall Black Box Theater to review a show for The Observer.

Maybe that’s selfish, I don’t know, but I wasn’t the only one in the room feeling something. It was the way director Camila Holden enthusiastically pumped her fist in the sky every time somebody nailed a song. It was the way I heard laughter backstage during intermission. It was the way the performing arts at Notre Dame is home to so many — including me, somewhere out there in the audience with a Playbill and pen to mark it up. It was the way I will miss it all.

Thank you, PEMCo, for three fantastic seasons. Thank you for graciously letting me in the side door to watch your shows for free. But thank you, most of all, for making me a home in your audience.

Contact Claire Lyons at

PRESENTING BY DPAC: THE 2024-2025 PROGRAM ANNOTATED

By PETER MIKULSKI Scene Editor

The DeBartolo Performing Arts Center (DPAC) recently announced the 2024-2025 program for its Presenting Series, which aims to use “the universal language of music, dance and theater [to] celebrate the power of live performance to bring us together.” The 2024-2025 season will mark its 20th anniversary, and DPAC is pulling out all the stops. Whenever a big name in the arts comes to campus, it’s usually the Presenting Series that’s to thank for it — and next year is going to be no different. Here are the highlights, annotated.

Fischoff Competition Gold Medal Winners — September 29 and November 3

South Bend, specifically DPAC, has the privilege of hosting the Fischoff National Chamber Music Competition every year. The largest and oldest of such competitions, students and professionals convene on Notre Dame from around America — and even from abroad — to perform and participate in the festival. This year’s competition will take place at DPAC from May 10 to May 12, a mustsee if you’re still on campus. The winners will return next fall to perform in the Presenting Series, the wind category winner in September and the string category winner in November. No matter who wins the spots, it’s bound to be good.

London Philharmonic Orchestra — October 16

This March, the Academy of St. Martin in the Fields — one of the greatest chamber orchestras of all time since its founding by Sir Neville Marriner in 1958 — visited DPAC with virtuoso violinist Joshua Bell simultaneously performing and conducting. Next fall, we’ll be treated to another great British orchestra on tour, the London Philharmonic Orchestra (LPO). To be honest, I’m not as excited about the LPO as I was about St. Martin’s. St. Martin’s has a unique, unrivaled string sonority (not the way it used to, of course, but it’s still nothing to wag your finger at). The LPO, on the other hand, sounds like every other London orchestra — like the London Symphony and the Royal Philharmonic and the Philharmonia and the BBC Symphony. Frankly, it sounds like every other orchestra, period. You might as well take the South Shore Line into the city some weekend to see the Chicago Symphony Orchestra (CSO) — you’ll get the same sound, and better executed too.

Jazz At Lincoln Center Orchestra With Winton Marsalis — January 31

A week after they’re set to play at the CSO’s Symphony Center, Winton Marsalis (the greatest living jazz trumpeter) and the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra (the greatest working big band) are coming to DPAC. South Bend sustains a healthy jazz community centered around Merriman’s Playhouse, a jazz venue which pulls acts from Chicago and the coasts. This show, though, is going to be a special treat.

Nathan Gunn and Mandy Patinkin — April 11

Midwestern operatic baritone Nathan Gunn and the famed Broadway tenor Mandy Patinkin are performing alongside each other on tour. Patinkin, who starred in “The Princess Bride” and “Homeland,” is 71 these days, but I’m sure their stop in South Bend will still be a lively evening.

Third Coast Percussion with Jessie Montgomery — April 27

Third Coast Percussion, a quartet which served as DPAC’s “Ensemble-in-Residence” from 2013 to 2018, is returning to Notre Dame, now with the addition of Jessie Montgomery — virtuoso violinist and composer-inresidence at the CSO. Third Coast is bound to give an energetic performance, and — besides her skillful playing — Jessie Montgomery’s new compositions always strike a healthy balance between listenable and compelling.

In addition to the ones listed above, there are countless other events worth seeing on the program. It includes, for instance, several organists to perform in DPAC’s Reyes Organ and Choral Hall as well as several performances by the Actors from the London Stage, DPAC’s resident company. I think it’ll shape up to be a great season, one worthy of a 20th anniversary.

Williams’ walk-off homer caps key series win

By ANDREW MCGUINNESS

Sports Editor Emeritus

When senior outfielder T.J. Williams connected with the first pitch in the bottom of the ninth inning Sunday, it would have been understandable if the 792 fans inside Frank Eck Stadium didn’t believe what they were seeing. Time and time again this season, the Irish have let winnable games slip through their fingers, especially against the premier teams in the ACC. The Irish entered the weekend 0-7 in conference games decided by two runs or fewer, then fell to 0-8 on Friday when a three-run eighth inning propelled No. 8 Wake Forest to a 4-3 win.

But the tide had already begun to shift on Saturday. Three homers in the opening inning, including one of the very first pitch of the game by Williams, set the tone for the team’s biggest victory of the season. Then, when Williams’ towering drive landed in the left field shrubbery, they officially oneupped themselves.

“All year, personally, I’ve been, like, ‘I got to get these guys a win in a close game, I got to figure out a way to get them a win in a close game,’ and we just haven’t been able to push the right buttons, make the pitch or get the hit or make the play, at the right time. And today we were able to hang in there against the ropes a little bit, kept giving ourselves opportunities for swings, and Simon and TJ gave us big ones,” head coach Shawn Stiffler said.

Unlike Saturday’s 11-3 drubbing,

it didn’t come easily. Neither team held anything back in the rubber match, which contained everything from a controversial overturned call that cost the Irish two runs (which came around to score eventually), a run-scoring balk and defensive miscues amidst a driving wind on both sides. Yet despite leading almost the entire game, it seemed like deja vu might set in when Wake star Nick Kurtz put the Demon Deacons ahead in the eighth with a two-out, two-strike, two-run double.

But before nihilism could take its course, the Irish offense did what they’ve done all season: answer. The very first pitch in the inning’s bottom half was stroked well over the left-field wall by graduate student infielder Simon Baumgardt.

Had the Irish preserved Friday’s lead, Baumgardt would’ve been the hero thanks to a go-ahead tworun shot off Wake Forest ace Chase Burns, who struck out 14 hitters in seven innings of work. The positive results from Baumgardt and Williams were validation for the approach that Stiffler has preached all season.

“We anticipate every pitch is a strike, and we talked to our guys about being ready and assume strike and take the ball and so on. When your better players are up, you’ve got to give them opportunities to change the game and win the game for you,” Stiffler said.

Power was a huge source of Notre Dame’s success once again. After slugging 12 home runs in a sweep of Boston College the prior weekend,

the Irish launched nine more, taking advantage of a Demon Deacons pitching staff that, while solid overall, has struggled to keep teams in the ballpark all season. But, most winning teams are built from the mound out, and the team’s starting pitch staff continued to roll. Senior Matt Bedford and freshman Jack Radel both set career-highs in innings pitched in the first two games of the series and sophomore Rory Fox came just one out away from matching his. The trio held their opponents to six earned runs in 15.2 innings pitched for a 3.44 earned run average.

“The confidence that you’re

seeing [from] Rory Fox and Jack Radel right there, they’re just growing in confidence and I think that’s what you’re seeing out of them,” Stiffler said.

Suddenly, an Irish team left for dead is now just one game out of an ACC Tournament spot, with the other two teams the Irish have won ACC series against (Boston College and Miami) the teams they hope to chase down. Another home series against conference bottom-feeder Pitt awaits in a week, although the Irish would be wise not to overlook their midweek game at Michigan State this coming Tuesday after being one-hit by

Central Michigan on Wednesday. But there’s real momentum around an Irish team that was spinning its tires for so long, giving them something to play for as the home stretch intensifies.

“We’re right back in this thing now to qualify for the tournament,” Stiffler said. “So we have good baseball left in us, and I’m just so proud of our guys, that we’re going to make these next two weekends of ACC play really meaningful. We’re in playoff baseball right now, which is what’s really cool.”

Contact Andrew McGuinness at amcguinn@nd.edu

Irish end regular season with home series loss

By CLAIRE WATSON Sports Writer

Now 26-22 overall on the season and 8-15 in the Atlantic Coast Conference, the Notre Dame softball team lost two games in their final regular season series against Boston College this past weekend.

Game One

In the first game against the Eagles, the Irish took the close 3-2 win.

Graduate student Alexis Laudenslager started in the circle for the Irish, pitching 1.1 innings. Laudenslager allowed one hit, one earned run, three walks and struck out two. Junior Shannon Becker came in as relief, throwing 5.2 innings. Becker took her eighth win of the season after allowing four hits, one earned run, and striking out five.

Neither team scored in the first inning, but Boston College jumped ahead in the second inning to take a 1-0 lead. Neither team scored in the third inning either, but both teams scored in the fourth inning, making the score 2-1 in favor of the Eagles.

Notre Dame kept their momentum going in the fifth and sixth innings, scoring a run in each inning to pull ahead by one. With the Eagles unable to respond in the seventh, the Irish took the 3-2 win.

Offensively, the Irish had five leaders in the box. The seniors had a big game, with catcher Carlli Kloss, third baseman Cassidy Grimm and utility infielder Mac Vasquez tallying key hits for Notre Dame. Junior designated player Rachel Allen and freshman second baseman Addison Amaral also singled in crucial moments to lead the Irish to victory over the Eagles.

Game Two

In the second game against the Eagles, the Irish were not able maintain momentum and took the 10-9 loss.

Laudenslager started on the mound again for Notre Dame, throwing 3.0 innings. This outing, she allowed three hits, three earned runs and hurled three strikeouts before handing the ball off to sophomore Micaela Kastor. Kastor suffered the loss for the Irish after throwing 2.2

innings and allowing five hits, six earned runs and striking out four. Freshman Kami Kamzik finished the game in the circle for the Irish, throwing 1.1 innings. Kamzik allowed two hits, one earned run and had two strikeouts.

Notre Dame jumped ahead in the bottom of the first inning, scoring two runs. Neither team scored in the second inning, but Boston College responded in the top of the third inning by putting up three runs, making the score 3-2 in favor of the Eagles. The Irish did not let that stop them, for they then scored four runs in the third inning to take a 6-3 lead. Both teams scored a run in the fourth inning, making the score 7-4. Boston College then pulled ahead in the sixth inning, scoring five runs to gain a 9-7 lead. The Eagles added one more run in the seventh inning to extend their lead to three. Though the Irish scored two runs in the bottom of the seventh, their rally fell short,

resulting in a 10-9 Eagles victory.

Offensively, the Irish totaled 12 hits across the seven innings. Amaral led in the box with a 2-for4 effort, hitting her ninth and 10th home runs of the season. She tallied three RBIs and three runs. Kloss, sophomore center fielder Mickey Winchell and junior shortstop Anna Holloway each added two hits of their own.

Kloss and Holloway drove in two runs while Grimm added a single RBI. Junior right fielder Jane Kronenberger also contributed offensively with a 1-for-1 effort at the plate, adding an RBI and one run while drawing two walks.

Game Three

In the finale against the Eagles, the Irish lost 6-3.

Both teams scored in the first inning, setting up a 1-1 tie. Neither team scored in the second inning, but the Eagles pulled ahead with a five-run third inning to take a 6-1 lead. With two outs in the bottom of the seventh

inning, the Irish managed to put two more runs on the board but ultimately fell to the Eagles in a 6-3 loss.

Becker started on the mound in the series finale, pitching 2.1 innings for the Irish. She allowed six hits, six runs (four of which were earned) and had one strikeout. Laudenslager came in to relieve Becker and closed out the game for the Irish, throwing 4.2 innings. Laudenslager allowed three hits and had three strikeouts.

Though they currently sit as the No. 8 seed in the ACC Softball Championship, the Irish must wait for Syracuse, Louisville and Boston College to finish their makeup series to know if they’ll make the 10 team field. The ACC Softball Championship will begin on May 8 and conclude with the championship game on May 11 at 2:30 p.m.

Contact Claire Watson at cwatson7@nd.edu

GRAY NOCJAR | THE OBSERVER

Senior outfielder T.J. Williams takes a swing during Notre Dame’s game against Purdue at Frank Eck Stadium on March 5. Williams hit two first-pitch home runs in this weekend’s series against Wake Forest.

SUDOKU | THE MEPHAM GROUP

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Happy Birthday: Express yourself and speak passionately about your concerns, dreams, and desires. Find out where you stand and adjust to what you discover, and you’ll position yourself for success. Take the initiative to collect your thoughts, plan your actions, and execute your goals boldly, and you will draw people who can contribute and help you reach your destination. Opportunity is knocking; don’t hesitate to open the door. Your numbers are 8, 12, 23, 31, 37, 42, 46.

ARIES (March 21-April 19): Pay attention to how you look and present yourself to the world. Learn from experience and research protocol before you jump into something new. Let your charm, speed, and agility lead the way, and you’ll attract the right people. Reconnecting with an old friend will be enlightening.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): Find your bliss, do what makes you feel and look your best, and you’ll discover how to strut your stuff, make an impression, and gain the confidence to expand your mind and improve your health. Self-love and personal growth are on the rise.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Oversee everything and leave nothing to chance. It’s your right to call the shots and say no to anyone getting in your way. Be strong, do what’s in your best interest, and do whatever it takes to look and feel your best. Romance is favored.

CANCER (June 21-July 22): Trust your instincts over what others tell you. Don’t feel pressured into following the crowd. Do your own thing, be creative, and choose peace of mind and happiness. Don’t give in to emotional drama; know when to participate and when to observe.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Reason and common sense will help you zigzag your way to victory. You can voice your opinion without causing upset. Offering food for thought and encouragement will make you feel good while doing good. Put your energy where it counts. Personal growth is favored.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Pay attention to change, be a good listener, and respond accordingly. Have more faith in your ability to do what’s right and to gain stability when faced with uncertainty. A steady approach, trusting yourself, and moving forward without fear will pay off.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Pay attention to your needs and adjust your space to fit your circumstances. It’s up to you to make things happen and to formulate a plan that puts you in. the driver’s seat. Take hold and do whatever helps you gain control of today.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Don’t beat yourself up when you need propping. Take advantage of what is available and make the most of your day by participating and discovering your gifts and attributes. It’s time to expand, not retreat. Take the plunge and make things happen.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Don’t fold under pressure. Anyone you let take advantage of you will continue until you say no. Stop giving in and start looking out for your interests. Participate in events that encourage self-help, awareness, and personal growth and boost your confidence.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Understanding the emotional impact others have on you will help you navigate situations that require skill, empathy, and self-protection. Take time to observe, analyze, and map out how to handle delicate situations; you will come out on top. Choose peace over chaos.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Tiptoe through drama, interference, and anything else that comes your way. Think before you act, and don’t take what others do or say personally. Advocate to take care of your responsibilities personally. Make clarity a necessity to avoid misinterpretation. Romance is favored.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Be aware of someone’s enthusiasm to engage you in something. Get the lowdown before you sign up for something you need help understanding. Diligence and discipline will spare you from loss and regret. Only change what’s necessary. Use your energy to reveal and take advantage of opportunities.

Birthday Baby: You are demonstrative, engaging, and stable. You are helpful and sturdy.

WORK AREA

Make checks payable to and mail to:

Enclosed is $130 for one academic year

Enclosed is $75 for one semester

JUMBLE

NFL Draft

football away more to play above his fifth-round status.

Hart played his best game last season against fourth overall pick Marvin Harrison Jr. and Ohio State, increasing optimism about his matchup capabilities in the NFL. He also joins a system under defensive coordinator Jesse Minter that favors lengthy cornerbacks on the outside.

Perhaps most notably, he’ll work closely with safeties coach Chris O’Leary, who oversaw Hart at Notre Dame from 2018 to 2023.

JD Bertrand, Linebacker

— Atlanta Falcons

Bertrand has been a leader for Notre Dame for years. He’s been starting games since his junior year, was a two-year captain and led the team in tackles the last two seasons.

Projected to be a special teams player, Bertrand has produced good, consistent play and can jump between linemen to make the tackle but angles toward the runner rather than running right at them. Though he scored high on athleticism rankings (6th among linebackers according to Next Gen Stats), experts are concerned about Bertrand’s ability to play linebacker in the NFL.

The Atlanta Falcons selected Bertrand with the 143rd pick in the draft, and ESPN currently has him listed as second on the depth chart for right inside linebacker. In front of him is Troy Andersen, who was selected by Atlanta in the second round out of Montana State in 2022. Anderson got injured last year after only appearing in two games, which significantly hurt the Atlanta defense. He’s still currently listed as questionable after having surgery in the fall but is expected to start this season.

After surprising everyone by taking Michael Penix Jr. eighth overall, the Falcons selected four straight defensive players (Bertrand being the fourth) in an attempt to improve a defense that last year was 27th in yards allowed per game.

Audric Estime, Running Back — Denver Broncos

Notre Dame’s offensive player of the year and rated by many as a Second Team All-American, Audric Estime is considered to be the 10thbest running back and 157thbest prospect in the draft. Estime’s resume at Notre Dame was impressive — he led the team in rushing yards the last two years and now has the fifth most rushing yards in program history after only three years on the team, including his freshman season when he amassed 60

yards on limited carries.

Next Gen Stats gave him the highest production score among running backs at the combine, but his athleticism score brought his overall score down. In a year where a new 40-yard dash record was set (4.21 seconds), Estime ran a 4.71. While strength over speed is what Estime is known for, that did probably limit the teams who would be interested in drafting him. His combine profile also pointed out his ability to jump over obstacles on the field and the difficulty with which defenders have in bringing him down.

The Denver Broncos selected Estime 147th overall, making him the 12th running back selected in this draft. While this was an offensefocused draft, Jonathon Brooks, the first running back selected, wasn’t chosen until the middle of the second round.

Denver is another team that is in transition, so it will be interesting to see how Estime fits into this team.

Going into head coach Sean Peyton’s second year with the Broncos, Denver was one of the six teams that drafted a quarterback in the first round of the draft. Though not the most surprising pick of the night, more than a few people will be curious to see how former Oregon quarterback Bo Nix fits in with Peyton’s vision for the offense.

Estime is currently listed third on Denver’s depth chart behind Javonte Williams and Samaje Perine. Williams, who is going into his fourth season after being selected in the second round out of North Carolina, finished 28th in the league in rushing yards last year with only 774 — which was less than some back-ups — after appearing in 16 games. Perine only had 238 yards on the ground while appearing in all 17 contests. A lot will be different about Denver this year but with a likely quarterback battle and a similar-looking offensive line, it could be a struggle.

Estime will likely be a short-yardage situation back, especially near the end zone because he is such a powerful runner. Denver was 20th last season in red zone scoring, barely making it above the 50% threshold. Plugging Estime in this spot could be great for his development and could even make him relevant for larger fantasy football leagues later in the season.

Javontae Jean-Baptiste, Defensive Line — Washington Commanders

After graduating from Ohio State with a degree in human development and family studies and playing in 45 games, Jean-Baptiste traveled west and joined Marcus

Freeman’s squad, where he made impacts on and off the field. Baptiste finished the season as a Captain at the Tony the Tiger Bowl. He finished the season leading the team in TFLs (10.5) and sacks (5). He caused and recovered a fumble, blocked a field goal against Wake Forest and recovered another blocked field goal and returned it for a touchdown against Stanford.

The Commanders are getting a player who can make some serious splash plays. Jean-Baptiste can slip off blockers and work his way towards the runner to stop the play. The scouting report on him out of the NFL was a desire to increase his strength and speed out of his initial stance. Strength is something that can be increased while with an NFL team, making him pretty coachable. He was considered the 19th-best player at his position and the 212th-best prospect available to be drafted this weekend by CBS Sports.

In terms of fitting in with the Commanders, JeanBaptiste will pair well with new head coach Dan Quinn, whose defensive schemes down in Dallas were incredibly successful over the last few years. Currently listed as third on the Commander’s depth chart, Jean-Baptiste will have the opportunity to learn from Dorance Armstrong and Dante Fowler Jr., both of whom came over from Dallas to follow Quinn.

Hartman headlines postdraft signings

The Notre Dame student body caught Hartman fever, famously confusing Wake Forest head coach Dave Clawson, but will it spread to the NFL?

Hartman was ranked as the 315th-best prospect and the 13th-best quarterback prospect by ESPN. The analysts agreed that he can make some great, improvised throws and takes hits well. However, his turnover production was a concern in college (as a result of his high-risk, high-reward improvised throws) and continues to be a concern for scouts and coaches in the NFL.

In an offense and quarterback-focused draft, Hartman signed as an undrafted free agent with the Washington Commanders. The Commanders took LSU quarterback and Heisman Trophy winner Jayden Daniels second overall in this year’s draft, so developing and working with quarterbacks is a top priority for the organization, a fact that could benefit Hartman in the long run.

Hartman will be the

fifth quarterback on the Commanders’ roster after Daniels, former Heisman winner Marcus Mariota, Jeff Driskel and Jake Fromm.

Nickelback Thomas Harper, who spent the 2023 season at Notre Dame after transferring from Oklahoma State, signed with the Chargers as an undrafted free agent. He finished among the nation’s best tacklers a season ago but must stay healthier to have a shot at seeing the field.

Another one-year rental, kicker Spencer Shrader, signed with the nearby Indianapolis Colts after the draft concluded. Shrader showed off his big leg time and time again last year, breaking the Notre Dame record for longest-made field goal just three weeks into his Irish career. However, he struggled with his accuracy, missing four of his 12 attempts from inside 50 yards.

Staying within the special teams ranks, long snapper Michael Vinson received an invite to the Colts rookie minicamp.

Contact Annika Herko at aherko@nd.edu and Tyler Reidy at treidy3@nd.edu

Irish fall to Boston College in ACC semifinals

By TYLER REIDY Sports Editor

The Notre Dame women’s lacrosse team can only hope someone else will defeat Boston College in this year’s NCAA Tournament. After a 9-7 loss to the Eagles in Friday’s ACC semifinals, the Irish have now seen four tournament runs end at the hands of Boston College in the last four seasons. Last year, the Eagles eliminated Notre Dame in both the ACC and NCAA Championships.

This year’s game represented a rematch of Notre Dame’s epic win at Chestnut Hill on March 16. The Irish scored late to beat the Eagles 15-14, winning at Chestnut Hill for the first time in two decades. That nail-biter marked the second victory of a

ND MEN’S LACROSSE

10-game win streak that carried Notre Dame into Friday’s matchup.

With the game’s opening draw, one of Notre Dame’s top players immediately made history. Graduate midfielder Kasey Choma officially set the Notre Dame record for career games played, starting her 83rd. Just under five minutes into the contest, another member of the Irish “big three” enjoyed a big moment, as graduate attacker Madison Ahern opened the scoring with her 52nd goal of the season.

But Notre Dame’s terrific trio went abnormally quiet for the remaining 55 minutes. Boston College limited Choma, Ahern and graduate attacker Jackie Wolak — who regularly combine for double-digit points

— to six total points. Almost all of the Irish goals happened through individual efforts, as Wolak posted the only Notre Dame assist against stiff defense.

Despite those struggles, Notre Dame mostly matched the Eagles with strong defense. At the first quarter’s end, Boston College led 3-2 on goals from Rachel Clark, Kayla Martello and Belle Smith. Choma fired back late in the quarter, pulling the Irish within a goal.

The second quarter opened with 10 scoreless minutes, as Notre Dame senior goalie Lilly Callahan made four saves. Martello finally broke through with 4 minutes and 25 seconds remaining until halftime with her 52nd goal of the year.

But senior attacker Mary Kelly

Doherty, the hero of the March 16 game, answered just moments later to make the halftime score 4-3.

Coming out of the break, Wolak tied the game with her 53rd goal of the season. However, less than two minutes later, Andrea Reynolds and Boston College broke the deadlock for good. Emma LoPinto scored three goals in eight minutes between the end of the third quarter and the early part of the fourth, orchestrating a major surge from the Eagles. With 10 minutes remaining in regulation, Boston College had opened up a 9-5 lead.

Notre Dame wouldn’t let its first postseason run die easily, though. Ahern deposited her second goal of the night with 8:55 remaining, and freshman

midfielder Kathryn Morrissey was quick to follow, narrowing the Boston College lead to 9-7. The Irish pressed on with their rally from there, but Eagles goalkeeper Shea Dolce made three saves to send Boston College to the championship game.

In that championship game, the Eagles would defeat Syracuse by a 15-8 score on Sunday.

Notre Dame now looks ahead to the NCAA Tournament, which begins Friday, May 10. The Irish will learn their first opponent and destination during the selection show, which is scheduled at 9 p.m. on Sunday, May 5.

Contact Tyler Reidy at treidy3@nd.edu

Irish enter postseason with win over Virginia

By NOAH CAHILL Associate Sports Editor

The Irish men’s lacrosse team closed out their regular season on the road with a rematch of last year’s NCAA Tournament semifinal thriller against Virginia. The regular season finale has important implications for seeding in next week’s ACC Tournament. The No. 5-ranked Cavaliers came into the game having lost their previous two against conference rivals Duke and Syracuse. On the other side, barring an early-season slipup against Georgetown, the Irish had been near flawless, coming into the match on a seven-game winning run.

Notre Dame’s leading point-getter in the midfield,

graduate student Devon McLane opened up the scoring for the Irish. McCabe Millon, one of the best freshmen in the country, answered quickly for Virginia. The two ACC powerhouses traded goals to close out a hotly contested first quarter that finished 3-3. Both attackman Kavanagh brothers, junior Chris and graduate student Pat, got on the board for the Irish, as did midseason first team All-American Connor Shellenberger for the Cavaliers. The two continued to trade blows, with Payton Cormier opening up the scoring in the second for Virginia before Chris Kavanagh connected with the team’s leading goal-scorer, graduate student Jake Taylor, for his first of the day. Cormier would grab his

second before the end of another relatively low-scoring quarter, taking a 6-4 lead into half for the Cavaliers. As brilliant as both teams are on offense, the half was defined by the play of graduate student Liam Entenmann for Notre Dame and Matthew Nunes for Virginia, arguably the two best shot-stoppers in college lacrosse. Both netminders made an incredible eight saves in the half.

Virginia controlled the opening draw of the third quarter, which led to Cormier’s hat trick goal, opening up the biggest lead of the day for either team. Notre Dame, however, would respond with a 4-0 run, starting with the second goal on the day for Pat Kavanagh.

Sophomore midfielder Max

Busenkell scored the next goal before the Irish capitalized on a man-up opportunity to tie the game at seven. Junior attackman and man-up specialist Jeffery Ricciardelli got the goal for an Irish man-up unit that has been lethal all season. Taylor’s second of the day gave Notre Dame their first lead since the first quarter. With 30 seconds remaining in the quarter, Virginia would have the opportunity to show the prowess of their man-up unit. Aided by the man advantage, Cormier tallied his fourth of the day to tie the game heading into the fourth.

Virginia took a 9-8 lead after a long-range shot from Ryan Colsey. For the remainder of the quarter, however, the Cavalier offense would

fail to score again. The Irish would consolidate their staunch defense on the other end, going on a 3-0 run to finish the game. After McLane’s second tied the game, freshman midfielder Jordan Faison gave Notre Dame the lead with nine minutes remaining. McLane’s hat trick goal provided some breathing room while the defense did the rest. The Irish left Charlottesville with another impressive victory and placed an exclamation mark on a dominant regular season. The victory set up a rematch with Virginia in the ACC Tournament Semifinal, which will take place Friday, May 3 at 5 p.m.

Contact Noah Cahill at ncahill2@nd.edu

Saints sail into CCAC Championship wins

By TYLER REIDY Sports Editor

A lot of ingredients must come together for a conference championship — in any sport — to come to fruition. The feat requires regularseason success and good results in league standings. Consistent play from start to finish mixed with big wins here and there. And of course, a streak of unbeatable play in the postseason tournament. It’s a difficult formula that many teams go years — even decades — without uncovering.

Don’t tell any of that to the Holy Cross tennis teams. Both the men’s and women’s squads captured their second consecutive

Chicagoland Collegiate Athletic Conference titles to start this weekend, making it look almost impossibly easy. The men’s team swept Illinois opponents Olivet Nazarene and Judson to achieve the championship, while the women’s group blanked Olivet and Roosevelt (Illinois) to make its magic happen.

Men’s team

The 22nd-ranked Holy Cross men still have not lost a match since February 24. They opened conference tournament week by extending their lengthy winning streak to 10 games with a 4-0 defeat of Olivet before setting their sights on Judson.

In the Friday championship

match, the Saints handled doubles play cleanly. The No. 2 team of junior Ciaran McCarthy and Oscar Wai earned a 6-1 win, while the No. 3 pairing of sophomore Luca McManus and freshman Adam Singleton played their way to a 6-0 victory.

Holy Cross then followed up its dominance in doubles with a trio of two-set wins in singles play to cross the finish line. Wai dominated the No. 2 match, winning his sets by scores of 6-0 and 6-2. Junior Perry Gregg got the better of No. 1 singles as well, posting scores of 6-2 and 6-4. To finalize the championship, No. 6 singles went the way of sophomore Polis Koursaros by counts of 6-3 and 6-4.

Women’s team

The 20th-ranked Holy Cross women produced identical results, beginning with a 4-0 takedown of Olivet Nazarene in Thursday’s semifinal. They also bested Roosevelt by the same count in Saturday’s championship, extending their win streak to five games.

In the championship match, the Holy Cross women’s team buried the competition even deeper than the men’s squad did. The Saints did not allow a single game win in doubles play, as the pairings of sophomore Kia Carvalho-Landell and freshman Nicole Martinez along with senior Anna Beer and sophomore Victoria Savvidou swept their opponents.

During singles action, Holy Cross won all three even-numbered matchups to clinch the championship. Freshman Maria Sanchez earned 6-3 and 6-1 wins in No. 2 singles, Martinez picked up 6-0 and 6-3 victories in the No. 4 matchup and senior Diane Maillotte claimed 6-1 and 6-0 defeats in No. 6 singles.

Up next, both teams will head to the NAIA National Championships, which run from May 14-18 in Mobile, Alabama. The men’s squad enters with a record of 12-3 while the women come in with a 10-2 mark.

IRISH TO THE NFL

Six Irish players picked in final two draft days

By ANNIKA HERKO and TYLER REIDY Associate Sports Editor and Sports Editor

The last six rounds of the 2024 National Football League draft played out on Friday and Saturday in Detroit, Michigan. Six former Irish players found their professional homes through selections, while four more either signed as free agents or received a minicamp invitation.

Blake Fisher, Offensive

Tackle — Houston Texans

After left tackle Joe Alt went to the Los Angeles Chargers with the fifth overall pick, Fisher landed in the Space City in the second round. The Texans used the 59th pick on

the Irish right tackle, giving Notre Dame its first Friday draft pick.

Over the past two seasons, Fisher started 25 games in a Notre Dame uniform, earning Joe Moore Award semifinalist status in 2023.

Standing at 6-foot-6 and weighing in at 310 pounds, he entered the draft with a 6.26 prospect grade, as NFL. com believes he will eventually become an average starter. Fisher rates well with his explosive athleticism and agility, but he sometimes struggles to leave his stance quickly and open his outside hip. One AFC personnel executive called him the more naturally talented of Notre Dame’s two drafted tackles.

With his selection, Fisher

became the second Irish offensive lineman drafted by the Texans in the last two years. Center Jarrett Patterson landed in H-Town as a sixth-rounder in the 2023 draft. Fisher enters the Texans organization as a solid insurance policy for current right tackle Tytus Howard, who has a significant history of injuries. At Notre Dame, Fisher started his first game as a true freshman in 2021, so Fisher will be ready should the Texans call on him early.

Marist Liufau, Linebacker — Dallas Cowboys

After having minimal playing time his first two years and getting injured his junior year, Liufau had some major

impact plays during his last two seasons. During his senior year, he finished third on the team with 51 tackles, 4.5 TFLs and half a sack, in addition to an interception against Syracuse. This past year, he had slightly fewer tackles but increased his sack production and caused a fumble while recovering another one.

After running a 4.64 in the 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine, Liufau was ranked the 133rd-best prospect and 10th-best linebacker in the draft by ESPN. Liufau plays with strong football awareness and does a good job diagnosing plays. However, he often arrives as the second or third tackler rather than the primary stopper, according

to NFL Draft analyst Lance Zierlein.

As one of the newest members of the Cowboys, being selected 87th overall, Liufau is currently projected to start for Dallas by ESPN. The Cowboy defense will look pretty different this year under new defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer, who historically expects his linebackers to really make an impact in the game.

Following Leighton Vander Esch’s medical retirement, the Cowboys turned to the draft to find his replacement and bolster their linebacker depth. They also brought in Eric Kendricks during the offseason, who will be going into his 10th season in the league this year. Kendricks could be a good mentor for Liufau, as he spent several years with Zimmer in Minnesota. Liufau also has other ties to the NFL. His cousin is Puka Nacua, who had a breakout season last year with the Rams as a wide receiver.

Liufau will likely draw comparisons to fellow Notre Dame linebacker Jaylon Smith, who was drafted 34th overall by the Cowboys in 2016. Of course, Liufau is not returning from an ACL tear, so the Cowboys will want to see him involved in the defense and making big plays soon.

Cam Hart, Cornerback — Los Angeles Chargers

The Chargers turned back to Notre Dame for help at cornerback, selecting Hart with the 140th overall pick. The five-year college corner became the eighth former Irish player to be selected by the Chargers in the last 11 years, joining left tackle Joe Alt among this year’s picks.

At Notre Dame, Hart played 47 games, starting 32 of them. He started at least 10 games in each of his last three seasons, posting a career year with 42 tackles and nine passes defended in 2021. This past fall, he recorded 21 tackles with four passes defended and a career-high three forced fumbles. Hart entered the draft with a prospect grade of 6.16, which estimates him as a good backup with starting potential down the road. He brings unique size and athleticism to the professional ranks but will need to attack and take the

Junior running back Audric Estime carries the football during Notre Dame’s game against North Carolina State at Carter-Finley Stadium on Sept. 9, 2023, in Raleigh, North Carolina. Estime was taken by the Denver Broncos with the 147th overall selection in this year’s NFL Draft pick.