THE INDEPENDENT NEWSPAPER SERVING NOTRE DAME, SAINT MARY’S AND HOLY CROSS ESTABLISHED 1966
FRIDAY, AUGUST 21, 2026 | VOL. LXI, NO. 1
NDSMCOBSERVER.COM
Tri-campus welcomes freshmen and transfers
Welcome Weekend
Belles Beginnings
By Megan Cornell
By Berhan Hagezom
Friday morning marks the beginning of Welcome Weekend, the University’s annual orientation for freshmen and transfer students. The weekend sets a tone for the school year by teaching students about the University’s Catholic mission and welcoming them to their residential communities. According to Tony Oleck, an advisor to the vice president for student affairs, the weekend “reflects the core messages we hope both students and their families receive as they begin their time at Notre Dame.” Vice president for undergraduate enrollment Micki Kidder shared in a statement to the Observer that the class of 2030 consists of 2,160 freshmen. Each of them, along with 175 transfer students, will participate in
Saint Mary’s four-day long orientation program, Belles Beginnings, began on Thursday and will run through Sunday evening. The orientation helps new students—both freshmen and transfers—adjust to Saint Mary’s with information sessions and social experiences. Shay Jolly Schneider, associate dean of students, works with a committee of faculty and staff to develop the orientation. Starting in the fall, the committee meets at least once a month to discuss next year’s orientation. “It’s a pretty intensive process of figuring out what works, what doesn’t work,
Notre Dame News Editor
see “Welcome” on page 4
Saint Mary’s News Editor
Berhan Hagezom | THE OBSERVER
Tri-campus students move in ahead of classes starting this week. Freshman and transfer students begin their campus experiences with Notre Dame’s Welcome Weekend and Saint Mary’s Belles Beginnings respectively.
Notre Dame welcomes new class By Megan Cornell Notre Dame News Editor
Roughly 2,160 freshmen in the class of 2030 and 175 transfer students are arriving on campus this weekend at the University of Notre Dame, including those who participated in the guaranteed-transfer Gateway Program. Of students admitted to the University, 65% had enrolled, representing a “notable 6 percentage point increase over the current senior class yield,” vice president for undergraduate enrollment Micki Kidder wrote via email. Despite the larger class size, the acceptance rate for this year’s cycle remained at 9%, which was a record low for the University in 2025. The opening of two new residence halls, Grojean and Coyle, combined with factors such as fall study abroad enrollment, allowed the University to accommodate a slightly larger incoming class. Kidder confirmed that incoming freshmen hail from all 50 U.S. states and 80% are Catholic. She noted that information on the class’s racial and ethnic
composition will be available when the Common Data Set is released later this year. Notably, she shared that 70% of all Notre Dame undergraduates receive financial aid, and over half of the incoming freshmen will be receiving need-based aid. This large number is made possible in part by the Pathways to Notre Dame program. Launched in fall 2024, the initiative removed loans from financial aid and was expanded in March to cover full tuition for families earning less than $150,000 annually and cover half the tuition for families earning less than $200,000. “Notre Dame’s recent financial aid expansion under the Pathways to Notre Dame initiative reinforces the University’s commitment to transparency, affordability, and socioeconomic diversity,” Kidder wrote. This year, each of the 175 transfer students received a housing assignment, a change from the past two years, when some students were left without a placement for the fall semester. see “ND 2030” on page 3
see “Belles” on page 5
Saint Mary’s class of 2030 breaks records By Berhan Hagezom Saint Mary’s News Editor
With the largest enrollment number in the history of Saint Mary’s College, the class of 2030 will be making headway onto the campus this week with 524 enrolled students out of 2,221 accepted. According to Sarah Gallagher Dvorak, dean of enrollment management and marketing, 79 of these students, approximately 16%, applied through early decision. Out of the 56 accepted, a total of 28 transfer students will be present on campus. 31 states and territories are represented within the incoming freshman class, while transfer students come from 10 states and two countries. There are a total of five international students, including one international transfer student, originating from China, Brazil, Ethiopia, Mexico and Panama. With a slight decrease as compared to the class of 2029, 30% of students are
first generation and 31% are students of color. 100% of students received a financial aid package through the college, with merit scholarships ranging from $25,000 to $36,000 per year. 77% of students were recognized as having need when applying for financial aid. Gallagher Dvorak shared the acceptance rate has been consistent throughout the past several years at 76%. She explained the rise in applicants has led to newer enrollment strategies. “Given the increase in applications we’ve been seeing over the years, we recommend students apply earlier to Saint Mary’s. In addition to the Early Decision option on the application, we have instituted an Early Action option as well this year. The application deadline for both is November 15,” she wrote in a statement to the Observer. The class of 2030 has also demonstrated significant feats prior to their admittance into the college. With an average GPA of 3.91, 68% of students have held various
leadership positions in high school. “More than three quarters have been involved in community service. We have many entrepreneurs with incredible hearts who founded their own non-profit organizations, many students leading and/or have founded women’s empowerment clubs or programming at their schools and in their communities, a national junior fencing champion in Spain, and a student who is writing a book,” Dvorak wrote. “They’re made up of thespians, musicians, athletes, entrepreneurs, artists, performers and leaders who are making a difference in their communities.” For the second year in a row, the most popular intended major is nursing science. Dvorak credits this to the Center for Integrated Healthcare Innovation, developed in fall 2021 with a direct entry program for freshmen students. The Avenue Experience was also see “SMC 2030” on page 3
NEWS | PAGE 3
OPINION | PAGE 7
SCENE | PAGE 10
SPORTS | PAGE 11
Women’s soccer
Football
Two new South Quad dorms open on the former grounds of Fisher and Pangborn Halls.
ND’s beauty comes from its balance of church teaming and worldly acknowledgment.
The semester’s trends forecasted by one who knows — or at least by one who claims to know.
Notre Dame has lofty expectations after last season’s bitter ending.
The Irish aim to leave no doubt in year five under Marcus Freeman.
Coyle and Grojean
Beautiful tensions
Ins and outs
SPORTS | PAGE 14
DAILY
2 | THE OBSERVER
QUESTION OF THE DAY:
FRIDAY, AUGUST 21, 2026
How far did you travel to campus?
Have a question you want answered? Email photo@ndsmcobserver.com
Rafael Prado
Diego Cubillo
Quinlan Smythe
Caden Estes
Justin Cannata
“5,154 miles.”
“Two miles.”
“1,143 miles.”
“324 miles.”
“1,300 miles.”
freshman Morrissey Hall
senior Baumer Hall
sophomore Siegfried Hall
junior Keenan Hall
senior Dillon Hall
SOCIAL MEDIA POLL
PHOTO OF THE DAY | MARIELLA TADDONIO
Have an idea for a poll? Email lmartin01@saintmarys.edu
What are you most excited for as the school year starts? Being with friends Living on campus
10.4%
Football season Getting involved on campus 42.6% 36.1%
10.9%
THE NEXT FIVE DAYS
CROSSWORD | WILL SHORTZ
Want your event included here? Email news@ndsmcobserver.com
Friday “Backrooms: Everything Must Go Edition” Film An alternate version of the film “Backrooms.” 7 - 9:10 p.m. DeBartolo Performing Arts Center
Saturday DomerFest Social gathering for incoming students in the tri-campus. 10:30 p.m. - 1 a.m. Duncan Student Center
Sunday Notre Dame men’s soccer vs. Northwestern The Irish face the Wildcats at home. 7:30 p.m. Alumni Stadium
Monday StoryWalk project National initiative that combines reading with nature walks. All day Charles B. Hayes Family Sculpture Park
Tuesday Oral biofilm formation lecture Professor and dentist evaluates bacterial and biofilm platform. Noon - 1 p.m. McCourtney Hall
Asst. Managing Editor: Grace Tadajweski Asst. Managing Editor: Abby Hernan
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Asst. Managing Editor: Noah Cahill Asst. Managing Editor: Zack Pohlman Notre Dame News Editor: Megan Cornell SMC News Editor: Berhan Hagezom Opinion Editor: Duncan Stangel Sports Editor: Ben Hicks Scene Editor: Peter Mikulski Photo Editor: Mariella Taddonio Graphics Editor: Liam Flynn
Social Media Editor: Lilly Martin Policies The Observer is the independent, daily newspaper published in print and online by the students of the University of Notre Dame du Lac, Saint Mary’s College and Holy Cross College. Editorial content, including advertisements, is not governed by policies of the administration of any institution. The Observer reserves the right to refuse advertisements based on content. The news is reported as accurately and objectively as possible. Unsigned editorials represent the opinion of the majority of the
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Today’s Staff News
Megan Cornell Mara Hall Berhan Hagezom
Graphics Liam Flynn
Photo
Mariella Taddonio
Opinion
Duncan Stangel
Sports
Ben Hicks
Scene
Peter Mikulski
Editors Aynslee Dellacca Grace Tadajweski Gray Nocjar
NEWS
FRIDAY, AUGUST 21, 2026
THE OBSERVER | 3
Coyle and Grojean halls open for fall semester By Matthew Morin Associate News Editor
After two years of construction, residence halls Coyle and Grojean are now open. The halls are the newest since Graham Family Hall opened in 2024. They are the first residences built on South Quad since Fisher and Pangborn Halls were built on the same sites in 1952 and 1955, respectively. “We’re thrilled to welcome students to their new homes in Coyle and Grojean halls, and I know the rectors and hall staff who have been diligently preparing for their arrival are just as excited,” Vice President for Student Affairs Fr. Gerry Olinger wrote in a statement to the Observer. The halls are named for John and Jill Coyle and Therese Mary Grojean. “Both halls were made possible through the generosity of benefactors who were also deeply formed by Notre Dame’s residential tradition; a tradition that will carry on in Coyle and Grojean as we seek to accompany and form our students in mind and heart,” Olinger wrote. Joey Quinones, who became
Coyle Hall’s rector when the community was Fisher in 2021, shared his excitement about the new building. “Everyone is talking about the ‘new dorm smell’ that hits you as you enter the lobby,” Quinones wrote in an email statement. Many of Coyle Hall’s residents have been living in Zahm since 2024, after Fisher Hall was demolished. “The last few years, we were living in a place that is temporary to us, and there is anticipation in living in a place where we can plant our roots. What may not have sunken in yet is that we actually get to live here. It sometimes feels too good to be true,” Quinones wrote. Fr. Gregory Haake, Coyle’s priest-in-residence, stated in an email to The Observer that he believes the larger number of residents will be the biggest adjustment for the community. “We have made quite a leap from Fisher Hall only three years ago, and I know that for my part, it will be more of a challenge to get to know everyone. I’m up for it, though!” he wrote. Haake is most excited about St. Paul’s Chapel on the first f loor, which honors Coyle’s
Mara Hall | THE OBSERVER
The north facade of Coyle Hall taken summer 2026 ahead of its opening this fall with a capacity of 258 residents. The residence hall is situated on the former grounds of Fisher Hall, which was established in 1952.
motto: ‘I will make you fishers of men.’ Even in a new space, Haake noted that Fisher’s traditions — the Regatta, Wednesday night adoration and Mass with homemade ice cream — will continue. Coyle’s president Tanner Postell also hopes “to expand
Mara Hall | THE OBSERVER
The north facade of Grojean Hall taken summer 2026 ahead of its opening this fall with a capacity of 275 residents, making it the largest women’s residence hall. It is situated on the former grounds of Pangborn Hall.
SMC 2030
Continued from page 1 seen as a supportive measure to students’ academic journey at the college. “Our launch of the Avenue Experience with its curriculum to career approach to education provides students
ND 2030
Continued from page 1 “We are very committed to this, as the residential communities are a critical component of the overall
our culture and add new traditions to our identity, such as Coyleween.” Grojean’s residents are similarly looking forward to their new home on campus, which comes after last fall’s announcement that Howard would be retired as a residence hall. Junior Madeleine Fraser wrote in a statement to the Observer that she looks forward to building the new community, getting to know everyone in the dorm, and being able to finally see the inside of the Grojean. Fraser continued that the new residents will “set the tone for the community” by deciding which traditions to continue to from Howard and which to make new. Last fall, Howard’s residents hosted a ‘Shark-Tank style’ pitch event to select their new signature events. Junior resident Maggie Nye shared in an email to the Observer that she is “most looking forward to meeting a ton of new girls and getting to build new traditions with them.” In addition to residents from Howard, Grojean has the capacity to house larger numbers of freshman and transfer
students. “Grojean is a lot larger than Howard, so I’m excited to make new friends through girls who were originally in other dorms and first years,” Nye wrote. Even with a larger community, Nye hopes the cozy feeling of Howard will continue. “The best memories in Howard came from baking, playing games, or watching movies in the common room, so I hope these traditions carry over to Grojean. With all the new student coming into Grojean, I’m very excited for the close knit family to grow,” Nye stated. St. Theodore Guerin Chapel in Grojean and St. Paul’s in Coyle will be dedicated with Masses on Aug. 26 and Aug. 31, respectively. Bishop Kevin Rhoades will preside over both services, and Olinger and University President Fr. Robert Dowd will be present. The halls themselves will be dedicated with private ceremonies for residents and other invited guests. Grojean Hall will be dedicated on Friday, Sept. 11, while Coyle Hall will be dedicated on Oct. 9. Contact Matthew Morin at mmorin@nd.edu
with a team of advisors, career communities, a growing number of accelerated bachelor’s to master’s program offerings, stronger connections to alumnae and research opportunities and experiential programs,” Dvorak wrote. “We are differentiating ourselves in the market, and
students and parents from all over the country recognize it.” She sees the class of 2030’s enrollment number and milestones in alignment with the College’s mission — creating an academic environment that readies students through
higher education for real world opportunities. “The Class of 2030 is not only impressive in their academic quality and diversity, but they are the largest first-year class that we’ve welcomed to campus since the 1980s. It underscores the College’s success in fostering
a transformative and empowering environment, offering personalized attention, prestigious academics and proven outcomes that students and families value today,” Dvorak wrote.
Notre Dame student experience,” Kidder wrote. To accommodate the large group of transfers, adviser to the vice president of student affairs Tony Oleck shared in a statement to The Observer that the Welcome
Weekend committee is focused on facilitating community with transfer students. “We’ve piloted a few new efforts to help quicken transfer students’ abilities to connect with one another, both before arriving for
Welcome Weekend and during Welcome Weekend itself,” he wrote. Sophomore Audrey Ebertz, who transferred from Creighton University, chose Notre Dame because she “felt
an inner peace walking around campus that stayed with me even when I left,” she wrote in a statement to The Observer.
Contact Berhan Hagezom at bhagezome01@saintmarys.com
Contact Megan Cornell at mcornell@nd.edu
NEWS
4 | THE OBSERVER
FRIDAY, AUGUST 21, 2026
Rector on leave amid misconduct allegations By Gray Nocjar Editor-in-Chief
Editor’s Note: This is a developing story which references allegations of sexual misconduct whose authorship has not been identified by The Observer or administrator(s) of shareyourstory.notredame, an Instagram account where the allegations originated. References to allegations are not intended to be construed as evidence of their accuracy or credibility. An account administrator has been granted anonymity by The Observer for their role in disclosing information relevant to the University’s investigation. Elizabeth Greenop, rector of McGlinn Hall since August 2024, is under investigation by the Office of Institutional Equity at Notre Dame for alleged sexual misconduct, arising from anonymous posts on the Instagram account shareyourstory.notredame. She has been on leave since June 29. “We have been made aware of the online allegations. The University takes allegations of sexual misconduct seriously, particularly when persons in positions of authority may be involved, and is conducting an investigation,” the University stated in an email to The Observer. “The employee in question is on leave pending the outcome of the investigation.” On June 17, the first post alleging sexual misconduct by Greenop was published on sh a r e you r s tor y.not r e d a me . The account administrator redacted the rector’s name from this and subsequentposts alleging misconduct. The Instagram account receives submissions for its posts via a Google Form, open to anyone who accesses the link in the account’s bio. The form does not request names, email addresses or other identifying information. On June 18, the account administrator filed a Speak
Welcome
Continued from page 1 the weekend’s programming. Oleck shared this year’s group of transfer students is particularly large, so the Welcome Weekend committee “piloted a few new efforts to help quicken transfer students’ abilities to connect with one another” during Welcome Weekend. Along with Oleck and the Division of Student Affairs, upperclassmen from the St. Andre Committee also plan to help with Welcome Weekend. Overseen by senior Lindsey Lark, senior Grace Slear, junior Mark Bausch and junior Paul Stevenson, each
Up report — an option the University enables for filing complaints concerning “bias, discrimination, hazing and hazing-like initiation, and/or harassment” according to the report’s homepage. Greenop is the sixth rector of McGlinn Hall. She received a bachelor’s in psychology and theology from Xavier University and a master’s in theology from Notre Dame in May 2024 through the Echo Program — a graduate student cohort that places inductees into service with participating Catholic dioceses for two years. According to a University bio, Greenop served at the Parish Community of Saint Helen in Westfield, New Jersey. Greenop did not respond to an email request for comment regarding the date or circumstances of her leave, or whether she had received written notice of OIE’s investigation. Residential Life informs McGlinn community Greenop’s leave was disclosed to McGlinn residents on Monday via an email from Karen Kennedy, associate vice president for Residential Life. Breyan Tornifolio, director of Residential Life, was named as a primary point of contact for residents during the summer. The message stated Greenop’s leave took effect on the day the email was sent. “Rest assured we will share additional information regarding McGlinn Hall leadership prior to the start of the fall semester,” the email stated. The message did not offer a reason for the leave. It did provide residents with links to the University Counseling Center, telehealth service TimelyCare and Campus Ministry. “Should you have concerns you wish to share with the University, I encourage you to use the Speak Up online form so the University can take appropriate action to assist those involved and improve the campus climate,” the email stated.
residence hall has its own St. Andre team. This year’s programming begins with an emphasis on belonging and includes both practical and philosophical components. Students and staff members help incoming freshmen “begin to make connections with one another,” Oleck stated. On the practical side, Friday’s schedule includes room setup and an opportunity for students to purchase textbooks and school supplies. One change to Friday’s schedule is the addition of student affairs open houses, where freshmen and their families can stop by locations in Duncan Student Center, South Quad, and LaFortune Student
University operates under refined investigative procedures In late May, Notre Dame announced a new policy meant to provide more oversight over handling reports of sexual misconduct when alleged perpetrators are University employees or associates qualified as “in a role of authority, responsibility, or trust with respect to students.” The General Counsel and the vice president for Student Affairs are assigned by the policy to involve senior University leadership in handling reports, typically including the University President, Board of Trustees and any separate organizations alleged perpetrators associated with, including Catholic dioceses and religious orders. The new policy affirms that oversight by senior leaders would continue “regardless of whether the person is still employed by or affiliated with the
University.” It was implemented to address findings from an investigative report originally commissioned by the University to examine misconduct by former Zahm Hall rector Fr. Thomas King and expanded to investigate the actions of former Sorin Hall rector Fr. David Porterfield. The report, released concurrently with the University’s new policies, documents multiple instances of sexual abuse by both rectors, some involving their respective hall residents. ”The University will conduct an Investigation under the Sexual Harassment Procedures only upon the filing of a Formal Complaint alleging Sexual Harassment,” the University’s policy on procedures for resolving allegations of sexual misconduct stated. The policy, last updated in January 2025, states the University aims to conclude investigations within 60 days after a formal complaint is filed — the result of a 2011 Resolution Agreement between Notre Dame and the U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Civil Rights. The 2011 agreement states the University will conclude Title IX investigations within the allotted time “except in extraordinary circumstances.” A formal complaint can be signed by the assistant vice president of OIE and Title IX Coordinator, or made by a complainant — defined in a 2022 policy as “An individual who is alleged to have been directly affected by a violation of this Policy.” The 2025 policy specifies that a hearing board will determine if an individual has violated any University policies, and if so, what sanctions to apply. “The Respondent in the Sexual Harassment Procedures is presumed to be not responsible. This presumption may be overcome only after a Hearing
where the Hearing Board concludes that the Respondent violated University policy, based on a preponderance of the evidence,” according to the policy. The document defines preponderance of the evidence as “whether it is more likely than not a violation occurred.” Sanctions offered specifically for faculty and staff respondents include reduction of pay and privileges, demotion or removal from leadership positions, and suspension or termination of employment. University procedures are distinct from criminal investigations “as a result of the University’s obligation under Title IX and other laws pertaining to equal opportunity and access to ensure that it is providing an environment free from discrimination for all members of the University community,” according to its procedures for sexual misconduct policy. Notre Dame can defer a case to law enforcement or provide information for them to pursue a criminal investigation. A complainant may also file a criminal investigation that runs concurrently with the University’s. Editor’s Note: The Observer received material evidence to substantiate the assertion that the McGlinn Hall rector was mentioned by name on referenced Instagram posts. The Observer has taken an active role in providing the Office of Institutional Equity with information related to its investigation by filing a Speak Up report on June 27. If you wish to correspond with The Observer regarding this or other matters involving sexual misconduct at the University of Notre Dame, Saint Mary’s College or Holy Cross College, contact us at editor@ndsmcobserver.com.
Center “to meet staff, discover programs and resources, and learn how Student Affairs can help students make the most of their time at Notre Dame,” Oleck stated. In the evening, students will attend an official University Welcome before programming within their residence halls. On Saturday, the St. Andre Committee focuses on aiding “students and families in understanding the distinctiveness of a Notre Dame education,” Oleck stated. Students participate in the First Lecture Series, an academic orientation where members of the faculty discuss “what [they] would fight for.” Welcome Weekend’s hallmark event is the Welcome
Mass on Saturday night, where students and their parents visit Purcell Pavilion to attend a Mass presided over by University President Fr. Robert Dowd. After Mass, students say goodbye to their families before attending DomerFest, where they will socialize with their new classmates outside of Duncan Student Center. In between events, the committee will “intentionally integrate opportunities for prayer, ref lection and relaxation into an otherwise very full weekend,” Oleck stated. This ref lects Notre Dame’s commitment to making sure new students find their foundation and “enter as fully into their Notre Dame education as
possible.” According to Oleck, Sunday’s programming is shorter than in previous years to allow students to have “a bit more space … to breathe during the weekend” amidst a busy schedule. Oleck offered a piece of advice for incoming freshmen, stating, “Welcome Weekend is an important but very brief milestone, and our Welcome Weekend team hopes that the sense of belonging, accompaniment and formation that is planted through the events of the weekend will continue to grow throughout each student’s Notre Dame journey.”
The University also linked its Speak Up report in its statement to The Observer. “Members of the campus community who experience such misconduct are strongly encouraged to report it to law enforcement and/or the Office of Institutional Equity (OIE),” the statement read. “Reports to OIE can be made at speakup.nd.edu. Without reporting, our ability to investigate allegations is severely limited and we strongly encourage anyone with information to please reach out.” The McGlinn Hall profile on the Residential Life website and the staff profile on McGlinn Hall’s website were similarly updated to communicate the leave and point any questions concerning the community to Tornifolio prior to Welcome Weekend, which begins Aug. 20. Tornifolio did not respond to an email request for comment on additional details regarding the McGlinn Hall community.
Contact Gray Nocjar at gnocjar@nd.edu
Contact Megan Cornell at mcornell@nd.edu
NEWS
FRIDAY, AUGUST 21, 2026
Belles
Continued from page 1 making changes, making additions, finding ways,” Schneider noted. “And then as we find and learn more about the incoming class, we’re able to continue to tweak and grow and develop the program.” According to Mona Bowe, executive director for retention strategies, the program has at been running for more than 30 years. During orientation, leaders from the Student Government Association, Student Activities Board, Residence Hall Association and Student Diversity Board host social events each night for student engagement. Resident assistants and ministry assistants also aid in facilitating connections with students and helping during move-in. Sophomore Kata Suminski, a welcome week leader and an academic liaison chair in SGA, explained that the leaders’ jobs are to “be a sounding board and a peer that they know here on campus.” Before the weekend begins, the leaders go on a retreat to participate in team-building activities and learn how to help incoming freshmen. Junior Isabella Gonzalez explained the retreat is about “understanding that every
student comes here with a different viewpoint of life ... some people may be coming here feeling a little bit more anxious than others.” Saint Mary’s traditions, such as Closing the Circle and the first walk down The Avenue, are hallmarks of the weekend. Both events connect to traditions later celebrated as seniors in their final weeks of class: Opening the Circle and the final walk down The Avenue. “Our executive team, our president, vice president and three executive directors on SGA lead our students down The Avenue for their first walk while they’re being cheered on by their families,” Schneider said. On Thursday, parents and student’s families participate in a Q&A event. Friday begins with a resource open house, where students can go to any department or office outside of their major to ask questions. The sessions range from areas in the Student Center to academic support and accommodations. Serving as a pre-gathering prior to DomerFest, BelleFest provides an opportunity for Saint Mary’s students to come together and connect before walking to Notre Dame. Schneider highlighted the importance of having added measures for safety and
provided insight into how the walk is coordinated. “It’s the opportunity for students to come together, have some fun [and] make some fun stuff before they go to DomerFest. From there, as a class of new students, they walk to Notre Dame together,” she explained. “We work with our campus safety officers [where] they help us shut down and get us across 933 safely. They also offer us Blinky for anyone with mobility issues, so that we can make sure they make it safely over to Notre Dame as well.” Freshman Rilassa Harrington, who is planning to pursue a Bachelor of Fine Arts in digital design, is excited for different events occurring during Belles Beginnings to be further introduced to the campus. “In Belles Beginnings, I’m most looking forward to BelleFest; I’m really excited for that. I’m also excited for the Sustainability Farm opportunity,” she said. Alternative programming is also offered to students during that time if they choose not to attend BelleFest or DomerFest, with a movie night hosted by the Student Diversity Board on the lower level of the Student Center. Sunday marks Saint Mary’s fourth annual Fall Convocation ceremony, where class pins are provided to students and pinned by other
THE OBSERVER | 5
class years. The Saint Catherine Medal is also awarded during that time to the recipient, typically a rising junior or senior, that has “high standards of personal excellence and scholarship and has contributed to the College community.” Freshman Zoe Ehlinger, an intended biology major originally from Indiana, shared why she chose to come to Saint Mary’s College. As a first-generation student, she appreciated the transparency of resources that helped her adjust to campus. “I visited a couple times, and I really like the sense of community that I had here. I knew that I wanted to go to a smaller school because my high school is pretty big,” she said. “I really felt like I could see and I could tell the amount of help and resources that I would be given to help me grow and learn throughout. Not just my first year, but throughout all of my years through Saint Mary’s.” Schneider highlighted challenges that can come with being a transfer student and going through orientation. Belles Beginnings attempts to mitigate these challenges by making the orientation more conventional for them. “It is sometimes hard for transfer students because they’ve been through an orientation already,
and some of the informational sessions they maybe don’t feel like they need all of,” she noted. “So we are able to kind of navigate that by doing special programming for them. We have a special transfer reception for them on move-in day, [and] we have dedicated welcome week leader[s] that supports our transfer students.” Suminksi hopes students understand that it may take time to find their friends and a group of people. She encourages students to go to the involvement fair and find things that they may enjoy. “People are here for you. You’re not gonna find your people right away, [but] give it time. I feel like college is one of those things [where] it’s different for everyone … Just find your group, find your niche and do what makes you happy,” she said. Support doesn’t end after Belle’s Beginnings; freshmen, sophomores and transfer students can respond to the Pulse survey with feedback, which is sent three to four weeks after the school year begins. “We’re trying to identify if there are any areas where they need more support or more resources, and that way, at that point in time, we can connect them with all the different offices,” Bowe said. Contact Berhan Hagezom at bhagezome01@saintmarys.com
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OPINION
6 | THE OBSERVER
FRIDAY, AUGUST 21, 2026
Letter from the editor By Duncan Stangel Opinion Editor
I applied for the Observer nearly two years ago as a columnist in this department. Through many fortunate incidents, I got a job for which I was essentially unqualified. However, I wrote what came to heart, whether it was about sunrises or the hope for a more positive American political climate. I received support from some unlikely readers, ranging from students to Holy Cross priests. Those pieces are displayed in a bound book on my bedroom shelf — a measure of the impact this publication has had on me. It has taught me that when work is done well, it exists
in its fullest state outside of the minds of its progenitors. Now in my second term on the Editorial Board, I hope to promote this department, which has given me so much, as the powerful forum that it can be. My mother regularly reminds me that The Observer “isn’t the Washington Post.” We certainly aren’t — if we had a billionaire owner, I imagine my salary would be much higher. Regardless, I think there is some importance in that message. This is a serious place, but, unlike national media outlets, we are empowered to bring you specialized coverage that feels like it was designed for you. I will do everything I can in my tenure as editor to bring
you pieces that you will enjoy reading. It will be content that is timely, pertinent and valuable to the tri-campus. It requires balancing many interests — student government and its many detractors; democrats and republicans; Christians and atheists; disagreement and respect. This department is ready to share everyone’s opinion in a broader effort to promote civil discourse on campus. For those who want more than to just read our pages over the next four years, I’m always reviewing applications for columnists. If you have something to say and the expertise to articulate it, you are welcome in these pages, whether it is a singular
letter or a recurring column. I am looking for any and all perspectives. I was once you, reading pieces like this one, questioning whether I had a place here. The answer is, wholeheartedly and resoundingly: yes, you do. You will see plenty of information on social media over the next few weeks. Even in the moments of uncertainty that will arise, say yes. The Observer needs what you have to offer. No matter how The Observer affects your four years on any part of the tri-campus, I hope you find some solace in the folds of our pages. It is a sleepless operation — where some of your friends and acquaintances spend their nights and days just to provide you with
the information necessary to keep you in the know. Here, we continue to bear our standards of excellence as we expand our coverage, no matter how much it takes. So, when you see a print edition or glance at the online headlines, remember the hours of work spent getting media credentials, conducting interviews, researching, writing, editing and promoting our content. We are always thinking of you. The views expressed in this column are those of the author and not necessarily those of The Observer. Contact Duncan Stangel at dstangel@nd.edu
Notre Dame’s administrative autonomy By Diego Gonzalez Columnist,”Legalist Realities”
I was once told by a professor that Christianity tends to be passive and impotent when it comes to justice. Justice is God’s prerogative and will come on the last day. I disagree with this assessment. Justice is with God, but we must not bear the sword in vain (Romans 13:4). How exactly a governing authority should or should not bear that sword is a broad and profound discussion touching every corner of our society, from national and local governments to formal institutions and families. When examining how an institution like the University of Notre Dame executes that authority, we must recognize a crucial reality: While its Catholic identity imposes moral convictions, its civil legal obligations to Rome are non-existent and its canonical relationship grants the Church no direct administrative authority over the University — leaving Rome with indirect avenues only available in the most extreme cases. The reason for bringing up this field of study now is because the University of Notre Dame’s administration has been executing its power as an arbiter and facilitator of justice in response to recent scandals. Over the summer and the margins of the school year, there have been a number of tragedies. Some have been less serious, like the loss of the often-bullied GrubHub robots, and some much more serious, like the recent McGlinn investigation and the Zahm report. I will not discuss the specific facts of these cases nor Notre Dame’s response here. Rather, I wish to examine the relationship Notre Dame has with the Church when it comes to matters of justice and administration. If the Church disagreed with a decision made by Notre Dame’s administration, whose authority would ultimately prevail? What if the
LIAM FLYNN | The Observer
Church disliked the administration for whatever reason? I hope to shed some light on these questions here. I sometimes call our Catholic identity a “burden” or “baggage” in a facetious manner, as that identity does indeed come with a specific worldview, certain convictions and heavy obligations imposed by the self. As we look at how the University governs and hands down justice, that self-imposed identity must be clearly separated from strict ecclesiastical control. Notre Dame is a Catholic university in communion with Rome, but it is not a pontifical university under the direct authority of the Vatican. This was a fact even before the Land O’Lakes Statement, championed by Father Hesburgh. Notre Dame is an autonomous university that legally is not under any obligation to the local bishop or the Vatican for its administrative policies. After the Land O’Lakes Statement, which allowed schools to transfer authority to independent boards, Notre Dame imposed rules on itself to maintain the demographics in the governing authorities. The University Bylaws mandate that “The President of the University shall be elected
by the Trustees from among the clerical members of the Congregation.” Furthermore, the Statutes of the University state that “The Fellows of the University shall be a self-perpetuating body and shall be twelve (12) in number, six (6) of whom shall at all times be clerical members of the Congregation of Holy Cross,” with the remaining six being laypersons. The governing body is fundamentally Catholic, and with that comes the self-imposed burden spoken of earlier. On an individual level, Catholic leaders act according to their personal understanding of their faith. I am more interested in examining the University’s institutional responsibilities, rather than how a Fellow or the President votes or debating the most Catholic stance when it comes to school policy. Notre Dame is not granted any judicial powers under the Code of Canon Law, canons 807-814. The Church reserves all judicial and punitive authority. Canon 1311 states, “The Church has its own inherent right to constrain with penal sanctions Christ’s faithful who commit offences.” Ex Corde Ecclesiae, in accordance with Canon 812, requires
that teachers of theology must do so with a mandate from the Bishop, here it is the Bishop of Fort Wayne-South Bend, Most Reverend Kevin C. Rhoades. It is important to note that this is on an individual basis and not on an institutional level. Bishop Rhoades can not himself fire whomever he wishes, even with a revoked mandate. Ex Corde Ecclesiae, in the reiterated spirit of cooperation, says, “the local Bishop is to take the initiatives necessary to resolve the matter, working with the competent university authorities in accordance with established procedures and, if necessary, with the help of the Holy See.” Punishment from the institution of Notre Dame would have to be through Notre Dame’s administrative avenues with encouragement and recommendations from church authorities. The Church can only offer spiritual penalties or remove an individual from their ecclesiastical post. If a university official were to actually suffer a canonical penalty resulting in the loss of their clerical status (Canons 290-293), it would trigger the University Statutes and Bylaws as the President be
chosen “from among the clerical members” and that exactly six of the Fellows must “at all times be clerical members” of the Congregation of Holy Cross. If the Vatican revokes a leader’s clerical title, that person instantly becomes a layperson. This forfeiture would immediately violate the university’s strict civil requirements for holding those offices. However, this would only be under extreme circumstances that would warrant an excommunication from the Church or a loss of clerical status. In 1967, the Land O’Lakes Statement declared that “the Catholic university must have a true autonomy and academic freedom in the face of authority of whatever kind, lay or clerical, external to the academic community itself.” By 1990, this stance was described by the Cardinal Newman Society as being “soundly repudiated by Saint Pope John Paul II in Ex Corde Ecclesiae.” I am not fully convinced or learned enough to make the claim that the Land O’Lakes Statement was generally bad, but I am confident in saying that it mostly achieved its goal. The complete secularization of the Catholic universities was not the goal of the statement, as shown by Father Hesburgh’s championing of both the statement and the statutes requiring clerical status. The Church has no direct authority over Notre Dame and I have only seen a roundabout method of control which, for all I know, is an unintended loophole, even if true. The University of Notre Dame is autonomous and only bound to the Church through personal and rare spiritual punishments. The views expressed in this column are those of the author and not necessarily those of The Observer. Contact Diego Gonzalez at dgonza38@nd.edu
OPINION
FRIDAY, AUGUST 21, 2026
THE OBSERVER | 7
The beautiful tension of Notre Dame By Grayson Beckham Columnist,”Citizen Gray”
Depicted in the attached image is the likeness of a man who could have never conceived the global influence of his life’s work: the University of Notre Dame du Lac. Just as unlikely as his lack of comprehension of Notre Dame’s global reach would be Sorin’s difficulty to grasp the political and spiritual cleavages that continue to divide the modern world. Further, the modern debate of how a Catholic university should be moderating the tension between academic freedom and fidelity to Roman Catholic doctrine would be as foreign of a concept to Sorin as the language of the Potawatomi. Yet, the debate exists. And isn’t that beautiful? In preparing my return to campus, I got back into my daily habit of checking The Observer’s website for morning reading material. Of course, with the well still dry in August, I turned to the editorials of The Irish Rover, where I encountered professor Philpott’s April piece titled “How to Avoid Another Blowup at Notre Dame.” The essay brought back vivid memories of campus newspaper presses burning with letters to the editor and reports of ongoing faculty and student outrage upon the appointment (and subsequent self-withdrawal) of a publicly pro-choice professor to a leadership position in the Liu Institute. Philpott aptly observes that campus blowups “arrive as often as the fall football season,” ensuring at least one more vigorous campus controversy while the current student body remains at Notre Dame. Disagreements between domers and the Magisterium of
LIAM FLYNN | The Observer
the Roman Catholic Church are inevitable. Philpott’s observation that last year’s meltdown caused considerable hard feelings is 100% correct. However, his prescription to prevent more hard feelings would undeniably damage Notre Dame’s standing as a university, both in its ability to be an international force for good and to voice a distinctly Christian message in elite academia. For instance, Philpott urges the University to reconsider the wisdom of hiring faculty that “publicly oppose the principles” of the University’s Catholic mission, particularly the principle of upholding the sanctity of life at all stages. In Philpott’s ideal Notre Dame, faculty prioritize fidelity to Catholic doctrine in their academic inquiry, seeking truth about God’s creation through a strictly Roman Catholic understanding of the rules of the game. There are parameters to free inquiry, those generally being that faculty utilize academic freedom that
may contest Catholic truth “by engaging such speech through dialogue in faithfulness to the pursuit of truth.” Based on the widespread reaction by many conservative Catholic voices on campus during the Ostermann controversy, her public opeds regarding abortion access clearly did not engage in speech through dialogue in faithfulness to the pursuit of truth. To his credit, Philpott understands that there are times where gray areas may arrive, citing the example of the Film, Television, and Theatre department to stage a drag show in 2023, considering that there may be artistic and academic merit to such an activity. At the same time, though, he argues that it is a shame that FTT would consider staging a drag show rather than Karol Wojtyla (Pope John Paul II)’s “The Jeweller’s Shop.” Philpott’s humorous aside here reveals the underlying crux of what I suspect might be his argument. Notre Dame has
too many woke professors distracting from the real truth and beauty of the Roman Catholic faith. To this point, I wonder what the benefits of attending Philpott’s ideal Notre Dame might be? In just one year of attending this University, I have learned so much about myself — my academic talents, my faith in God and in political beliefs. Notre Dame possesses a truly unique foundation of its commitment to Christ’s moral teaching while also offering a world-class education — an education that allows for an astonishing diversity in belief, life experiences and creed to coexist on one strikingly beautiful college campus. And you know what? The only thing that rivals our campus’s physical beauty is the beauty of Old College and the Moreau Seminary being mere walking distance from the DeBartolo Performing Arts Center, the home of the same FTT department that continues to outrage
campus conservatives by staging drag hows or the “Vagina Monologues.” I love going to a school where I live in the same building as a priest trained in the Catholic tradition while also knowing students trained in the Marxist tradition. When I give campus admissions tours, I am often asked about the political environment on campus — where do the students stand? I simply respond: Notre Dame is representative of America. And if a college campus wants to truly prepare its students to be forces for good within America, it ought to prepare those students to cope with the indefatigable human desire to find one’s own way — a desire that usually conflicts with the Magisterium. If prospective Notre Dame students preferred to go to a college where the only plays to watch were written by popes and the only honorary degrees were given to vowed religious, I’m sure they would have done that. But they didn’t. Instead, they chose a university that offers an education that can’t be had at the Harvards and Yales of the world. They chose a university that educates them to be good, Christianhearted people. But also people that are taken seriously by the world. If we aren’t taken seriously, there will be no practical way to bring about the kingdom of heaven on this God-blessed, Christ-haunted Earth. Let’s keep it that way, Notre Dame. The views expressed in this column are those of the author and not necessarily those of The Observer. Contact Grayson Beckham at gbeckham@nd.edu
You may have taken a break, but AI didn’t By Noah Shoman Columnist,”The AI Era”
Although many students have taken a break after their final exam in May, artificial intelligence didn’t take a summer break. If anything, it has been moving at a faster speed than ever before. In one week in July alone, seven noteworthy AI models launched from five different major companies. That pace should make you pause for a moment, because whatever assumptions you had about what AI can and can’t do are already out of date. The speed isn’t the only thing that should make you pause; it’s also who’s paying attention to the speed. This summer, the federal government stepped into the space of frontier AI models. One of Anthropic’s new models
— Anthropic being one of the fastest growing AI research companies — was pulled off line within days of its launch over concerns about its ability to identify security faults. Another example is OpenAI’s latest model, which spent weeks restricted to a short list of government-approved organizations before reaching the public. Both these examples trace back to an executive order made in June forcing a formal government review process for advanced AI models before they reach the public. AI has officially crossed the line from an innocent, helpful tool to something serious enough to be regulated like one. This summer, I interned inside a New Jersey courtroom, working alongside attorneys and watching a real trial unfold from jury selection to the
final verdict. Even there, in one of the most ethical spaces in America, I learned firsthand that AI-assisted legal research tools have already begun to find their way into how judges and attorneys prepare for and do research on cases. Courts across the country have already begun openly deciding how to use these tools responsibly, and how not to. Several judges have had to publicly reprimand law yers for submitting briefs full of AI-hallucinated case citations. If AI is already reshaping how the law does its work, it is very much already reshaping how you’re going to do yours. This brings me to you, sitting in your study space this week, about to open a blank Word or Google document for the first time in a while as a Notre Dame student. The
temptation isn’t going to announce itself. It’s not going to feel like cheating. At first, it’s going to feel like “just getting a head start,” or “just getting ideas,” or “just checking my thesis.” That’s how it starts. The line between using AI as a tool and quietly allowing it to reshape your thinking isn’t a bright line; it’s a blur and it’s getting blurrier every day. I’m not telling you to avoid AI. I’ve spent the last few months researching how AI is transforming the legal field. AI isn’t going any where and pretending otherwise would put one at a disadvantage against everyone else. There is a real difference between AI that sharpens your thinking and AI that replaces it, the kind of difference between asking a model to help you see a problem more
clearly and asking it to solve the problem for you. The first makes you better. The second makes you unnecessary. Notre Dame, like every university and school in the country, is still writing the rules for what’s fair and what isn’t. Don’t wait for a syllabus or rulebook to catch up before you decide what to do. The schools, and the students, who come out ahead in this ongoing transition won’t be the ones who ban AI hardest or use it laziest; it will be the ones honest enough to know the difference. The views expressed in this column are those of the author and not necessarily those of The Observer. Contact Noah Shoman at nshoman@nd.edu
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SCENE
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FRIDAY, AUGUST 21, 2026
‘Music, Fashion, Film’: The it girl and the eschaton By Peter Mikulski Scene Editor
I don’t like music about fame. Why should I? I’m not famous. Nevertheless, we’re served album after album about the artist’s relationship with fame anyway. People mock country stars for the tedium of the songs they write: girls, truck, dogs — and all three described in basically the same language. I, however, appreciate country music’s worship of the quotidian, the relatable and the attainable. Never has a country album subjected me to ravings about how bad it is to be rich and famous. (May God strike me down with such a curse!) Still, albums about fame are selling. Why? In the 20th century, Steinbeck quipped that America is a nation of temporarily embarrassed millionaires — that’s why socialism fails here. In the 21st century, it seems like America is a nation of temporarily irrelevant celebrities — that’s why these albums succeed now. Charli XCX’s “Music, Fashion, Film” was posed in this light. It comes after “BRAT” and “Wuthering Heights,” which pushed Charli into the fore and kept her there; it’s the sort of album that Pitchfork stated, “offers mystifying glances behind the curtain of stardom.” Luckily, “Camera” is the only track on the album in which the verses
about the plight of the celebrity are too stodgy to stomach. At least the chorus is catchy, which makes the pill easier to swallow. “Rock Music,” the lead single, is also about famous people, but it’s about famous people having fun, so it’s not grating. Charli’s lyrics are never overly clever, and, accordingly, they look dumb on a page. When they’re joined to their instrumentals, though, they come to life in a way that more crowded writing can’t. In “Yeah,” Charli experiments with pushing this principle to its extreme — it uses only twelve words — and to great effect. Yet, sometimes, the method fails. Charli’s late-2010s sound was busy and electronic; Charli’s early-2020s sound was juicy and poppy, and “BRAT” was somewhere in between, but this album’s instrumentals are rockier and, critically, sparser. Consequently, the production sometimes fails to put enough musical meat on the musical bone to compensate for the thin lyrics. I’d point to “2007” as an example of this phenomenon hamstringing a song. The rock idiom is not itself the problem, though — on an anthem like “Persona,” it totally works. So maybe “Music, Fashion, Film” is an album about fame, or maybe it’s an album about rock. Hell, maybe it’s an album about France: Various French things are mentioned in three different tracks, and a millennium-old Francophilia
exists in Britain that we don’t quite have here. I like “Music, Fashion, Film” as an album about world-weariness, about the eschaton. “SS26” is an apocalyptic canticle; Charli sings that “the world is gonna end,” that there’s “no hope for any of it,” that “we’re walking on a runway that goes straight to hell,” that “nothing’s gonna save us.” “Card Declined” is a diptych about the futility of worldly attachments to goods and people in these latter days. “I’m Afraid” sees Charli tortured by the anxieties of earthly romance. “Wink Wink” is her confession of past wickedness after a conversion to new goodness, Charli rendering an account of her life before the Last Judgment. The closing song is the most explicitly eschatological: “Nothing’s gonna last forever, / and no one’s gonna last forever” is its theme. I’m having end-times feelings, and maybe you are too. 21st birthdays are about lives yet to be lived, while 100th birthdays are about lives almost done being lived, and America’s semiquincentennial felt more like the latter than the former — it was a grim and foggy Fourth where I was. Now Charli’s a Brit, so this premonition doesn’t exactly apply to “Music, Fashion, Film.” Nonetheless, it seems like she’s reading the signs of the times. Contact Peter Mikulski at pmikulsk@nd.edu
A summer-abroad guide to Shakespeare’s Globe By Harry Penne Scene Copy Editor
This summer, I studied abroad at Notre Dame London. Conway Hall, our dorm, is a short walk down the Thames from Shakespeare’s Globe, where I saw all three shows playing during my six-week term. All of my tickets at the Globe were 5 pounds; however, while incredibly affordable, I stood the entire show. Being a groundling is the best way to experience the Globe: Standing is authentic to Shakespeare’s day, and the actors often mess with the crowd. Since spots in the yard are first come, first served, I arrived about 25 minutes before the gates opened and was able to be up front and lean on the stage. There are also benches in the back of the yard if standing becomes too much, but these, like the foot of the stage, go fast. “Mother Courage and Her Children” Jet-lagged and running on two hours of sleep, I saw “Mother Courage” on my first night in town when a friend texted, “Wanna go to the Globe?” A new staging and adaptation of Brecht’s play, it was dark, gritty, gruesome … and partly a musical? I was shocked when the cast broke out into song and dance at the show’s opening and several other times. Additionally, it was often
darkly comedic, offering some needed laughs amid the intense drama. The anti-war play brilliantly portrays its core message through the devastating deaths of Mother Courage’s children. Aesthetically, it felt apocalyptic yet contemporary. This new adaptation was perfect for the Globe. An extension was added to the stage, increasing the surface area and playable space. The major set piece and focal point was a cart belonging to Courage that was frequently pushed around. Courage was played by Michelle Terry, Artistic Director of Shakespeare’s Globe, in a truly standout performance. Terry could both be terrifying and exude a mother’s concern in the blink of an eye. I was particularly fond of how interactive the show was. Pyrotechnics were used, blood was copious, and at the end of the show “snow” fell on the audience. The show was immersive, although there were times I didn’t care to get too close to its dystopian world, but, as a groundling at the foot of the stage, I didn’t have a choice. Overall, it was exceptionally well done, but given its dark nature, one performance was enough for me. “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” If someone claims Shakespeare is boring or lame, I would direct them
to this absolutely hysterical production. It felt like being at a party, and I’m glad I was invited! The laughs began before the show. A major part of “Midsummer” is a fictional play-within-a-play. During the pre-show, members of the audience were pulled onstage to “audition.” I auditioned and, standing center stage holding a skull, delivered Hamlet’s famous soliloquy to a full house. I’m still waiting to hear if I booked the part. The magical, fairy scenes were the most visually interesting and very colorful, filled with countless flowers. There was a large flower canopy that descended from the hut which Queen Titania would sit on. The costumes, especially the fairies, were also colorful and contrasted well with the less extravagant, though still interesting, Athenian wardrobes. The standout performance was the fairy Puck, played by Michael Grady-Hall. He was irreverent and embodied mischief, messing with both the actors and the audience. He mercilessly picked on one audience member the entire show whom he “accidentally” sprayed with a magical plant. Another standout comedic performance was Adrian Richards’s Bottom. His costuming as “Donkey Bottom,” a bedazzled jacket and donkey hat, earned many laughs. Bubbles were numerous! Puck
had a bubble blaster which he used both during the show and in the yard during intermission. That’s another highlight: The cast maintained character during the interval, messing with the groundlings as if the show never stalled. The performance concluded with a jig in the spirit of traditional Shakespearean comedies. One of my neuroscience classes, Neuropharmacology of Great Britain, sponsored this theater trip. It was easily one of the best class outings and lots of fun to experience together. I asked some of my classmates for their thoughts post-show. They were generally positive, but “Read the summary first” was a frequent response. “Much Ado About Nothing” Of the three shows I saw at the Globe, this was my least favorite. Admittedly, I attended the second night of “Much Ado’s” run, so maybe I caught an off performance. In 2024, I went to see a different staging of the show also at the Globe, and, comparatively, I enjoyed that version more. The best part of this show was Beatrice (Pippa Nixon) who has fantastic comedic timing and great chemistry with Benedick (Ken Nwosu). A particularly humorous moment involved her, attempting to eavesdrop, standing under a hanging plant, which, when
watered, drenches her. The villainous Don John (Joseph Potter) was also great, and his scandalous monologues were genuinely spiteful. “Bridgerton” actress Geraldine Alexander appeared as the Sister. I didn’t like the set design. The stage was stark white and featured a large staircase and balcony, which weren’t utilized as much as I expected. Compared to “Mother Courage” and “Midsummer,” it felt stylistically lackluster. To its credit, “Much Ado” is a more serious comedy, but it still could’ve been more visually interesting. I also think the white coverings strip away too much of the Globe’s iconic stage art. The costume design was also boring, evoking “Mamma Mia!” Greek-island vacation vibes. In my opinion, the show was tonally uneven. There were some very serious moments, like a funeral, that read as a completely different show when compared to moments of physical comedy or the legitimately unsettling masked animal dance. By and large, for being the original rom-com, “Much Ado” wasn’t as much fun as I hoped. It was executed well with incredible acting across the board, but, compared to the summer’s other offerings, it seemed generic and fell flat for me. Contact Harry Penne at hpenne@nd.edu
SPORTS
FRIDAY, AUGUST 21, 2026
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ND WOMEN’S SOCCER
Irish enter 2026 with sky-high expectations By Henry Lytle Associate Sports Editor
As Notre Dame women’s soccer gears up for its 2026 campaign, all sights are set on another dominant ACC season and a chance at the College Cup. The Irish have much to learn from their shocking second-round NCAA Tournament loss to Ohio State in November 2025, but they can build on the scoring prowess and strong defense that sparked the team to a 15-2-3 record a season ago. Ninth-year head coach Nate Norman’s group has the makings of a championship-caliber team following one of its most successful seasons in recent history, and this is the year to prove it. The 2025 Irish season came to a close with a double-overtime home loss against an inferior Buckeyes side, despite dominating the shot column 36-8. Despite the disappointing conclusion, Notre Dame had a monumentally successful regular season campaign that saw Norman’s team beat multiple top
five opponents en route to the ACC Championship, in which they fell to No. 1 Stanford in a penalty shootout. The Irish will look to build on a tremendous individual season from now-junior forward Izzy Engle. As a sophomore, Engle totaled 19 goals and 44 points, which was good for fifth nationally in both categories. The Minnesota native earned ACC Offensive Player of the Year and first-team All-American. Working in tandem with Engle, Annabelle Chukwu added 12 goals and 27 points during her sophomore 2025 season as the second most dynamic offensive threat for the Irish. Chukwu was also a vicious orchestrator for the Irish offense in crunch time as she managed six game-winning goals throughout the season. The biggest challenges to face in the 2026 season will be managing sky-high expectations and attempting to replace the leadership and production of critical seniors. Laney Matriano scored three goals and eight assists in the midfield. On the back
line, Leah Klenke, now of the NWSL’s Houston Dash, added three assists, and steady center back Carolyn Calzada had two. Norman will look for younger players to step up in their absence and complement the solid junior class that has produced many mainstays in the Irish eleven since arriving on campus. The Irish back line will rely on critical experience from senior Morgan Roy and junior Abby Mills, who made considerable strides in the previous season. Roy and Mills can expect more responsibility, not only in their individual play, but also in helping lead the Irish newcomers. In goal, junior Sonoma Kasica will return to provide a steady presence following a season of 60 saves, in which she allowed less than one goal per game. In 2026, the Irish add six high-profile freshmen poised to contribute immediately: forward Marley Adams, midfielder Reese Canada, forward Kate Kemmerley, forward Bristol Kersh, defender Gracie Milam and midfielder Charlee Siria.
According to TopDrawer Soccer, Milam ranked as the No. 7 defender and No. 32 overall player, for the class of 2026. “She will add a ton of pace, physicality and aggression into our back line,” Norman said of Milam. The Irish will also utilize the skillset of Kersh, the 2025 Georgia High School Female Athlete of the Year. The forward possesses elite one-on-one skills and should provide additional depth up front behind Engle, Chukwu and junior Ellie Hodsden. Norman and Notre Dame did not add any undergraduate transfers between seasons. Norman is banking on the leadership of his junior core and that other underclassmen will rise to the challenge. This team certainly possesses the talent to make a championship run, but it will come down to Notre Dame’s ability to get over the hump in big games late in the year. Notre Dame opened the season but has struggled to pull away from seemingly lesser competition in its first two
fixtures. Notre Dame opened the year with a scoreless draw against Samford. The Bulldogs have made consecutive NCAA Tournament trips, but the result marked just the second time they have earned a share of the spoils against a top-10 team. Notre Dame then needed two late goals to secure a draw with Penn State just four days later. The Irish will look to earn their first win of the season on Thursday when the team heads to Lincoln, Neb., to battle the Cornhuskers. Nate Norman’s team will have many questions to answer throughout the 2026 season including a tough road conference schedule with games at Duke, North Carolina and Stanford. The Irish will begin ACC play on Sept. 11 at home against Clemson. Until then, the nonconference competition will be an opportunity to kick the season into a high gear, as the Irish look to improve upon a successful 2025 campaign. Contact Henry Lytle at hlytle@nd.edu
GABRIELLA MARTIN | The Observer
Then-junior defender Morgan Roy serves in a cross during Notre Dame’s double-overtime loss to Ohio State during the second round of the 2025 NCAA Tournament at Alumni Stadium on Nov. 20, 2025. Roy started all 20 games for the Irish last season, recording 15 points with 3 goals and 9 assists to earn All-Atlantic region honors from the United Soccer Coaches.
SPORTS
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FRIDAY, AUGUST 21, 2026
ND MEN’S SOCCER
Irish enter 2026 with experienced roster By Ben Hicks Sports Editor
After backing into last year’s NCA A Tournament despite four losses across its final five games, Notre Dame men’s soccer made noise in the postseason — knocking off Michigan 1-0 in Ann Arbor before falling just minutes shy of a Sweet 16 berth in a heartbreaking defeat at No. 14 Akron. Now, entering head coach Chad Riley’s ninth season at the helm of his alma mater, the Irish are hoping to carry that November momentum all the way through 2026. Heading into the season, which begins Thursday night in Bloomington, Indiana, against the eight-time national champion Hoosiers, the Irish were picked to finish eighth in the ACC Preseason Poll. Senior midfielder Nolan Spicer, who enters the season with 6 goals and 13 assists on
his ledger, was the lone Irish selection on the All-ACC preseason team. Alongside senior midfielder Leo Brummell and junior goalkeeper Blake Kelly, Spicer was named a team captain last week. “Each of them has earned the respect of their teammates through the way they compete, prepare and carry themselves every day. They care deeply about Notre Dame, about our program and, most importantly, about their teammates,” Riley said of the trio. “We have great confidence in their ability to lead this group and help us continue to grow throughout the season.” A Michigan native, Kelly stood out in his first season as the full-time starter between the pipes last fall for the Irish. He recorded 6 clean sheets and made 5 or more stops in seven different games to the tune of a .740 save
percentage. Brummell, who hails from just down the road in Niles, Michigan, joined the program last season but has yet to appear in a match. The Irish will once again battle a difficult non-conference schedule before diving into their grueling ACC slate. After traveling to No. 22 Indiana on Thursday, the home opener comes Sunday against another Big Ten foe, Northwestern. Notre Dame will also welcome Saint Louis and Michigan, both of which made the NCA A Tournament a season ago, to South Bend for early-season matchups. The conference slate begins with consecutive road tests at Clemson and Stanford, before 2022 national champions Syracuse come to South Bend on Sept. 25. All told, 14 players who saw the pitch last season will return for Riley’s squad this autumn. Key returners outside
the captains include senior defender Sean McDowd, junior midfielder Ian Shaul and sophomore forward Luke Burton. A Bay Area native, Burton made an immediate impact, earning 10 starts as a true freshman, during which he tallied 3 goals and 3 assists. Shaul, who made his Notre Dame debut at Indiana back in 2024, started every match a season ago and also totaled 3 assists, good for second-most on the roster. McDowd served as a steady presence in the back, with 5 of the team’s 6 shutouts occurring in games in which he appeared. Notre Dame also brought in a stacked freshman class of nine recruits this summer, the nation’s best according to TopDrawer Soccer. Midfielder Evan Lim of New Jersey and defender Eli Ackerman of Massachusetts each were honored as top-100 recruits, and
each should be able to contribute immediately on the experienced squad. Defender Maverick McCoy ranked as the No. 112 recruit nationwide, sliding in as one of the top prospects from the state of Indiana. With an experienced coaching staff and roster in place for 2026, the Irish have all the pieces necessary to qualify for their 22nd NCA A Tournament since the turn of the century. If they are to return to the College Cup for the third time under Riley, or even capture the program’s second national championship, the Irish will need to find the results against premier opponents that they have lacked over the last two seasons. That mission begins Thursday against the Hoosiers. Contact Ben Hicks at bhicks2@nd.edu
GABRIELLA MARTIN | The Observer
Then-junior midfielder Nolan Spicer serves in a corner kick during Notre Dame’s 2-0 defeat to SMU at Alumni Stadium on Sept. 27, 2025. Spicer, a Northeast Ohio native with 6 goals and 13 assists throughout his career, has already been named as one of the three team captain and as an All-ACC preseason team selection prior to his senior season in South Bend.
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ND VOLLEYBALL
Irish volleyball look to improve under Rockwell By Payton Dymek Staff Reporter
The Notre Dame volleyball team is entering its fifth season under head coach Salima Rockwell, and this year many eyes will be on the Irish in light of recent departures, new recruits and new assistant coaches. Following a 12-16 (9-11 ACC) record last season, it was clear that Notre Dame struggled to finish big games. In October 2025, the Irish played both Pitt and SMU tough, pushing two of the most powerful ACC teams to their limits. Pitt would go on to lose in the Final Four, and SMU in the Sweet 16, proving that the Irish can compete with the conference’s premier programs, even if they couldn’t close them out. Notre Dame also struggled to spread out its offense early in 2025, and it wasn’t until the end of the season that the Irish found a rhythm that allowed for the pressure to be spread across the net. In what was supposed to be a turning point for Rockwell’s program, the Irish finished 10th in the ACC with a record under .500 for the fifth straight campaign. In the 2026 ACC Preseason Coaches Poll, Notre Dame was ranked 12th out of the 18 total teams, which was the same position it held the year prior. Last year, former Irish player Morgan Gaerte was named to the ACC Preseason team, but no Irish athlete was on this list this year. Much pressure will fall on senior outside hitter Sydney Helmers, as not only does she have national championship experience with Texas in 2023 but last year ranked second on the Irish in kills with a staggering 229, also accounting for 273 points for the season. Besides Helmers at the net, there are rising junior middle blockers Anna Bjork, who tallied 125 blocks and 106 kills a year ago, and her position partner Grace Langer, who followed closely behind with 112 blocks. On the opposite side, rising sophomores Mae Kordas and Chichi Nnaji combined for 233 kills on the season, which, as freshmen hitting against ACC blocking, is impressive and proof that the Irish attack is in good hands. Although Notre Dame is full of returning talent, the new recruits and transfers will bring not only an interesting dynamic to the team, but also fresh skillsets. Freshman middle blocker Portia Zeidler is from Los Gatos, Calif., having competed against many players who will also fill out rosters of the top programs in collegiate volleyball. Rockwell noted Zeidler’s “high reach and snap and an impressive block,” which, when you have her training with
Bjork and Langer, is sure to improve even more. Freshman libero Carla Mercado is from Puerto Rico and brings international experience to Notre Dame, having competed in the U17 Pan American Cup and NORCECA Championships. The Irish struggled with keeping passes in-system last season, but with Mercado, who Rockwell says “has an extremely quiet platform which allows her to control the ball at a very high level,” that is to be a thing of the past. As if the battle for the middle blocker position couldn’t get more intense, freshman Isabella Sangha joins the rotation as the No. 1 middle blocker in all of Florida. “[She is] an incredible athlete as she’s playing both volleyball and women’s basketball here at Notre Dame,” Rockwell explained. She continued by saying, “[Sangha] moves fast from pin to pin and can hit over almost any block.” Lastly, Notre Dame signed freshman outside hitter Hailie Vaughn. Her experience as a state champion in Kansas, mixed with mentorship from Helmers, is sure to build a strong foundation on the outside attack. With the recruits, Notre Dame also picked up two transfers, senior outside hitter Stella Adeyemi from Hawaii and graduate student Chloe Hooker from Loyola Marymount beach volleyball. Despite suffering a season-ending injury just 10 games into last season, Adeyemi had 99 kills, demonstrating the impact she can have in such a short period of time, proving to be Helmers’ potential right-hand woman this season. Hooker, having played four seasons of beach volleyball at one of the country’s preeminent programs, brings a high volleyball IQ that beach players naturally have, as they tend to be scrappy and physical. Her unique skillset will help the Notre Dame backrow defense, as that was a weak point last season. The Irish have played two exhibition games away from South Bend, one against Indiana and the other against Michigan, before the regular season opens up at Purcell Pavilion against Ball State on Aug. 28. Their first true test comes later that weekend on Aug. 30 against Xavier, which won 26 games en route to the NCAA Tournament last year. It’s no secret that the ACC is one of the most competitive conferences for collegiate volleyball, and this year it is crucial that Notre Dame shows improvement against the league’s top programs. Contact Payton Dymek at pdymek@nd.edu
KEIRA JONES | The Observer
Then-junior Sydney Helmers serves during Notre Dame’s 3-2 loss to Florida tate at Purcell Pavilion on Nov. 16, 2025. Helmers, a transfer from Texas, finished last season with 229 kills, 157 digs, 36 blocks and 25 aces.
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FRIDAY, AUGUST 21, 2026
FOOTBALL
Notre Dame football preview: Talk is cheap By Ellie Collins Associate Sports Editor
The official schedule says Notre Dame’s 2026-27 season kicks off on Sept. 6, but it truly began last Dec. 7 when the Irish were unceremoniously snubbed and excluded from the College Football Playoff after sporting a 10-2 record. But as head coach Marcus Freeman relentlessly stresses, last year no longer matters. Nor does 1993. Nor does 1988. “Stop worrying about the playoffs. Stop talking about it,” Freeman said during a press conference on Aug. 4, discussing his constant reminder to the team. “Focus on what we have. Leave no doubt with what you’re guaranteed, and that’s this meeting. That’s this moment.” Notre Dame is ranked No. 4 in the AP Top 25, its highest preseason ranking in two decades. And, without question, it has all the necessary tools to make this the year to end all the talk that has dominated the last four decades.
For the first time since 2020, the Irish boast a returning starter at the quarterback position in junior CJ Carr. Carr’s first season under center, which began with uncertainty after a summer-long quarterback battle with Kenny Minchey, came on the heels of consecutive campaigns with fifth-year transfers Sam Hartman and Riley Leonard. Now, entering this season, Notre Dame will finally not need to smooth out the kinks that come with a new signal-caller. “To keep our offense out of negative plays and have a quarterback that can see it because he’s prepared, he’s intelligent, he has experience,” Freeman said of Carr. “That is an X factor.” Carr is arguably the best returning starter at his position since Brady Quinn or even Tony Rice, who led the Irish to the title in 1988. After posting 24 touchdowns and 6 interceptions last year, the biggest — and yet still premature — question at quarterback is whether this is Carr’s final
campaign in South Bend, as he is positioned high on early NFL mock draft boards. The backup position remains up in the air as fall camp has seen a three-way battle between sophomore Blake Hebert and freshmen Noah Grubbs and Teddy Jarrard. Regardless, keeping Carr healthy is the top priority. He should improve and, given the leadership role he has taken on during camp, be named a captain. Though it may be easy to discount the running back room as a ghost town given the dual departures of Jeremiyah Love and Jadarian Price to the NFL as first-round draft picks, it is far from one. Junior Aneyas Williams has all the makings of adding to a long line of Irish standouts. He runs and blocks with vigor and has versatile pass-catching skills that call to mind former legend Kyren Williams. He has undoubtedly earned his spot as the No. 1 back; his biggest challenge will be staying healthy after battling an elbow injury last season.
Williams is not alone in a talented running-back group. The coaching staff is very high on Nolan James Jr. after his freshman year, during which he played four games — the highlight being his breakthrough for a 15-yard rush at Arkansas on Sept. 27. He will undoubtedly get the first crack at RB2. Junior Kedren Young is returning from a torn ACL, and with his strength and big frame, he could be a big help in short-yardage situations — a weak point for last year’s offense. In addition, after the first few days of fall camp, running backs coach Ja’Juan Seider highlighted freshman Jonaz Walton as special. He has speed on the level of Love and the potential to be a bigplay artist. The crew protecting Carr and opening holes for the running-back corps should be stout even with the loss of guard Billy Schrauth and tackle Aamil Wagner. Deep with highly regarded recruits and proven performers, the offensive line should be one of the top units
GRAY NOCJAR | The Observer
Then-sophomore running back Aneyas Williams prances into the endzone to cap off Notre Dame’s 56-13 win at Arkansas on Sept. 27, 2025. With Jeremiyah Love and Jadarian Price departed to the NFL, Williams will slide into the lead back role after showing immense promise last season.
in the country. Junior Anthonie Knapp, who earned a spot in The Athletic writer Bruce Feldman’s annual “Freaks” list, has been moved from left tackle to left guard — arguably his most natural position. The coaching staff is confident that massive sophomore Will Black can assume Knapp’s role at left tackle; he has the kind of physique and recruiting profile that conjures memories of alltime greats Joe Alt and Ronnie Stanley. Additionally, junior Guerby Lambert is moving from guard out to right tackle to replace Wagner. The only real question for the O-line is who will man center and right guard. Fifth-year center Ashton Craig tore an ACL for the second straight season last year, and senior Joe Otting played well in his absence. If Craig can stay healthy, he likely will be a starter, given his talent and offensive line coach Joe Rudolph’s preference to get the five best linemen regardless of position on the field. The other probable starter will be either Otting at center or senior guard Sullivan Absher, who also provided solid play in 2025 filling in for an injured Schrauth. All said, no matter who is out there, the unit holds great potential and should develop into a strength. The tight end position is uncertain with the departure of Eli Raridon to the pro ranks. Both senior Cooper Flanagan and sophomore James Flanagan are great blockers and should help the run game. But the most exciting question will be whether five-star freshman Ian Premer can crack the rotation. The Kansas native went to a small high school, but he has the makings of a bigtime weapon with speed and size. Though there are concerns, the receiver corps could team up with Carr to give the Irish the type of passing game seen more often in Columbus, Ohio, or Eugene, Ore., than South Bend. There is a lot of uncertainty, but also the most depth of talent to don the Blue and Gold in a long time. Wideout Jordan Faison, who led the Irish with 49 receptions and 640 yards in 2025, looks ready to break out in his senior year, especially given the chemistry he has developed with Carr. Senior Jaden Greathouse had a rough junior campaign due to a hamstring injury, but if he can stay healthy, he could provide the standout play that he flashed during the Irish’s 2024 playoff run. And junior Micah Gilbert has the size and speed to replace Malachi Fields at the boundary position. Contact Ellie Collins at ecollin9@nd.edu
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Football
Continued from page 14 The Irish also boast two promising Ohio State transfer receivers; sophomore Quincy Porter has been limited in camp due to a knee injury, but junior Mylan Graham has generated significant optimism both in the spring and fall camp with his rudeness and ability to create separation. Another name to watch for is freshman slot receiver Bubba Frazier, who owns elite speed and could help both on offense and as a kick returner. Flipping sides, Notre Dame’s defense should be extremely salty and arguably the best unit in the country, as each position group could be top-tier. It starts in the secondary with junior cornerback and returning first-team All-American Leonard Moore. He led last year’s team with 5 interceptions and spearheads a secondary that is arguably the best in school history. Either fifth-year Colorado transfer DJ McKinney or sophomore Michigan transfer Jayden Sanders will work as his counterpart on the outside, while returning two-year starter senior Christian Gray moves to the nickel position. The safety unit adds to the
plethora of riches with returning starters junior Brauntae Johnson and senior Adon Shuler anchoring the back end. Johnson finished a breakout 2025 campaign with 48 tackles and 4 interceptions, and the big-hit artist Shuler tallied 53 and 2, respectively. Sophomore Ethan Long and highly touted freshman Joey O’Brien have also shown promise in camp, adding more depth to the safety room. Plus, senior Luke Talich shined in sub packages last year and provides plenty of versatility. In sum, it will be difficult for any opposing offense to find much success in the air. As for linebackers, Notre Dame returns its menacing unit in full. Junior Kyngstonn Viliamu-Asa should be fully back from the ACL tear he suffered against Syracuse last November; he can perform in contact drills and should be available for the season opener. Senior enforcer Drayk Bowen will likely be a two-time captain after leading the team with 67 tackles last season and joins Viliamu-Asa on the preseason Butkus Award Watch List. Fifth-year Jaylen Sneed and senior Jaiden Ausberry also bring plenty of speed and grit. Watch out for sophomore Madden Faraimo — he played well in
flashes last season. While he may be fifth in line, he will be hard to keep off the field with his size and athleticism. Up front, the Irish possess much more depth — and beef — than in past seasons, especially at defensive tackle. Jason Onye, who was granted a sixth year by the NCAA, teams with junior transfers Francis Brewu from Pitt and Tionne Gray from Oregon. Notably, senior Armel Mukam has impressed new defensive line coach Charlie Partridge — though he has not made much noise in his first three years, it could be his time. Senior Elijah Hughes should not be counted out either after a very solid season as a reserve in 2025. On the edge, Boubacar Traore eschewed the NFL to return for what could be an All-American senior season. He came back to South Bend despite having the potential to be a third- or fourth-round pick in last year’s Draft, and he has the talent to become a first-rounder by the end of the season. Junior Bryce Young has all the physical tools needed to shine — he and Brewu were also included in Feldman’s “Freaks” list — but now it is time for him to put it all together on the field. Alabama senior transfer Keon Keeley, a former top recruit,
THE OBSERVER | 15
hopes to put it all together, too, after only flashing for the Crimson Tide. Another key guy to keep an eye on is freshman Rodney Dunham; he could be a pass-rush specialist. Despite losing the kick-returning talents of Price, special teams should be a quality unit. The kickers struggled mightily last season, converting only 5 of 9 field goals and missing four extra points. The problem should not repeat this season, as the Irish landed junior transfer kicker Spencer Porath from Purdue. During his first two years in West Lafayette, Ind., he made 22 of 28 field goals and converted all 41 extra-point attempts. As for punting, Australian import freshman Jasper Scaife has wowed during fall camp with his leg strength. While preseason expectations are as high as they have been in some time, Freeman certainly understands why. “As you look at the numbers, they’re physically ahead of, probably as an entire team, where we were last year,” he said. “I think schematically, with returning all three coordinators, with returning a starting quarterback, with so much experience and production returning, you’re farther ahead schematically. So that
gives you a chance, right?” That chance also comes from a schedule that nicely sets up the team to find its groove before its likely most difficult foes, unlike last year’s clashes with Miami and Texas A&M to open the season. As much as pundits love to dismiss Notre Dame’s “pedestrian” slate, three of its opponents are ranked in the preseason AP Top 25 — BYU, Miami and SMU. In what Notre Dame hopes will be a historic season, it will get to officially kick it off at the famed venue of Lambeau Field against Wisconsin on Sept. 6. Given the talent on hand, and based on preseason prognostics, the Irish should vanquish their early opponents leading up to their first test on Oct. 17 at No. 14 BYU. They will then have a bye week followed by a storied tilt against Navy, before taking on No. 7 Miami, Boston College, No. 19 SMU and Syracuse in upstate New York to close out the season. With Carr at the offensive helm and a defense that should be top-tier, the mission for the Irish this season is abundantly clear to Freeman and the team. It is time to leave no doubt. Contact Ellie Collins at ecollin9@nd.edu
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