Tower Talk - April 2024
April 2024
Message from the Alumni Engagement Team
Greetings Alumni,
Your next edition of Tower Talk is here to provide opportunities to share your news and achievements, register for upcoming events, and learn a little about what’s happening at Notre Dame. Spring Break for our students was a couple of weeks ago, and it’s always enjoyable to see our campus alive again with activity we can see from our windows in Noyes House, so we are happy to have them back!
Spring is in the air, and our seniors are taking their final steps as students until Commencement, when we will welcome them into the alumni family. Be on the lookout for how you can celebrate our seniors on social media this May.
We hope to see you at an upcoming event soon!
Warmly,
Your Alumni Engagement Team
The Student Alumni Leadership Council Continues to Thrive
The Student Alumni Leadership Council (SALC) is a group of current NDMU students that encourage the entire undergraduate and graduate student body to develop loyalty and lifelong connections so they become engaged and invested alumni. Members of SALC keep NDMU traditions, spirit, and pride alive on campus while maintaining a link and serving as a voice between current students, the campus community, and alumni. They work in collaboration with the Alumni Engagement Office to develop a network between students and alumni.
"As a commuter, SALC presented with me with a unique opportunity to stay close to my NDMU circle of friends while also allowing me to meet new faces from the student body and alum pool." - Sarah Generoso '25, SALC Communications Chair
"One of the best things about being a part of SALC is having the opportunity to meet alumni during various events like Bridge the Gap, Dinner with Gators, and Alumni Weekend. 
It's always a great experience speaking to them and learning about their experiences during college, as well as receiving helpful tips for navigating the adult world." - Kritika Kc '25, SALC Vice President
"SALC has changed how I view myself. I now know that I can be a Kessler and influencer. SALC has given me confidence and opportunities I wouldn’t have anywhere else." - Nwanneka Udolisa '25, SALC President
The newest initiative for SALC is the Dinner with Gators program. Alumni may host 3 - 4 students in SALC for small dinner parties (lunch or breakfast works, too), bringing Gators together in a warm, friendly environment for good food, conversation, and camaraderie. You can learn more about the program on our website. Kathy Wilder '82 explains why she loved hosting for the students:
"As a long-ago alum who has been involved with the Alumnae Association, I was excited to meet the new young women on campus. Their participation in various programs mirrored my experience but the level of scholarship, maturity, and ambition is much greater. WOW! I feel much more optimistic for the future of the planet after our dinner."
At this time, SALC programs are in person, but please email ndmalum@ndm.edu if you would like to participate in a virtual event with SALC!
Are you interested in being interviewed for an upcoming edition of Tower Talk? Sign up by clicking the button below!
The College Tour Premiere
NDMU’s The College Tour episode officially launched on Friday, March 22 with a red carpet premiere showing in LeClerc Theatre! The episode, which will debut on Amazon Prime this spring, features nine students and one alumna, Jolisse Gray '22, sharing their own unique Notre Dame experiences.
The College Tour is a TV series presented by multi-award winning producers that tells the story of colleges and universities around the world. The show filmed on NDMU’s campus for five days this fall.
Campus News and Updates
Pharmacy Student Works Towards Third NDMU Degree
Kunjrani Pani '10, M'18, D'25, currently a third-year student in the School of Pharmacy, is working towards her third degree at NDMU after previously earning a bachelor’s degree in biology from the School of Arts, Sciences, and
Business and a Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) from the School of Education. She is the current president of NDMU’s American Pharmacists Association – Academy of Student Pharmacists (APhA-ASP) chapter, the Director of National Engagement for NDMU’s Industrial Pharmacist Organization (IPhO), and a tutoring chair for the Rho Chi Pharmacy Honor Society. Pani also serves as a School of Pharmacy Student Ambassador, she is the school’s liaison for NDMU’s Student Government Association, and she is a group leader for the School of Pharmacy’s AdvoCaring community service program.
“I’m a loyal person, and I have a lot of loyalty towards Notre Dame because I appreciate the education that it has provided me. It’s a very high quality, excellent education, and that’s why I keep coming back. Notre Dame is literally my educational root that I’ve always cultivated and developed. It has all the resources and facilities that I need to be successful.”
Notre Dame Alumna Earns Judicial Appointment to Maryland’s District Court
Jennifer Alexander '98 was a junior at Notre Dame of Maryland University when she first realized that she wanted to attend law school. That initial interest led to an accomplished 20+ years working as an attorney for the Anne Arundel County State’s Attorney’s Office and multiple private practices. Alexander’s hard work was rewarded in November, when Governor Wes Moore appointed her to the District Court of Maryland for Anne Arundel County. She was officially sworn in as a judge during a December ceremony in Annapolis.
“Getting back to public service was something that I thought would be more meaningful. It allows me to impact the community in a positive way, and it lets me play a part in restoring faith in our judiciary and our judicial system, which has become very important to me over the past few years.”
Registration Open for 2024 Summer Camps at NDMU
Notre Dame of Maryland University is offering a wide variety of youth programming on campus in summer 2024. Registration for each of the four camps listed below is now available. Spots are filled on a first-come, first-served basis, so register today!
A Child’s Place Summer Camp
Five two-week sessions beginning June 10, June 24, July 8, July 22 and August 5
Ages 2 to 6
Camp Day: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. | Before Camp Care: 7:30 a.m. to 9 a.m. (no additional cost) | After Camp Care: 3 to 5:30 p.m. (no additional cost)
Sessions offer an entertaining and age-appropriate educational and play-based experience for children ages 2 to 6 (those entering first grade in the fall). The camps will provide opportunities to stimulate curiosity, creativity, and imagination through water play, daily indoor and outdoor play, STEAM activities, cooking, play-based learning, daily exploration and investigation, and more.
Camp Notre Dame
Four two-week sessions beginning June 17, July 1, July 15 and July 29
Ages 5 to 11
Camp Day: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
With rotating sessions throughout the day, campers will have the opportunity to participate in explorations, arts & crafts, sports & games and a mix of instructional and recreational swimming.
Pharmacy Summer Camp
June 24-28
Grades 9-12
Camp Day: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Pharmacy Camp is designed to help high school students entering grades 9-12 discover exciting topics and career paths in pharmacy and pharmaceutical sciences from the School of Pharmacy faculty at NDMU. Campers will explore precision medicine and the pharmacist’s role in research and patient care, learn about medication therapy management, and discover which pharmacy career best fits them. They will also make medications in the School of Pharmacy’s lab and get tips for applying to pharmacy school. *Housing on campus is available for this year’s camp!
STEM Camp
Amazing Amusement Parks: July 15-19, 2024
Grades K-10
Camp Day: 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Join us for an exciting exploration of the world of amusement parks. Investigate different methods of designing rides and interactive games and learn about the creativity and engineering that goes into designing an amusement park. Campers will be engaged in a variety of age-appropriate hands-on activities to help them build their knowledge and skills of STEM education.
Spring Athletics Update
Women’s Lacrosse –
Women’s Softball –
Women’s Tennis –
Want more NDMU Stories? Read the Bulletin, a bi-weekly newsletter with more student, staff, and faculty updates!
Save the Dates
Get to the Point: Communicate More By Saying Less
Tuesday, July 16 I 12 PM I Virtual
Register Here!
Whether you’re an executive, manager, or starting out, you can’t seal the deal or make your point unless you can speak clearly and concisely. In this eye-opening webinar, author and certified speaking professional Diane DiResta will share how to create a crisp message, discover where you stumble, and identify your most common speaking situation. You will benefit from these tools she has built from decades of experience. You will learn to be crisp in your delivery, and your credibility will soar!
Emotion by Design: Creative Leadership Lessons From a Life at Nike
Tuesday, July 23 I 12 PM I Virtual
Register Here!
In this engaging webinar, bestselling author and former CMO at NIKE Greg Hoffman unveils the concept of "Emotion by Design," illustrating how we can all harness its power to craft products, stories, and experiences that make people feel that even their most audacious pursuits are possible to achieve. He will share the philosophy and methodology behind creating a brand that empowers and deeply resonates with people, unveiling his three guiding principles: Creativity is a Team Sport, Dare to Be Remembered and Spark a Movement. These principles served as the cornerstone of Hoffman's leadership at Nike, where he played a pivotal role in shaping the company's brand identity and voice through compelling storytelling and immersive experiences.
Data-Driven DEI: A Blueprint to Achieving Lasting Impact with Your DEI Initiatives
Wednesday, August 7 I 12 PM I Virtual
Register Here!
How can you effectively use data to accelerate your DEI efforts? In this enlightening webinar, author and DEI expert Dr. Randal Pinkett will present his Data-Driven DEI™ simple, step-by-step process—centered on people first and then organizations—to help you assess your DEI current state, analyze that data to create a personal and organizational action plan and implement data-driven, science-based, and technology-enabled interventions for greater diversity, equity, and inclusion. It begins with self-reflection and introspection to identify your DEI Incentives. These intrinsic and extrinsic factors motivate you to pursue DEI and culminate in a cyclical, groundbreaking five-step cycle that delivers a practical and evidence-based blueprint to achieving lasting impact with your DEI initiatives.
Find Your True Self in a Noisy World
Wednesday, August 14 I 12 PM I Virtual
Register Here!
Has anyone called you naive for suggesting that business can do more good and positively impact not just profits but also employees, consumers, and the world? Joshua Berry, author of Dare to Be Naive, contends that intentional naivete isn't a hindrance but a catalyst for innovation, positive transformation, and better business outcomes. This unique webinar will explore the power of curiosity, trust, authenticity, and optimism – the positive attributes of chosen naivete – and how embracing them can lead to a more fulfilling professional and personal life.
8 Ways to Increase Self-Confidence in Your Career and Life
Wednesday, August 21 I 12 PM I Virtual
Register Here!
Do you sometimes feel like you are not enough? Do you feel like you're not seen or heard at work? Self-confidence is needed no matter what industry you are in to build your career and/or business. A report from Gitnux mentioned that 93% of people believe self-confidence is critical to professional success. In this eye-opening webinar, Sheena Yap Chan, Wall Street Journal bestselling author of The Tao of Self-Confidence, will share with you her 3-step process to building self-confidence, eight ways to increase self-confidence, along with actionable steps that you can use in your own journey. After this webinar, you will feel confident enough to speak up, live life on your own terms, be unapologetically yourself, show up, and have a mindset shift and, in turn, create your dream life.
New Student Move-in Day
August 23 | 8 AM - 2 PM | Campus
Registration coming soon!
Join us as part of the welcoming committee to our newest alumni-in-training! We would love for our alums to volunteer with us to help move new students into their residence hall rooms. Breakfast will be provided.
Student and Alumni Welcome Mixer
Thursday, August 29 I 6:00 PM I Noyes House, NDMU Campus
Register Here!
Hosted by the Young Alumni Committee and the Student Alumni Leadership Council, you're invited to this Welcome Week event with new and returning students. At this casual networking event, you will be able to share your Notre Dame experiences and help guide students in their college career. Light refreshments will be served.
Turning Anxiety Into a Blessing: How to Use Anxiety to Thrive
Tuesday, September 10 I 12 PM I Virtual
Register Here!
Let’s face it: Everyone has anxiety. Furthermore, our ongoing quest to rid ourselves of this ubiquitous human emotion worsens it. What if, instead of fighting our anxiety, we could turn it into a strength? This enlightening webinar will teach you how to use anxiety to become more self-accepting, connected to others, and resilient. Author of Thriving with Anxiety, Dr. David H. Rosmarin’s constructive, compassionate, and evidence-based approach will not make you less anxious. Instead, it will empower you to use anxiety to thrive.
Strategies for Leading Through Inevitable Setbacks
Wednesday, September 18 I 12 PM I Virtual
Register Here!
Setbacks are unavoidable in any career journey, from C-suite executives, to those just starting out, to teams navigating staffing changes after layoffs or restructuring. But once we understand how to work through the cycle collectively, we'll have the tools to foster growth not only for ourselves but for our organizations, teams, and communities. Amy Shoenthal, author of The Setback Cycle, has studied how leaders work through setbacks for the past few years. In this webinar, she'll offer a sneak peek at some of her research around the neuroscience of setbacks, helping us understand why this phenomenon happens and offering tips and tools to work through the phases of The Setback Cycle. You will walk away with a framework to guide decision-making, set boundaries, prioritize your focus areas, and get clarity on your next move.
Accelerate Your Reinvention with a New Networking Mindset
Thursday, September 26 I 12 PM I Virtual
Register Here!
As you imagine new possibilities for your professional future, don’t let past habits and outdated notions about “networking” hamper your transformation. This is the perfect time for you to adopt a new networking mindset and reimagine how to engage and build strong connections to advance your ambitions. In this dynamic and practical webinar, author, networking strategist, and coach J. Kelly Hoey provides fresh insights and actionable network-building tips to accelerate your reinvention (and calm any lingering networking anxieties). You will learn about reimagining networking, goals + networking, and networking quick-fixes.
Alumni Weekend
September 27 - 29 | All Day | Campus
RSVP here
Registration opens on July 1 and closes on September 22 at midnight. Register by August 18 to receive early bird pricing. The first 100 registrants will receive a guaranteed alumni gift at check-in. Alumni Weekend is for all alumni, and their family and friends. Anyone celebrating a milestone reunion that's from a class ending in a 4 or 9 is especially encouraged to attend!
View all upcoming events here!
Upcoming Events
- Jan 156:00 pm - 7:00 pmZoom
Class Notes
Class notes are a way to celebrate any life updates you have with your Notre Dame community. Do you have something you wish to share with us? You can submit any update for us to share with our community here on Tower Talk. Please visit our In Memoriam page to view your deceased classmates from the past year.
Dr. Patty Silver D’23 co-presented a research paper, Innovative Technology Integration in a Professional Development School Collaboration, with Dr. Juliann Dupuis, Dr. Lisa Pallett D’19, and Ryan Schaaf.
Andrew Adams M'23 co-presented Fostering Sustainability and Financial Incentives through K-12 eRecycling with Ryan Schaaf, associate professor in the School of Education.
Grace McCarthy Lindstrom M’22, Operation TEACH program director, was highlighted in a recent article from The Catholic Review about NDMU's Operation TEACH program.
Zach Rowe M’20 was highlighted in a recent article from The Catholic Review about NDMU's Operation TEACH program.
Dr. Lisa Pallett D’19 co-presented a research paper, Innovative Technology Integration in a Professional Development School Collaboration, with Dr. Juliann Dupuis, Dr. Patty Silver D’23, and Ryan Schaaf.
Ryan Hellem M’13 was highlighted in a recent article from The Catholic Review about NDMU's Operation TEACH program.
Sharon Marie Slear, SSND, former NDMU provost and founding dean of the School of Education, was profiled in an article by The Catholic Review as a part of its Women's History Month recognition.
Joanne Henderson Collins ’59 recently sold her home and is now living in Florida, where she enjoys painting, traveling, playing bridge, and learning Spanish.
Contact Information
Do you have any suggestions for content to include in Tower Talk or ways we can improve? Please contact Rose Glenn at rglenn@ndm.edu.
Any general questions, comments, and concerns not related to Tower Talk can be sent to ndmalum@ndm.edu for a member of the Alumnae and Alumni Engagement Team to assist you.
