Serve in Honor of Father Ted in May

In a September 2008 article in the Wall Street Journal, Rev. Theodore M. Hesburgh, C.S.C., asked that current students engage in crafting solutions to the problems existing in our world: “That they are involved and connected with the problems of our times, that they don't get up a cocoon and enjoy their own good life, but think what about the good life for all Americans and, beyond that, the good life for all human beings.”

This ideal extends to Notre Dame alumni, as well. That’s why you are invited to participate in the third annual Hesburgh Month of Service this May.

Certainly the problems may look slightly different than they did when Father Hesburgh was President of Notre Dame and also while he served on countless boards and advisory councils in the 1950s and 60s. Then, there were civil rights protests, anti-war rallies, and women’s rights struggles. Although on the surface these conflicts are gone, we know there is still much to be done in the realm of social justice.

Service to our neighbors is critical during these tough economic times. And as Notre Dame alumni, family, and friends, we can model Father Hesburgh’s dedication to social justice in our own communities.

“Let’s show Father Hesburgh, who has lived his beliefs by serving God, Country, and Notre Dame that we are committed to the same ideals,” says Katie Zakas ’04, NDAA director of service programs. “Form a group, volunteer with your ND club, or take your family on a service outing—and please be sure to register your project with the Alumni Association online.”

If you would like more information or need ideas for service projects, please contact Katie Zakas by phone at 574-631-6723 or by e-mail.

Call for Photos: We would love to see pictures of the Notre Dame family engaged in service. Send your service pictures to Amy Schell at aschell@nd.edu. Please identify the people in the photograph and briefly describe the service project.