How Notre Dame’s Catholic identity impacts the world with Fr. John Jenkins

12:00 PM ET Mon., Jul. 22, 2024

Join Notre Dame President Emeritus Rev. John I. Jenkins, C.S.C., and Lou Nanni ’84, ’88 M.A., Vice President for University Relations, as they discuss Notre Dame joining the American Association of Universities (AAU), the strategic framework plan set for 2033 by the University’s leadership, how Notre Dame is ensuring its education remains accessible to all students, and more.

This episode was originally released on October 23, 2023. To explore more, please visit their website.

In a thoughtful and wide-ranging conversation recorded in the historic Corby Hall, Fr. John I. Jenkins, C.S.C., reflected on his 19 years as president of the University of Notre Dame and the enduring significance of its Catholic identity. Hosted by Lou Nanni, the discussion touched on everything from university strategy to spiritual grounding, demonstrating how faith shapes every facet of Notre Dame’s mission, structure, and culture.

Jenkins began by discussing the purpose of Corby Hall as a community space for Holy Cross priests—a place of retreat, prayer, and renewal amidst the daily demands of university life. This rhythm of contemplation and engagement, he explained, is emblematic of what it means to be a Holy Cross priest and to lead with a servant’s heart.

Throughout the dialogue, Jenkins highlighted how Notre Dame’s Catholic character grounds its leadership, research, diversity initiatives, and freedom of expression. He shared how the Eucharist, prayer, and community allow him to remain steady during crises. His approach to leadership is both spiritual and strategic—from presiding over funerals and leading budget meetings in the same day to guiding the University into the AAU and launching its 10-year strategic framework.

He emphasized the importance of uniting around mission rather than fragmenting into disconnected silos. The framework prioritizes democracy, sustainability, poverty, ethics, and global Catholicism—not as trends, but as theological commitments. As the only faith-based AAU member, Notre Dame offers a distinctive voice in national conversations on research, education, and policy.

Jenkins also discussed Notre Dame’s robust commitment to DEI not as “wokeness,” but as an embodiment of Catholic teachings on dignity and love. Likewise, he championed freedom of speech, describing Notre Dame as a place where all ideas can be voiced, provided they are offered with respect. Whether engaging with Washington policymakers or welcoming justices across the ideological spectrum, Jenkins stressed the value of civility and bridge-building.

In a moving conclusion, Jenkins described how daily prayer and surrender to God have kept him grounded. What sets Notre Dame apart, he said, is not just excellence, but a mission animated by faith, justice, and the conviction that higher education can be a force for good in the world.

Catholic Identity in Action | [00:04:50 → 00:05:45]
Notre Dame doesn’t just hold a faith tradition—it acts on it. Jenkins grounds his leadership in prayer and the legacy of Holy Cross priests who served by example.
Mission-Driven Research | [00:10:45 → 00:12:25]
Admission to the AAU reflects Notre Dame’s growing research impact, but its Catholic identity makes that impact ethical and distinctive.
Justice as a Theological Imperative | [00:13:45 → 00:15:00]
Notre Dame’s strategic framework prioritizes sustainability, democracy, and global solidarity—not because they’re trendy, but because they reflect Gospel values.
Inclusion as Catholic Commitment | [00:22:00 → 00:23:45]
Jenkins reframes diversity efforts as rooted in Catholic teaching on dignity, community, and care for the vulnerable.
Freedom with Civility | [00:24:45 → 00:26:30]
A Catholic university must be a place where ideas can be debated robustly—but always with respect. No speaker has been disinvited at ND.
Universal Welcome | [00:08:50 → 00:09:30]
Hosting an HBCU at Notre Dame was more than symbolic—it recognized and celebrated shared missions in education and justice.
Prayer as Anchor | [00:32:50 → 00:34:25]
In moments of difficulty, Jenkins turns to prayer and to the Eucharist as sources of peace and clarity.
Academic Independence | [00:27:20 → 00:28:35]
By avoiding partisan alignment, Notre Dame can serve as a bridge-builder in national conversations.
Belonging as Mission | [00:29:15 → 00:31:00]
Access and aid initiatives are not just about outcomes—they’re about ensuring all students feel part of Notre Dame’s family.
Spiritual Leadership | [00:34:30 → 00:35:40]
Over nearly two decades, Jenkins says his greatest lesson is knowing what truly matters—and staying faithful to that center.

Faithful Leadership: “They serve the people they lead… It’s not about them, it’s about the people.”
— Fr. John Jenkins [00:05:00 → 00:05:10]
Gospel-Rooted Strategy: “This isn’t just a strategic plan—it’s a theological commitment to the common good.”
— Fr. John Jenkins [00:13:55 → 00:14:10]
Eucharistic Strength: “At the end of the day, I light a candle and offer it to God.”
— Fr. John Jenkins [00:33:00 → 00:33:10]
Bridge-Building Ethos: “I get criticism from the right and from the left—that’s great. I think I’m in the right place.”
— Fr. John Jenkins [00:28:30 → 00:28:35]
Inclusive Belonging: “If anyone feels not at home here, then we are not the Notre Dame we need to be.”
— Fr. John Jenkins [00:23:30 → 00:23:40]
Prayer and Perspective: “Why are you doing this budget meeting? You’re doing it for this bigger purpose.”
— Fr. John Jenkins [00:06:52 → 00:07:00]
Freedom with Decency: “If we can’t do that, we aren’t a university.”
— Fr. John Jenkins [00:25:35 → 00:25:40]
Rooted Research: “Notre Dame’s place in the AAU is not despite our faith—it’s because of it.”
— Fr. John Jenkins [00:11:55 → 00:12:10]
Moral Clarity: “The Church’s teachings on justice don’t change with the news cycle.”
— Lou Nanni [00:13:50 → 00:14:00]
Catholic and Courageous: “Being Catholic doesn’t mean being cautious. It means being bold in service of truth.”
— Lou Nanni [00:27:00 → 00:27:10]