Paving the Way
Travel back to the early days of the Balfour-Hesburgh Scholars Program with former students who reminisce about arriving at a quiet summer campus where an unfamiliar landscape transformed into a vibrant tribe where shared ambitions forged an indestructible sanctuary of belonging.
Experience the Episode
In the second episode of Dialogues Across the Decades: Conversations with Balfour-Hesburgh Scholars Program Alumni, travel back to the early days of the program with former students who reminisce about arriving at a quiet summer campus where an unfamiliar landscape transformed into a vibrant community, where shared ambitions forged an indestructible sanctuary of belonging. Ayana Fakhir ’00, Joe Rolón ’98, Jeff Sandate ’00, and Quincy Starnes ’00 share the stories of a foundation of connection that paved the way for a forty-year legacy of academic and personal triumph.
Since 1986, the Balfour-Hesburgh Scholars Program has served as a cornerstone of many students’ university experiences, guiding them through the critical transition from high school to campus life and beyond. The Program, built on three core pillars of leadership, intellectual engagement, and commitment service, has been more than just a summer program; it is a lifelong community committed to making a positive difference in the world. We invite you to hear stories of struggles and successes that have shaped Balfour Scholars’ journey over forty years.
MoreMeet the Moderator: Ayana Fakhir '00
Ayana Fakhir ’00 is a Notre Dame Class of 2000 graduate and 2003 graduate of Case Western Reserve University School of Law. She is an Ohio attorney, researcher, and communicator with more than 23 years of legal experience and a distinguished career in public service. Throughout her professional life, she has worked at the intersection of law, policy, and community impact, helping individuals navigate complex legal and administrative systems.
In addition to her legal work, Ayana is the creator and host of Ayana Explains It All, a podcast that examines current events through the lenses of history, politics, economics, culture, and human behavior. She is also a TikTok live host with the organization Our Vote Counts. Known for her thoughtful analysis and engaging storytelling, she is passionate about making complex topics accessible and empowering audiences with knowledge.
A lifelong learner and advocate for informed civic engagement, Ayana brings intellectual curiosity, practical expertise, and a commitment to meaningful dialogue to every conversation.
Meet the Speaker: Joe Rolón '98
Assistant Dean for Student Life Joe Rolón ’98 serves as the primary crisis manager in Butler College at Princeton University, available to talk with students about concerns around well-being and can refer them to appropriate campus resources. Joe works with relevant campus partners to address student concerns, uphold community standards, respond to problems and conflicts, and identify resources that can best support students to ensure their continuing success.
Joe received his B.A. Psychology and Computer Applications at the University of Notre Dame. Joe then went on to receive his M.A. in Psychology from Fairleigh Dickinson University. Additionally, Joe has spent time within Student Affairs at various institutions, including the University of Southern Mississippi and Grinnell College.
Joe is a film and TV enthusiast. He also enjoys traveling, having visited all 50 states. Joe hopes to one day compete on Jeopardy.
Meet the Speaker: Jeff Sandate '00
Jeff Sandate ’00 is a 1996 participant of Balfour-Hesburgh Scholars Program and a graduate of the class of 2000 College of Science, receiving a degree in pre-professional studies. After graduating from Notre Dame, he attended the University of New Mexico, where he received his medical degree. He trained in obstetrics and gynecology at The University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston, Texas. He has practiced in Dallas, Texas for the last 18 years and lives there with his husband and two miniature schnauzers.
Meet the Speaker: Quincy Starnes '00
Quincy Starnes ’00 began his musical theatre training in 1989 when chosen by HITS Theatre to perform while still a student at River Oaks Elementary. He received his Bachelor of Arts degree in Theatre from the University of Notre Dame studying costume and lighting design, stage management, and theatre history. Quincy was a founding member of Pasquerilla East Musical Company (PEMCo) which still operates today as the only student run musical theatre program on campus. He enjoys teaching children about modern musicals.