Fr. Ted Said… Cultivating Hope

In his inaugural address, University President Rev. Robert A. Dowd, C.S.C., called us to be “sustainers of hope and builders of bridges.” But in a world where optimism often feels in short supply, where do we find the inspiration to keep nurturing the good? Plant those seeds through a revitalizing experience where you can pause, exhale, and allow your spirit to blossom. Come hear this calling echo in powerful, personal stories from Notre Dame alumni and faculty who are living examples of what it means to cultivate hope—just like Fr. Ted.

Notre Dame Reunion showcases the scholarship and thought-leadership that is part of Notre Dame Reunion weekends. Speakers include Notre Dame faculty and alumni, and topics range from the academic to the anecdotal.

Fr. Ted Said: Bridge Builders was recorded on Saturday, June 6, 2026 from 2:00pm – 3:15pm at Leighton Concert Hall, DeBartolo Performing Arts Center.

Introduction by:
Dolly Duffy ’84,
Executive Director, Notre Dame Alumni Association, University of Notre Dame

Hosted by:
Michael Schreffler
Art History Professor, Director of the Notre Dame Arts Initiative, Associate Dean for the Arts, College of Arts and Letters, University of Notre Dame

Mike Brown ’01
Former Notre Dame Leprechaun, Speaker, Author, Founder of Soulstir

J. Martin (Marty) Regan, Jr. ’76
Senior Staff Attorney, City of Memphis, Lewis Thomason