Pensionados at Notre Dame: Rediscovering the University’s First Asian Students

Discover Notre Dame’s first Asian pioneers through a 120-year retrospective of the 1903 Pensionado Program. Uncover how early Filipino students forged a path of global excellence and a unique place within this foundational heritage. View the University of Notre Dame’s history through a vibrant, transpacific lens in this conversation with chair of the Asian Pacific Alumni Board Jeremy Dela Cruz ’15, ’19 MSF, recent alumna Sophia Labrador ’25, and associate professor in Notre Dame’s Department of History Rebecca McKenna.

120 Years Later: Asian and Pacific Islander Perspectives at Notre Dame is a commemorative series celebrating the 30th anniversary of the Asian Pacific Alumni group and the long history of this community at the University of Notre Dame. The Asian Pacific Alumni of Notre Dame (APA) is a dynamic and welcoming community that brings together alumni, students, and friends to celebrate Asian Pacific cultures and experiences through alumni programming, student outreach, and lifelong connections.

Join fellow Asian Pacific Alumni for Reunion 2026 from June 4-7 to reconnect with classmates, explore campus, and celebrate 120 years of Asian and Pacific Islander excellence at Notre Dame!