Notre Dame Global in Photos: January 2025

Author: Cory Hankins

Notre Dame signed its first ever discipline wide dual Ph.D. program agreement in Santiago. University alumni and staff focused on student recruitment in Mexico City and São Paulo, celebrated Republic Day in Mumbai, and cheered on the Irish in Beijing and Shanghai. Delegates from the Law School traveled to Nairobi to discuss key priorities and new opportunities for collaboration in sub-Saharan Africa. Study abroad students performed on the stage of the world-famous Globe Theatre in London and journeyed through the heart of the Renaissance in Florence, while international students from 17 countries geared up for an exciting semester on campus through the University's American Semester Abroad Program. 

This photo gallery highlights some of the valuable interactions and experiences Notre Dame faculty, staff, and students have taken part in over the past month.

The selection was curated by Notre Dame Global staff working on campus and in the University's 12 global locations.


Santiago

Two people sit in ornate armchairs facing each other, gesturing with their hands as they converse. They are surrounded by a larger group seated in a semi-circle in a wood-paneled room. A coffee table with books and glasses of water sits between the two speakers, and an ornate rug covers the hardwood floor. Religious artwork adorns the walls.

Michael Hildreth, Notre Dame’s Associate Provost and Vice President for Graduate Studies and Dean of the Graduate School, and Jonathan Noble, Notre Dame’s Senior Assistant Provost for Internationalization joined Dr. Ignacio Sánchez, President of UC Chile, for a signing ceremony at UC Chile's Casa Central campus in Santiago. Representatives from Notre Dame Santiago were also present. The event marked the first university-wide dual Ph.D. agreement for both institutions, now available to candidates from all academic disciplines and a reflection of the universities’ shared vision for international collaboration and promoting academic innovation. 


Nairobi

Group photo of seven individuals standing outside the entrance of Strathmore University in Nairobi, Kenya.  The group includes two women wearing business attire, another woman in a bright green patterned jacket and navy skirt, and four men wearing suits.  A sign on the building clearly identifies it as Strathmore University.

Dean G. Marcus Cole, the Joseph A. Matson Dean and Professor of Law at Notre Dame Law School, accompanied by Jackline Oluoch-Aridi, director of Notre Dame Nairobi, met with Strathmore University leadership, including Vice Chancellor Dr. Vincent Ogutu, Deputy Vice Chancellor Dr. Elizabeth Gachenga, and Strathmore Law School Dean Dr. Jane Wathuta. Their discussions centered on deepening collaborative efforts, identifying key priorities, and strengthening the partnership between the two institutions. This meeting was part of the scheduled events for the Notre Dame Law School delegation to Africa, reinforcing Notre Dame's commitment to global engagement.


London

Five students stand on the stage of Shakespeare's Globe theatre in London, addressing an audience of their peers. The ornate stage features marble-like columns and painted walls, reflecting the historical design of the theater. The wooden roof and balconies above add to the ambiance.

Notre Dame London faculty member and Shakespearean scholar Boika Sokolova teaches “Playing Shakespeare,” where students not only explore the history of Shakespeare in performance but actually perform the Bard’s work themselves on the world-famous Globe stage. One of the most unique and exclusive opportunities available to London students, acting at this legendary theatre is a chance to bring the entire Notre Dame London community together to celebrate the term. As our current cohort prepares, check out this photo from last semester’s closing performance.


Beijing

A group photo of the Notre Dame Club of Beijing. Members gather beneath an elaborate crystal chandelier and Notre Dame banners, some wearing Notre Dame apparel, displaying enthusiastic support with hand gestures and a "GO IRISH!" sign. A table in the foreground holds drinks and snacks.

The Notre Dame Beijing Club and the Ohio State Beijing Club gathered for a friendly National Championship game watch, creating unforgettable memories together. Regardless of the outcome, fostering friendship was the group's top priority.


Dublin

A woman in a pink dress smiles during a small gathering in a room. A Notre Dame flag hangs on a stand between attendees, partially obscuring the view of those seated to the right. A framed portrait hangs on the wall behind the flag.

Ambassador Claire Cronin, United States Ambassador to Ireland, joined the Young Presidents’ Organization (YPO) for a fireside chat at Notre Dame Dublin’s O’Connell House discussing the strong relationship and bright future between Ireland and the United States.


Jerusalem

An older man with short white hair and a dark brown sweater sits at a light wood table, gesturing with his right hand as he speaks to someone out of view. A closed laptop and papers rest on the table in front of him. A white board hangs on the wall behind him.
As part of Notre Dame Jerusalem's area studies initiative, Professor Sari Nusseibeh met with the the location's language learners, diplomats of the State Department, to share insights from his personal journey and to offer new perspectives on the region.

Hong Kong

A group photo of individuals holding books stands in front of a large bookshelf. A woman in the center holds a University of Notre Dame pennant.  The bookshelf contains numerous volumes and a decorative plate. A sign describing the Yingyin Wenyange Siku Quanshu collection hangs on the right side of the bookshelf, next to a potted plant.

Liang Cai, associate professor of History in the College of Arts and Letters, delivered a Hesburgh Lecture in Hong Kong and was welcomed by members of the Notre Dame Hong Kong, Notre Dame Magazine, and Liu Institute for Asia and Asian Studies teams.


Mexico

Two individuals wearing Notre Dame Keough School of Global Affairs branded beanies and scarves stand arm in arm, smiling, behind a table draped with a navy tablecloth bearing the University of Notre Dame and Keough School of Global Affairs logos.  A speaker stands behind them to the right.

From classmates to soulmates—Emily and Alberto were Master of Global Affairs students at Notre Dame, fell in love, got married, and now call Mexico home. In January, they joined a QS fair in Mexico to share their journey as well as the Keough School’s commitment to increasing Mexican student representation.


Rome

A large group of University of Notre Dame students poses for a photo on a paved overlook in Florence, Italy. The Duomo is visible in the background under a bright blue sky dotted with fluffy white clouds.

Led by the Notre Dame Rome team, 102 students, along with seven faculty and staff, embarked on a two-day journey to Florence, the heart of the Renaissance. This enriching field trip served as the kickoff for the foundational All Roads Lead to Rome course, led by Professors Daria Borghese, Chiara Sbordoni, Andrea Moudarres, and postdoctoral research fellow Eileen M.W. Morgan. 


Kylemore

A group of University of Notre Dame students pose with outstretched arms in front of a statue of Jesus with outstretched arms. They stand on a grassy hilltop overlooking a valley with mountains, a lake, and buildings in the distance.

The Spring 2025 Galway Study Abroad cohort has arrived! The group kicked off the semester with a weekend at Notre Dame Kylemore including hikes, quizzes, and baking. 


Mumbai

A group of ten people sit around a large, round table in a dimly lit restaurant, enjoying a meal. Remnants of food and tableware are visible on the table's surface. A striking, multi-tiered metallic light fixture hangs above the table, reflecting in the large window behind the diners. The window offers a glimpse of the night scene outside.  A section of wall with a dark wood and fabric grid pattern is visible behind some of the diners.

The Notre Dame Club of India and Notre Dame Mumbai hosted a memorable New Year’s and Republic Day dinner in Mumbai, uniting alumni, incoming and current students, and families over great food and a shared love for Our Lady's University.


São Paulo

Three individuals stand behind a table promoting the University of Notre Dame's Master of Global Affairs program. The table displays brochures for concentrations in International Peace Studies, Governance and Policy, and Sustainable Development.  A Notre Dame banner is draped across the front of the table.  A partially visible person sits on a bench in the background.

Thaïs Burmeister de Campos Pires, director of Notre Dame São Paulo and Initiatives in Brazil, welcomed Christian Lehman, associate director of graduate recruitment and admissions for the Keough School's Master of Global Affairs program. Pires and Lehman attended a QS fair alongside MBA and graduate schools from around the world and promoted Notre Dame's Graduate School, Mendoza College of Business, and Law School.


Global Engagement Programs

Six Notre Dame students gather around a circular table in a lounge area. Drinks, snacks, and plates are spread out on the table, suggesting a casual gathering or study break.

New and returning ASAP/exchange students braved the frigid January temperatures for a warm welcome to the spring semester. Fifty students from 17 different countries will spend the next five months immersed in the American undergraduate experience led by the Global Engagement Programs team on Notre Dame’s campus.

Originally published by Cory Hankins at global.nd.edu on February 06, 2025.