Notre Dame Global in Photos: May 2026 | News | Notre Dame Rome

From a rare tour above a significant sacred and historical site in Rome and a hike through a UNESCO World Heritage site in Mumbai, to beginning pre-professional practicums with leading organizations across Mexico and conferring an honorary Doctor of Law degree in the United Kingdom—learning, discovery, and connection were the common threads across Notre Dame’s global network in May. Alumni, parents, and friends in Seoul were joined by Dick Corbett Head Football Coach Marcus Freeman, as they strengthened ties across Notre Dame’s Asia-Pacific community, and Dean Mary Gallagher joined 35 alumni, students, and family members in Beijing for an evening of conversation and fellowship. Students immersed themselves in research and professional experience programs abroad, while others were honored for their commitment to intercultural learning during their time on campus. Together, these moments offer a glimpse into the people and experiences that animated Notre Dame’s global network throughout the past month.

ROME

Two women on scaffolding gaze up at an opulent gold and blue gilded ceiling and wall paintings in a grand hall.

Two graduate students, Inha Park and Noelle Johnson, who recently completed the Dissertation Research Fellowships in Rome, were offered an exclusive tour of the Basilica di San Clemente's Baroque coffered ceiling. The collaboration between Notre Dame Rome and the San Clemente Project will offer new internship opportunities to Notre Dame Rome students beginning in fall 2026. Led by the Hortus Foundation, the San Clemente Project supports the preservation and restoration of the basilica, one of Rome’s most significant sacred and historical sites.

KYLEMORE

Hikers in colorful jackets walk uphill on a golden-brown slope. Mountains and a lake are visible under an overcast sky.

After a week of discussions at the Galactic Metal Cycles conference, participants ventured out from Notre Dame Kylemore to experience the landscape and history of the West of Ireland firsthand. Organized by Professor Nicolas Lehner of Notre Dame's Department of Physics and Astronomy, the group hiked along the Killary Fjord Famine Trail in Connemara, guided by renowned field archaeologist Michael Gibbons. The excursion offered a chance to connect while exploring the natural beauty and cultural history of the region.

SANTIAGO

People on brown horses ride single file on a sandy beach by the blue ocean with white waves under a clear sky.

The Notre Dame Santiago team led spring semester students on a horseback riding excursion along the beach of Tunquén, located two hours outside Santiago in Chile’s coastal Valparaíso Region. Known for its relatively untouched landscape, the area offers a rare stretch of shoreline free from major development and is home to archaeological sites connected to pre-Hispanic tombs.

LONDON

Three men in blue Notre Dame academic robes smile in a chapel. An older man with grey hair waves.

At Notre Dame's 181st Commencement, Professor Eamon Duffy, distinguished historian of Christianity and emeritus professor at the University of Cambridge, was awarded an honorary Doctor of Law degree in recognition of his outstanding scholarship and contributions to the study of Christian history. Notre Dame London's Executive Director, Joshua Copeland, and Academic Director, Vittorio Montemaggi, conferred the honorary degree at the Chapel of Magdalene College Cambridge, where Duffy formerly served as president. The conferral was streamed live to Notre Dame Stadium as part of the University's Commencement celebration.

HONG KONG

Man in tan suit speaks at a podium. Large blue screens display "An Evening with Marcus Freeman" and "Welcome."

Notre Dame’s Vice President and Associate Provost for Internationalization, Michael Pippenger, spoke during a gathering in Seoul that brought together alumni, parents, and friends representing eight Notre Dame clubs across 10 countries. The event, which featured Dick Corbett Head Football Coach Marcus Freeman, was part of a broader weekend of engagement designed to strengthen connections across Notre Dame’s Asia-Pacific community and reflected a collaborative effort among Notre Dame's Alumni Association, the Liu Institute for Asia and Asian Studies, and Notre Dame Hong Kong.

DUBLIN

Dublin Summer students arrived in Ireland and spent their first week out in the West of Ireland, exploring the majestic rural landscape of Connemara. Throughout the program, there is an emphasis on “learning through the soles of your feet,” which encourages students to expand their minds outside the traditional classroom experience.

BEIJING

Notre Dame Beijing hosted an in-person meet-up with Mary Gallagher, dean of the Keough School of Global Affairs, bringing together 35 Notre Dame alumni, current students, and families in Beijing. Dean Gallagher shared her insights on global affairs, the Keough School’s work, and Notre Dame’s continued engagement with China. The gathering offered an opportunity for the local Notre Dame community to connect, exchange ideas, and strengthen ties with the University.

MEXICO

Nine smiling students pose outdoors, some holding Notre Dame pennants, in front of a white building with ornate windows.

Notre Dame Mexico welcomed a new cohort of Global Professional Experience (GPE) and Global Research Experience (GRE) students to Mexico City. This summer, students will engage in research and pre-professional practicums with leading organizations across Mexico while immersing themselves in the country’s culture and community. The group's welcome weekend included orientation sessions, a trajinera tour in Xochimilco, and the Ballet Folklórico de México at the Palacio de Bellas Artes. Students also visited Universidad Panamericana, Notre Dame's partner institution for Spanish and culture classes.

MUMBAI

Four smiling women lean on a railing, framed by golden columns and an ornate wall with geometric patterns.

The Notre Dame Mumbai team welcomed four students to the India Summer: History, Government, Economics, and Culture program with a guided tour of Bollywood Studios, a ferry ride from the Gateway of India, a visit to the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Elephanta Caves, and Mass at the Holy Name Cathedral, among other activities.

JERUSALEM

One man in academic robes places a blue velvet hood on a smiling man in black graduation attire.

Notre Dame Jerusalem took a moment to celebrate Director of Undergraduate Studies, Gabriel (Gabi) Mitchell, on the completion of his doctorate. As a leading voice on energy and climate issues in the region, Mitchell regularly participates in regional dialogues addressing these topics.

SÃO PAULO

The Notre Dame São Paulo team, together with Global Professional Experience (GPE) student Ada Austin, gathered in Ibirapuera Park to celebrate the semester and bid farewell to student Anna Gonçalves. The group also visited the city's Museum of Contemporary Art (MAC), where they explored the Di Cavalcanti exhibition.

GLOBAL ENGAGEMENT PROGRAMS

Seven smiling students, 4 women and 3 men, proudly hold GLOBAL Competency Workshop Series certificates of achievement.

The Global Engagement Programs team celebrated new friendships and outstanding achievements at the ASAP and Exchange farewell party, recognizing seven students who earned an intercultural competence badge for their commitment to intercultural learning throughout their semester abroad.

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.

Originally published by Cory Hankins at global.nd.edu on June 04, 2026.