Stories by Maura Sullivan Hill

As the first in her family to graduate college, Joan Mileski '79 now works to support today's first-generation students as a professor and head of the Department of Maritime Business Administration at Texas A&M-Galveston.

After graduating from Notre Dame’s ROTC program, Kelechi Ndukwe '02 was one of two African American officers on the ship in his first Navy posting. Now a commander, in 2021 he became the second Nigerian American to command a U.S. Navy destroyer and now serves as a mentor to younger sailors.

Jessica Pedroza ’17, a 2021 Domer Dozen honoree, is working to increase equity in the U.S. education system through legislative action.

Lisa Herb '88 founded the Alliance for International Women's Rights to support women in developing countries. Until August 2021 when the country fell back under Taliban rule, AIWR focused its efforts in Afghanistan and is now working with other groups to help Afghan women leaders flee the country for their safety.

In living out his faith while staying true to his identity, Greg Bourke '82 M.A., author of Gay, Catholic, and American from Notre Dame Press, strives to increase representation for LGBTQ Catholics.

Sr. Corinne Florek '80 M.B.A. is revolutionizing how women's religious communities invest for the common good.

Alum devoted legal career to helping those most in need in his community.

Engineering alums create lasting impact teaching children in Jamaica and Haiti self-esteem, leadership, and character at summer basketball camp.

Alum strives to make the world a better place as the first African American chair of the United Negro College Fund.

Alumna reaches children through art as a Catholic children's book illustrator.

Alumna advocates for fairer democracy practices throughout the country

Alum serves as an advocate for fellow veterans in Tampa's Veterans Treatment Court.

As the first Black leader of a National Cancer Institute-designated cancer center, alum prioritizes patient care and community-building.

Alumna devotes research to improving socio-technical systems — making anything from public transit to nuclear power more equitable.

Alum spends his second act representing the poor and underserved as head of Legal Aid Chicago.

More than 20 years after Demetrius DuBose '93 was shot and killed by police, former teammate John Kouris '96 seeks to keep is memory alive in new documentary film.

Alumna uses platform to make healthy eating accessible, affordable, and delicious.

Alumna makes technology education more accessible at South Bend Code School.

"I want people to continue to discover the beauty and the richness of mathematics. And in this way, we can improve math education in Panama and in the world.”

Alumna creates a virtual community for families of children with special health care needs.

Alum is committing his empty-nest years to serving refugees at the border.

Notre Dame alums marry expertise with passion for social justice

Alumna supports refugee mothers in Denver

A Notre Dame club scholarship changed the course of Dr. Richard Gacek's life

Using technology and data collection to assist the underserved and marginalized

Alumna educates immigrants to improve their access to health care

Young alum strives to support uninsured and at-risk students

Alumna leads organization that provides legal services

“I saw a need that I couldn’t turn away from”