2025 year in review

Sustainers of hope

How Notre Dame pursued breakthroughs for a world in need in 2025.

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The University welcomed 2025 with our same steadfast commitment to becoming the Notre Dame the world needs: a leading global, Catholic research university for the 21st century. From research and scholarship that aid in advancing humankind, to the holistic formation taking place in the lives of our students, the year gave new life to the principles that have guided Our Lady's University for more than 180 years.

University

Empowering achievement

Recognizing a few of the people, programs and events that highlighted 2025.

A diverse group of University of Notre Dame graduates in black caps and gowns with blue, gold, and green stoles stand and smile together. Behind them, a massive crowd of spectators fills the tiered seating of Notre Dame Stadium.

University

  1. Digital illustration of a blue neural network with the letters AI at the center of a glowing brain outline. Connecting lines and nodes feature tech icons, including a QR code, binary code, and gears, set against a dark blue background with bokeh light.

    News

    Notre Dame receives $50 million grant from Lilly Endowment for the DELTA Network, a faith-based approach to AI ethics

    Led by the Notre Dame Institute for Ethics and the Common Good (ECG), this grant will fund the further development of a shared, faith-based ethical framework that scholars, religious leaders, tech leaders, teachers, journalists, young people and the broader public can draw upon to discern appropriate uses of artificial intelligence, or AI.

  3. Silhouette of a graduating student wearing a mortarboard, with the Basilica of the Sacred Heart at Notre Dame blurred in the background.

    Article

    Celebrating the Class of 2025

    Honoring achievement at the 180th commencement ceremonies.

  2. Golden statue of Mary atop the Main Building's gold dome at the University of Notre Dame, against a blue sky with white clouds.

    News

    Notre Dame’s theology department ranked best in the world

    The University of Notre Dame has been ranked as the world’s best theology, divinity, and religious studies program by the influential QS World University Rankings. This is the fourth time since 2020 the Department of Theology has received the No. 1 distinction.

  4. A U.S. Marine in uniform stands at attention next to a priest in a black coat and collar, who is smiling while accepting a framed Department of Defense certificate from a smiling U.S. Navy service member in camouflage uniform. They are outdoors in a courtyard with campus buildings in the background.

    News

    Notre Dame’s Naval ROTC program named best in nation

    The United States Department of Defense has honored the University of Notre Dame’s Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps (ROTC) as the nation’s top Navy collegiate program for the 2023-24 academic year. This comes after the Department of Defense, also called the Department of War, bestowed the same honor on the...

Research

Advancing human understanding

Discoveries made while seeking knowledge to aid in human flourishing.

Rows of clear glass Erlenmeyer flasks with white markings are illuminated by a vibrant blue light.
  1. A student wearing safety glasses and blue gloves uses a scientific instrument emitting a purple plasma beam.

    Article

    Research worth fighting for

    As one of America's leading research institutions, Notre Dame has long been at the forefront of finding answers to the most pressing questions facing our communities.

  2. Close-up of a model spine with a small, white, rectangular implant between two vertebrae. Red and yellow spinal ligaments are visible.

    Video

    Finding fusion

    A partnership between a Notre Dame engineer and a neurosurgeon at Beacon Health System's Memorial Hospital has led to a novel implant for spinal fusion surgeries. (2 minute watch)
  3. Single peanut in the shell on a reflective surface, with a blurred background of more peanuts against a warm, red and orange backdrop.

    Article

    From reaction to resolution: The future of allergy treatment

    How a child’s simple request led to an extraordinary breakthrough in peanut allergy treatment.

  4. A serious man in a dark blue shirt and glasses stands with his arms crossed in front of a colorful hurricane projection.

    Podcast

    Improving hurricane forecasts

    13 minutes

    How do you improve hurricane forecasts? By studying one of the most powerful and destructive forces on Earth up close—where the ocean meets the atmosphere.

  5. A scientist with gray hair and glasses, wearing a blue lab coat with a 'Myung Laboratory' patch, stands with his arms crossed in a brightly lit blue laboratory setting.

    Podcast

    New tech to help stop the spread of bird flu

    14 minutes

    In this podcast episode of Notre Dame Stories, discover how researchers are helping farmers detect disease before it spreads using an innovative electronic nose.

  6. A person views a projected chart showing a large increase in earnings for graduates.

    Podcast

    Fighting poverty: Research helping our communities

    41 minutes

    By collaborating with policymakers, local leaders, and global networks, Notre Dame is bridging the gap between poverty research and real-world impact. Learn how Notre Dame is driving change—and why this work matters.

  4. Hands cradle a white paper family of four, overlaid with

    News

    Notre Dame’s College of Arts & Letters and Poverty Initiative launch research endeavor focused on evidence-based ways to strengthen families

    In partnership with the University of Notre Dame’s Poverty Initiative, the College of Arts & Letters has launched an interdisciplinary research endeavor aimed at building and disseminating evidence that will inform policy to strengthen families, support parents and improve child well-being. Led by Melissa Kearney, the Strengthening Families Research Initiative has...

Global

Expanding horizons

Highlighting where Notre Dame met the world and where the world met Notre Dame.

A vibrant Tokyo cityscape at dusk featuring the Fuji Television building and glowing light trails from traffic on a multi-lane highway.
  1. Aerial view of the University of Notre Dame. The Basilica of the Sacred Heart's tall spire stands left of the Main Building with its iconic Golden Dome and Our Lady's statue, surrounded by green trees under a blue sky.

    News

    Notre Dame receives $2.5 million gift from Coca-Cola to expand entrepreneurship programs into FIFA World Cup 26 host cities

    The Coca-Cola Company in North America has awarded a $2.5 million gift to the University of Notre Dame’s Urban Poverty and Business Initiative (UPBI). The initiative brings together universities and nonprofit organizations committed to alleviating poverty and helping low-income and underprivileged individuals launch and grow sustainable businesses. The gift will enable...

  5. A woman with blond/brown hair in a gray suit, Olena Zelenska, speaks at a podium. Framed on either side are the flags of the United States and Ukraine. Behind her directly is a banner for the Global Coalition of Ukrainian Studies.

    News

    University of Notre Dame joins the Global Coalition of Ukrainian Studies

    The University of Notre Dame has joined the Global Coalition of Ukrainian Studies after signing a memorandum of cooperation, formalized Sept. 24, at the Ukrainian Institute of America in New York City. Notre Dame joined four other American institutions that were also publicly welcomed to the coalition at this event:...

  7. A composite image featuring a concentric circle design. The center of the circle is an image of the Golden dome, overlaid with a navy blue circle with the academic seal of the University of Notre Dame. The rings of the circle feature multiple images of people from around the world.

    News

    University of Notre Dame wins award for excellence in campus internationalization

    In recognition of its outstanding commitment to internationalization both on campus and across the globe, the University of Notre Dame has been selected to receive the 2025 Senator Paul Simon Award for Comprehensive Internationalization. Named for the late Sen. Paul Simon, a longtime proponent of international education, the award is given...

Faith and service

Cultivating the heart

Building bridges to understanding, connection and hope.

Lit votive candles in glass holders sit on a black metal rack at the Grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes.
  1. Two priests in black suits and clerical collars clasp their hands and smile as they speak with Pope Francis, who is seen from behind wearing his white zucchetto and cassock.

    Article

    Pope Francis’s lasting impact on Notre Dame

    In February 2024, Pope Francis met with the University of Notre Dame’s Board of Trustees at the Vatican for the final time.

  2. A woman with shoulder-length brown hair, wearing a fuchsia blazer and white shirt, smiles with her hands clasped in front of her in a small chapel. A crucifix and altar are visible in the background.

    Article

    Leading through service

    Laetare Medal winner Kerry Alys Robinson builds trust in the Church by meeting human needs.

  3. The skeletal dome and ruined brick walls of the Hiroshima Peace Memorial, viewed through green foliage.

    Video

    A pilgrimage of peace

    80 years after Hiroshima and Nagasaki: Notre Dame student reflections. (5 minute watch)
  4. A man in a dark pinstripe suit and gold bow tie stands before the U.S. Supreme Court building. He wears glasses and looks upward.

    Podcast

    Faith and freedom: Dean Marcus Cole on religious liberty

    20 minutes

    G. Marcus Cole, Professor of Law at Notre Dame Law School, shares why protecting religious freedom—especially for minority and land-based faiths—is essential to safeguarding all human rights. Learn how Notre Dame is fighting for religious freedom in all its forms—and how future lawyers are learning to do the same.

  1. University President Rev. Robert A. Dowd, C.S.C., in black clerical attire, broadly smiles while shaking hands with Pope Leo XIV, a smiling man in white papal robes and a white zucchetto.

    News

    Pope Leo XIV receives Notre Dame leadership in private audience

    University of Notre Dame President Rev. Robert A. Dowd, C.S.C. — accompanied by John Veihmeyer, Chair of the Board of Trustees, and his wife, Beth; Rev. Austin I. Collins, C.S.C., vice president for mission engagement and Church affairs; and Ann M. Firth, vice president and chief of staff — was...

Community/Region

Local impact

Partnering with our neighbors to achieve mutual success.

Aerial view of downtown South Bend, Indiana, featuring the St. Joseph River and the Century Center complex.
  1. Aerial view of a residential neighborhood with two homes under construction. The wooden frames of the houses are visible, and construction workers are on site. Trucks and equipment are parked nearby. Surrounding the construction site are established homes with yards and driveways.

    Article

    Habitat partnership bears fruit for homebuyers in South Bend

    Joel Gibbs was about five years into his job as a maintenance technician at the University of Notre Dame when the message arrived in his inbox.

  2. A white man wearing a gray winter jacket and a lanyard is standing next to prison bars.

    Article

    Prisons of our own perceptions

    Scott Jackson’s Acting Shakespeare class is a transformative experience.

  2. Two smiling men in suits, one with a gray beard and one with glasses, sit at a white table. They both hold pens over documents in blue folders, prepared to sign. Bright windows are in the background.

    News

    Notre Dame, Beacon Health System announce new, multiyear research collaboration

    The University of Notre Dame and Beacon Health System have announced a new, multiyear research collaboration. Through this agreement, Notre Dame and Beacon will jointly develop collaborative, health-focused research projects that are of interest to both organizations, particularly in the areas of oncology and health data.

What would you fight for?

We are the Fighting Irish

A look at the stories featured this year in the University's award-winning campaign.

A woman in a teal jacket and colorful skirt stands in a classroom with orange and yellow walls.
  1. Satellite image of a hurricane with a clearly defined eye over a blue gridded map.

    Article

    Fighting to improve hurricane forecasts

    Researchers at Notre Dame are improving hurricane forecast accuracy, giving officials time to evacuate and protect residents.

  2. A chicken looking toward the camera in a farm setting.

    Article

    Fighting for faster virus detection

    An electronic nose developed by Notre Dame researchers is helping sniff out bird flu biomarkers for faster detection and fewer sick birds.

  3. A woman with brown curly hair and red lipstick holds a baby wearing a denim jacket and black bow headband.

    Article

    Fighting for maternal health

    The US has the highest maternal mortality rate of developed nations. An innovative postpartum care model from Notre Dame can save mothers around the globe.

  4. A gloved hand holds a petri dish with purple liquid drops, and a pipette is dispensing more liquid into one of the drops.

    Article

    Fighting to cure brain cancer

    To better understand glioblastoma, an aggressive brain cancer, a Notre Dame researcher thought outside the box—and off planet Earth.

  5. Silhouette of a person in a green shirt with arms crossed looking out over a densely built, hazy cityscape.

    Article

    Fighting to educate children in Ghana

    Soccer opened doors for student-athlete Daniel Boateng, so he’s leveraging the sport to offer opportunities for kids in his native Ghana.

  6. Aerial view of the classical, domed former Gary City Hall building with a 'Welcome to Gary' sign on the front lawn.

    Article

    Fighting for community regeneration

    Gary, Indiana, has been a song lyric, a cultural hub, a stigma, a city to rush past, but now it is poised to revitalize, thanks in part to Notre Dame's School of Architecture.

A single bolt of lighting strikes behind the main building and the Basilica of the Sacred Heart on a foggy and stormy evening near the campus of the University of Notre Dame.Smoke pours out of an urn during Evening Mass of the Lord's Supper at the Basilica of the Sacred Heart.

Year in photos

25 images of 2025

From the changing built environment to the changing seasons, every one of the 365 days of 2025 looked different. Notre Dame photographers have to be ready when the lightning strikes—sometimes literally!

2025 year in review photo essay

A transparent grayscale overlay of the main building of the University of Notre Dame.
A transparent grayscale overlay of a circuit board.
A transparent grayscale overlay of the globe located in Hurley Hall on the campus of the University of Notre Dame.
A transparent grayscale overlay of a Crucifix in the Basilica of the Sacred Heart on the campus of the University of Notre Dame.
A transparent grayscale overlay of Notre Dame Avenue leading straight to downtown South Bend, Indiana.
A transparent grayscale overlay of an image of a flag atop of Notre Dame Stadium.
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