National security

From chaplains serving in the Civil War to today's research partnerships, Notre Dame continues its proud relationship with the United States military.

A large formation of ROTC cadets stands on the University of Notre Dame lawn, with the Golden Dome visible between two rows of trees. A group of Air Force ROTC cadets in blue uniforms stand in formation, with a diverse line of five cadets visible in profile. A gray fighter jet with the number '240' on its wings performs a catapult launch from the deck of an aircraft carrier over deep blue water.

Article

Fighting to serve others before self

Notre Dame kicker brings his military leadership onto both campus and the gridiron.

A service member in uniform renders a salute next to the U.S. flag before a stone archway bearing the University of Notre Dame seal and the motto 'God Country Notre Dame.'

Article

Fighting for our Military Community

A traumatic brain injury prompted an Army veteran to research the prevention of TBIs in others.

A close-up shows a hand adjusting ribbon racks and badges on a dark green military dress uniform jacket lying on a wooden surface next to a maroon beret.
  1. A smiling man in a U.S. Army OCP uniform stands before an American flag.

    News

    Shared values, shared journey

    Discover how Army veteran Matthew Kaufmann and his wife Melissa found a “home away from home” at Notre Dame's Mendoza College of Business, where ethical leadership and family values align with military service.

  2. Two smiling pilots in olive flight suits hold a large navy blue Notre Dame flag with a gold ND logo, standing on a tarmac with a gray military jet in the background.

    News

    Piloting a Life of Service

    Air Force Fighter Pilot and Notre Dame MBA student Max “Money” Navarro is on a mission to learn and to serve.

  3. A smiling man in a white pilot's helmet and olive green flight suit, wearing an American flag patch, pilots a helicopter. He grins from the cockpit, holding a control stick, with lush green, rocky cliffs visible beyond the window.

    News

    In the Navy, at Notre Dame, and beyond, Andrew Shea seeks to serve

    Andrew Shea first came to Notre Dame rooting against the Irish as a Navy midshipman, but his experiences in South Bend left a lasting impression. Years later, he returned to pursue his MBA at the Mendoza College of Business, where he feels community and values-driven leadership have guided his educational and personal growth.

  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

    Notre Dame Naval ROTC Commanding Officer CAPT John C. Smith presents University of Notre Dame President Rev. Robert A. Dowd, C.S.C., with a certificate from the Department of Defense recognizing the University's Naval ROTC program as the best in the nation. (Photo by Matt Cashore/University of Notre Dame) The United...

  6. A stone carving above a doorway with the words, ‘God, Country, Notre Dame&rsquoi; flanked by two eagle-like figures.

    Article

    God, country, Notre Dame

    The University’s long, close history with military service

  7. A lone person in a dark military uniform and beret stands at attention in front of a tall, illuminated stone fountain at night.

    Video

    Veterans Day at Notre Dame: ROTC Vigil

    Each Veterans Day, Army, Navy and Air Force Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) cadets keep vigil for 24 hours at the Clarke Memorial Fountain. Cadets have 30-minute shifts, rain or shine.

  8. A group of people stand at the top of the Trail of the Fallen near West Point, a steep hike that ends at a large mound of stones that have been carried up and placed in memory of soldiers who have died in military conflicts. In the foreground is the American flag.

    Article

    Reasons to serve

    History, West Point, and 9/11 memorial inspire ND ROTC students in New York.

  9. The United States Navy and Marine Corps flags hang alongside other flags, shown in a close-up view.

    Article

    Welcome aboard

    Prep program offers pathway to Notre Dame for deserving students

  10. Two old black-and-white photos and a small postcard lie on a wooden surface.

    Article

    A temporary tribe

    Vetville memories reveal how communities thrive

  11. A person in a green shirt with ‘FIGHTIN IRISH BATTALION’on the back stands facing a group of people on a field.

    Article

    Above and beyond

    Notre Dame cadet Nicole Butler named ROTC student of the year

  12. A wooden surface with two photos of military personnel and a Purple Heart medal.

    Article

    From soldier to scholar

    New initiative aims to recruit more military veterans

  13. When Four Stars Align Panel 03 1200

    News

    High-ranking military alumni share purpose, advice for next generation of leaders

    Laura McAleer (center) moderated the conversation with Adm. Christopher W. Grady (left) and Gen. Bryan P. Fenton (right) during a panel discussion presented by the Notre Dame Alumni Association, the Notre Dame International Security Center and the Office of Military and Veterans Affairs. (Photo by Matt Cashore/University of Notre Dame)...

  14. The Basilica, US flag and Main Building. Photo by Barbara Johnston/University of Notre Dame

    News

    Notre Dame steps up support for military-connected students

    Long recognized as a leader in training students preparing for military careers, and as a partner to the United States military, the University of Notre Dame has once again strengthened its commitment to those who serve thanks to the expansion of the University’s Yellow Ribbon Program. Starting with the 2020-21...

  15. A historical painting depicting a priest in black vestments standing on rocks to address a large formation of kneeling and seated soldiers in blue Civil War uniforms.

    Article

    Echoes: Gettysburg, 1863

    William Corby lay dying, stretched out on a bare wooden plank aboard a Union army steamer that was transporting sick and wounded soldiers north up the Chesapeake Bay toward Washington, D.C.

Discover and engage
  1. Broadly smiling woman with dark hair in a navy jacket with gold buttons, arms crossed, in front of bookshelves.

    Podcast

    What happened to the traditional American family?

    The American family has changed dramatically over the past four decades, raising urgent questions about marriage, economic stability, and child well-being.

  2. Statue of Sacred Heart of Jesus, two lit candles, surrounded by worn black and brown shoes and scattered red tokens on wood.

    Article

    A saint of our own?

    The humble piety of Notre Dame cobbler Brother Columba inspires a canonization push.

  3. Golden Dome and Basilica of the Sacred Heart silhouetted against a red and orange sunset, reflected in a Notre Dame lake.

    Photo Essay

    A model March

    Semester in full swing, snow, sun, fun, madness, and mulch.

  4. Congregation and clergy gather at the Basilica of the Sacred Heart with a purple banner and white-draped coffin.

    Photo Essay

    Remembrance and appreciation

    Lou Holtz, 1937–2026

  5. Smiling man with gray hair wearing a navy blazer, light blue dress shirt, and blue striped tie with orange accents, seated in a conference room with artwork and a monitor visible in the blurred background.

    Article

    A dignity movement

    2026 Laetare Medalist Timothy Shriver

  6. Smiling older man with short gray hair wearing a gray blazer and light blue shirt, set against a deep blue background overlaid with colorful financial candlestick chart graphics in teal, pink, and red.

    Podcast

    How do you measure success?

    Mendoza professor Joe Holt joins Jenna Liberto to talk purpose-driven goals, meaningful work, and redefining success.

  7. Students and three priests in white vestments gather for a night mass around a lit snow chapel and altar, snow-covered Sorin Hall in background.

    Photo Essay

    Between winter and spring

    The month in photos, February 2026

  8. Side-by-side black and white portraits. On the left, a man with wavy hair and a patterned blazer is shown in a grainy halftone style. On the right, Father Theodore Hesburgh, C.S.C., in a clerical collar, looks thoughtfully to the left.

    Article

    The press vs. the power

    Observer founder Robert Sam Anson had a contentious yet strong relationship with ND President Father Hesburgh.

  9. A woman with short dark hair smiles slightly while looking off-camera. She wears a brown, fleece-lined winter jacket. In the background, snow rests on dried plants in front of a tan brick wall.

    Podcast

    Cold plunges and unicorns

    Anthropologist Cara Ocobock reveals what extreme cold reveals about our bodies and human resilience, and why hunting a “unicorn” is harder than it looks.