April 2022
Notre Dame students have taken the lead in community service and outreach this month. A group of 10 seniors and juniors, along with 4 faculty members spent a week at the border in El Paso, Texas as part of the Encuentro Project. Delgracia Sainvil '22 headed to Washington, DC as a member of a White House advisory panel on mental health for girls. Delgracia was also a featured speaker at Notre Dame's 65th Annual Chez Nous Benefit, which returned as an in-person event at Pier Sixty on March 19th. It was a joy to gather with families, alumnae, friends, and supporters on this sunny and successful day!
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This month four Notre Dame staff members, Sr. Virginia O'Brien, Sr. Mary Dolan,
Mr. Scott Vasey, and Ms. Ruthie Landry, along with ten students participated in
The Encuentro Project. The program offers a border immersion experience, and participants gain a greater understanding of the complex history and current realities of migration policy. As noted in the publication Crux; Taking the Catholic Pulse, The Encuentro Project facilitates interaction with the border community and seeks to "challenge the borders within [our] own communities that marginalize immigrants and refugees." The week in El Paso includes direct service with asylum seekers and refugees; education in Catholic Social Teaching on the topic of migration; analysis of the factors driving migration from Central America and Mexico into the US; opportunities for deepening understanding of border/migrant realities; and evening reflection and prayer.
Our ND contingent shared two community homes while in El Paso, from April 6 - 11. They visited the border and served in a shelter for migrants, They also met with immigration attorneys, border agents, immigration activists, and educators. Each day ended with evening reflection and prayer. We are so grateful to Sr. Mary for planning this important journey and for all our participants, who will share what they learned with our entire community later this spring.
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Delgracia Sainvil '22 Participates in White House Round Table |
Notre Dame senior Delgracia has long been an active member of Girls for Gender Equity (GGE), which works intergenerationally through a Black feminist lens, to achieve gender and racial justice. She was honored to represent GGE at a White House roundtable focused on girls and mental health on March 31. This meeting convened a small group of young women identified by leading national girls organizations and initiatives. It was hosted by the Gender Policy Council Director Jen Klein and included Ambassador Susan Rice, Assistant to the President and Director of the Domestic Policy Council, and other high-level Presidential advisors. President Biden has announced our nation’s mental health crisis as a priority.
Each representative in attendance was encouraged to offer their personal testimony regarding the stigma of mental health and the problems experienced specifically by young women. Topics included the influence of social media and the effect of the pandemic. Gracie highlighted her experience at Notre Dame with its strong counseling team and supportive circle of teachers and peers but noted that not all young women have that advantage.
After the meeting concluded, Gracie was delighted to encounter Vice President Kamala Harris in the hallway, who gave an impromptu talk about the importance of mental health initiatives.
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Major takeaways of the day for Gracie were how vital it is to focus on young girls, who are often overlooked in mental health conversations. She reflected, "Policy work requires collaboration." Her trip to the White House convinced her that "Somebody cares. They listened, They are working for change." Gracie also noted how inspiring it was to see women staffers in their twenties in powerful and impactful roles. |
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The 65th Annual
Chez Nous Benefit
Raises Spirits and Funds!
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ND's Glee Club starts the festivities |
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Alumnae enjoy the afternoon |
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Parent Volunteers smile at a job well done! |
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Pier Sixty, Chelsea Piers, was once again the site for Notre's Dame annual fundraising luncheon and auction. Our Glee Club welcomed over 400 attendees to the festivities. Guests mingled inside among the silent auction display tables and outside on the open terrace overlooking the Hudson River, drinks in hand, bids placed, and cameras ready. |
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Director of Development Beth Bixenman officially greeted guests as they made their ways to luncheon tables for a gourmet three-course meal. ND Board Chair
Rev. Vincent Biagi, SJ offered grace, and
Sr. Virginia presented the afternoon's important awards:
Mary Burke Heyman '55 was presented the prestigious Anne De Xainctonge award.
Julia Pilcer Lichtenstein, Esq. was presented with the Chez Nous Angel award. Amy Bell, Eileen Griffin O'Brien, and Louise O'Connor Delaney received the Chez Nous Parent awards.
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Student speakers
Delgracia Sainvill and Adithi Vimalanathan shared their reflections on the importance of Notre Dame in their lives. Their remarks were followed immediately with a paddle raise appeal for the school's vital scholarship and financial aid program.
Throughout the course of the afternoon, guests made generous pledges and bids, meeting the school's goal of raising $500, 000. We are so grateful to our loyal and philanthropic supporters and to Ruthie Landry, the chief event planner, our parent core committee, and school's entire development team!
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Sr. Virginia congratulates Anne de Xainctonge honoree Mary Burke Heyman '55 |
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And poses with Chez Nous Angel
Julia Pilcer Lichtenstein, Esq.
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Who are those mystery bidders? |
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Thank you to the Hunt Family! |
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327 West 13th Street
New York, New York 10014
www.cheznous.org
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