Previous Member Spotlights
How has YLND assisted you in connecting with other young professionals?
YLND was the first group I joined on campus and it really helped me to connect with young professionals through the fun group activities.
Favorite YLND memory
My first event we met at this great bar in South Bend and then went ice skating! However, the party didn't stop there! We then got tacos at a fun local hot spot. Great memories and got to meet some fun people!
What is your favorite "hidden secret" about Notre Dame?
I love the Notre Dame Fighting Irish spirit! Even during the pandemic, the community buckled down and did what we had to do to keep the campus running smoothly. Not to mention the absolute pride we all felt when we historically beat the number 1 Clemson in double overtime, what a game! I feel so lucky to be a part of this Fighting Irish community!
Fun fact about yourself
I love trying new foods and restaurants!
How has YLND assisted you in connecting with other young professionals?
YLND has been a godsend for helping me transition into the Notre Dame community. When I moved here from North Carolina, I didn't know anyone and I'm an introvert so it's hard for me to put myself out there. YLND had several intramural teams (before COVID hit) and that was the perfect segue for me to connect with other young people here. Now, YLND members are my core group of friends.
Favorite YLND memory
Playing dodgeball!
What is your favorite "hidden secret" about Notre Dame?
That we are actually a prominent research institution! Many people don't know that thousands of research animals are housed on campus.
Fun fact about yourself
One time a hawks talon went through my thumb.
How has YLND assisted you in connecting with other young professionals?
I moved back to South Bend in December 2019 and YLND was instrumental in reacquainting me with the University community. I have met so many great colleagues and friends through this group!
Favorite YLND memory
Mini-golfing in September was a great group activity that got us out of the house during the pandemic!
What is your favorite "hidden secret" about Notre Dame?
Rohr's / Morris Inn has probably the BEST coffee I have ever tasted!
Fun fact about yourself
Over the past four years I've spent New Years Eve in four different countries.
How has YLND assisted you in connecting with other young professionals?
YLND’s event programming has provided a number of great opportunities to make new connections and new friends since I returned to campus last year. On top of meeting people, the events are consistently fun, so it’s a win-win!
Favorite YLND memory
My favorite YLND memory has been catching wind of last year’s Christmas Party at the very last minute, deciding to rock up alone, and joining a team for the quiz. We didn’t win the quiz, but I had a great time feeling the holiday spirit amongst everyone in the room.
What is your favorite "hidden secret" about Notre Dame?
Decio Cafe's daily specials (when they reopen, of course).
Fun fact about yourself
There is an album of songs I wrote and recorded on iTunes & Spotify!
How has YLND assisted you in connecting with other young professionals?
YLND has been a great opportunity to meet people in other areas of the university I otherwise wouldn’t have met.
Favorite YLND memory
Ugly sweaters and trivia at the YLND Christmas Party!
What is your favorite "hidden secret" about Notre Dame?
I love finding spots to read on the upper floors of the library overlooking campus.
Fun fact about yourself
I’ve visited 13 national parks.
How has YLND assisted you in connecting with other young professionals?
As somewhat of an introvert, attending YLND events has been a way to come out of my shell a little bit and make friends with people across campus. Everyone is always so welcoming.
Favorite YLND memory
Virtual Trivia was a fun way to keep everyone connected even though we couldn't be together in person!
What is your favorite "hidden secret" about Notre Dame?
The fact that our ID's get us into certain sporting events is a great benefit of working on campus
Fun fact about yourself
I met my husband working at the Magic Kingdom in Walt Disney World!
How has YLND assisted you in connecting with other young professionals?
I really love YLND, I have made most of my friends through events and it really helped with my transition to South Bend and Notre Dame.
Favorite YLND memory
I'd have to say the volleyball and football league we participated in. We were so bad that it made it so much fun to just be together haha.
What is your favorite "hidden secret" about Notre Dame?
I've only been in my role for a year so I haven't had the chance to find any, but I'm open to folks letting me in on theirs!
Fun fact about yourself
I'm a social butterfly and love making new friends!
How has YLND assisted you in connecting with other young professionals?
It has allowed me to meet others outside of my department as well as outside the division I work within.
Favorite YLND memory
Christmas trivia!
What is your favorite "hidden secret" about Notre Dame?
Au Bon Pain in the Library has great coffee and food - highly recommend once it reopens!
Fun fact about yourself
I have a minigolden doodle named Louie :)
How has YLND assisted you in connecting with other young professionals?
The sheer fact that YLND existed when I first arrived on campus a few years ago was the first of many examples of how wonderful our Notre Dame community is. No where else have I had anything like this; it is truly special. I was lucky to meet a lot of good people across campus who are now my friends & support system.
Favorite YLND memory
Hands down: Christmas trivia
What is your favorite "hidden secret" about Notre Dame?
The boathouse.
Fun fact about yourself
I'm oddly good at throwing trick shots into trash cans
How has YLND assisted you in connecting with other young professionals?
YLND makes it easy to meet new people from many different departments and functions across campus. The variety of events offered make it easy to hang out in whatever setting you feel most comfortable.
Favorite YLND memory
Happy hour at The Garage and dominating at NBA Jam.
What is your favorite "hidden secret" about Notre Dame?
Tuba players in the band are the only ones that don't have to wear those huge band hats. (We got "awesome" berets instead...)
Fun fact about yourself
I was on TV and radio 6 times while living in South Korea.
How has YLND assisted you in connecting with other young professionals?
YLND has been wonderful for meeting people from throughout campus. I've especially enjoyed the virtual game nights and trivia during the pandemic!
Favorite YLND memory
I really have loved being part of the Christmas parties. It's so fun to connect with everyone, and the Christmas sweater competition is NOT to be missed!
What is your favorite "hidden secret" about Notre Dame?
The Charles B. Hayes Sculpture Park.
Fun fact about yourself
I have lived in both Japan and Dubai.
How has YLND assisted you in connecting with other young professionals?
I moved to the South Bend area not knowing anybody in the area, and was worried about making friends and connecting with people. YLND gave me the perfect opportunity to network with other younger people that work at the university, and allowed me to form a close group of friends! YLND also is a great opportunity to get out, socialize, and experience the great activities South Bend has to offer!
Favorite YLND memory
YLND Christmas Trivia night from this past year! The perfect night to showcase the things my building does on a daily basis, but also a great night of socializing with others and enjoying the season!
What is your favorite "hidden secret" about Notre Dame?
There are so many beautiful corners of campus that people don't get to see! It makes for a great walk or bike ride on a summer night!
Fun fact about yourself
In my free time, I work various local live entertainment events. Mostly with the Morris Performing Arts Center! Check out their awesome list of events! We just had the Lion King Tour, which was an incredible experience!
How has YLND assisted you in connecting with other young professionals?
By providing a large variety of events and experiences to encourage members to connect. There’s something for everyone!
Favorite YLND memory
Playing intramural sand volleyball. It was a great way to get to know other young leaders in a very informal way. Win or lose, we always had fun!
What is your favorite "hidden secret" about Notre Dame?
Access to a plethora of professional development tools, including LinkedIn Learning, Skillport, HR and OIT programs, and much more.
Fun fact about yourself
I have three dogs and I'm currently in the middle of renovating a 110 year-old home that previously belonged to my grandparents.
How has YLND assisted you in connecting with other young professionals?
Joining YLND has helped me build my network across campus both professionally and socially by creating opportunities for fellow young professionals to get together. I am exposed to people that I wouldn't meet otherwise because we work in such different areas.
Favorite YLND memory
My favorite memory so far is my first YLND event which was a happy hour at Rohr's. I remember how exciting it was to meet so many new people. Everyone was so welcoming and I immediately felt like I made a whole new group of friends on campus.
What is your favorite "hidden secret" about Notre Dame?
There are geocaches hidden all around campus.
Fun fact about yourself
I sing opera and have a sweet hound baby named Lucy.
How has YLND assisted you in connecting with other young professionals?
When accepting a position at Notre Dame two years ago, I was new to not only Notre Dame, but also to South Bend. In two years, I have been able to connect with many young professionals because of Young Leaders. From happy hours, to trivia nights, to playing softball and dodgeball with other young leaders, this organization has helped me meet others on campus that I normally wouldn't interact with. It's given me a wide network of people that I feel comfortable in reaching out to shall I never need anything!
Favorite YLND memory
Probably playing Intramural Sports with our newly formed group! What started out as an idea, ended up with two seasons of Intramurals (thus far), and a group of us that have a special bond and experience we all share. We're looking forward to others joining us in seasons to come!
What is your favorite "hidden secret" about Notre Dame?
As a marketing professional, I'm all about details! Notre Dame has an Editorial Style Guide that many seem to be unaware of! From dates, to times, to how to spell out different Notre Dame associated terms, this Style Guide has it all! Whether it be you need it for your website, or even when you're writing an email, I think it's a great resource to utilize in all communications.
Fun fact about yourself
Not sure if this is fun or not....but I cut my head open wakeboarding in college and had to get 15 staples! Needless to say, I typically stick to water skiing now!
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