Nathaniel Hanson, Ph.D., ’19
Dr. Christy Lucas ‘16
Redefining the Narrative of Patient-Centered Care
In the quiet spaces of pediatric oncology, Dr. Christy Lucas ‘16 finds purpose in being a faithful narrator—helping patients and families tell, to the very last pages, the stories they never thought they’d have to write.
Stephanie Gharakhanian ’07
Unearthing Power from the In-Between
Stephanie Gharakhanian ’07 is comfortable in liminal spaces.
She’s always balanced two distinct cultural identities. A first-generation American, Gharakhanian is the daughter of an Iranian father and an Italian mother, which gave her empathy for others living between cultures. And that led her to El Paso, Texas, at the southern border of the United States, where she worked first as a member of the Jesuit Volunteer Corps and then at Annunciation House, an organization that offers hospitality to immigrants and refugees.
Dr. Stephen Lancaster
Using His Voice
Brady Stiller
From Thesis to Published Work
Rebecca Blais
Using Data for Social Change
Monica Patankar
From Law to Hollywood
Taylor Clagett & Christopher Ban
Winning for Others
Susan & Gary Milligan
Off and Running
Phil Sklar
A One-of-a-Kind Museum
Erin Potempa-Wall
Bringing Red Carpet Beauty to All
Tom Jensen
From Senior Bar Manager to Co-Founder of Connacht Distillery
Celebrating Our Hispanic Alumni
In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, the Notre Dame Alumni Association looks back at some of our outstanding Hispanic alumni who have dedicated their professional and personal lives towards being a force for good in the world.
Jorge Schippers ’07
Creating Change Through E-Commerce
Jorge Schippers ’07 has always wanted to create something that could make a positive impact. After years of learning from some of the best in the industry, he brought that vision to life with Pacifiko—an e-commerce marketplace expanding access to affordable products across Central America.
Daara Jalili ’17, ’19 M.Ed.
Fueling Minds and Fighting Fires
As a former athlete, teacher, and current firefighter, Daara Jalili ’17, ’19 M.Ed. has always been committed to protecting, educating, and inspiring those around him. And while he’s done so in a variety of ways, community has always been at the heart of his efforts.
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2025 Mother's Day
Sharing Our Mothers' Stories
This Mother’s Day, the Notre Dame Alumni Association has compiled past We Are ND stories from mothers and mother figures in the Notre Dame community.
Anna McGinn ’22 J.D.
Fighting a Flawed System
The pursuit of justice isn’t one that ends in the courtroom. For Anna McGinn ’22 J.D. and her clients at the Great North Innocence Project, it’s a lifelong commitment.
Celebrating Our Black Alumni
In honor of Black History Month, this We Are ND story collection highlights just a handful of the many Black Alumni of Notre Dame who have used their talents and commitment to make a positive impact on the world.
Dr. Jim O’Connell ’70
Street Doctor
What began as only a yearlong commitment, launched a lifelong passion for Dr. Jim O’Connell ’70.
Since 1985, when he helped found the Boston Health Care for the Homeless Program (BHCHP), Dr. O’Connell has been dedicated to providing comprehensive medical care for the homeless population in his community.
Annette Hasbrook '85
Unexpected Trajectory
It was never a part of the plan to work for NASA. But when life opens a door to the unknown, Annette Hasbrook ’85 says, give it a chance — after all, it is humanity’s destiny to explore.
Notre Dame Club of Mid-Hudson Valley
Toy Story
Since 1991, the Notre Dame Club of Mid-Hudson Valley has welcomed local alumni, parents, and friends for an annual 11-hour bus trip to campus for a football game, open to all who love the Fighting Irish regardless of affiliation.
Joseph Earl Thomas ’19 MFA
A Curious Mind
On his way to working in medicine, Joseph Earl Thomas ’19 MFA decided to become a writer instead.
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Kisa Matlin '17
Finding Home
To Kisa Matlin ’17, home is a feeling. Sometimes this feeling comes natural, and other times, it has to be created. Matlin seeks to cultivate home — in people, in place, and as a teacher.
Monica Macek '95
Returning Home to Build for the Future
When Monica Macek ’95 left her home on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation in South Dakota to attend Notre Dame, she didn’t think she’d be going back.
John '92 J.D. and Megan Crowley '19
Manufacturing a Miracle
John Crowley '92 J.D. has spent his life trying to find a cure for the rare disease that afflicts his two children.
Jim Sullivan '77 and Erin Dwyer '77
A Perfect Match
Jim Sullivan '77 donated a kidney to his Keenan Hall roommate, Erin Dwyer '77.
Stephanie Mulhern Ogorzalek '11
Advancing Women's Rights Around the Globe
As director of global gender issues at the White House, Stephanie Mulhern Ogorzalek '11 sees a direct connection between her work and her life as a working mom of two.
Greer Hannan '09, '14 MNA, '15 M.Div.
Becoming Fully Alive
Now serving as the associate director of performance quality improvement and compliance at St. Vincent de Paul in Louisville, Kentucky, Greer Hannan '09 reflects on moments of “aliveness” that inspired her to serve those on the margins.
Ashley Kyalwazi '18
Empowering the Next Generation of Healthcare Professionals
Ashley Kyalwazi '18 is determined to help build and advocate for equitable systems of care, with a clear focus on improving health outcomes among marginalized communities.
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Dr. Kendra Washington-Bass '94
Creating Pathways of Opportunity for Future Black Domers
Kendra Washington-Bass ’94 uses her expertise in education to empower Black students at Notre Dame as the board chair of the Black Alumni of Notre Dame.
Riley Ellingsen ’22 M.S. and Danny Fritz ’22 M.S.
Envisioning Greater Accessibility
By the time Danny Fritz ’22 M.S. and Riley Ellingsen ’22 M.S. graduated from the 11-month ESTEEM master’s program at Notre Dame, they had co-founded a start-up, earned seed money to start developing their innovative product, and now dedicate themselves to expanding accessibility options for people who are deaf and hard-of-hearing.
