An abundance of gratitude

Dear Notre Dame Community,

It is with a heart filled with gratitude that I write this final letter to you. Gratitude for this place, Notre Dame San Jose; gratitude for the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur who in 1985 took a chance on a young mother and hired her to teach French here; gratitude for the thousands of Notre Dame students who have enlivened my life; gratitude for the Notre Dame mission that has taught me about God’s goodness, social justice and women's leadership. My heart is bursting with gratitude!

And what better way to end my final letter than to celebrate the Class of 2023? They, like classes before them, are high-spirited, engaging, challenging people who are ready to make their mark on the world. I am sure you will agree with me as you read about them in this issue.

Adding to my joy is a warm welcome to the new Head of School, Ashley Rae Mathis. I know the Notre Dame community will revel in her warm embrace, and that she will bring this community forward to new vistas and a mission-inspired future. I cannot wait to read about it along with you. Welcome, Ashley Rae!

One more gratitude I must share, and that is for you, the Notre Dame community. Thank you for your love and friendship over these many years.

I treasure many St. Julie quotes, and I close with this one: Ah, qu'il est bon, le bon Dieu! How good is the good God!

In Notre Dame,

MARY BETH RILEY