Print Edition for The Observer for Friday, August 27, 2021

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Volume 56, Issue 3 | Friday, AUGUST 27, 2021 | ndsmcobserver.com

Senate convenes for first meeting of year Student leaders discuss limited dining hall hours, announce full observance of MLK Jr. Day

By MAGGIE EASTLAND Associate News Editor

Editor’s Note: A version of this story was published online Aug. 25.

Seated in a close-knit square formation, markedly different from the scattered auditorium seating and masked faces of senate meetings last year, the student senate convened for the first meeting of the academic year Wednesday evening in the Notre Dame Room at LaFortune Student Center.

During the meeting, student body president Allan Njomo announced the University will fully observe Martin Luther King Jr. Day on January 17 of this academic year. A senate resolution calling on the

University to allow for a full observance of the day passed last March.

The senate is made up of representatives from every residence hall, student union leaders and senate executives including Njomo, vice president Matthew Bisner and chief of staff Alix Basden.

Throughout the academic year, the senate brings student concerns before University administration by discussing, debating and passing resolutions requiring a two-third quorum.

In the first meeting of the 2021-2022 academic year, many senators voiced concerns over limited campus dining hours, especially during weekends

MAGGIE EASTLAND | The Observer

see SENATE PAGE 3

Senators had no official legislation to discuss at their first meeting but will soon have more on the agenda.

The student group announced that the University will fully observe Martin Luther King Jr. Day this year.

Campus Ministry SAGE Club aims to educate on LGBTQ+ issues hosts ‘Feed Your Faith’ festival

By CRYSTAL RAMIREZ Associate News Editor

Editor’s Note: A version of this story was published online Aug. 25.

The Sexuality and Gender Equity Club (SAGE) — formerly the Sexuality and Gender Alliance Club — is a new club at Saint Mary’s that aims to

educate others about gender, sex and attraction in addition to race and ethnicity.

SAGE’s future events will include discussion circles, poetry readings and storytelling.

Because of COVID-19, the club will establish an online community and support system this semester in order to ensure there are resources readily available to any student who

may need them.

SAGE president Francesca Giuliano said she decided to run for club president to address what she believed was a lack of support for LGBTQ+ students.

“I happened to be talking to Liz Coulston and I asked her why we don’t have some sort

see SAGE CLUB PAGE 4

College begins program for free menstrual cups

By GENEVIEVE COLEMAN Saint Mary’s News Editor

This semester, Saint Mar y’s is encouraging students to consider an alternative to traditional menstrual products by giv ing away free menstrual cups between Sept. 1 through Sept. 15 in coordination w ith the Campus

NEWS PAGE 5

Cup project.

According to its website, the initiative desires to “make sure menstrual cups are at ever y student’s disposal.” The menstrual cups are branded as OrganiCups because of their use of sustainable material and packaging.

W hen professor and EcoBelles adv isor Melissa

Viewpoint PAGE 7

Bialko learned about Campus Cup through her membership w ith the Association for the Advancement of Sustainabilit y in Higher Education (AASHE), she was amazed by the organization’s commitment to both people and the environment. see CAMPUS CUP PAGE 5

SCENE PAGE 9

ALYSA GUFFEY | The Observer

Campus Ministry hosted Feed Your Faith Wednesday night on South Quad. Around 40 student groups were invited to meet with attendees.

By ALYSA GUFFEY News Editor

Editor’s Note: A version of this story was published online Aug. 25.

Roughly 40 student groups set up and decorated stands throughout South Quad to connect with students of all different faiths as part of the

W SOCCER PAGE 16

University’s annual “Feed Your Faith” event Wednesday evening. Hosted by Campus Ministry, the event encourages students to pursue whatever faith they connect with, from Catholicism to Judaism.

Fr. Pete McCormick, director of Campus Ministry, said the event began about five years see FAITH PAGE 3

M SOCCER PAGE 16

2

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The observer | Friday, AUGUST 27, 2021 | ndsmcobserver.com

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GAB PENNA | The Observer

Students walk across campus to class and other activities with the Notre Dame Law School in the background. Undergraduate students began classes Monday, August 23. The first week of school saw very high temperatures with a heat warning issued Tuesday.

The next Five days:

Want your event included here?

Email news@ndsmcobserver.com

Friday

Saturday

Sunday

Monday

Tuesday

Book Panel Jenkins Nanovic Hall Rm 1030 12:15 p.m. - 1:45 p.m.

Free and open to the public.

Sample the Snite Snite Museum of Art 2 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.

Stop by to sample all the Snite has to offer.

Basilica Mass Basilica of the Sacred Heart 10 a.m. & 12 p.m.

All are invited and welcome.

Kellogg Open House Debartolo Quad 4 - 6 p.m.

Students are welcome to learn about Kellogg programs.

Need to Talk Coleman-Morse Center 5 -7 p.m.

Hosted by Campus Ministry. All welcome.

Basilica Mass Basilica of the Sacred Heart 5:15 p.m.

All are invited and welcome.

Daily Rosary Grotto 6:45 p.m.

Come to the grotto to join in the daily rosary.

All are welcome.

“A Midsummer Night’s Dream” Irish Green 7:30 p.m.- 10:30 p.m.

Everyone welcome.

Tickets required.

Activities Fair Notre Dame Stadium 7 - 10 p.m.

Student groups set up to introduce students to extracurriculars.

Home Under the Dome Fieldhouse Mall 6 - 8 p.m.

Succulents and decorations for sale.

News

ndsmcobserver.com | Friday, AUGUST 27, 2021 | The Observer

3

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Senate Continued from page 1

and late at night.

The co-directors of student life, senior Claire Murphy and junior Ethan Terrell, said they plan to meet with Campus Dining soon to discuss the dining schedules.

Senators agreed that limited hours are likely the result of employee shortages.

Sophomore Veronica Slevin, senator for Pasquerilla West Hall, said she witnesses the issue firsthand in her job with Campus Dining.

“If you want to have better hours, the only way to do that is to have more employment,” Slevin said.

Other senators emphasized that limited on-campus dining hours have the potential to create challenges for students without the financial f lexibility to purchase food at off-campus locations such as the Eddy Street Commons restaurants. Searching for food off campus could also create unnecessar y safety concerns, they said.

Senators also shared they have received comments from upperclassmen about the absence of trays in the dining hall. Without trays, students might find it more

difficult to carr y a main meal, side and drink to their table, they said. Some speculated that removing the trays might be a method similar to one used by other private universities to limit food waste.

In the meeting, a new director of Academic Affairs was confirmed.

Sierra Stinson will examine financial barriers to academics, work with students struggling with textbook costs and promote more faculty diversity. Stinson replaces Nikhil Namburi in this capacity, who transferred to Columbia University.

Maureen Doyle, assistant director for student development in the Division of Student Affairs, will serve as the advisor to the student senate this year. Doyle has worked alongside students at the University for the past 13 years.

Bisner announced his office hours, which are open to all students, will take place ever y Friday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the student government office on the second f loor of LaFortune Student Center. Njomo said students should email him if they wish to speak with him.

Contact Maggie Eastland at meastlan@nd.edu

Faith Continued from page 1

ago after various students were wanting to create a space to connect with those of similar faiths.

“There was no real specific event for faith, and we ended up hearing from a lot of the student clubs, ‘Hey, how can you help us promote what we’re trying to do?’” McCormick said.

“And you can’t ever replace good old-fashioned human interaction.”

McCormick said many options exist to practice Catholicism on campus, from chapels in every residence hall to rosary groups.

However, he said, there are also many opportunities to get involved in religious activities for those who do not identify as Catholic. “​​If you’re a faith organization on this campus, we want to make sure that you’re there, and it gives students the chance to get a full sense of what offerings might be on the table,” McCormick said.

The event also included food trucks, hence the name of the event. Each student received two tickets to use at any of the vendors.

Senior Bella Niforatos

serves as a co-president for the Jewish Club, one of the groups stationed at “Feed Your Faith.”

The group includes about 10 undergraduate students as well as several graduate students, Niforatos said.

Niforatos said she joined the Jewish Club because being Jewish is an important part of her identity. She also mentioned it gives her an opportunity to teach others.

“I really like doing outreach because a lot of people don’t know about Jewish identity,” Niforatos said.

Prior to attending Notre Dame, Niforatos said she knew there would be a space for her to join with others who identify as Jewish.

“My sister was here before I was involved in the Jewish club, and it’s gotten a lot bigger since then, but I think I knew that there was a space for me here [at Notre Dame],” Niforatos said.

The Jewish Club also welcomes non-members to participate in its annual traditions and events, such as the Passover Seder, which Niforatos said draws a lot of people in.

Another student group, Iron Sharpens Iron (ISI), serves as a student-led Christian fellowship that welcomes Christians from a variety of backgrounds — Protestant, Catholic and

Orthodox — to form an interdenominational student community.

Senior Alexandra Murg serves as an outreach leader for ISI, which has roughly 120 active members. Her role includes connecting students to churches around South Bend and planning events for the club.

A member of the club since her first year, Murg said she was drawn to it because she wanted a place that was open to people of all different faith backgrounds.

“I’m personally a Protestant, and so I found a really good community about Catholics and Protestants that I could be a part of,” Murg said.

Murg said her favorite event is S.N.O.W. — Sunday Night of Worship — where the group comes together for an hour of acoustic worship.

McCormick said his favorite part of the event is walking up and down the rows and seeing passion and excitement from students of all different faith backgrounds.

“Each year, it’s got its own kind of wrinkle because you have different people obviously standing behind the tables, which is always kind of fun for me,” McCormick said.

Contact Alysa Guffey at aguffey@nd.edu

4

NEWS

The observer | Friday, AUGUST 27, 2021 | ndsmcobserver.com

SAGE Club Continued from page 1

of gay-straight alliance on campus, and then she told me about SAGE and how they took a step back last semester,” Giuliano said. Coulston is the Belles Against Violence Office (BAVO) coordinator.

Giuliano said after joining the club she became motivated to create a “safe space” for LGBTQ+ students, something she said was lacking during her first year.

“As a social work major too, that factors into why I’m so passionate about SAGE, and I also have friends that are in

the LGBTQ+ community who I really wanted to create a safe space for,” she said.

Giuliano said she expects the journey with SAGE will be complex but expressed hope and excitement to see what the group can accomplish.

“I really want to create a space that unites allies and the community. I feel like that’s the ultimate goal for this semester, especially with incoming students and even our returning students who may have not had a normal college experience,” Giuliano said. “I want there to be a community for our students to fall back on and that’s what I’m looking to

facilitate with SAGE as president this year.”

Vice president Dakota Freel shared a similar sentiment in considering the new semester. She said she decided to run to help create a more accepting culture for LGBTQ+ students.

“I ran for vice president to cultivate an accepting environment for LGBTQ+ students on campus, especially since this is a Catholic campus, it’s important to ensure that every student is comfortable expressing themselves,” Freel said.

Freel said her goal this semester is to host events that foster community and

a support system for the LGBTQ+ community on campus.

“My biggest goal for this semester is creating fun, memorable events to spread awareness about our new club,” she said. “We are currently working on our official logo for cute merch, shirts and stickers.”

Freel urged anyone interested to attend the group’s events and join the SAGE GroupMe. She also offered advice to anyone who might want to advocate for the LGBTQ+ community on campus.

“It’s important to understand that you’re not alone

in this experience,” Freel said. “You should be proud of your identity and stand up for what you believe in.

You’ll not only inspire others by living openly, but create a stronger community.”

SAGE will table at the Saint Mary’s Activities Fair Monday, where students can stop by, learn more about the group and sign up for communications. SAGE is also planning to host two club meetings or “safe spaces” to facilitate discussions between students and establish connections.

Contact Crystal Ramirez at cramirez01@saintmarys.edu

CSC to offer annual immersion seminars, community-based courses for undergraduates

By CLAIRE REID News Writer

The Center for Social Concerns (CSC) — which organizes Notre Dame’s community-engaged courses, domestic and international summer ser vice learning programs (SSLPs and ISSLPs) and social concerns courses — hosted a series of information sessions on their one-credit social concerns seminars on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday afternoon. An outdoor welcome back event which featured ample free snacks, informational recourses and an ice cream truck kicked off the Monday session.

“Seminars are one-credit courses with an immersion component,” explained Greg W hite, who has worked in a business and logistics role at the CSC for seven years, on Monday. “Almost all of [the immersions] are during fall break, and one caveat this year is that we’ve arranged for travel to be back by Friday so that ever yone can go to the USC game.”

The Center will also offer three locally-based seminars without an immersion component.

Students in the “Organizing, Power and Hope,” “Labor in South Bend” and “Art of Neighboring” seminars will instead engage in the South Bend community throughout the semester.

“If you have a conf lict over break, that could be a choice for you if you’re interested in taking a seminar,” W hite said.

Popular seminars include “Energ y, Climate and Social Change” and “U.S. Healthcare: Poverty and Policy,” which feature an immersion component in Washington D.C. Additionally, W hite said the Appalachia seminar is the most hands-on and

ser vice-heav y seminar as well as the largest, with 200 students split into 15 groups ser ving at various sites across the rural United States.

“Of the many things that I have learned during my seminar experiences, I have discovered that engaging in ways that may initially feel uncomfortable or foreign often yield the most fruitful experiences,” said junior Aidan Creeron, who participated in the Appalachia seminar in spring 2020.

Creeron, who has participated in two additional seminars during his time at Notre Dame, will again take part in the Appalachia seminar this fall, this time as a student leader.

“Each of these [seminar] teams is led by a pair of undergrad leaders,” W hite said.

“A lot of colleges will have staff members travel with

groups like these, but part of our mission is leadership development. Team leaders [are] working now with the instructors, looking at applications and helping us build teams.”

Fall semester seminars will begin meeting weekly in mid-September following the August 25 application deadline.

“Seminar classes are pass/ fail which takes away some of the pressure of making ever y assignment perfect,” said Alyssa Sutanto, a junior neuroscience student who participated in the “Act Justly: Racial Justice in America” seminar in 2020 and led the “Realities of Race: Mass Incarceration” seminar last spring.

“Any work assigned is usually to give you a good framework to work with during class, so it definitely benefits your learning experience

without adding too much of a load,” Sutanto explained.

“There are also usually a lot of group projects, which adds a layer of collaboration that I appreciate.”

Sutanto added that she encourages ever yone to take part in a seminar and be open to the different experiences, perspectives, ideas and conversations that participation brings.

“It’s a great place to figure out the next step you should take to help the causes you are passionate about,” she said. “Seminars help put you in an action-oriented mindset and stray away from performative solidarity. It makes you reconsider what you are actually doing versus what you should be doing. It’s not always easy to confront your own actions or inaction, but seminars are a great way to take the first step.”

Last spring, Nathaniel

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Burke, a junior environmental engineering student, had the opportunity to present ideas on how Notre Dame could better incorporate sustainable practices and approach complex, interdisciplinar y environmental issues as a student in the Engaged CST leadership seminar on sustainability.

He echoed Sutanto’s sentiment about the value of the seminars.

“I would one hundred percent recommend students apply for a seminar they are interested in,” he said. “The Center for Social Concerns is a hub for thoughtful, passionate people who want to be a force for good in the world, and seminars are an excellent way to get involved and grapple with important issues.”

Contact Claire Reid at creid6@nd.edu

News

ndsmcobserver.com | Friday, AUGUST 27, 2021 | The Observer

5

Students hail return of Murphy’s Cafe

By ROSE ANDROWICH News Writer

W hen the Saint Mar y’s campus shut down in 2020 due to the pandemic, one of the College’s dining locations — Murphy’s Cafe — closed with it. But this semester Murphy’s has reopened with a revamped menu.

Murphy’s is now offering healthier alternatives through the national chain Freshens, including smoothies, f latbreads, salads, wraps and rice bowls. The cafe is located in the Angela Athletic and Wellness Complex and is open from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Sophomores Hannah Bruckman and Madison VanDress recently tried Murphy’s Cafe for the first time, since it was closed for their first year. Bruckman said she liked seeing the different types of food on the new menu.

“It was a great reopening,” she said. “It was my first time coming here, but I really like the variety with a bunch

Campus Cup Continued from page 1

“I was thrilled. What a beautiful campaign supporting both those that require hygiene products and the environment simultaneously,” she said. “Part of this campaign which I am especially excited about is to track usage and impact data from the those whom receive the free cups. This data is collected via quick surveys, could lead to nationwide change and will be published via A ASHE.” Explaining the impact of the initiative on the environment, Bialko compared the waste created by menstrual cups as opposed to traditional single-use products.

“A person can significantly reduce their hygiene product waste by swapping out pads or tampons for a menstrual cup,” she said. “In two years —the expected longevity of a menstrual cup — the average American utilizes 528 pads or tampons.”

Bialko noted her dedication to helping students learn how to reduce their waste in a part of their lives that they might have never considered before.

“I believe it is of utmost importance to educate our students about the waste that the feminine hygiene product industry creates,” she said. “I think we often fail to remember that hygiene products are single-use, pre-packaged and mass-produced; they place a strain on our planet and our pocketbooks.”

Describing the other societal issues that accompany

of food menu items. They definitely tried to appeal to people with food allergies, which is really good.”

VanDress said she was impressed with her order of the Thai chicken rice bowl.

“It is so good — I was surprised,” she said. “It’s either a hit or miss with food and you never know what to expect.”

She also said she was glad to have variety in the Murphy’s menu.

“You have options instead of just having the same thing ever y day,” VanDress said.

Bruckman said she plans to frequent the cafe because of its ambiance and location on campus.

“It’ll definitely be up there because no other places on campus have food like this,” she said. “It’s located in a good spot and it gives off the actual cafe vibe. It’s definitely a good place to sit and have a chat or do your homework.”

Junior Julia Crowley said Murphy’s is a good place to get a quick breakfast on the go.

“I mainly just get the smoothies,” Crowley said. “I don’t really eat breakfast, so it’s a good supplement and I like that it seems healthier than the stuff at the dining hall.”

She ordered the Maui Mango smoothie and noted that she enjoyed it.

“It is definitely worth tr ying and is something [I] love to get,” she said.

Aside from the redesigned menu, Murphy’s also offers a wider range of options for those with dietar y restrictions, like senior Katie Alberts, who is a vegetarian.

Alberts frequented to Murphy’s as a first-year and sophomore, but said she loves all the new options for vegetarians. Because Murphy’s allows vegetarian substitutions for items that have meat, Alberts said she is excited to be able to customize her food.

“I love the feeling of having a personalized meal made for you as opposed to the feeling of eating in bulk,” she said.

Alberts ordered the vegan

power-up smoothie and the Caesar wrap with vegetarian meat, expressing her gratitude for the expanded menu offerings.

“It’s always been the healthier option, but it’s exceeded what it was before,” she said. “There are a lot more options for people who are vegetarian.”

the creation of single-use products, Bialko explained the problems of the fast fashion industry. “[The feminine hygiene industry] may also strain our ethics once we understand the implications of their manufacture,” she said.

“Almost all mass-produced items are made overseas. We have all heard of fast fashion and the documented dangers to workers, sometimes whom are slaves, associated with that form of large-scale production.”

While menstrual cups are beneficial for some reasons, Bialko acknowledged that menstrual cups do not fit into every lifestyle.

“Many persons who menstruate are reluctant to use menstrual cups as there may be notions that cups are messy, painful, smelly, or too hard or embarrassing to deal with in public restrooms,” she said. “I think we need to very clearly recognize that no hygiene product, just like any other product, is going to work well for, or be appealing to, everyone. I also want to make sure that we all understand that there are religions, cultures or family dynamics that do not allow the use of products like cups, tampons or other hygiene products inserted into the body.”

For those individuals who still want to reduce their waste, Bialko made suggestions.

“All said, if the cup is not appealing to or permissible for an individual, there are other ways for the environmentally motivated to cut down on

waste,” she said. “The largest and easiest way to create an impact is to swap out onetime use products for those that can be reused ... Even swapping out a single-use for a reusable one day of each menstrual cycle can eliminate a full package of tampons or pads a year.”

Bialko also offered advice for those who have concerns about introducing menstrual cups into their lives.

“For those that do feel good about trying a cup, I would attempt to dissuade fears,” she said. “One can be very discreet in emptying and cleaning a cup in a public stall, and there are even ways to sanitize the cups without breaking down the silicone, so there is no need to worry about infection or odor. Some cups do stain, so that is something to be prepared for. In

terms of pain, every person’s body is different. While the cups are surprisingly easy to insert, there are some instances when users have reported pain or discomfort. In this case, inserting the cup at a different angle or while standing or sitting in a different position typically solves the problem.”

Bialko expressed her wish that with the introduction of this program at Saint Mary’s and other campuses, people will be able to have honest conversations about menstruation and other taboo topics.

“I hope the next generation that menstruates can experience open conversation with friends, families, partners [and] physicians,” she said. “I hope the stigma around being quiet or shy about certain topics evaporates.”

Bialko spoke about the

GENEVIEVE COLEMAN | The Observer

Saint Mary’s students expressed excitement for the return of Murphy’s Cafe, which was previously closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Alberts said she was impressed with the quality of products at Murphy’s and noted she would return often.

“It’s definitely going to drain my f lex points this semester,” she said.

Contact Rose Androwich at randrowich01@saintmarys.edu

harm that not speaking about menstruation has caused certain groups, especially the trans community.

“I think many people have suffered physically or emotionally for not being able to talk about these things openly and I believe every person has the right to comfort,” she said.

“I also very [hopeful] that there is more acceptance and support for transgender men who are still menstruating.

Menstruation, for some trans men and especially trans boys, may feel like an obstacle to the transitioning process or even an embarrassment.

I want every trans person to feel loved and supported and confident to broach the subject with their partners, families and physicians.”

Contact Genevieve Coleman at gcoleman01@saintmarys.edu

MAGGIE KLAERS | The Observer

6

The observer | Friday, August 27, 2021 | ndsmcobserver.com

I’m younger now

What is a university for?

Mary Ellen Woods

David Henry

MEWsings

Corrupting the Youth

“It is our great pleasure to offer you admission to the third cohort of the Notre Dame Inspired Leadership Initiative. We are enrolling a rich cohort of participants able to contribute a diversity of experiences, backgrounds and interests, and we feel you would not only fit wonderfully but benefit greatly from the other fellows in this cohort.”

I call it a “quarantine accomplishment.” I applied and was accepted to Notre Dame’s Inspired Leadership Initiative (ILI). I will be joining the third cohort in the program and returning to campus for the 2021-22 academic year. I am both wildly excited to be part of this amazing program and slightly apprehensive to be learning side by side with current students and accomplished peers. ILI is a yearlong program of study, discernment and design. It allows experienced individuals the opportunity to design the next phase of their lives. We return to campus, participate in classes and share a learning environment with one another and with undergraduate and graduate students. Faculty and staff work with us to shape our learning and growth. We are welcomed to bring our own experiences to the classroom and campus. In addition to our Fellows’ class, I will be taking about three courses with Notre Dame undergraduate and graduate students.

——— It was the waning days of the summer, August 1976. Friends were getting ready to head to college. I was grabbing the last shifts as a waitress at Howard Johnson’s. I would be leaving my small town of Kingston, New York, in the Hudson River Valley to attend Notre Dame. I am the first generation in our family to attend college, though I was to be the fourth to graduate from Notre Dame. Arriving on campus and moving into Breen-Phillips Hall, I met my dear friends Amy and Robin. They were responsible for our first-year orientation in BP — a decidedly amateur sport compared to today’s Welcome Weekend. Robin and Amy took me under their wings as I was living with a senior — three friendships that endure despite distance and time.

My four years at Notre Dame flew in a trice. AP Biology allowed me to skip Emil (first-year chemistry) and change my intended major from biology to government. An ill-reasoned decision meant that I would stay on campus sophomore year rather than joining mes amis in Angers.

My studies offered opportunities to learn with truly wise professors: Fr. Burrell and Fr. Burtchaell in theology, John Roos in government and countless others. Notre Dame won two National Championships my first year: one in Fencing and the other on the gridiron. BP remained my home all four years and I am glad for that. A group of us headed to Europe for two months immediately after graduation. What a grand adventure — and my first time leaving the country. Alas, all good things must end, and home I went and back to Howard Johnson’s for a few months to replenish my bank account before heading to grad school at the new Harris School of Public Policy at the University of Chicago.

Chicago has been my home for all these many years. I enjoyed a career in corporate information technology and maintained a commitment to service and a relationship with Notre Dame serving as president of the Chicago Alumni Club and vice president of the Notre Dame Club of Chicago’s Scholarship Foundation. And then came the pandemic.

——— The summer of 2021 is so very different. I will start the ILI this month.

Vaccines are done. Notre Dame is doing a great job with COVID. I’m constantly updating my “ILI bucket list” with more people to meet, courses to take and things to do. The mundane responsibilities of life command attention: doctors’ appointments kept, schedules to stop and start, and housing secured. Oh, and that driver’s license that requires proof of identity and the passport that has expired throw new wrinkles in the to-do list. But, at the end, a new beginning. I’ll be returning to a place I love to study and reflect, to learn and to grow and to contemplate new ways to focus my talents and interests. And I should mention another exciting new commitment. The editorial staff at The Observer needs 700-800 words in a column for the Viewpoint section of the paper, complete with a proposed title, future columns and to know my past experience “with advocating clear, persuasive arguments.”

——— You will find me here every other Tuesday with a reflection on Notre Dame then and now. I promise an honest perspective.

Love thee.

As we return to Notre Dame this fall, or perhaps arrive there for the first time, we return to a campus ready to make up for lost time. And yet, while we’re focused on all the football and tailgating, it can be easy to lose sight of the reason we go to a university like Notre Dame. It’s moments like these, in the midst of great excitement, that we should take a minute to reflect on what we’re trying to accomplish here before we get distracted by how much fun we’re having.

The two most prominent functions of a university today are to produce knowledge and educate students. The act of obtaining knowledge might also be understood as asking questions — new knowledge is the result of answering a question whose answer we did not know before. Thus, the functions of the university are to ask questions and educate students. Other institutions — think tanks, corporate research and development and government research labs — ask questions and produce knowledge; while schools, jobs training programs and the military educate students. But, it is only in a university that both functions can coexist.

Given these two goals, the true spirit of the university is encapsulated by the best questioner and educator of all history: Socrates. Living around 500 B.C.E., Socrates was known for questioning anyone that might have been wiser than he was in the city of Athens. After examining the best men of the city — the politicians, the poets and the craftsmen — he found that none were wiser than him because they claimed to know something and did not know anything, whereas Socrates did not claim to know anything while he also knew nothing.

Throughout the course of his questioning, many young men in the city began to follow Socrates and imitate him, going out into the city to question those who claimed to be wise. Socrates was so committed to this lifestyle that he abandoned all material goods, and eventually his life, in its pursuit.

Socrates lost his life because the city of Athens condemned him to death on the charges of doubting the gods of the city and corrupting the youth. In other words, he was condemned to death for asking questions and educating students — the essential functions of a university.

I propose that the reason the university today has not been executed like Socrates is that it has abandoned its primary tasks of questioning the gods of the city and corrupting the youth like Socrates once did. And as much as I’d like to put the modern university on trial for blind faith to the “gods of the city,” I’ll content myself to just trying it for

Mary Ellen Woods is a graduate of the Notre Dame class of 1980.

She has returned to campus as a Fellow in the Inspired Leadership Initiative (ILI). As an undergraduate, she lived in Breen-Phillips and now lives off campus. A longtime resident of Chicago, she can be reached at mewoods80@nd.edu or @MEWsmuses on Twitter.

The views expressed in this column are those of the authors and not necessarily those of The Observer.

the crime of purifying the youth, since that will tell us more about how we as students should live.

When I say that the modern university, Notre Dame included, is guilty of purifying the youth, what I mean is that the modern university is guilty of purging its students of the creativity and energy of their youth. The first piece of evidence against the university is the admissions process. Admissions to top-ranking schools like Notre Dame are high-stress and force students to subject themselves to every variety of extracurricular activity, volunteer experience and job that will make them look good on a college application. After gaining acceptance to a school like Notre Dame, we are constantly bombarded with the idea that we need to do research, have internships and get involved in different career-related clubs all in the name of getting a good job after graduation.

Perhaps the most potent purifier of all, students are fed the idea that they must take certain classes or have certain majors in order to get a job after graduation. Even the critical thinking skills these majors and classes claim to offer are still only advertised in the service of being a marketable skill.

This process of careerism, of only seeing our education as the means to an end of getting a job, is the crime of universities like Notre Dame acting in cahoots with society at large.

Careerism turns us into obedient rule-followers, willing to jump through any hoop just for the opportunity to be another cog in the machine, utterly and thoroughly uncorrupted.

So, what is to be done? I’m not urging students to not do an internship, to not get involved in research on campus or to not take a class they think will teach them practical skills. The chances that the expectations of society and universities will change any time soon are slim. The reality is that internships and learning hard skills are important for being a competitive applicant to many jobs.

What I am saying is to only do those things if you actually want to, not because you believe you’re supposed to. We will have plenty of time later in our lives to focus on careers, but we won’t have as much time to pursue our intellectual interests with fellow learners like we can here at Notre Dame. Even if Notre Dame has failed to corrupt us, we can still corrupt ourselves.

David Henry is a sophomore majoring in the Program of Liberal Studies with a supplementary major in ACMS and a minor in Philosophy, Politics and Economics. Originally from Minnesota, David lives in Baumer Hall on campus. He can be reached at dhenry3@nd.edu over email.

The views expressed in this column are those of the authors and not necessarily those of The Observer.

Follow us on Twitter: @ObserverViewpnt

The observer | Friday, August 27, 2021 | ndsmcobserver.com

7

Happy new year Alexa Schlaerth Soapbox Symposium

When January 25, 2020 came around, I didn’t know that the bright red banners and golden lanterns framing my dorm room door would cause personal affronts against me. It was my first Chinese New Year away from home, away from my L A affinity group of old ladies setting out bowls of mandarin oranges, kids dancing in lion costumes and the family cleaning the house to bring good energy into the new year. I didn’t know at the time that the same bright red banners outside Welsh Family 251 celebrating my culture would turn into a target on my back a month later.

Over those next February weeks, as news emerged on the novel coronavirus from China, I witnessed a swell of public concern. In my classes and among friends, many worried about the virus.

One Wednesday evening, I walked to my dorm after a Moreau discussion about race and inclusivity — all par for the course of the typically “woke” and occasionally awkward curriculum.

To its credit, the Moreau First Year Experience did its best to foster discussions about identity, diversity and race. Even its existence as a requirement for freshmen is proof of Notre Dame’s steps toward racial reckoning and growth. As one of few students of color in my class, I felt particularly emboldened to share my experiences in our dialogues, if for no other reason than to shed light on the fact that despite what some of my peers believe, discrimination still exists in this country.

Some of the lapses in our discussions on race I attributed to lack of experience. You’ve spent your whole life in a coastal liberal bubble, Alexa. Your woke upbringing is not universal. In an attempt to

explain away the discomfort in my classroom surrounding issues on race, I began moving the bar ever lower on such topics. I began excusing microaggressions and even casual racism in my interactions with peers. When it came to my weekly Moreau class, that meant expecting a different level of dialogue from my classmates.

Did my classmates agree that it wasn’t enough to be a bystander when confronted with issues regarding racial discrimination? Did they know that to really be an ally, they had to actively confront racism? Our readings of Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie and Father Greg Boyle taught us to look beyond the “single story” of someone and to form “radical kinship” with those unlike ourselves. Do my classmates know that this means anti-racism, and not complacency, is the goal?

The row of white Mendoza boys sitting across from me did their due diligence, speaking their obligatory aphorisms one by one. “We shouldn’t make assumptions on the basis of race.” “Diversity is what makes the University stronger.” Their participation was a start in the greater racial dialogue, though I wondered if they were just playing nice for teacher. Moreau provided a platform to engage with challenging topics, so why did my classmates mouth platitudes instead of defending their positions and sharing their disagreement?

Moreau incentivized the former. The latter was the only path to racial understanding. In a university dedicated to anti-racism, we as students owe it to our community to engage more deeply in these conversations. We owe it to ourselves to do better. Yet, I left those Wednesday nights wanting more.

All the while, tensions were riding high as the threat of COVID-19 grew. The virus was spreading. Uncertainty abounded. One night one of

my quadmates, who was not my roommate, had friends over in our common room while I was studying with my roommate. Through the door we heard comments: “Are you worried about the virus at all? ... You know, because your roommates are Asian?” I shot my roommate a confused look.

“They might have it, you know. You should watch out.”

I had never met this woman before. I can only assume it was through profiling me based on my seasonal decor that she had any idea of my race.

My roommate, an adoptee from China, and I, a second generation ABC (American-Born Chinese), were quite shocked and uncomfortable from the comment. It opened my eyes to how my peers perceived me—as a danger.

That night’s events did not sit well with me then, nor did they when we went home for spring break just a week later. There’s a disconnect between the level at which the University teaches about race and the level at which the students can come to receive it. Yes, we read the works of people of color and we talk about their arguments in classes.

Students go through the motions of racial “wokeness” in an academic context. But when there is no mediation, no professor facilitating the dialogues, students relapse into casual racism. The University and students must work harder to prevent these relapses from occurring.

Alexa Schlaerth is a sophomore at the University of Notre Dame pursuing degrees in Chinese and philosophy. As an Angeleno, Alexa enjoys shopping at Erewhon Market, drinking kombucha and complaining about traffic because it’s “like, totally lame.” Alexa can be reached at aschlaer@nd.edu over email.

The views expressed in this column are those of the authors and not necessarily those of The Observer.

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

Lessons from a child who has not yet met the world The onset of the pandemic inspired amongst psychologists, teachers and parents a fear far worse than the possibility of catching a child with a runny nose: How will the occurrence of such a cataclysmic event during kids’s and young adults’s formative years impact their emotional and educational development?

Notre Dame’s class of 2025, who have just descended onto campus, fell asleep on the eve of an extended spring break during their junior year of high school and are now awakening as full-f ledged college freshmen. Such a drastic transition as the one which happens between graduation and move-in weekend is already daunting in a “normal” year. Losing out on a year and a half of traditional education and social interactions will only intensify the emotions — both good and bad — associated with such a pivotal life moment.

I have had the privilege of watching a child grow up during the pandemic: Noah was born in October 2018, and with two medical professionals as parents, he needed a companion as often as someone was available. I draw on my experience as his nanny to offer advice to this year’s incoming first-years — from one child who lost important years of their life to another.

1. Few problems cannot be solved with a nap.

Toddlers emerge from rest with refreshed faces and markedly improved attitudes, and their lives are arguably less stressful than those of adults.

Between classes, extracurriculars and maintaining a social presence, college life quickly grows overwhelming. There is no shame in collapsing

onto your twin XL with only the intention of sleeping until the dining hall starts serving breakfast again... tomorrow.

2. Temper tantrums are sometimes necessary.

Throwing a fit because your nanny will not allow you to have ice cream for dinner: unacceptable. But there will be times when your words are the best tool by which to voice your frustrations or communicate your feelings. Do not fear sticking up for yourself, your rights and the people and ideas you hold most dear, whether that be in or out of the classroom.

3. Questions nurture your knowledge.

Noah is an interrogator: He is undeterred by the prospect of asking difficult questions, even if half of them are simply “Why?” You may no longer wonder why the sky is blue, but you must still be confident enough to ask for an explanation when an idea does not make sense. Professors may be terrifying from afar, but in reality they are just nerds for their subject material. It is less embarrassing to raise your hand in class than miss a question on an exam because you were too timid to ask for clarification.

4. Trying and failing is better than stopping altogether.

Watching Noah attempt to tie his shoes never fails to make me smile. Although he is often frustrated by simple tasks, he persists until progress is made. However challenging the college experience becomes, look back on the journey to remind yourself of how far you have traveled. You are not expected to learn anything entirely on your own;

lean on your peers, your unopened textbook or the Google search bar when you need assistance.

5. Show your love by sharing.

There is no better feeling than having a child entrust to you their favorite yellow monster truck simply because they want you to also partake in its joy. Acts of generosity — sharing time, talents or possessions — allow you to demonstrate love in moments where words do not suffice. Share yourself with those around you, and the same openness will be returned to you. The only person on this campus whose name you know right now is likely your roommate, but by the time you walk across that stage again, there will be no shortage of people with whom you can sit down and ref lect on the memories from the last four years.

Examining your high school career, it would be easy to complain that you were robbed of your youth. And while this did occur, you were not robbed of the opportunity to continue learning, growing into yourself, expanding your minds and hearts — such a fact is evidenced in a 3-year-old boy who is just now getting to experience life as it should be lived. A child’s resilience allows them to take the world in their hands and form it in such a way that it is made better for themselves and others. There is not a doubt in my mind that the class of 2025 has been exceptionally prepared to do the same. Welcome home.

Kylie Hartman junior Aug. 24

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The observer | Friday, August 27, 2021 | ndsmcobserver.com

Inside Column

Ranking the 10 best things about Notre Dame Colin Capece Assistant Managing Editor

For a long time now, I’ve been wanting to rank something in The Obser ver. Since the day I discovered in these pages the introspective yet comedic brilliance of master ranker and former Dunne Hall R A Dav is Gonsalves, I was inspired to invoke the kind of spicy verbal mudslinging amongst the Notre Dame student body and alumni my predecessor did when he had the guts to rank ever y hall on campus. It’s been three years since Dav is graduated, which means I’m well beyond the one-week timeline prev iously established by the hot take king himself that would make me a spineless, copycat ranker. Full disclosure however: I could never do it as well as Dav is did it, and it’s truly an honor to return him to the spotlight. This column w ill probably never incite the kind of outrage that he did when he ranked campus outrages, but that’s more than OK w ith me. I would never be able to clap back at the haters w ith his brand of simultaneous w it and eloquence.

As a rookie ranker, the best thing I could come up w ith was to rank the 10 best things about Notre Dame, an admittedly vague topic lacking any sort of rational criteria to use as a basis for debate. A las, I pictured sparking a debate to the magnitude of the one I did Tuesday night when I asked The Obser ver production staff which Taylor Sw ift album I should play (it got heated, but we settled on “Reputation,” even though the only correct answer is “1989”). W hen I started to w rite this however, I realized that we have three grade levels on campus that have yet to have a completely normal year in its entiret y. It would be pompous and irresponsible of me to rank something related to Notre Dame when 75% of my classmates haven’t seen this place at its best.

In true Dav is fashion, my ranking is in no particular order. W ho am I to tell you what the best thing about Notre Dame is? Go experience ever ything it has to offer for yourself ! My experiences are just a way to share some w isdom, crack a few jokes and create optimism for ever yone about all that you can do now that this place is alive and well once again. Without further ado, here are my 10 best things about Notre Dame …

1. Football weekends I w ill never forget the weekend of the Michigan game my freshman year in 2018 because I’ve never felt more electricit y in a single place at one time. Season opener. Hated rival. College GameDay. Green out in the stadium. That game and that weekend simply had ever y thing you

could hope for. Fingers crossed, but we play three top 15 teams at home this year, and campus is going to be rocking once again. Even if you don’t like football, game day weekends are an experience that you can’t pass up. From tailgating to the midnight drummer circle and ever y tradition in bet ween, it’s one of the most incredible things you’ll w itness in your time here.

2. Dorm signature events The dorm system at Notre Dame is unique to say the least, and one of the coolest things about it is that ever y hall gets to put on events throughout the year. You’ll catch this New Yorker in a cowboy hat at the Dunne Funne Runne and stuffing myself w ith cinnamon rolls at LHOP. W hile ever y event helps build the kind of dorm culture that we love at Notre Dame, it’s also really fun to do some things w ith your hall that you wouldn’t be able to in other places.

3. The Observer I’ll probably get some heat from my friends for putting this third but just a reminder this is in no particular order. Thank you so much to former sports editor Charlotte Edmonds for keeping me involved after I almost quit after my freshman year. The Obser ver has become a second home to me on campus and has given me some amazing friendships that I never env isioned but am incredibly grateful for. We’re not only a newspaper, but also a family. Come w rite for us !

4. The grass W hen I decided to come here the grass was a major deciding factor. It’s hard to find a college campus w ith more green space than Notre Dame. Nothing makes me feel like I’m on a college campus more than watching people play Spikeball or throw frisbees on the four massive quads here.

5. The squirrels I mean come on, have you ever seen bigger squirrels in your life? I almost tripped over one the other day and he still wasn’t scared of me.

People love them so much they’ve got their ow n Instagram page.

6. The Italian Department One of the more pleasant surprises I’ve had at Notre Dame was taking an intro Italian class for fun and coming away w ith a passion for learning the language. It also might be the most fun and caring group of professors I’ve ever seen. Don’t be afraid to tr y something new because you never know where it’s going to lead. W hile my study abroad opportunit y was cancelled last spring, I’ve heard spending a semester in another countr y is prett y awesome and learning the language of said countr y can be a great way to get the most

out of the experience.

7. The food Hot take after last year’s dining hall experience, but the food at Notre Dame is the best of any college I v isited. One thing among many that I’m grateful to have back this year is to be eating food off a plate and not out of a black box and that I don’t have to remember to bring utensils w ith me. There’s also a w ide variet y of dining options outside of the dining halls in campus, and there are tons of great restaurants if you want to venture off-campus.

8. Bengal/Baraka Bouts I don’t know of many other colleges w ith an amateur box ing program for both men and women, and it’s one of the coolest activ ities to get involved w ith in my completely unbiased opinion. Box ing is usually considered an indiv idual sport, but getting to train in a team env ironment and make friends through all the blood and sweat is something I’ll carr y w ith me for the rest of my life. Donating to Holy Cross schools in Bangladesh and Uganda is paramount to both the men’s and women’s clubs, which have broken fundraising records ever y year I’ve been at Notre Dame. Cheer on your friends if they’re fighting in the annual tournament, because they’re fighting for something much greater than themselves.

9. It’s far from home This one obv iously is a little more personalized to me, but I really like that Notre Dame is far from my hometow n. It’s not only helped me learn how to live on my ow n, but has also strengthened my relationship w ith my family. It’s hard to take them for granted when I don’t get to see them ever y day, and the time that we share together now is ver y intentional. W hile Notre Dame can be hard to travel to, hav ing to make the trip can bring some unexpected benefits like road trips w ith friends or getting to stay w ith their families if they live relatively close by.

10. Being an RA I’m only a week into the job, but I can already say it’s been one of the best things about my Notre Dame experience so far. Taking on a leadership role in the place I’ve called home for the past three years has pushed me out of my comfort zone, but it’s also been rewarding to help bring people together to form the friendships that last a lifetime. It’s an honor and a priv ilege to be someone that residents trust through the ups and the dow ns. The job w ill help you grow in ways you never thought possible.

You can contact Colin at ccapece@nd.edu The views expressed in this column are those of the authors and not necessarily those of The Observer.

Are you interested in becoming a columnist?

Email viewpoint@ndsmcobserver.com for more information!

The observer | Friday, AUGUST 27, 2021 | ndsmcobserver.com

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MAGGIE KLAERS | The Observer

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The observer | Friday, AUGUST 27, 2021 | ndsmcobserver.com

By ALEJANDRO MUJICA Scene Writer

On May 21, Olivia Rodrigo, formerly known as the “drivers license” girl, released her long awaited debut album, “Sour.” On it, she is moody, self-centered and petty with no filters. In a culture in which we’re all projecting more mature and put-together versions of ourselves she “wanted it to be like, messy.” “Sour” is the beautifully imperfect portrait of an insecure teenage girl who went through the worst thing imaginable: a breakup.

The album opener, “brutal,” was an unexpected punch to the gut. The beginning of “Sour” sees her screaming accusations at life with self-deprecating lyrics detailing just how much of a lie the golden teenage years are. With pop punk instrumentation and a vocal performance Alex Turner would be proud of, we stand at the peak of her angst. This is the starting point of “Sour” Listening to track 2, “traitor,” hurts. She is at her most vulnerable, betrayed and left alone to deal with the shipwreck of her breakup. “Don’t you dare forget about the way you betrayed me,” she sings. By the time “drivers license” comes around, she has exhausted the indignation and is left deeply sad, haunted by red lights and stop signs that remind her of her lover. This song launched Rodrigo into what is possibly the fastest rise to superstardom the world has ever seen, spending eight weeks at the top of the Billboard Hot 100 and leading to not one, but two SNL features. Her polished vocal performance, the sharp imagery and the legendary bridge birthed one of the best heartbreak ballads to hit the charts in years.

“1 step forward, 3 steps back” sees Rodrigo relay a stream of consciousness as she melancholically recounts her selfdestructive relationship with both her lover and herself.

With unembellished vocals and no energy for pretense, she

By LEXI KILCOIN Scene Writer

It’s pretty common to see pop stars’ music change as they age, this change often accompanied by testimonies on the “why‘s,” “how’s” and inspirations they’ve had along the way. Billie Eilish’s new(-ish) album, “Happier Than Ever,” shows a side of Eilish that is drastically different from her previous albums, both of which seem to depict a teenager working through depression. In “Happier Than Ever,” Eilish manages to stay savage, but adds an exaggerated feminine persona to her work — hence her change from black and green hair to blonde and her Vogue photoshoot.

Appearances aside, the depth of “Happier Than Ever” is no small feat. In “Getting Older,” Eilish not only admits that she is “getting better at admitting when [she’s] wrong” but also tells a story packed with emotions, taking us through the twists and turns of her experiences with a nameless person who has clearly done her wrong and eventually declaring that she has come out on top,

is all cried out at this point. And yet, as we all know, the journey to healing is not a straight line.

Track 6, “deja vu,” sees Rodrigo revert to petty obsession, as she picks apart her lover’s new relationship, proclaiming it’s a cheap copy of what she had with him. She snarkily profiles his girlfriend choice, “another actress / I hate to think that I was just your type,” and mocks the girl too, “she thinks it’s special / but it’s all reused.” Sensibly enough, the next track, the snarky chart-topper “good 4 u,” sees her at her most bitter.

On this track, she becomes unhinged. “Screw that, screw you / You will never have to hurt the way you know that I do” probably takes the prize of most immature moment on the album, but it’s that same immaturity that makes this song so endearing and relatable. At this point, skeptics have to concede that there is no facade to Olivia Rodrigo, because this song makes her sound like a self-involved brat.

After wrapping up the pity party, she shrinks to the size of an ant on “enough for you.” The acoustic instrumentals reflect how little she thinks of herself, as she confesses she would’ve done anything to get her lover to stay. The next song, “happier,” is a sign that Rodrigo is starting to move on, as she bitterly accepts the breakup, singing “I hope you’re happy, but not like how you were with me.” She fights with the bitterness, though. She realizes she’s being petty by picking the new girl and the new relationship apart, but as the human being that she is, she keeps doing it anyway.

On “jealousy, jealousy,” Rodrigo borrows the psychologist glasses from her dad and matter-of-factly recounts her woes, struggling between Instagram envy and self-love, between being petty and generous, featuring lines like “I’m happy for them, but then again I’m not.”

Then finally, FINALLY, she moves on. On “favorite crime,” she retells the story of her broken relationship with sadness.

This song sees Rodrigo personify Taylor Swift on “folklore,”

as she describes herself as a willing accomplice in her lover’s crimes, with the closing line, “Well, I hope I was your favorite crime.” There’s a magic in the song’s simplicity that almost makes it feel like a grandiose epic; with the haunting final harmonies, she exorcizes the pain out of her story, and turns the page. This is where “Sour” should’ve ended… but it didn’t.

For the last track, “hope ur ok,” it is evident where she was trying to go: This was the full-circle moment, when she finally broke free of her post-breakup tunnel vision and spread her wings in kindness and gratitude again. However, based on the album’s subject matter, it seems unnecessary, and it will rest besides Dua Lipa’s “Boys Will Be Boys” as part of the underwhelming final album tracks that tried to be deep but felt inauthentic.

Except for this final track, Rodrigo’s effort feels cohesive, honest and meaningful. “Sour” is a solid album that deserves every last bit of the praise and attention it is getting.

Watch out for this one; we just got a Sour™ taste of the next main pop girl.

happier than ever.

“Happier Than Ever” consists of 16 songs, my favorites being “Therefore I Am,” “Lost Cause” and “NDA.” This is mainly due to the maturity they show, though they are still savager (yes, I did that) than ever and filled with girlboss energy. From lines like “I’m not your friend or anything damn, you think that you’re the man,” to “thought you had your sh*t together, but damn, I was wrong, you ain’t nothin’ but a lost cause,” these songs give insight into her feelings on others who are simply not worth her time, specifically that nameless someone who has done nothing but taken her joy. Straight savage, if you ask me.

Not only is Eilish capable of delivering polite burns — because, yes, she somehow makes that possible — but she also shows her musical genius in “Halley’s Comet” as well as in the transition from “NDA” to “Therefore I Am.” Since I already told you how savage those songs are, let’s talk about the 2:44 timestamp in “Halley’s Comet,” during which Eilish goes from one tone of voice to a completely different, muted tone that honestly made me shiver the first time I heard it. I’m not a music expert, so

I’m sure there is a much better way to describe it, but it’s a neat song, so you should give it a listen.

Overall, “Happier Than Ever” has some serious girlboss energy (in case I haven’t said that enough), but it’s certainly worth your while with the musical genius and petty lyrics that are sure to make your skin crawl — even if you’re not a fan of girlboss energy.

Contact Alejandro Mujica at amujicav@nd.edu

“Sour” Olivia Rodrigo Label: Geffen Records Favorite song: “brutal” If you like: “drivers license”

Contact Lexi Kilcoin at akilcoin01@saintmarys.edu

“Happier Than Ever” Billie Eilish Label: Interscope Records Favorite songs: “NDA” and “Lost Cause” If you like: “you should see me in a crown,” “my boy”

MAGGIE KLAERS | The Observer

Classifieds

ndsmcobserver.com | Friday, AUGUST 27, 2021 | The Observer

Crossword | Will Shortz

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Horoscope | Eugenia Last Happy Birthday: Gravitate toward what’s doable this year instead of trying to do the impossible. Look for opportunities, and bring about change that is productive and tied to your long-term goals. Speak up, and consider taking a unique approach to how you earn your living, handle your cash and deal with important partnerships.

Channel your energy to bring the highest returns. Your numbers are 4, 17, 21, 24, 32, 36, 43.

ARIES (March 21-April 19): You don’t have to stand alone. Call on people you enjoy collaborating with, and you’ll come up with a plan that will help you achieve your objective. An opportunity will come your way if you reach out to someone wellconnected.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): Take advantage of an opportunity that can improve your position or help you find common ground with someone who thinks differently. You’ll be able to convince others to do things your way. An energetic approach to accomplishing your goals will pay off.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Turn your attention to creative endeavors and away from anyone trying to meddle in your affairs. The less chatty you are, the easier it will be to avoid interference. Don’t accommodate someone looking to start a fight. Walk away from conflict.

CANCER (June 21-July 22): Leave nothing to chance. A risk will put you in harm’s way. When faced with uncertainty, let your intuition guide you toward safe ground and away from anyone who isn’t respectful of others. Don’t hesitate to share your thoughts.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Note how others respond to you and what you can do to enhance the relationships you have with friends and family. Make updates that help you remain up-to-date physically, emotionally and spiritually. Strive for perfection.

Romance is favored.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Mix business with pleasure, and you will make headway.

The details you incorporate while explaining things to others will help you win favors and draw interest in what you are trying to achieve. High energy and knowledge will pay off.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Quality time with someone you love or find interesting will open up a passageway to new and exciting experiences. A demonstrative action will make a difference to someone who is waiting for a sign from you. Less talk and more accountability are required.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Stop spinning your wheels and start putting your plans in motion. If you labor too long over things you cannot change, you’ll miss an opportunity to make a difference. Concentrate on what’s doable, and you’ll feel good about your accomplishments.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Don’t be so hard on yourself. Focus on what you can do to make your lifestyle sustainable. Refuse to get caught up in someone else’s dream. Consider what makes you happy, then head in that direction. Romance will enhance your love life.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Get along with others. Someone will view your actions harshly if you upset a friend, relative or one of your colleagues. Pay attention to what’s going on at home, and make adjustments that will ease stress and add to your convenience.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Put together a budget that will encourage you to save for something unique. How you handle your money will reflect the things you’ll be able to enjoy. An opportunity to bring in extra cash looks promising, but don’t neglect responsibilities.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Get the facts before you share information. Once you clarify what’s possible, bring about the changes that will allow you to take advantage of a situation that can make your life better. It’s up to you to take responsibility for your happiness.

Birthday Baby: You are precise, unprecedented and demonstrative. You are entertaining and magnetic.

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12

Sports Authority

Sports Authority

MLB season award picks

NCAA conference preview Aidan Thomas

Angeles Dodgers

Gehrig Smalstig Sports Writer

With the regular season winding down and postseason hype building, I figure there’s never been a better time to manifest a healthy finish for many of baseball’s biggest stars and offer up my picks for all of the most important awards in America’s pastime.

AL MVP Shohei Ohtani, Los Angeles Angels This needs no explanation, but I can’t help but geek out for a bit. He leads the league with 41 home runs, 20 of which have been hit at 110+ mph exit velocity, and his splitter might just be the most devastating pitch in baseball, with an infinitesimal .074 batting average against. He’s doing what Babe Ruth did at different points in his career, at the same time.

NL MVP Fernando Tatis Jr., San Diego Padres Despite missing significant time over the course of this year, Tatis has been able to captivate the younger audience while somehow keeping up in the counting stats that matter to many of the older voters. It’s fun to think that this race is wide open, but narrative matters and Tatis is captivating.

Buehler was great over the first half of the season and has only seemed to get better as the year has progressed. He has a great chance to end the season w ith a sub 2 ER A, but perhaps more impressive is the fact that he’s managed to have the best w inning-percentage in the league w ith Dave Roberts directing the bullpen behind him.

A ll jokes aside, his case for this award seems ver y hard to argue w ith at this point.

AL Rookie of the Year Adolis Garcia, Rangers

Texas

While this could easily go to Randy Arozarena of the Tampa Bay Rays, I refuse to believe that he is a rookie after he played significant time in both the 2019 and 2020 seasons. So, naturally, this award should land in the hands of breakout Rangers’ star Adolis Garcia.

While his first-half power surge is by far the most memorable part of this season for any AL rookie, it’s easy to overlook how good Garcia has been in the field. There are quite a few rookies with similar hitting stats, but none that have also offered up elite speed on the basepaths and Gold Glove level defense.

NL Rookie of the Year

AL Cy Young

Jonathan Cincinnati Reds

Lance Lynn, Chicago White Sox

Trevor Rodgers of the Marlins has a ver y compelling case, but I love the value that India has added at the leadoff spot for the Reds, who are looking to secure a Wild Card berth for a second consecutive year.

India gets on base w ith the best of them, to the tune of a .388 OBP, while adding some pop w ith 17 home runs and 22 doubles. He’s all you want in a leadoff hitter, and to do so in his first crack at the majors makes it all the more impressive.

This race is one that could be drastically affected by the last few starts of the year, but I like Ly nn to hammer it home dow n the stretch. After not making an A ll-Star team since 2012 and posting a less than satisfactor y 4.77 ER A just three years ago, the ace for the South Side Sox has resurrected his career and is a joy to watch on the mound.

The strikeout struts and trash talking bring joy to my heart, while the 2.20 ER A and 1.05 W HIP should be more than enough to w in over pitching purists.

NL Cy Young Walker

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Buehler,

Los

Please recycle The Observer.

India,

Contact Gehrig Smalstig at esmalsti@nd.edu The views expressed in this Sports Authority are those of the author and not necessarily those of The Observer.

State over Arkansas State

unbeaten C-USA run.

Sports Writer

MAC: Western Michigan over Buffalo

After giving you some boiling, fresh-from-the-oven hot takes yesterday, I’ve decided to run it back with another college football authority, but this time, I’ll just be picking conference championships and runnerups. We’ll start with the Group of 5, and then make our way through the Power 5 schools.

This conference comes dow n to Western Michigan or Ball State. Buffalo is a solid team that benefits from being in a separate div ision. W henever the Broncos and Cardinals do meet to decide their div ision, it should be an entertaining battle bet ween arguably the t wo best offenses in the conference.

Western Michigan has home field advantage in that game, and I believe they’re the more talented roster.

Meanwhile, Buffalo has been one of the best teams in the M AC over the past few years, and the East div ision doesn’t look intimidating. Maybe Kent State’s dy namic offense can give them a run, but I anticipate the Bulls notching around six conference v ictories, which should be enough for a title game berth. As aforementioned though, the best t wo (maybe three if you count Toledo) teams are in the West, and the w inner of that div ision should be a clear favorite in the championship. Western Michigan w ill finish 7-1 in regular season conference play, and they’ll take dow n Buffalo in the championship to take home the M AC crow n in 2021.

American: Cincinnati over UCF While I don’t think Cincinnati has the chops to take down either of their major Power 5 opponents — Indiana and Notre Dame — I do still believe they’re the cream of the crop in the American Conference. It’s a strong conference at the top, and I believe that Cincinnati will go 8-0 in the regular season, while UCF and Memphis match each other with 7-1 records. Should that happen, I’ll go with the head-to-head tiebreaker, as UCF gets the Tigers at the Bounce House.

Desmond Ridder vs. Dillon Gabriel is an enticing conference title game matchup that could have significant New Year’s 6 implications. But I don’t think Gus Malzahn can bring home any hardware in his first season in Central Florida. Give me the Bearcats to take down the American for a second straight year.

Conference USA: North Texas over Western Kentucky North Texas is a team I expect to surprise a lot of people this year. Admittedly, the Mean Green were a disappointing 4-6 last season, and a putrid 4-8 the year before. But Seth Littrell has coached some very solid North Texas teams before, accumulating back-toback nine-win seasons. With a lot of returning production on both sides of the ball, I like North Texas to emerge in a competitive conference with no clear standout.

Western Kentucky is a solid team, with winning records in conference play the past two seasons. I think Florida Atlantic is the biggest challenge in their division, and the Hilltoppers get them at home, so 6-2 should do the trick for clinching a title game berth. However, I think the Mean Green are the superior team in the matchup, and I’ll have them complete my miniCinderella prediction with an

Mountain West: State over Nevada

Boise

Boise State didn’t quite reign supreme last year, surprisingly falling short to San Jose State in the Mountain West title game.

I don’t believe they’ll have any such issue, as I believe the Broncos w ill run roughshod over the conference in 2021. To go 12-0 w ill require tough w ins over Ok lahoma State and UCF, but in conference play, the Broncos have no equal.

San Jose State, Hawaii and Nevada form the clear second tier of the conference, all residing in the West Div ision. W hile Boise State cruises in the Mountain Div ision, Nevada w ill grind their way out of a ver y tough div ision to get to the title game. However, Boise State won’t drop t wo championship games in a row, and they’ll get back to their perch atop the Mountain West in 2021.

Sun

Belt:

Appalachian

In no way do I believe Arkansas State is the second best team in their conference, but they have the best chance of w inning a ver y weak div ision. Meanwhile, Georgia Southern and Coastal Carolina have the misfortune of being in a div ision w ith the Mountaineers, who are just head and shoulders above ever yone else in the Sun Belt. The highly-hy ped Chanticleers have probably the only decent chance to beat Appalachian State, but I don’t see it in the cards.

This team is too good, and I think they’ll be in contention for a New Year’s 6 bowl at the end.

Meanwhile, Arkansas State may be a 5-3 (in conference play) t y pe of team, but that could be enough.

Louisiana may have something to say about how weak that div ision is, but the Ragin’ Cajuns lost a lot of offensive production and could struggle to put up points. South A labama and Louisiana-Monroe are among the worst teams in the countr y, which opens the door for the Red Wolves.

ACC: Clemson over Miami Not the boldest of predictions here. Clemson is obviously the favorite out of the Atlantic, and the only team in that division capable of giving them a run is NC State. In the Coastal, there’s two really bad teams (Duke and Georgia Tech) and five teams that are pretty solid. Many believe this one comes down to Miami or UNC, but I mentioned in my last Sports Authority that I don’t believe the Tar Heels will finish the year ranked.

Meanwhile, after an opening loss to Alabama, I think Miami runs the table on their ACC slate to emerge victorious out of the Coastal.

Is it enough to beat Clemson? Probably not. I somewhat unpopularly predicted the Tigers to lose to Georgia in their non-conference opener, but much like Miami, I don’t see Clemson taking a conference loss. As Justyn Ross gets back into the flow of things, and D.J. Uiageaelei gains more experience, this Clemson team should be one of the best in the country. The Tigers will win what feels like their 100th straight ACC Championship. see THOMAS PAGE 13

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sports

Thomas Continued from page 12

Big 10: Ohio State over Wisconsin You know it’s just another normal year when Ohio State fends off their top challengers in the Big 10 East before decimating some overmatched opponents out of the Big 10 West. It’s one of the biggest reasons that I am an advocate of eliminating divisions — you constantly get conference championship matchups that don’t involve the two best teams. The three best teams in the Big 10 this year are Ohio State, Penn State and Indiana. If the Buckeyes survive Penn State at home, and a road trip to Bloomington, then they are all set. C.J. Stroud won a tough quarterback battle, and the Buckeyes’ offense should gel quickly with tough games against Minnesota and Oregon to start their schedule.

Wisconsin feels like the right pick over Minnesota, Northwestern and Iowa in the West. All four teams have a pretty legitimate shot of claiming a chance to get beat

by Ohio State in the championship, but the Badgers are my favorite pick out of that quartet. Graham Mertz was inconsistent but occasionally brilliant in his first year as a starter and should elevate the offense in year 2. The key for Wisconsin — overcoming early adversity which could include a 1-2 start with losses to Notre Dame and Penn State if things don’t go their way. Winning on the road at Minnesota to end the regular season could decide who takes the West.

Big 12: Oklahoma over Iowa State Another day, another unsurprising pick. The Sooners and Cyclones are the best teams in the Big 12, and they should be in line for a potential playoff win-and-in conference championship. My dark horse is West Virginia, as I mentioned in my previous sports authority that I think they’ll win ten games. If they take the seven wins I expect them to in conference play, to go with an upset of one of these two teams, then suddenly, it’s the Mountaineers in the title game. However, I think Spencer Rattler and Brock Purdy lead two fantastic offenses that won’t falter in conference play except to each other. The offenses should both be electric, but I believe the Sooners have the defensive edge and will claim a hard fought rematch of the 2020 Big 12 Championship.

ndsmcobserver.com | Friday, AUGUST 27, 2021 | The Observer

of Pac-12 mayhem. However, until proven otherwise, this conference will belong to last year’s title game participants, USC and Oregon. I don’t see the result flipping either, with the Ducks claiming a third straight conference championship, beating Kedon Slovis again.

USC has a very realistic chance of entering this game undefeated — a road game at Notre Dame has the feel of a true 50/50 game, but the rest of the schedule is exceptionally winnable. Oregon will likely take a loss to Ohio State on the road, but beyond that, they avoid USC in the regular season and should be the better team in every game.

Whether they can avoid upsets is the question, but a roster vastly more experienced than their very young 2020 roster makes be believe in the Ducks. In a highly competitive year, 12-1 and a conference championship may not be enough for a CFP bid, but it puts Oregon in the mix.

SEC: Alabama Georgia

13

FOOtball

Football home opener to be streamed only on Peacock Observer Staff Report

Editor’s Note: A version of this story was published online on August 5.

The football home opener for the Irish against Toledo will be streamed exclusively on Peacock, NBCUniversal’s streaming service. Notre Dame football and NBC Sports’ relationship began in 1991, and this will mark the first time a

home game is available exclusively on a streaming service.

Peacock did recently stream the 2021 Blue-Gold Game this past May. Notre Dame vice president and athletic director Jack Swarbick discussed the impact this game will have on the relationship with NBC Sports.

“Bringing Notre Dame Football to Peacock is just the next step in the evolution of

our relationship,” Swarbick said.

Peacock joins Fighting Irish TV as a location for streaming of Notre Dame athletics.

Fighting Irish TV launched in spring of 2021, and is a Universityowned platform where fans can stream video content for all athletic teams.

The game against Toledo will kick off at 2:30pm ET on Saturday, Sept. 11.

over

For all their dominance, Alabama actually rarely wins the West in consecutive years. In the last five seasons, they’ve won it three times, with LSU and Auburn each preventing a back-to-back.

However, this Alabama team is too good to pick against.

John Metchie was a top-tier secondary receiver last year and should play a massive role this season. Bryce Young is as exciting a first-year starter as any in college football.

The defense returns a ton of production from a unit that gave up more than 24 points on just two occasions. And just a reminder — Alabama hasn’t scored less than 31 points since the 2018 National Championship. It’s going to take a lot to unseat the Tide, although they’ll certainly have to deal with the Iron Bowl against Auburn, plus tough games versus LSU and Texas A&M to take home the crown.

In the East, Georgia should return to their dominance.

They were briefly unseated

by Florida during Kyle Trask’s dominant campaign.

However, the Gators figure to take a step back after losing Trask and two other first-round picks from their receiving corps. Meanwhile, I expect Zamir White to take a step forward as the next great Georgia running back, while J.T. Daniels lets it fly in Kirby Smart’s offense.

However, it won’t be enough to get Georgia over the hump, as they’ll fall to the Tide in Atlanta once more on conference championship Saturday.

Courtesy of Notre Dame Athletics

Irish junior safety Kyle Hamilton attempts to strip the ball from the hands of the ball carrier during Notre Dame’s 42-26 trouncing of the Florida State Seminoles on Oct. 10 at Notre Dame Stadium in South Bend.

Pac-12: Oregon over USC The Pac-12 could be a very interesting conference this year. Utah, Colorado and Washington are all intriguing spoilers to watch and could contribute to another year

Contact Aidan Thomas at athoma28@nd.edu The views expressed in this Sports Authority are those of the author and not necessarily those of The Observer.

Courtesy of Notre Dame Athletics

Irish graduate student kicker Jonathan Doerer strikes the ball past an approaching defender during Notre Dame’s 31-17 win over then No. 19 ranked North Carolina at Kenan Memorial Stadium on Nov. 27.

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ndsmcobserver.com | Friday, AUGUST 27, 2021 | The Observer

W Soccer

M Soccer

Continued from page 16

Continued from page 16

as they come in the college game. Rarely ever making mistakes or shipping easy goals, the Hartland, Wisconsin, native also offers ample ability in one-onone situations. It will be no easy task for the Irish, who scored three times against Bowling Green but couldn’t find the back of the net against Indiana, to get on the board Thursday.

In front of Bloomer is a Badger XI that hasn’t seen much change from last season. Though last spring’s preferred centerbacks Claire Shea and Sammy Kleedtke have left the team, Wisconsin will be capable of defending as a unit despite personnel losses.

The Badgers’ attack in 2020 was spearheaded by attacking midfielders Emma Jaskaniec and Lauren Rice, who have wasted no time finding their marks this fall with five and three points, respectively.

To beat such a defensively solid Badger unit, the Notre Dame attack will need to find the second gear that it lacked against Indiana. Coach Nate Norman rotated his front line extensively in the heat last week; but no matter the combination of attackers, senior forward Olivia Wingate was at the center of the action. Wingate and junior attackers Kati Druzina and Kiki Van Zanten will need to be in top form combining in build up and getting shots off.

The second team Notre Dame will face in their road stint, Marquette, should likely be the easier of the two games. The Golden Eagles failed to qualify for the NCAA tournament out of the Big East in 2020, and just barely escaped their first game of the season against Central Michigan. They will be more rested than the Irish, however, as the Golden Eagles will come into the Sunday clash having not played since last week, while Notre Dame will only have three days of recovery time.

Against Marquette, Notre Dame’s defense will face one of their harder tests of the early season. Marquette lit up Central Michigan for four goals in their 4-3 opener, and will no doubt be looking to continue their hot form on Sunday.

Graduate student and Purdue transfer Julia Ware has been vital in taking the Irish defense to the next level this fall; another major game out of Ware will be needed to keep the Golden Eagles at bay.

Joining Ware in the backline will be senior Brianna Martinez, a year four starter who offers plenty of experience against some of the nation’s best collegiate attackers. Notre Dame didn’t allow Indiana a single shot on target last week, and they’ll hope to repeat such an impressive defensive display twice more this week.

Watch the Fighting Irish take on Wisconsin in Madison Thursday at 8:30 p.m. on BTN+, and then Marquette in Milwaukee at 1 p.m. on flofc. com.

Celentano, who made the first team — and w ill attempt to start the season strong coming off their second-place finish in last year’s NCAA Tournament.

Indiana has been solid but not over whelming this preseason, coming to a 0 – 0 draw w ith DePaul before defeating Wright State 4–2 and Louisv ille 5 – 4.

The Fighting Irish w ill have to control the game to defeat a dependable Hoosier team. Notre Dame can look towards their captains Mohamed Omar and Philp Quinton to lead the charge in the matchup this Friday and take control of the game on the defensive end.

On the attacking end of the pitch, senior for ward Jack Ly nn w ill tr y to add on to his 21 goals over the past three seasons and establish himself as the Irish’s leading scorer for the third year in a row. Notre Dame’s attack w ill have to pressure the Indiana defense and reach the back of the net to combat the Hoosiers’ established goal scoring abilit y.

As the first regular season game, the Fighting Irish w ill be starting off an exciting year and introducing their freshman class — ranked No. 5 in the nation by TDS — to real NCAA competition.

Tune in as the Fighting Irish match up against the Hoosiers Friday at 7: 00 PM in A lumni Stadium or on ACCNX.

15

ALLISON THORNTON | The Observer

Irish senior defender Philip Quinton handles the ball during Notre Dame’s 0-2 defeat to Virginia Tech on April 9 at Alumni Stadium.

Hockey Continued from page 16

Rounding out the forward, 5-foot-11 Hunter Strand is another prospect for the NHL Entry Draft. After spending two seasons with the USNTDP from 2018 to 2020, the center from Anchorage, Alaska, spent his last season in 2020-2021 playing for the Tri-City Storm of the USHL. In 51 games played for the Storm, lefthanded Strand scored 20 goals and assisted on 29 others for a total of 49 points. While tied for the team lead in goals at 20, Strand led in assists as well as point totals. He is ranked 55th in the final NHL Central Scouting rankings with predictions having Strand go in the later rounds of the draft.

The final player for the incoming first-year class is 6-foot defenseman Ryan Helliwell from Burnaby, British Columbia. Helliwell spent the last three seasons in the BCHL, playing for the Trail Smoke Eaters in 2020-2021 and the Langley Rivermen from 2018 to 2020. The left-handed defenseman notched 10 goals and 36 assists for 46 total points in 113 games played.

In his latest season, Helliwell put up three goals and eight assists in 18 games played.

At the end of the abbreviated season, he was named the Top Defenseman in the Penticton Pod thanks to his 11-point total that was good enough to lead the team in defensemen scoring.

Irish head coach Jeff Jackson said he is hopeful this relatively small incoming class will help power the team toward more wins.

“Although we have a smaller freshmen class in number, they will each make an impact in their own way,” Jackson said. “Each player brings different intangibles to our team that we need and that w ill help us w in hockey games.”

ALLISON THORNTON | The Observer

Contact Dominic Gibson at dgibson@nd.edu

Irish junior defenseman Charlie Raith takes control of the puck while adjusting his stride after changing directions during Notre Dame’s 3-2 overtime victory over Ohio State on Nov. 8, 2019 at home.

16

The observer | Friday, AUGUST 27, 2021 | ndsmcobserver.com

nd Volleyball

Women’s Soccer

Irish ready to get season underway Observer Staff Report

Volleyball starts their season off at home w ith the Golden Dome Inv itational.

The No. 25 seeded Irish w ill take on No. 16 Western Kentuck y, Oak land and Loyola Chicago as they seek to start their season off w ith a streak of v ictories.

2020 proved to be a fruitful season for the team, marking the first time since 2005 that they were featured on the AVCA Coaches Poll (No. 24). Notre Dame also secured their first NCA A Tournament spot in four seasons after finishing 15-4 overall. Within this record, the Irish went 7-1 at home, establishing their dominance under the Dome before they take on a fresh set of competitors this weekend.

Players on the squad are heading into the season already hav ing received A ll-ACC Accolades. Senior outside hitter Charley Niego and senior setter Zoe Nunez were both named to the Preseason A ll-ACC

Volleyball team, in addition to receiv ing First Team A llACC honors.

Nunez ended 2020 hav ing started all 19 matches, posting 753 assists and 71 sets.

She also made Irish histor y as the seventh player to reach the 3,000 assist mark.

Niego led the team w ith 244 kills and performed 179 digs Niego also secured an Honorable Mention AVCA A ll-American nomination for the second time. The pair w ill have to carr y this momentum into the season opener to help the Irish w ith strong performances against formidable opponents.

The first game of the inv itational w ill start at 7 p.m. on Friday at Purcell Pav ilion where the Irish w ill take on No. 16 Western Kentuck y.

The next two games against Oak land and Loyola Chicago w ill be played at 11 a.m. and 7 p.m. on Saturday, respectively.

Watch all of the matches this weekend on ACC Network Extra.

Squad prepared to embark on road trip Observer Staff Report

ALLISON THORNTON | The Observer

Former Irish midfielder Alexis Martel-Lamothe goes after a loose ball during Notre Dame’s 2-3 loss to Iowa on Sept. 15, 2019.

This week marks a big opportunity for Notre Dame women’s soccer, as the Irish travel north to Wisconsin for a pair of games against the University of Wisconsin and Marquette. These out of conference matches, which will be the Irish’s first road contests of the season, are essential as Notre Dame looks to build a competitive resume to be selected for the NCAA tournament later this fall.

The first team standing in their way of an undefeated road stand are the Wisconsin Badgers.

Coming off a 7-4-3 season that saw the Badgers miss national tournament play as one of the last teams on the bubble, Wisconsin brings back plenty of talent and experience to Madison, with coach Paula Wilkins setting up a side that looks to be one of the best in the Big Ten. In net is Wisconsin’s star player, goalie Jordyn Bloomer. The reigning champion of the 2019 and 2020 B1G Goalkeeper of the Year awards, Bloomer is as consistent see W SOCCER PAGE 15

Hockey

Men’s soccer

Notre Dame set to kick off Jackson welcomes season at home against IU freshman class Observer Staff Report

This Friday, Notre Dame men’s soccer w ill host the Indiana Hoosiers, kicking off the season in A lumni Stadium. This game w ill mark the 43rd time Notre Dame and Indiana have faced off on the pitch and the first time they have met since their 1–1 draw in 2019.

Indiana w ill be entering A lumni Stadium as the No. 2 ranked team in the countr y, posing an immediate challenge and an opportunit y for the unranked Irish to quick ly elevate on the leaderboards.

The Hoosiers w ill be bringing a talented and experienced roster to South Bend. Indiana head coach Todd Yeagley saw four of his players named to TDS’s Preseason Best X I teams — including two juniors, for ward Victor Bezerra and goalkeeper Roman see M SOCCER PAGE 15

By DOMINIC GIBSON Sports Writer

Editor’s Note: A version of this story was published online on July 25.

ALEX CHILIKINA-BROWN | The Observer

Irish junior midfielder Ethan O’Brien fights off a defender during Notre Dame’s 0-2 defeat to Virginia Tech on April 9 at home.

The Notre Dame hockey team announced the incoming first-year class for the 2021-2022 school year which includes three forwards and one defenseman.

Two of them are prospects for the upcoming 2021 NHL Entr y Draft. After making the NCA A Championship field for the fifth consecutive season in 2020-2021, the Irish hope the new additions w ill bolster the roster further.

Hailing from Palatine, Illinois, 6-foot left-handed for ward Tyler Carpenter has spent his last four seasons in the USHL play ing for both the Omaha Lancers and the Chicago Steel. In 223 games played in the USHL, Carpenter has amassed 39

goals and 47 assists for a total of 86 points. During the 2020-2021 season, Carpenter tallied 10 goals and 11 assists for a 21 point total in 50 games.

Six-foot left-w inger Sasha Pastujov is one of t wo incoming first-years who is a prospect for the 2021 NHL Entr y Draft. The Bradenton, Florida, native skated his last t wo seasons w ith the USA Hockey National Team Development Program (USNTDP), finishing w ith 102 total points on 37 goals and 65 assists. In 2020-2021, Pastujov racked up a teamhigh 52 points w ith 23 goals and 29 assists in 34 games played. With his stellar shot and high offensive zone IQ, Pastujov ranked 18th in the final NHL Central Scouting rankings w ith some scouts predicting the w inger to come in as an early-round draft pick. see HOCKEY PAGE 15