Laetare medal recipient announced

Observer Staff Report sister rosemary connelly, a lifelong advocate for individuals with developmental disabilities, will receive notre dame’s 2023 Laetare medal, according to a press release. The Laetare medal is awarded at commencement each year to an american catholic leader “whose genius has ennobled the arts and sciences, illustrated the ideals of the church and enriched the heritage of humanity.” connelly is the former executive director of misericordia, a chicago-based nonprofit which seeks to “maximize potential for persons with mild to profound developmental disabilities, many of whom are also physically challenged.” since her appointment as executive director in 1969, connelly has expanded to include educational and enrichment activities, in addition to residential care.

Today, misericordia has a 37acre campus on chicago’s north side, serving more than 600 children and adult residents, as well as an outreach program that assists more than 140 families. in the press release, connelly cited the misericordia community, residents and staff as the source of her motivation.

“They challenge us to be our best. They’re loving. They live life beautifully. and they can be models for us all,” she said. at 92 years old, connelly currently serves as chairwoman of the board of the misericordia Foundation. she has received nine honorary degrees, the order of Lincoln medallion and a caring institute award, among other accomplishments.

University President Fr. John Jenkins praised connelly as this year’s recipient of the Laetare medal.

“With her characteristic tenacity, grace and genius, sister rosemary has ensured that the residents of misericordia — as wonderful children of God — have the quality of life and opportunities they deserve,” Jenkins said.

“We are inspired by her vision, her leadership and her compassion and are honored to bestow the Laetare medal on her.” d oudrick described that the universality of water is what makes it so important to research, learn about and protect.

The week’s celebrations will conclude with a s tormwater b adge i nstallation and Water Week d inner on Friday. The badge installation will begin at the o ffice of s ustainability, 101 c ampus d istribution c enter, at 11 a.m. volunteers will be divided into groups to assist in labeling the storm drains and grates on campus.

The Water Week d inner will be offered at both n orth and s outh dining halls and features Wild a laskan Pollock sourced from sustainable fisheries in a laska.

“ e verybody drinks water and needs water to survive,” d oudrick said. “Water Week serves to help the campus come together and engage in an open dialogue around PFas and how all actions humans take impact water.”

Contact Kate Kirwan at kkirwan@nd.edu at compatibility with the University’s character and mission. m ore detailed statistics about the class of 2027 will be published in m ay after students have accepted their offers.

“There are a lot of intangibles that are really really important. You know, commitment to the mission. r ight? h ow passionate are you about being a leader of character, educating the heart and the mind and going out being a means for good in this world? s o how students respond and exhibit enthusiasm around that type of question [matters],” she said.

Kidder mentioned how the yield rate — around 60% — still reveals differences in demographics from those accepted to those that choose to enroll.

“ i t’s difficult and to enroll does change based on the demographics of who we’re admitting, frankly. s o as n otre d ame continues to invite more first-generation students, as n otre d ame continues to invite more under-resourced students, i think that it’s difficult to show a flat line if you will, over decades, from admit to enroll, because the demographic of the student body is changing,” she said.