- Fr. John, thank you for the Christmas bonuses, the other extra bonuses and everything you did to keep the University open during COVID. By keeping the University open, no employees lost their jobs, their health insurance or their paychecks. This was spectacular work done by you. Good luck in your future endeavors.
Beth Bland, Senior Administrative Coordinator, Keough-Naughton Institute for Irish Studies, 34 years with the University
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Dear Fr. John, I first met you at the Kaneb Center when I was running the Graduate TA program. I admired how you could be a gentle yet strong and decisive leader at the same time. Since I have been on the faculty for decades, I can see clearly that ND is a different place now. The inclusion at all levels of the University is evident. The care and support that we give to everyone on campus is evident. I am so proud to work at a university that is changing in the way that you led us to change. Thank you for all your work on our behalf.
Michelle Whaley, Teaching Professor, Biological Sciences, 30+ years at Notre Dame
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Fr. John, Thank you for your selfless service throughout these years. I will be praying for your wisdom, peace, and boundless joy in your next chapter of life.
Jonathan Anderstrom, Insurance and Financial Risk Assistant Manager, Office of Treasury Services
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It has been a true pleasure and honor to work side-by-side with Fr. John. I want to wish him all the best as he steps down from an amazing tenure as President.
Danielle Robinson, Usher, 11 years of service
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Many years ago, when I was a senior at Saint Mary’s and anxiously following any and all paths that might lead to employment in the wake of 9/11 and the Enron/Arthur Andersen disaster, Fr. John agreed to meet me for a 20-minute interview. He kindly took my resume, took genuine interest in my career goals and desires, and offered encouragement, direction, and counsel. All these years later, I reflect on those 20 minutes with such gratitude. Knowing how busy he must have been, but still took the time to talk with me and provide guidance really was such a lovely example to me of selfless and humble leadership that I have carried to this day.
Breighan Boeskool, Assistant Director of Business Intelligence, Investment Office, 11 years at Notre Dame
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Fr. John, thank you for your steadfast leadership during your time as University President. I will fondly remember interacting with you during some of the large-scale University Masses. Your uplifting homilies and gracious interactions with those who came to pray were notable. Know of my prayers for you as you enter the next phase of your ministry!
Dan Allen, Associate Director of Spirituality and Service, Notre Dame Alumni Association, 10 years at Notre Dame
- Fr. Jenkins has been a devoted and exuberant supporter of the Notre Dame Byzantine Catholic Community since its inception. We will always be thankful for your encouragement and pastoral solicitude. Thank you
for making it possible for the University of Notre Dame to “breathe with both lungs [Eastern and Western Christian traditions].”
Fr. Khaled Anatolios, Chair, Department of Theology; Notre Dame Byzantine Catholic Community, eight years at Notre Dame
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A few years after I arrived at Notre Dame, I was walking across campus to Sorin College to service their chapel piano. Coming across South Quad toward Sorin, I noticed Fr. John … and I decided I would say hello to him and introduce myself. He asked what I did here at Notre Dame. I told him I was the ‘first ever full time piano technician at Notre Dame’. His reply: “I didn’t know we had a piano technician!” His approachability, sincerity and friendliness during the few moments we walked together made an impression on me. May God continue to bless you, Fr. John, as you continue your journey in his service.
Norman Vesprini, Piano Technology Program Manager, Department of Music
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Dear Father John,
My best wishes on your retirement and your next chapter of life teaching our wonderful young and brilliant minds of our students. I pray for the Lord’s guidance in all your endeavors and many thanks to you for all you’ve done for the students and staff at Our Lady’s University. Go Irish!
Beverly Skopec, South Dining Hall Monitor, UEE, seven years
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Fr. John, Thank you for leading the University with such grace and success. Your leadership, effort, and dedication have been so appreciated by faculty, staff, and students alike. Wishing you all the best in the future.
Kristin Valentino, Director, William J. Shaw Center for Children and Families; Professor of Psychology; 15 years
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My story predates his presidency, but reflects my most poignant memory of him as a priest and professor. As an undergraduate in 1996, I went to his office for advising and in the course of the conversation (probably after an innocuous question like, “how are you?”) the tears fell and I shared the angst of a particularly bad day—which also happened to be a rather lonely birthday. I don’t recall what he said, but much later that day I do remember returning home to my dorm room to find a birthday card from him with encouragement. It meant so much. I remain so grateful to Fr. John, for his kindness and for his leadership.
Monica Caro ’97, Program Director, International and Graduate Programs, Notre Dame Law School, 16 years at the University
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Fr. John, Thank you for your leadership and guidance as our president, you have been a beacon of light representing and leading the University of Notre Dame. You have advanced the university in research and education; you have taken on that which has been challenging; and you have celebrated accomplishments that make our university unique and special. Especially notable in my endeavors, you have been a leading voice during this transformative time in college athletics which has given us all a wonderful stage to showcase the relationships with and accomplishments of our student-athletes and their teams.
May you enjoy the next chapter of your life in peace and with the knowledge that you upheld the standard (and raised the bar), to ensure that the University of Notre Dame will continue to be one of the most powerful means for good in this country.Ron Powlus, Deputy Athletics Director—Football, Athletics, nine years at Notre Dame
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Fr. John, thank you for all that you have done to make Notre Dame a wonderful place to learn, work, and grow. This is an inspiring place to be and there is no way to accurately measure how much of an impact you have truly made to Notre Dame and consequently for all of the souls lucky enough to call this place home.
Matt Smith, Project Manager, OIT, six years