For the week of August 24
This is a weekly digest of events and announcements for faculty/staff/postdocs.
University Campaigns and Initiatives
Opening of the Academic Year Mass
Undergraduate and graduate students, faculty, staff, and their families are warmly invited to gather for the Opening of the Academic Year Mass as we ask for God’s blessing on the year ahead. University President Rev. Robert A. Dowd, C.S.C., will serve as presider and homilist. All are welcome.
Monday, Aug. 24; 5:15 p.m. in the Purcell Pavilion in the Joyce Center
Arts and Performances
Exhibitions
Fall Exhibit—The Delirium of the Brave: Sacrifice for the Soul of the Irish Nation
Four failed attempts to create an independent Ireland each gave rise to a powerful romantic narrative that captivated the spirits of the Irish at home and abroad. This exhibit features items from Rare Books & Special Collections and the University Archives that document the heroes, martyrs and idealistic men and women who forged modern Ireland.
Mondays through Fridays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. through December 21, in Rare Books & Special Collections (Room 102), Hesburgh Library
Films
I Love Boosters (2026)
A crew of professional shoplifters led by Corvette (Keke Palmer) targets a ruthless, ultrawealthy fashion mogul in Boots Riley’s bold, colorful satire. Equal parts hilarious and sharp, the film turns “boosting” into an act of community service, and a spark for something bigger. Rated R. 113 minutes. $7 adults, $6 faculty/staff, $5 seniors (65+), $4 students.
Thursday, Aug. 27; 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. in the Browning Cinema, DeBartolo Performing Arts Center
Friday, Aug. 28; 9:30 to 11:30 p.m.
Saturday, Aug. 29; 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
The Christophers (2025)
Reclusive artist Julian Sklar (Ian McKellen) has withdrawn from the London art world. Hoping to secure their inheritance, his estranged children hire young painter and forger Lori (Michaela Coel) to pose as his assistant and uncover a hidden collection of unfinished canvases in this lively dark comedy. Rated R. 100 minutes. $7 adults, $6 faculty/staff, $5 seniors (65+), $4 students.
Thursday, Aug. 27; 9:30 to 11:15 p.m. in the Browning Cinema, DeBartolo Performing Arts Center
Friday, Aug. 28; 6:30 to 8:15 p.m.
Saturday, Aug. 29; 9:30 to 11:15 p.m.
Flick on the Field: Rudy
The 1993 film, starring Sean Astin, tells the story of Daniel “Rudy” Ruettiger, who follows his dream to play football at the University of Notre Dame despite significant obstacles. Scenes throughout the movie were filmed on campus in 1992–93, including during halftime of Notre Dame’s 1992 game against Boston College. Gates open at 7:30 p.m. Bags will be checked at the gate.
Friday, Aug. 28; 9 p.m. in Notre Dame Stadium (on the video board)
The Met Opera Live in HD: Aida (Verdi)
Angel Blue stars as Aida in Verdi’s epic Egyptian drama, alongside Judit Kutasi, Piotr Beczała, and Quinn Kelsey in this encore presentation. Yannick Nézet-Séguin conducts Michael Mayer’s grand production, featuring towering pyramids, gilded tombs, intricate projections, and dazzling animation. 195 minutes, one intermission. $23 adults, $16 children/students.
Saturday, Aug. 29; 1 to 4:15 p.m. in the Browning Cinema, DeBartolo Performing Arts Center
Little Women (2019)
Greta Gerwig brings Louisa May Alcott’s beloved novel to life as sisters Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy March navigate the changing seasons of life in New England. Through rivalries, heartbreaks, ambitions, and joys, the sisters discover the enduring bonds of family and home. Rated PG. 135 minutes. Part of Professor Pfinklepfunder’s $1 Sunday Films.
Sunday, Aug. 30; 1 to 3:15 p.m. in the Browning Cinema, DeBartolo Performing Arts Center
Samsara (2011)
Part of Sunday Docs series. Ron Fricke’s visually stunning documentary travels from the Himalayas and the American Southwest to European cathedrals and beyond. Told through breathtaking imagery and music rather than a traditional narrative, Samsara offers an immersive, poetic meditation on the beauty and complexity of the world. Rated PG-13. 102 minutes. $7 adults, $6 faculty/staff, $5 seniors (65+), $4 students.
Sunday, Aug. 30; 4 to 5:45 p.m. in the Browning Cinema, DeBartolo Performing Arts Center
Performances
Theater: Macbeth (NDSF 2026)
As part of the 2026 Notre Dame Shakespeare Festival, come see a unique staging of one of Shakespeare’s most famous tragedies, where the audience is at the center of the story. The show runs through August 30, so get your tickets on the DeBartolo Performing Arts Center’s website. Student tickets are $10, faculty/staff tickets range from $40 to $55, and general public tickets range from $45 to $60.
Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday; Aug. 25–29; 7:30 p.m. in the Patricia George Decio Theatre, DeBartolo Performing Arts Center
Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 29–30; 2 p.m.
Merrimans’ Playhouse @ the Raclin Murphy: Abram Collier Nonet
Spend a summer evening grooving to jazz on the Hiler Family Terrace at the Raclin Murphy Museum. Bring a blanket or lawn chair (limited seating will be available on the terrace), relax under the sun, and let the music move you in this one-of-a-kind setting.
Thursday, Aug. 27; 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. in the Raclin Murphy Museum of Art
Athletics and Sporting Events
Visit the Athletics composite schedule for events this week.
Deadlines or Registrations
Work in Progress: A Conversation and Reading with Rev. James Martin, S.J.
Members of the tri-campus community are invited to attend a conversation and book reading with New York Times best-selling author Rev. James Martin, S.J., editor-at-large at America magazine. The event will begin with a conversation between Fr. Martin and Professor Kathleen Sprows Cummings. Following their discussion, Fr. Martin will read excerpts from his newest book, and copies will be available for sale. This event is free, but ticketed. Tickets will be available on a first-come, first-served basis at the ticket office one hour prior. Attendees must show a Notre Dame/SMC/HCC ID upon entry.
Wednesday, Sept. 2; 7 to 8:30 p.m. in the Patricia George Decio Theater, DeBartolo Performing Arts Center
Back-to-School Social for Notre Dame Singles Community for Faculty and Professional Staff
Heavy hors d’oeuvres and a beer and wine bar. Contact information: SCND-planning-team-list@nd.edu.
Thursday, Sept. 3; 5 to 7 p.m. in Room 205, McKenna Hall
Laetare Medal: Call for Nominations
Each year at this time, members of the Laetare Medal Committee assemble to begin the process of evaluating and proposing nominees for the President’s consideration for this prestigious award. The Laetare Medal Committee invites you to submit your own nomination.
The deadline for submission of names is 11:59 p.m. Sunday, September 6.
Tutoring in the South Bend Community
Looking for a meaningful way to make an impact in the community and help students succeed while receiving compensation or fulfilling service hours? Become a high-impact tutor with Tutor-ND. AmeriCorps will support you to help a child learn. Free Uber rides are offered to your site. Apply at tinyurl.com/TutorND or, if you have questions, email tutornd@nd.edu.
Starting Monday, Sept. 14, in the South Bend schools and community centers.
Shifts available between 7:30 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. Mondays through Fridays
Deals and Discounts
$99 AC/DC Tickets
Your AC/DC Back to School tickets are here. Lower Bowl seats were just released for $99. (*Tickets start at $80 plus applicable fees.) Don’t miss this once-in-a-lifetime event as AC/DC brings their Power Up Tour to South Bend.
Friday, Sept. 4; 7:30 p.m. in Notre Dame Stadium
Educational and Research Opportunities
EAP Workshop—“Setting Yourself Up for Success: Understanding the Expectations and Experiences in American Classrooms”
This workshop discusses cultural norms, behavior, expectations of the American university classroom, and practical tips for academic success. Zoom link.
Thursday, Aug. 27; 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. virtually
Hesburgh Libraries and Navari Family Center for Digital Scholarship Workshops:
Click on the links to see more details and to register.
· Bringing Order to Qualitative Madness with ATLAS.ti
Learn how to use ATLAS.ti to bring order to the chaos of your qualitative research project. Presented by Mark Robison, political science and peace studies librarian.
Friday, Aug. 28; 10 to 11 a.m. in the Collaboration Hub (Room 220), Hesburgh Library
· Python for Absolute Beginners
In this brief tour, you’ll learn the very basics of using the Python programming language, including the basic logic and syntax of the language as an on-ramp for further learning on your own.
Friday, Aug. 28; 2 to 3 p.m. in the Navari Family Center for Digital Scholarship (Room 246), Hesburgh Library
Faith and Service
Mass
In honor of the feast of St. Augustine of Hippo and in celebration of the start of a new semester, pray in the Mary, Queen of Families Chapel. This opportunity to worship amid site-specific installations provides a space to reflect on the connection between liturgy and the arts. A five-minute guided exploration will be offered after the Mass.
Friday, Aug. 28; 9:30 to 10 a.m. in the Raclin Murphy Museum of Art
Lectures and Presentations
Lecture—“American Odyssey: What an Ancient Story Reveals About Our Divided Souls”
Presented by political philosopher Patrick J. Deneen and sponsored by the Center for Citizenship and Constitutional Government.
Thursday, Aug. 27; 7 to 8:15 p.m. in the auditorium, Eck Visitors Center
Panel Discussion—“Analyzing the Diversity of a Large Emerging Market: Sectoral Politics in India’s Multi-Level Political Economy”
The journal Studies in Comparative International Development, in collaboration with the Liu Institute’s South Asia Group and the Kellogg Institute, invites the community to celebrate the publication of its new special issue. Free and open to all. Light refreshments to follow.
Friday, Aug. 28; 4 to 6 p.m. in Room 1050, Jenkins Nanovic Halls
2026 Annual Rev. Bernie Clark, C.S.C., Lecture—“A Conversation with James Martin: Joy, Work, and Purpose”
For the 2026 Bernie Clark Lecture, Rev. James Martin, S.J., a Jesuit priest and author of his recently released spiritual memoir, “Work in Progress,” will join Suzanne Shanahan, the Leo and Arlene Hawk Executive Director of the Institute for Social Concerns, for a fireside chat to kick off the new academic year.
Friday, Aug. 28; 4 to 6 p.m. in Andrews Auditorium (lower level), Geddes Hall
Safety, Parking, and Traffic
Parking Services Extended Hours
The Parking Services Office and Card Office will have extended hours during student move-in.
Monday, Aug. 24; 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Social Gatherings
LGBTQ & Allies Welcome Back Picnic
Kick off the semester with incredible local food trucks, great music, and a chance to win amazing prizes—including a Nintendo Switch grand prize. Whether you’re catching up with old friends or looking to build your community on campus, all are welcome. Come grab a plate, relax on the lawn, and celebrate the new school year. Open to the tri-campus. Sponsored by the Gender Relations Center.
Wednesday, Aug. 26; 5 to 7 p.m. on Library Lawn
Tech Tips, Tools, and IT Maintenance
Is Your Canvas Course Ready for Students?
Once you’ve created a Home page, posted readings, and created assignments, there’s one more step to making the site visible to students: publishing the course site. Students will not receive communication—your site until it is published.
Also This Week ...
Hesburgh Library Fall Semester Building Hours
Hesburgh Library fall semester hours have begun and will continue through Friday, December 18.
· Mondays through Thursdays, open 24 hours a day
· Fridays, closes at 11 p.m.
· Saturdays, open from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m.
· Sundays, opens at 9 a.m.
Legends: Now Open Mondays
Great news for your start-of-the-week cravings: Legends is now open on Mondays from 11:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. You can still count on all your favorite staples like the dill pickle dip and the 1842 burger for lunch or dinner. Plus, make sure to stop by starting Monday, August 31, to try new menu additions like smoked chicken wings and grilled coho salmon.