We Develop Women of Impact
Rhy
Seattle University
Creative Writing
I have never doubted that attending Notre Dame was the best decision I could have made for high school. I found a fantastic and supportive community of other students who were as passionate about school and making the world a better place as I am. I’ll always be thankful for the love, support and preparation for college that I received at ND. When it came time for me to choose a college, I wanted somewhere that would feel as much like a home as Notre Dame has. I wanted an equally passionate, creative, driven and supportive environment. That’s why I chose Seattle University. Thank you for helping me to hone my skills and become the person I am today. Go Redhawks!
Kate
Northeastern University - Dean's Scholarship
Journalism & Political Science
Notre Dame's emphasis on social justice, leadership and becoming a life-long learner has shaped me into who I am today. I’m so grateful to have been part of such an incredible community these past four years. I am beyond excited to go across the country and start a new adventure in Boston. Go Huskies!
Victoria
UC Davic - First Year Aggie Scholarship
Economics
After four years at Notre Dame, I can confidently say I’m graduating with more than just a solid education. I’ve gone through several interest changes as I grew from freshman year to senior year; from law to computer science, to finally business. I wouldn’t have been able to figure out my career passion without the help of my teachers, mentor and counselor, who guided me through finding out what I really loved to do. I know that I’m leaving Notre Dame with friends, internship experience and memories that will last a lifetime. I chose UC Davis for its lively student community, plethora of research and internship opportunities and challenging academics. Even though I’m definitely going to miss my alma mater, I’m excited to begin a new chapter of my life in college. Go Aggies!
Niamh
Gonzaga University - A Dussault Scholar
Biology, Pre-Veterinarian
Notre Dame has taught me many things throughout my four years that I know have shaped me into who I am today. I am glad to be able to take away the skills ND has taught me as well as the friendships and memories that have come with it! I can't wait to continue my educational journey at Gonzaga University next fall! Go Zags!
Rachel
University of Chicago - University Scholar, Dean's Scholar
Law, Letters & Society
Notre Dame has allowed me to expand my passion for social justice and learn about diverse global communities. I am thankful for the countless opportunities that ND has given me and for the connections and friendships I have made. Thinking back to my time as a freshman, it is clear that I have grown in determination, resilience and confidence. As a life-long learner, I am excited to experience all that Chicago has to offer both academically and socially!
Anicka
Chapman University - Thurgood Marshall Scholarship
Psychology
I am so grateful for my time at Notre Dame because of the wonderful friends and experiences that it has provided me with. I met friends who will hopefully last a lifetime and learned so many amazing things from so many amazing teachers that will genuinely stay with me throughout college. I knew Chapman U was the school for me because of their emphasis on research in their psychology department and the diversity within their community.
Tiffany
University of Portland - Holy Cross Scholarship
Political Science & Global Affairs
During my time at Notre Dame, I have been able to form so many bonds with not only fellow students but also with teachers and staff members. I was able to seek guidance that helped me grow as a student and as a person. All of the knowledge that I have gained both in the classroom and outside the classroom will continue to guide me in the next few chapters of my life. I chose UP because of how much the community reminded me of ND and I know that it will be the perfect place for me to continue as a life-long learner and as an advocate for social change. Go Pilots!
Shruthi
Boston College - National Merit Scholar
Economics & Political Science
I've always had a desire to pursue a degree which focuses on socioeconomic relationships. Notre Dame has given me an invaluable social justice education which has fortified that interest, and I am excited for the opportunities Boston College will provide me with to continue learning about the world through a humanitarian lens. With the goal of law school in my sights, I am excited to see where the next four years take me!
Oju
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Computer Science
I am incredibly grateful for the kindness that ND has shown and I will always rely on the numerous lessons I've learned from this community. Notre Dame has encouraged me to prioritize social justice in every aspect of my life. My goal as a computer scientist will be to improve people's well-being using technology. From classes like AP U.S. History with Ms. Johnson and Peace and Social Justice with Ms. Savino, I have learned about the various issues in society. In college, I hope to study abroad so I can listen to people's stories from all around the world.
Ally
William Penn University - Lacrosse Scholarship
Nursing
Throughout my years at Notre Dame I have learned so many valuable lessons. Most importantly, I have learned the importance of putting yourself out there and trying new things. When I first came to Notre Dame I was a very shy and quiet kid, but coming into such a welcoming community allowed me to break out of my shell and be more open to things. My junior year I tried out for the lacrosse team and made it. This has been one of the best decisions I could have made. Not only did I get to play the sport I loved, but I got a family out of it too. I chose William Penn because I can continue playing the sport I love and I got the same feeling of welcoming when I walked on campus. Go Statesman!
Kriti
University of Chicago
Environmental Science
Over my last four years at Notre Dame I have changed immensely. I have learned so many important life lessons and realized the value of my voice. I am so grateful for the safe community that ND has provided which helped me develop my confidence and expand my worldview. I know the friendships I have made will live beyond my four years here. I still have so much to learn and am so excited to continue my journey at UChicago. Looking forward to freezing in the famous Chicago winter!
Mia
University of Utah
Computer Science
Notre Dame has taught me how to be a woman of impact and how to use my voice to make an impact. I am grateful for all the opportunities that ND has provided me with and can't wait to continue to use these qualities in college. I have chosen to attend the University of Utah in the fall where I hope to continue to be a life-long learner.
Amanda
Chapman University (Dean's Scholarship)
Applied Human Physiology
The lessons and values that are taught here at Notre Dame have shaped me to be a better person and leader. I have been in a diverse, supportive, and welcoming environment that I will forever be grateful for. I have learned to dig deeper, speak out, and not be afraid to make a change. Looking back to where I started 4 years ago, my freshman self would not believe all that I have accomplished and changed. I have grown to be more confident and outspoken and determined to be a justice advocate and community leader. As I go into college and beyond, I will take what I learned from ND and apply it in my academics and personal life. I will be headed to Chapman University with new adventures and memories to make, but I will always look back and treasure the time I had here at ND with my second family. Go Panthers!
Marta
McGill University
Physiology & Physics
ND has given me the best four years of foundation and preparation I could ask for. It has allowed me to explore my passions and interests in a safe environment, while also teaching me critical life skills and lessons. The emphasis on social justice and advocacy has shaped me into a critical thinker and has made me passionate about using my voice for change. I'm excited to start a new chapter at McGill University, and continue to grow as a life-long learner. Go Martlets!
Gabrielle
University of Nevada, Reno - Luna Level Scholarship
Geography
Notre Dame has been a foundation for my learning and growth as a life-long learner and student in this world and I've found my passions here. I chose UNR because it has well-established programs and classes for me to choose from as well as great research opportunities for undergrads. I'm excited for the next four years and I know Notre Dame prepared me well. Go Wolf Pack!
Anna
University of Washington
Pre-Sciences
Notre Dame has taught me how to search for the most that life has to offer. Whether I am searching for opportunities at institutions, job opportunities or internship opportunities, I now have the foundation to push myself, challenge myself, and immerse myself in as many opportunities as possible. Notre Dame has also emphasized the beauty in everyone’s unique differences that make all of us who we are, and that respecting, listening, and understanding those who may hold different views than us is important now more than ever.
Charlotte
University of Toronto with Membership to Innis College
Environmental Biology & Drama
My four years at Notre Dame have been the best years of my life. Notre Dame has taught me how to be an effective and passionate advocate: for myself, for the planet, and for those whose voices would otherwise not be heard. I am grateful for the love and support of my friends and the faculty and staff, without whom I would not be the confident young woman I am today. The interdisciplinary curriculum has shaped me into a better student, artist, and global citize and the countless student organizations helped me discover passions I can't imagine living without now and I'm so excited to pursue them at UofT. Go Varsity Blues!
Lia
Seattle Pacific University - Faith for the Future Scholarship
Psychology
Notre Dame has taught me so much these past four years and most importantly I've gained so many friends and fun memories. I'm glad I am able to take away the life skills I learned and life-long friendships. I chose Seattle Pacific because they offer the exact area of study I wanted and I love the location. I also love that it's a new area where I can start the next chapter of my life.
Charlotte
Fordham University - Fordham Recognition Scholarship
Finance
Notre Dame has provided me with an inclusive, nurturing community, filled with diversity, resilience and driven individuals. I am grateful for Notre Dame’s rich education and commitment to social justice, which have enabled me to challenge and expand my ideas. I hope to carry my passions and intellectual curiosity to Fordham University this fall, where I will continue growing as a life-long learner and woman of impact within a supportive student environment, while taking advantage of the opportunity that NYC and its global community have to offer. Go Rams!
Megan
Cal Poly Pomona
Architecture
Coming to Notre Dame has probably been one of the best decisions I have ever made. With teachers who supported me, friends who were there for me, and a family who encouraged me to do my best, I was able to grow in confidence, persistence and strength. Most importantly, I have developed important life skills, made lifelong connections and have grown to believe in myself. It is clear for me to see how far I have come since first starting as a freshman at Notre Dame, and I am proud to say that I am ready to begin the next chapter of my life at Cal Poly Pomona.
Speaker Series
Join us on May 6 for a conversation with Thuy Vu, journalist and Emmy Award winner, Gianna Nino-Tapias, Stanford student and Zulma Maciel, director of San Jose's Office of Racial Equity as we discuss the immigrant experience. This is a free event. Click here to learn more and register.
Notre Notes
Click on the image above, or here, to read our spring 2021issue of Notre Notes featuring articles about donors, speakers, honorees, alums and friends. If you do not receive this publication in the mail and would like to be added to our distribution list, please email communications@ndsj.org.
Committed to Equity
We are committed to continuing to work to ensure an inclusive, equitable community. Click here to learn more.
Flexible Re-Entry Guide
Based on educational research, feedback from focus groups and the work of a curriculum think tank, we have built the Flexible Re-Entry Plan for the 2020-2021 school year to expand or contract based on Santa Clara County guidelines. View our Flexible Re-Entry Guide for spring of 2021 here.
After more than a year of full remote learning, Notre Dame opened up a full hybrid learning environment for all students this week. For several months, there has been a hybrid pilot program for select students dependent on which courses they took. But starting on April 26th, a new schedule began for students who opted for hybrid learning.
Notre Dame sophomore, Malyna '23 was chosen from to participate in 2L® NextGen Program, a week-long leadership and civic engagement program for current high school sophomores and juniors.
The last time the Class of 2023 Jaguars were on campus all together was in March 2020 right before campus shut down. But on Friday, April 23, more than 90 sophomores came to campus to participate in Sophomore Breakaway Day, a day just for them to enjoy and step away from the stress of classes. They took part in a variety of activities while spending time with those they missed over the year as they prepared for the beginning of full hybrid classes for the last grading period.
Sophomore Snikitha Banda was named a Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF) 2021 Finalist after being awarded the Grand Prize - Best of Championship Award at the 2021 Synopsys Silicon Valley Science and Engineering Fair for her project “Style Transfer Augmentation: Cancer Subtype Classification using Genetic Status in Histopathology Images.” She will be competing at ISEF alongside her peers from around the world next month.
Social
Leadership Development
Each student has the opportunity to develop her leadership skills within the co-curricular program of her choice. Students develop voice and experience in our empowering environment.
165 Years of Tradition
In the midst of a rapidly changing world, Notre Dame's spirit and traditions remain. Whether donning crazy costumes for Spirit Week, walking downtown to attend mass, or swaying arm-in-arm while singing the alma mater, generations of women have upheld these traditions and called Notre Dame home.
A Culture of Innovation
Notre Dame's progressive culture of solution-finding, resource-sharing, skill-building and partnerships promotes curiosity and creativity within a unique learning environment.
Unique Downtown Experience
A Notre Dame education extends well beyond the footprint of our downtown San Jose campus, out into the tenth largest city in the United States and the thriving center of Silicon Valley.