University of Notre Dame

Illustration of forest trees with stages of heart rot and gas emissions. From left to right: 1) Healthy tree with no heart rot, 2) Tree with heart rot showing methanogenic archaea presence, 3) Tree with heart rot and fracture. Arrows indicate methane (CH₄) and carbon dioxide (CO₂) movement through different tree sections, highlighting gas sinks and sources.

Trees are supposed to help fight climate change. But what happens when they get sick?

New research from Notre Dame shows trees with heart rot disease emit far more methane potentially turning some forests from climate helpers into climate sources: https://go.nd.edu/a2980a

Black and white image of Lou Holtz commemorating his death with the years 1937-2026.

Remembering the life and legacy of Lou Holtz: go.nd.edu/06005d

Louis Leo "Lou" Holtz, legendary college football coach, Hall of Famer, bestselling author, and one of America's most influential motivational voices, has passed away at the age of 89 in Orlando, Florida, surrounded by Iamily. Born January 6, 1937, in Follansbee, West Virginia, Holtz rose from humble beginnings to become one of the most respected figures in college athletics. Over a remarkable five decade career, he led college programs at William & Mary, NC State, Arkansas, Minnesota, Notre Dame, and South Carolina. He transformed every team he inherited and captured the 1988 National Championship with the Fighting Irish. Holtz was preceded in death by his beloved wife of more than 50 years, Beth, with whom he shared a life grounded in faith, devotion, and service. Holtz is remembered for his enduring values of faith, family, service, and an unwavering belief in the potential of others. His influence extended far beyond the football field through the Holtz Charitable Foundation and the many players, colleagues, and communities shaped by his leadership. He is survived by his four children, nine grandchildren, and two great grandchildren. Funeral arrangements, including a Mass of Christian Burial at the Basilica of the Sacred Heart at the University of Notre Dame, will be announced as details are finalized.

From the family of Lou Holtz:

Cells that are not our own may unlock secrets about our health Microchimeric cells are cells of different genetic origin that circulate within the body and can occur either naturally through pregnancy or artificiall...

By building a roadmap for future research, the Notre Dame–led effort aims to unlock the medical potential of these tiny populations of cells.

Read the full release: go.nd.edu/3d2fe2

Answering those questions could reshape how scientists understand pregnancy, immune systems and long-term health.

Microchimeric cells may help repair tissue. They may influence disease. They may reveal biological connections we’re only beginning to understand.

Now a project led by Kristine Joy Chua at Notre Dame is working to tackle the biggest unanswered questions about microchimerism:

What do these cells actually do?
Why do they persist for decades?
And how should scientists study them?

Michrochimeric cells are incredibly rare—often less than 1% of the cells in the body—which has made them difficult for scientists to study.

But researchers believe they may play meaningful roles in immunity, tissue repair and disease.

Illustration of a human figure with a visible pregnant belly, showcasing fetal and maternal cells labeled inside. The design features an abstract, cosmic background with dots and circles.

We all carry little pieces of our family with us.

During pregnancy, cells can pass between mother and child and remain in the body for decades. Scientists call this microchimerism.

A research effort led by Notre Dame is bringing new attention to what these cells might reveal about human health. 🧵

A collage of black and white photos featuring individuals engaged in various activities. In the top left, a person is outdoors with curly hair. The top middle photo shows two people working at a desk with papers and equipment. The bottom middle photo is a portrait of an individual smiling. On the right, there is a larger portrait of someone looking to the side, wearing a clerical collar. The text reads, "The Press vs. The Power.

He called him a “thorn in the side.”

Yet when Robert Sam Anson was captured in Cambodia, Father Theodore M. Hesburgh worked behind the scenes, even contacting the Pope, to help save his life.

Read "The Press vs. The Power": https://go.nd.edu/c8480a

A group of smiling individuals stands together outside a building with large glass doors. They are casually dressed and appear pleased. The text reads, "Notre Dame Exoneration Justice Clinic Client Reginald 'Reggie' Dillard Exonerated After 27 Years of Wrongful Imprisonment."

Reginald “Reggie” Dillard, a client of ND Law's Exoneration Justice Clinic, was exonerated on Feb. 23, after spending 27 years in prison for a crime he did not commit.

Dillard was convicted of murder in 2000 based on a 1998 shooting and was sentenced to 65 years in prison: https://go.nd.edu/9b76f7

A person is receiving a ashes on their forehead in a dimly lit space. Stained glass windows with colorful designs are visible in the background.

As the Lenten season begins, you can find a number of Ash Wednesday Masses and services across campus.

The campus community is welcome to come to any place or time listed to receive ashes: https://go.nd.edu/8178da

Two marionette puppets are controlled by large hands from above. The puppet on the left is in a blue light, while the one on the right is in a red light.

Are we shaping social media or is it shaping us?

Peacebuilder Lisa Schirch explores how today’s platforms influence trust, polarization, and democracy, and how better design could strengthen communities: https://go.nd.edu/7b18a8

A vibrant bouquet of roses, featuring red, pink, purple, and yellow flowers, is held in the foreground. In the background, the Main Building at the University of Notre Dame is visible, topped with its iconic golden dome. The ground and trees are lightly covered with snow under a clear blue sky.

Roses are red, the Dome sparkles too,
But nothing’s as golden as our love for you ❤️

Happy Valentine's Day

Cold plunges and unicorns | What would you fight for? | University of Notre Dame In this episode of Notre Dame Stories, anthropologist Cara Ocobock uses hands-on lessons, extreme cold research, and insights from our evolutionary past to e...

Have a listen to me talking about my research and wild teaching methods, which does include a unicorn! Thanks to @notredame.bsky.social, Jenna for being so fun to work with, and the whole media crew.

fightingfor.nd.edu/podcast/cold...

Building St. Olaf's Ice Chapel YouTube video by Coyle Hall

You've probably seen the ice chapel by now.

Now, hear from its creators, Martin Soros and Wesley Buonerba: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E32VLlZDhU4&feature=youtu.be

Winter Olympians often compete in freezing temperatures – physiology and advances in materials science help keep them warm While physical exertion helps athletes stay warm, sweating can lead to dehydration.

Before the #Olympics2026 Opening Ceremony airs tonight, biological anthropologist Cara Ocobock and materials scientist Gabriel Burks share how outdoor conditions affect winter athletes both athletically and physiologically: https://go.nd.edu/7f9f53

Faith in the Cold: Mass in a Snow Chapel at Notre Dame YouTube video by University of Notre Dame

The Coyle community built a church made entirely of ice and snow. Then they held a Mass.

Video intern Jocelyn Connors captured the scene at Notre Dame on Monday, February 2.

https://youtu.be/TDzjZ9igaRo

A large crowd gathers in front of snow-covered buildings at night. The golden dome of the University of Notre Dame is visible in the background, illuminated against the sky. In the center of the image, a snow chapel is lit with soft candlelight.

A large group of people gather outdoors in a snowy courtyard, illuminated by numerous candles. In the center, there is a detailed igloo-like chapel also lit by candles. Three priests stand to the right of the structure, dressed in Mass apparel. A building with snow-covered roofs and lit windows forms the backdrop.

A large crowd gathers around an illuminated, detailed snow sculpture resembling a cathedral, with several lit windows. The setting is a snowy college campus at night, with historic-looking buildings in the background. Trees without leaves frame the scene.

A large group of people gathered outdoors on a snowy evening, many holding lit candles. They surrounding an illuminated snow chapel. The atmosphere is calm and reflective.

Only at Notre Dame ☘️

Scenes from last night's Mass at the St. Olaf ice chapel

Love thee, Notre Dame 🎶

Last night, more than 1,600 Notre Dame students braved 19° temps for Mass at St. Olaf’s Chapel, built by Coyle Hall residents from the 38 inches of January snow.

Golden Dome of the Main Building at the University of Notre Dame, illuminated at night with the statue of Mary on top. Waves of ice and snow hang from the dome itself with icicles hanging from the bottom.

A lit candle in a clear glass holder placed on a snow-covered metal rack.

Mosaic of the Touchdown Jesus mural on the Hesburgh Library at the University of Notre Dame, seen through snow-covered branches with red berries.

The steeple of the Basilica of the Sacred Heart illuminated at night during a snowfall.

Plenty of snow ❄️
Plenty of Notre Dame ☘️
Perfectly sized for your phone 📱

Three candles with "Walk the Walk" printed on them are in focus in the foreground, with the softly illuminated Statue of the Sacred Heart of Jesus seen out of focus in the background at night.

Promotional image for "2026 Walk the Walk Week" featuring an event titled "Champions of Hope." The left side shows a hand holding a small plant sprouting from soil, symbolizing hope, with the text "Cultivating Hope Forum 2026." The right side details the event on Monday, January 26 at 4:00 p.m. at 215/216 McKenna Hall, noting inspirational leaders will discuss courage and hope.

Promotional image for the 2026 Walk the Walk Week event featuring an annual Candlelight Prayer Service. The event is scheduled for Monday, January 26 at 8:00 p.m. at the Notre Dame Building Rotunda. Keynote reflection by Rev. Dr. Hugh Page, Jr. The image shows a group of individuals participating in a candlelit outdoor gathering during nighttime.

Join us for today's Walk the Walk Week keynote events:

4 p.m.: Champions of Hope, a conversation with Tracy Graham '95 & Byron Spruell '87, MBA '89 (Livestream: https://go.nd.edu/WTWW)

8 p.m.: Annual Candlelight Prayer Service with a reflection from Rev. Hugh R. Page, Jr.

A group of people on outside on a metal structure decorating a scientific instrument with Christmas lights and a star. The sky is a deep purple with a very light pink sunset. All of the people are silhouetted but you can tell they're wearing parkas and winter hats and gloves.

What happens to fog when the sun never rises?

Notre Dame engineers are unpacking the physics of ice fog in Alaska to improve our ability to predict and understand extreme polar weather: https://go.nd.edu/df876c

Snow-covered trees and a misty lake in the foreground with the golden-domed Main Building of the University of Notre Dame in the background during winter. Geese are flying low over the water.

From discovery and service to faith and global impact, 2025 was a year defined by purpose.

Take a look back at the stories that shaped Notre Dame’s work in our Year in Review: https://go.nd.edu/706a66

"Happy New Year 2026" text over an image of fireworks above the Basilica of the Sacred Heart and Golden Dome of the Main Building at the University of Notre Dame at night.

Happy New Year!

Wishing our Irish family a year filled with joy, achievements, and moments to celebrate together ☘️

Hark! The herald angels sing, "Glory to the newborn King!"

Wishing the entire Notre Dame family a Merry Christmas filled with joy and blessings!

Christmas at Notre Dame concert featuring a large choir and orchestra performing on stage, conducted by a person in black, with festive decorations around.

For 10 years, Christmas at Notre Dame has brought the season to life through music. 🎄

The Notre Dame Symphony Orchestra & Glee Club shared the stage for an evening of holiday favorites earlier this month.

Watch the full concert: https://go.nd.edu/1727bf

Merry Christmas from Notre Dame 2025 YouTube video by University of Notre Dame

As we finish the semester, we pass along a Christmas blessing from Father Bob and music from our Advent Lessons and Carols in the Basilica of the Sacred Heart:

"May the love of Christ fill you with hope, courage, and joy this Christmas and always."

https://youtu.be/PfnmD9n-7v8

A congregation attending a service in a basilica, focused on an ornate golden altar. Priests and attendees are visible in the aisle, surrounded by arched columns and purple drapes.

A large crowd of people attending a Mass inside the ornately decorated interior of a church, with many participants holding hymn books.

Four men smile for a group shot in a warmly lit indoor setting. Three are wearing flannel shirts or warm winter jackets while the fourth is wearing a black suit with a white Roman Catholic clerical collar.

A man wearing a black suit and Roman Catholic clerical collar shakes hands with someone off camera while holding a smoothie.

Over 1,000 members of the Notre Dame family gathered at the Basilica on Monday to celebrate Mass for the Feast of the Immaculate Conception, with Fr. Bob Dowd, C.S.C., presiding.

Afterward, students joined Fr. Dowd for cocoa and smoothies in the Main Building Rotunda.

Sunset view at the University of Notre Dame, showcasing the Basilica of the Sacred Heart and the Main Building with its distinctive golden dome.

Sunset view of the University of Notre Dame's campus featuring the iconic 'Touchdown Jesus' mural on the Hesburgh Library and an illuminated 'ND monogram' the football practice facility.

Aerial view of Notre Dame Stadium during a football game with a vibrant sunset in the background.

Golden dome of the Main Building at the University of Notre Dame topped with a statue, framed by snow-covered branches against a clear blue sky.

If you're shopping this Black Friday, consider adding an iconic shot from University Photographers Matt Cashore or Michael Caterina to your home.

Visit https://go.nd.edu/Photos and use code ND20% for 20% off your purchase.

Top view of a decorative pie with a crest featuring the words "Vita, dulcedo, Spes" surrounded by autumn leaves, small pumpkins, an acorn, and spices like star anise and cinnamon sticks on a dark background.

Warm Thanksgiving greetings to all of the Notre Dame family!

We're so thankful for all of you 🦃