The Spirit of Notre Dame Campaign // Supporting the University of Notre Dame

Centers and Institutes

What is our response to the Church’s pressing need for catechism teachers? How do we preserve the ancient Irish language for future generations? In what ways are we preparing students for leadership roles in a global society? What are the experiences of Latino immigrants to the United States? How can we help students and faculty to live the values of Catholic social teaching? Can we formulate an effective response to the violence and conflict that is tearing apart nations and threatening global security?

Such are the questions that drive Notre Dame’s renowned centers and institutes—the impact of which are felt not only on the campus, where they contribute immeasurably to a rich intellectual climate, but also around the world in their distinctive programs of teaching, research, and outreach. Spirit of Notre Dame seeks support to enhance and grow these programs.

Mullen Gift Builds Next Generation of Peace Scholars

A Notre Dame family committed to world peace has made a campaign gift that will help to launch a distinctive new PhD program in peace studies. The John R. and Diane Mullen Family Endowment will provide ongoing support for two doctoral fellowships at the Kroc Institute for International Peace Studies.

“The world is in a frightening situation right now, and the Kroc Institute can make a big difference,” says Jack Mullen (’53), chair of the Kroc Institute Advisory Council. “We were not put on earth to be complacent, but to be apostles of peace. As a family, we’re thrilled with the institute’s work and believe it is the best place to spread the gospel of peace and educate peacemakers.”

The Mullen family includes Jack’s late wife of 53 years, Diane; their adult children and spouses—Michael K. Mullen (’79), Shannon P. and Eileen C. Mullen, Paddy Mullen (’80), Neilli Mullen Walsh (’84) and Peter Walsh, and Mary Killeen Mullen (’90); and their grandchildren. Four of the five Mullen children are Notre Dame graduates; only one, as Jack likes to say, “escaped to Duke.”

“As a family, we’ve been blessed in so many ways by Notre Dame,” says Jack. “Each one of us feels the bond of faith and the spirit of Notre Dame.”

The new program is a partnership between the Kroc Institute and the College of Arts and Letters. Beginning in fall 2008, students will pursue PhDs in history and peace studies, political science and peace studies, psychology and peace studies, or sociology and peace studies. The program is distinctive for its broad interdisciplinary approach and focus on research that helps to build a just and sustainable peace.

The Mullen family has an inspiring ability to envision a new generation of scholars making important contributions to world peace, says R. Scott Appleby, the John M. Regan Jr. Director of the Kroc Institute. “This generous and shrewdly targeted gift exemplifies their commitment to pursuing peace through world-class education, analysis, and policy reform.”

A doctoral program has long been part of the institute’s vision, says Rev. Theodore M. Hesburgh, C.S.C., who founded the institute with the late philanthropist Joan B. Kroc in 1986. “The new program magnificently unites the academic strength of Our Lady’s University with our call to be peacemakers,” says Father Ted. “The Mullen gift will build on Mrs. Kroc’s legacy and advance the vision of peace.”