Scott MorgensternProfessor of Political ScienceUniversity of Pittsburgh Given their role in implementing policy and executive orders, bureaucrats are uniquely positioned to respond to executive overreach. Their attitudes toward democracy, however, have avoided significant scrutiny. This talk thus explores their commitment to democracy using an original survey of nearly 12,000 Latin American bureaucrats. To explain the likelihood of their commitment to democracy, the focus is on technocratic orientation, their alignment with the president, and the level of and change in the country’s democratic context. For more information, click here. Sponsored by the Kellogg Institute for International Studies.

Celebrate Godzilla's 70th anniversary by folding a paper monster. Earn a prize for dressing like Godzilla, Rodan, Mothra, or other monster! Ages 5 and up are welcome. Godzilla Fest is a celebration of the 70th anniversary of the 1954 release of the film "Godzilla" by Toho Studios in Tokyo. The giant monster, who attacked Japan after being awakened by hydrogen bomb testing, went on to become a global icon. Godzilla has starred in 38 films and has appeared in comic books, games, novelizations, advertisements, toys, and more. The king of the monsters has also been interpreted widely as a symbol for the destructive nature of humankind—from nuclear war to climate change.Godzilla Fest is organized by the Liu Institute for Asia and Asian Studies at the University of Notre Dame, the St. Joseph County Public Library, and the Browning Cinema at Notre Dame's DeBartolo Performing Arts Center. More information is available at asia.nd.edu/godzilla. Originally published at asia.nd.edu.

Sponsored by the Notre Dame Ethics Initiative and the Notre Dame Institute for Ethics and the Common Good Honoring the legacy of legendary Notre Dame President Rev. Theodore M. Hesburgh, C.S.C., Fr. TED Talks is a two-night festival, October 28-29, on Notre Dame’s campus featuring short keynote talks from every corner of the Notre Dame community as we gather to consider all of the ways the pillars of Catholic social tradition animate our lives together.A “Fr. TED Talk” is a ten-minute address by members of the Notre Dame community (students, alumni, staff, and faculty) on one big idea from the Catholic social tradition that is worth exploring. Featuring stories, points of view, and personal flair – a great Fr. Ted talk inspires the audience to take a deeper look at the idea. Each evening, several Notre Dame community members–students, alumni, staff, and faculty–will give TED-style talks. Speakers will be chosen through an application process, which is open to all members of the campus community. If selected, speakers will receive support in preparation from a distinguished mentor on campus. A reception with live music from student-led bands will follow the speakers each evening. Speakers Monday, October 28Nathaniel (Nano) Burke ’23 Nathaniel Burke recently completed a post-graduate language program in Brazil funded by the David L. Boren Scholarship at the National Security Education Program.Cecilia Lucero ’84 Cecilia Lucero is an advising professor in the Center for University Advising.Toni Akintola, ’26 Toni Akintola is a junior majoring in computer science.Dr. Jim O’Connell ’70 Dr. Jim O’Connell is the President of Boston Health Care for the Homeless Program.Tuesday, October 29Monica Caponigro ’25 Monica Caponigro is a senior majoring in film, television, and theater.Alex Sejdinaj ’15 Alex Sejdinaj is the founder of South Bend Code School, South Bend Code Works, and GiveGrove.Meera Bhakta ’26 Meera Bhakta is a junior science pre-professional studies majorRev. Robert A. Dowd, C.S.C. ’87 Rev. Robert A. Dowd, C.S.C., is the 18th President of the University of Notre DameHostIliana Contreras ’19 Iliana Contreras is the Young Alumni and Current Student Program director for the Notre Dame Alumni Association.Originally published at forum2024.nd.edu.

Directors Veronika Franz and Severin Fiala are experts at creating unsettling moods in cozy spaces that are slightly off-kilter. In Goodnight Mommy, a mother (Susanne Wuest) returns to her countryside lake house after plastic surgery with her head wrapped in bandages and obscuring her face. Her ten-year-old twins (Elias Schwarz and Lukas Schwarz) are disturbed by a shift in her post-operation behavior and begin to doubt if the woman underneath all the gauze is in fact their mother. GET TICKETS!