Rev. John I. Jenkins, C.S.C., formally admitted as Honorary Fellow of St Edmund’s College, Cambridge
Rev. John I. Jenkins, C.S.C., the University of Notre Dame’s 17th president, has been formally admitted as an Honorary Fellow of St Edmund’s College at the University of Cambridge in the United Kingdom. The prestigious recognition, part of a special ceremony on May 24, was one of Father Jenkins’ final formal engagements as he steps down after 19 years of distinguished service as president to return to teaching and ministry at Notre Dame.
Honorary Fellows at St Edmund’s College are elected by the college’s governing body. Acknowledged for his significant contributions to higher education, as well as for his leading role in the development of a collaboration between the two institutions that features research, scholarship and outreach opportunities for faculty, scholars, students and administrators of both schools, Father Jenkins joins a distinguished group of fellows celebrated for their service, leadership and contributions to the college’s vision and values.
Catherine Arnold, OBE, master of St Edmund’s College, emphasized the special character of the college, stating, “St Edmund’s College is a truly global college within the University of Cambridge. With over 75 nationalities represented each year, there are few places in which so much can be learnt about so many from so few.
“St Edmund’s vision is to ‘empower global talent to shape the future’ helping to form thinkers and leaders who have the ability to create positive and shared futures for people and planet. To do this we have always welcomed talented individuals from outside the university and the U.K. into our community as Honorary Fellows.”
On Father Jenkins’ election, Arnold said, “Under Father Jenkins’ leadership — among many other things — the partnership between Notre Dame and this college has blossomed.”
"I am delighted to join St Edmund’s College, Cambridge as an Honorary Fellow,” said Father Jenkins. “The partnership between St Edmund’s and Notre Dame has been a remarkable journey of academic collaboration and cultural exchange. It is a testament to our shared commitment to creating positive change in the world. I look forward to seeing this partnership continue to flourish and contribute to the betterment of both our institutions and the broader global community."
The Honorary Fellowship also acknowledges Father Jenkins’ devotion to fostering the University’s unique place in academia, the Church, the United States and the world. During his tenure as president, he emphasized Notre Dame’s mission, rooted in the tradition of the Congregation of Holy Cross, to educate the whole person — mind, body and spirit — to do good in the world.
Additionally, Father Jenkins has been recognized for his leadership in promoting civil discourse, serving on the board of directors for the Commission on Presidential Debates since 2011. A philosopher trained in theology, Father Jenkins has been a member of Notre Dame’s Department of Philosophy since 1990 and holds degrees from Notre Dame, Oxford University and the Jesuit School of Theology.
Latest University News
- Notre Dame Forum to present ‘Fr. TED Talks’ on Catholic social tradition, featuring President Rev. Robert A. Dowd, C.S.C., and Dr. Jim O’ConnellHonoring the legacy of legendary University of Notre Dame President Rev. Theodore M. Hesburgh, C.S.C., the 2024-25 Notre Dame Forum will host “Fr. TED Talks: Ideas from the Catholic Social Tradition That We Find Inspiring,” a two-night festival on Oct. 28 and 29.
- ‘Great powers don’t mind their own business’: Former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice warns of perils of US isolationism at Notre Dame Forum eventAs part of the 2024-25 Notre Dame Forum, Condoleezza Rice, the 66th U.S. Secretary of State, the Tad and Dianne Taube Director of the Hoover Institution and a University of Notre Dame alumna, returned to campus Friday (Oct. 11) to speak to an overflow crowd of more than 1,000 people in the DeBartolo Performing Arts Center and hundreds more online.
- Architect Doug Marsh, ‘most impactful builder in Notre Dame’s history,’ to retire after 30-year University careerUniversity of Notre Dame Executive Vice President Shannon Cullinan has announced that Doug Marsh, vice president for facilities design and operations and University architect,…
- Alumna Jessica Ashman, doctoral candidate Maria Caterina Gargano named Fulbright-John Lewis Civil Rights FellowsUniversity of Notre Dame alumna Jessica Ashman and graduate student Maria Caterina “Cat” Gargano have been selected as Fulbright-John Lewis Civil Rights Fellows for the 2024-25 academic year. Established through bipartisan legislation in both the U.S. House of Representatives and U.S. Senate,…
- Economist Kirk Doran wins UK’s Panmure House Prize honoring interdisciplinary researchKirk Doran, an associate professor in the Department of Economics at Notre Dame, has won the 2024 Adam Smith Panmure House Prize. The prize, named after the forefather of economics, celebrates those who embody Smith’s empiricism and long-term interdisciplinary thinking in their research.
- Notre Dame expands military support with mental health and leadership courses in partnership with the Military Spouse Advocacy NetworkThis fall, the University’s long history of support for the armed forces, veterans and their families will be extended to a new partnership with the Military Spouse Advocacy Network (MSAN), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization with a mission to create stronger military families through education, empowerment and support.