Welcome Letter
November 2025
Dear ACE Leadership Conference Participants,
Welcome to the 4th annual ACE Leadership Conference at the University of Notre Dame. The interest in the conference continues to grow and we are blessed by your presence here and your partnership in the ministry of Catholic schools. We hope you get to enjoy the beautiful campus here at Notre Dame and that the weather cooperates!
Our theme for this year’s conference is Anchored in Hope: Forming Resilient Disciples and Strong Communities, which connects to the Constitutions of the Congregation of Holy Cross, the founding order of the University of Notre Dame. Being resilient disciples is needed in our world today and sharing the hope of the Cross is the foundation for building a strong Catholic school community. We know one conference can only provide so much to you in terms of content but our aim has always been broader than the excellent sessions you will attend. Leadership is not a solitary endeavor but rather nurtured in relationships and community. Our prayer is that you will form new connections with other Catholic school leaders and build a supportive community that enhances your work.
We continue to be blessed by the sponsorship and partnership with Anthony Cook and Curriculum Associates - i-Ready. This is the fourth year they have been a Gold Level sponsor and we are so blessed by their faith and support. We are also grateful to FACTS Educational Solutions and Partners in Mission for their support as Bronze Level sponsors. All three of these sponsors are committed to seeing Catholic schools thrive and we are so fortunate to have their support.
We enhanced the ACE Leadership Conference Planning Committee this year and added tremendous, dedicated leaders from other universities. I want to thank Lauren Casella (Loyola Marymount University), John Reyes (Boston College) and Debra Sullivan (Loyola University Chicago) for their work in selecting and organizing sessions for the various domains. They joined our stellar team here at Notre Dame: Sandria Morten, Greg O’Donnell, Betsy Okello, John Staud, and Chrissy Trinter. We are also truly blessed to have such a capable team to oversee all of the logistical planning and support - Rachel Frey, Nik Filip, Taylor Kelly and Alecia Zucker. Their efforts and logistical planning is what enables the conference to progress so smoothly so please extend your thanks to them when you see them.
We are blessed to spend these days with you. Thank you for your presence and for making this time together so sacred and fruitful. May you be anchored in the hope of the Resurrection as you continue your ministry in Catholic education.
God bless,
Kevin Baxter,
Director, The Mary Ann Remick Leadership Program; Chair, ACE Leadership Conference Planning Committee
Welcome to the 4th annual ACE Leadership Conference at the University of Notre Dame. The interest in the conference continues to grow and we are blessed by your presence here and your partnership in the ministry of Catholic schools. We hope you get to enjoy the beautiful campus here at Notre Dame and that the weather cooperates!
Our theme for this year’s conference is Anchored in Hope: Forming Resilient Disciples and Strong Communities, which connects to the Constitutions of the Congregation of Holy Cross, the founding order of the University of Notre Dame. Being resilient disciples is needed in our world today and sharing the hope of the Cross is the foundation for building a strong Catholic school community. We know one conference can only provide so much to you in terms of content but our aim has always been broader than the excellent sessions you will attend. Leadership is not a solitary endeavor but rather nurtured in relationships and community. Our prayer is that you will form new connections with other Catholic school leaders and build a supportive community that enhances your work.
We continue to be blessed by the sponsorship and partnership with Anthony Cook and Curriculum Associates - i-Ready. This is the fourth year they have been a Gold Level sponsor and we are so blessed by their faith and support. We are also grateful to FACTS Educational Solutions and Partners in Mission for their support as Bronze Level sponsors. All three of these sponsors are committed to seeing Catholic schools thrive and we are so fortunate to have their support.
We enhanced the ACE Leadership Conference Planning Committee this year and added tremendous, dedicated leaders from other universities. I want to thank Lauren Casella (Loyola Marymount University), John Reyes (Boston College) and Debra Sullivan (Loyola University Chicago) for their work in selecting and organizing sessions for the various domains. They joined our stellar team here at Notre Dame: Sandria Morten, Greg O’Donnell, Betsy Okello, John Staud, and Chrissy Trinter. We are also truly blessed to have such a capable team to oversee all of the logistical planning and support - Rachel Frey, Nik Filip, Taylor Kelly and Alecia Zucker. Their efforts and logistical planning is what enables the conference to progress so smoothly so please extend your thanks to them when you see them.
We are blessed to spend these days with you. Thank you for your presence and for making this time together so sacred and fruitful. May you be anchored in the hope of the Resurrection as you continue your ministry in Catholic education.
God bless,
Kevin Baxter,
Director, The Mary Ann Remick Leadership Program; Chair, ACE Leadership Conference Planning Committee
