Democracy is in crisis both at home and abroad.The level of democracy experienced by the average person in the world today has regressed to the level of 1985 and more than 70% of the global population currently lives under autocracy, according to a 2024 report by the Varieties of Democracy Project.The Notre Dame Democracy Initiative hopes to play a key role in responding to this crisis.

To celebrate the Inauguration of Rev. Robert A. Dowd, C.S.C., as Notre Dame's 18th president, the University hosted a drone show over campus.Featuring iconic ND images like the Golden Dome and campus skyline, the Leprechaun, seal of the Congregation of Holy Cross, and a graduate tossing her cap towards the sky, the show featured 500 drones.

The Notre Dame Democracy Initiative will establish the University as a leader in the study of democracy both in the United States and worldwide, as a convener for conversations about and actions to preserve democracy, and as a model for the formation of civically engaged citizens and public servants.Learn more: https://go.nd.edu/Democracy

In this Notre Dame Stories podcast episode, Micki Kidder, vice president of undergraduate enrollment, highlights Notre Dame's new no-loan financial aid packaging and expanded need-blind admissions as part of the new Pathways to Notre Dame initiative, ensuring that students from all financial backgrounds can access a Notre Dame education without the burden of debt.As a Notre Dame alumna, staff member, and now a Notre Dame parent, Kidder shares her personal insight into the University’s mission to provide an unparalleled educational experience rooted in Catholic values.Video Chapters 00:00 Introduction 00:43 Micki Kidder talks about enrollment outreach initiatives at Notre Dame 01:50 Micki Kidder reflects on her time at Notre Dame 03:34 Micki Kidder shares what it's like being Notre Dame parent and joining the Notre Dame family 07:08 Micki Kidder talks about different financial aid programs at Notre Dame 09:00 Micki Kidder explains the new Pathways to Notre Dame initiative 13:27 Micki Kidder shares how Pathways to Notre Dame will impact future generations of students 15:31 Micki Kidder discusses how Notre Dame's vision aligns with the Pathways initiative 18:47 Micki Kidder shares how no-loan financial aid will impact affordability at Notre Dame 20:11 Micki Kidder discusses Father Bob Dowd's announcement of Pathways to Notre Dame 23:48 Micki Kidder shares her hope for Notre Dame as a result of the Pathways to Notre Dame initiative--- Learn more at admissions.nd.edu/aid-affordability/

In this episode, Micki Kidder, vice president of undergraduate enrollment (https://www.nd.edu/about/leadership/council/micki-kidder/) , highlights Notre Dame's new no-loan financial aid packaging and expanded need-blind admissions as part of the new Pathways to Notre Dame initiative, ensuring that students from all financial backgrounds can access a Notre Dame education without the burden of debt.As a Notre Dame alumna, staff member, and now a Notre Dame parent, Kidder shares her personal insight into the University’s mission to provide an unparalleled educational experience rooted in Catholic values.Show links: • Watch the podcast interview on YouTube (https://youtu.be/4bfap_lcM6E?si=86XLI3MtyObtaFBQ) • Watch Rev. Robert A. Dowd, C.S.C. announce the Pathways to Notre Dame initiative (https://youtu.be/wTQD6L0iEQA?si=r-EhsGrxm8ubFhAk&t=846) • Learn more about Pathways to Notre Dame (https://admissions.nd.edu/aid-affordability/) • View Notre Dame 2033: A Strategic Framework (https://strategicframework.nd.edu/notre-dame-2033-a-strategic-framework/) -----Notre Dame Stories is the official podcast of the University of Notre Dame. It was created by the Office of Public Affairs and Communications and hosted by Jenna Liberto with Executive Producer Andy Fuller. It was produced by Jenna Liberto, Josh Long, and Staci Stickovich. Videography was done by Zach Dudka, Josh Long, Tony Fuller, and Michael Wiens. Original music was provided by Alex Mansour. Listen and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.

In honor of the Inauguration of Notre Dame’s 18th president, Rev. Robert A. Dowd, C.S.C. (https://www.nd.edu/stories/inauguration-2024/) , the University partnered with Habitat for Humanity of St. Joseph County on Inauguration Build 2024. Over five days in September, nearly 750 University faculty and staff volunteers helped Habitat construct five affordable homes for local families. The homes, designed by Notre Dame architecture students, were built in South Bend’s Near Northwest Neighborhood.In this episode, we take you to the build site to explore the progress being made along Harrison Avenue. To see more from Inauguration Build 2024, check out the photo gallery. (https://photoessays.nd.edu/inauguration-build-2024?source=share-notredame) -----This episode of NDWorks Podcast was hosted by Natalie Davis Miller, managing editor of NDWorks. It was produced and edited by Colleen Wilcox and Michael Wiens from the Office of Public Affairs and Communications.