UR Unplugged!

The Grace of Giving welcomes Fr. Ralph Haag to the show!  In this episode we discuss growing up in Nebraska, how to make the perfect French 75, and the coolest hairstyle ever- the Mullet!  Thanks Fr. Ralph!

What do you find at the intersection of a Wheat Ale and Jerry Garcia?  His name is Drew Buscareno, and he is the Associate Vice President of University Relations!  In this episode, we take a dive into Drew's upbringing in New York, managing a team of dynamic superstars, and his trifecta of love- brewing brew, the Chelsea Football Club, and, you guessed it, The Grateful Dead!  Thanks...

The Grace of Giving welcomes Academic Advancement Director for the Mendoza College of Business, Natalie Sargent to the show!  In this episode we discuss Fighting Irish Felines, early church history, and the fine Cincinnati delicacy known as Skyline Chili. Thanks Natalie!   

Grace and James sit down with Program Director of Foundation Relations, Suzanne DeGuilio.  In this episode we discuss growing up in "The Region"- Northwest Indiana, her love for the Cubbies, and how her four-legged friend has gained over 13,000 IG followers!  Say whaaaaaat?  Thanks for visiting with us, Suzanne! 

The Grace of Giving welcomes, Senior Regional Director of the Southwest Region, Shelby Carroll to the show! In this episode we discuss leadership style, why Iowa is the greatest state in the union, and our first ever Domer Dog appearance in our Take Five segment.  Thanks for being on the show Shelby, and Happy Birthday!  

The Grace of Giving welcomes Senior Director of Global and Academic Advancement, Michael Loungo, to the show!  It this episode we hear why we learn so much about the United States when we live abroad,  why artificial intelligence will never be better than human beings in fundraising, and how a sip of whisky contains an entire history lesson!  Thanks for being on the show Michael! &n...

This is a special season with many different holidays, as well as many different ways to celebrate. We want to share the joy and beauty of the variety of traditions and beliefs among our UR colleagues. In that spirit, the latest Grace of Giving podcast episode features Gift Management Coordinator Sara Munoz, Development Coordinator Marcia Hittner, and Alumni Education Programs Director Mary Scott...

The Grace of Giving welcomes Regional Director of the Illinois region, Nick Sorg to the podcast!  In this episode we cover Nick's adventures in sleep walking, how even talking about roller coasters makes him nauseous, and how he and his wife succeed at raising four boys!  Thanks for being on the show, Nick!   

In this episode of Grace of Giving, our guest makes a special announcement!  We welcome Academic Advancement Director for the Keough School of Global Affairs, Jay McAllister to the show!  We learn about the importance of a strong dean/AAD relationship, what having strong women around you can do, and get a brief lesson in the beautiful cityscape known as Pittsburgh.  Thanks for joini...

The Grace of Giving welcomes Director of Donor Communication, Recognition & Stewardship, Jessica Reasons to the show!  In this episode we take a deep dive into the mind of the donor as it relates to stewardship, how a simple "no" can sometimes be the best answer, and tips on how to be your best self with fashion.  Thanks Jessica!

What fun we had on the Grace of Giving with Academic Advancement Director for the Arts & Architecture, Katy Orenchuk!  On this episode we learn about why the arts culture at Notre Dame is so important, not only to the ND community, but the Michiana community as well.  We also discuss setting off alarms at museums, and why smoky scotches are simply the best!  Thanks Katy!  

The Grace of Giving welcomes Regional Director of the East Coast region, Bob Morton!  In this episode we discuss enduring faith, the benefits of diversity, and most importantly, pancakes- and not necessarily the kind you eat!  Thanks Bob!  

The Grace of Giving welcomes Development Coordinator Tashana Kenny to the show!  We loved Tashana's holistic approach to healing and well-being in this episode.  She talks about the importance of "just breathing and just being" in the context of mental health.  If you are a fan of aromatherapy, creating space, and top-notch productivity, you won't want to miss this episode.  Th...

The Grace of Giving welcomes our first married couple to the show- Jennifer and Gavin McGuire!  In between laughing hysterically, we discuss the intricacies of working from home AND tending to the kids, Gavin's million-dollar lexicon, and how to spice up your Zoom game during meetings.  Thanks for being on the show Jennifer and Gavin!    

Grace and James welcome Senior Director of the Illinois Region, Jesse Meyer, to the show.  In this episode we learn about the trials and tribulations of the shortest (at 6'2) Meyer son, from bookstore basketball injuries (ouch!) to the importance of separating the work day from personal and family time.  Thanks for your leadership, Jesse! 

Grace and James have a wonderful conversation with Program Director for Athletics Advancement, Brian Benedict.   In this episode we discuss Brian's workout motivation, why summers at ND were better than summers in the Catskills (huh?), and how to consistently wake up at 5am every morning!  Thanks for hanging out with us, Brian!   

Today the Grace of Giving welcomes colleague Marilyn Bassett to the show!  We discuss Marilyn's life before Notre Dame, what she's noticing lately on Zoom meetings, and how having a meeting in the far Northwest could help her accomplish a major milestone.  You're a Rockstar, Marilyn!

Grace and James spend a wonderful afternoon with Regional Director of the East Coast Region, Tom Molnar.  In this episode, we take a deep dive into why Notre Dame matters to Tom, as he shares his deep faith, love of South Bend, and special advice he's received from fellow colleagues that keeps him hungry and humble.  Enjoy!

Grace and James spend an afternoon with Special Events Director Scott Graham as he discusses the ever-popular move from Colorado Springs to Middlebury, fighting the refrigerator during COVID, and how Notre Dame has supported him in his time of need.  Thanks Scott!!!

Grace and James make a return to department leadership and sit down with Senior Director of Athletics Advancement, Sara Liebscher, as she makes her transition to Associate Vice President of Development, Executive Director of Individual and Family Giving.  Sara shares with us stories of her childhood, how fun it is to live in St. Joe, MI, and why working at Notre Dame has been a dream job for...

Grace and James spend an afternoon with Regional Director of the Southwest Region, Jennifer Witucki to discuss a life-changing airplane conversation, and how a challenge at birth has helped strengthen her faith.  You won't want to miss this one!  

Grace and James welcome Development Coordinator Alison Dixon to the show.  Alison shares with us her life's journey of growing up in Idaho, to living in a tiny house, to being a trauma-sensitive yoga instructor in the Middle East.  Yeah, all of that!  

James and Grace sit down with Regional Director of the Central Region, Tara Reilly, to discuss how her family's lineage is closely tied to Notre Dame, and how her spirituality keeps her grounded and centered.  

In this GoG episode, we sit down with Director of the South Region for Athletics Advancement, Mike Brown, to discuss his illustrious talents in coding, lessons learned in listening to his pastor, and how he tackled a beaver named Benny!

What do Grayslake, IL and Nairobi, Kenya have in common?  Her name is Katie Kerby!