March 25, 2020
Dear Students,
It is hard to imagine our Notre Dame College campus without any students. Even over winter, spring and summer breaks, there are always students on campus.
It is strangely quiet on campus, as it is around the campus neighborhood. I imagine it is the same where you are, too. I write to let you know that we here at Notre Dame realize how difficult this situation is for all of you.
Our hope and prayer is that you and all of yours are well. Be safe, be smart and every day take the precautions suggested by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC).
This is not forever and will end in time. Keep the faith, have courage and consider those around you. Things will get back to normal, and we will emerge stronger, more confident and ever thankful for the blessings bestowed upon us.
Let us keep in mind the words of Martin Luther King, “We must accept finite disappointment, but we must never lose infinite hope.”
Our faculty and staff believe in you and know you have the ability to adapt to these new modes of education. They only wish they were seeing you daily to help you through these uncertain times.
And remember, pursuing a college degree is not a race, it is not a contest. It does not go to the biggest, the fastest or the strongest.
Pursuing a college degree is a journey. It is a goal that goes to those who persevere, who stay the course, who don’t give up, and who understand that it takes hard work, courage and determination. It goes to those who can overcome adversity, adapt to change and can see the light when others cannot.
And you can do it. You can make it. You’ve got what it takes.
I have faith in you and in your future.
Despite what we as a nation are confronted with – the uncertainty, the sense of loss and at times a spirit that drags us down – I am passionately optimistic about you. Each of you has the capacity to rise above this, the intellectual capacity to overcome and the strength of character needed.
And take to heart the words in Isaiah 41:10, “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” (ESV).
John Galovic, Ed.D.
Interim President
Notre Dame College
About Notre Dame College
For almost a century, Notre Dame College has educated a diverse population in the liberal arts for personal, professional and global responsibility. Founded by the Sisters of Notre Dame in 1922, the College has grown strategically to keep pace with the rapidly changing needs of students and the dramatic changes in higher education. But it has never lost sight of its emphasis on teaching students not only how to make a good living but also how to live a good life.
Today, the College offers bachelor’s degrees in 30 disciplines plus a variety of master’s degrees, certification programs and continuing and professional development programs for adult learners on campus and online. Notre Dame College offers NCAA Division II intercollegiate athletic programs for men and women and is located in a picturesque residential neighborhood just 25 minutes from the heart of Cleveland. Hallmarks of the Notre Dame experience include stimulating academics, personalized attention of dedicated faculty and staff, and small class sizes.
Notre Dame College is located at 4545 College Road in South Euclid. For further information contact Brian Johnston, chief communications officer, at 216.373.5252 or bjohnston@ndc.edu.