From left to right: Gwen O’Brien, John Mellor, Annie Envall-Latowski, Colleen Wilcox, Stephanie Katzelis, Missy Little, Tim Sexton, Shauna Williams, Amy Bladow, Erin Blasko, Kelly Demski, Ryli Vissers
Team member not pictured: Sarah Ingle
In September 2024, the University of Notre Dame marked the inauguration of its 18th president, Rev. Robert A. Dowd, C.S.C., with a service initiative that left a lasting mark on South Bend. In partnership with Habitat for Humanity of St. Joseph County, more than 750 faculty, staff, students, and community members built five affordable homes in the city’s Near Northwest Neighborhood.
Inauguration Build 2024 was a model of mission-driven collaboration. Architecture students designed all five homes, faculty and staff joined build shifts, and communications teams crafted a unified campaign to tell the story in real time. From Golden Dome-inspired hard hats to signed wooden beams carrying blessings for future homeowners, every detail was intentional. This extraordinary effort not only honored the University’s new president but also advanced Notre Dame’s long-term commitment to strengthening community engagement in South Bend. For their vision, teamwork, and service, we are proud to recognize the Inauguration Build 2024 Team with the Presidential Team Irish Award.
Originally published by at ndworks.nd.edu on October 10, 2025.