A former Kellogg International Scholar is among the Notre Dame Alumni Association’s inaugural Domer Dozen, a new program honoring graduates ages 32 and younger in recognition of their significant contributions and extraordinary dedication to making a difference.

Will Miller ’14 was chosen for his work in revitalizing Catholic schools in Chicago.

His advisor in the Kellogg International Scholars Program (ISP), Jaimie Bleck, an associate professor of political science and the senior research advisor for the Ford Program in Human Development Studies and Solidarity, said she’s not surprised by his success.

"Will was one of the smartest students that I have worked with.  He is intellectually curious and he is a very hard worker," she said.

Domer Dozen honorees were chosen by the YoungND Board, the Alumni Association’s newest affinity group, and a selection committee made up of University officials, which together reviewed more than 160 nominations and used a weighted ranking system to select this year’s honorees. Those chosen represent an exemplary group of young Notre Dame graduates who continue to make a difference in one of the four core tenets of the Alumni Association’s mission statement — faith, service, learning or work.

“Our young alumni are extraordinarily accomplished, and I am so pleased for the association and the University to recognize them in this way,” said Dolly Duffy, executive director of the Alumni Association and associate vice president for University relations. “Their contributions in service to their countries; to underprivileged populations; to the Catholic Church; and in science, technology, medicine, journalism and law are remarkable and inspiring. They demonstrate that success truly is a mark of how one uses their God-given talents and gives back.”

The other 2019 Domer Dozen honorees are:

  • Ngor “Majak” Anyieth ’18            Building schools in war-torn South Sudan
  • Mary Kate Battle ’10                      Empowering vulnerable people
  • Scott Coppa ’15                               Supporting sustainable community development
  • Lucy Driscoll ’13, ’14 M.S.             Encouraging girls to pursue science and technology
  • Adebola Giwa ’09                           Striving to cure Type 1 diabetes
  • Alex Jones ’15                                  Innovating the way we pray
  • Jane Lee ’09                                     Educating immigrants on health and well-being
  • Mikey Maurer ’11                           Providing health care to at-risk and uninsured teens
  • Jay Rowley ’11                                 Promoting security in the Middle East
  • Nicole Sganga ’15                           Reporting on the 2020 election
  • Laura Wolk ’16 J.D.                        Advocating for people with disabilities

 

The honorees were invited back to campus Sept. 13 and 14 to strategize about young alumni engagement with the YoungND Board, meet University leaders, tell their stories and be honored during an awards dinner. The Domer Dozen were also recognized in Notre Dame Stadium during the football game against the University of New Mexico.

 

For more information, visit domerdozen.nd.edu.

This story originally appeared at news.nd.edu

Contact: Erin Blasko, assistant director of media relations, 574-631-4127, eblasko@nd.edu