The Early History of the Notre Dame Campus
The land on which the Notre Dame Sisters’ campus stands has a rich history dating back to the mid-19th century. In 1855, the United States government granted a 160-acre tract of land to Mrs. Rhoda Rich as a pension following the death of her husband, Captain Israel Rich,…
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The Historic Architecture of Notre Dame Academy and Convent
Omaha architects Matthew Lahr and Carl Stange designed the red-brick E-shaped condo and convent in 1924 in the late Italian Renaissance Revival style. Its grand staircase features a marble wainscot and terrazzo floor. The bucolic setting, with scenic views of the Iowa bluffs, later functioned as a retreat,…
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As We Approach Juneteenth, My Reflections from Black History Month Still Resonate
by Mikaela VanMoorleghem, MPA
As we approach Juneteenth, I find myself thinking back to the reflections I carried during Black History Month earlier this year. Those thoughts still resonate deeply with me. In many ways, they have only grown stronger.
Black History Month in 2026 felt different to me. Not…
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Honoring Our Immigrant Heritage
June is National Immigrant Heritage Month, a time to honor the courage, sacrifice, and hope of those who journeyed to a new land seeking opportunity, purpose, and a better future for generations to come. For the Notre Dame Sisters, we remember the arrival of five young Sisters who…
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Good Friday Reminds Us That What Looks Like The End Of The Story May Actually Be The Turning Point
by Mikaela VanMoorleghem, MPA
On Good Friday, the disciples believed the story was over.
Hope seemed gone.
Justice seemed defeated.
Love seemed powerless.
But what looked like the end of the story was actually the turning point.
Good Friday reminds us that even in the darkest chapters of our lives, God may still be…
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Legacy-Based Hope: Remembering the Light That Guides Us Forward
by Sr. Cynthia Hruby, ND
For weeks now I have been pondering “what gives me hope?” One evening when I was feeling the heaviness of another day, I noticed the time. I sent a text to a “night owl” friend, “Ok to call?” As I waited a feeling stirred…
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HOPE: TRUSTING THAT GOD KNOW WHAT HE IS DOING
by Sr. Anita Rolenc, ND
Hope is one of the three theological virtues (along with faith and charity), and it is something I think about often in my prayer. When I pray, I usually ask God to increase my faith, strengthen my hope, and purify my love.
When I focus…
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HOPE: Lessons That Shaped My Life
by Sr. Josita Hanus, ND
H— “HANUS” I am proud to be a part of our Hanus family circle. I was blessed with great parents who taught us children so many life-long lessons and my siblings, their spouses and children who continue to model all for me as we…
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The Gift of Hope: Strength for the Journey
by Sr. Marie Ostry, ND
Hope is a gift which is the strength of virtues in my life. As I have traveled this journey of Life my experience has been of ups and downs, challenges and blessings. The gift of Hope strengthens me through my time in prayer and…
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Standing with Our Immigrant Sisters and Brothers
by Sr. Rita Ostry, ND
We are living in interesting, challenging times that call for bold hope, courageous trust in God and tender loving. These days I am drawn to find ways to be in solidarity with our immigrant sisters and brothers experiencing so much fear and hate for…