Beyond academic achievement, the true measure of a university's worth lies in its capacity to transform society. Alumni of the University of Notre Dame demonstrate this principle through extraordinary acts of service that illuminate communities worldwide.
William Houston: The Steel Backbone of National Security
Graduating in 1990 with the William Corby Award for military service, William Houston has risen to become a four-star admiral in the U.S. Navy. His June 2024 appointment as Director of the Naval Nuclear Propulsion Program marks him as only the third Notre Dame alumnus to hold this critical position overseeing America's nuclear-powered fleet.
Admiral Houston's responsibilities extend beyond technical oversight—he safeguards national security through meticulous management of nuclear reactor operations, modernization programs, and environmental safety protocols. His command experience aboard the USS Hampton and leadership of the Atlantic Fleet Submarine Force prepared him for this career-defining challenge.
The Houston family exemplifies Notre Dame's multigenerational impact—his wife Colleen is an alumna, and one of their daughters currently attends the university.
Martin Regan: Legal Champion for the Vulnerable
The 1976 graduate, honored with the John Cavanaugh Award for public service, has spent three decades as Memphis' legal guardian. As general counsel for Southern College of Optometry and planned giving director for the Community Foundation of Greater Memphis, Regan has transformed philanthropic landscapes while providing pro bono representation to underserved populations.
His leadership extends to the Memphis Grizzlies Foundation and Alpha Omega Veterans Services, with particular impact in revitalizing urban Catholic education systems. In an era where legal representation remains inaccessible to many, Regan's work embodies Notre Dame's commitment to justice.
Kristin Komiatis Sheehan: Championing Athletic Inclusion
The 1990 Harvey Foster Award recipient has revolutionized youth sports through her leadership of the "Play Like a Champion" educational series since 2006. Her curriculum on character development has equipped 160,000 coaches and parents with tools to foster teamwork, resilience, and fair play.
Sheehan's advocacy reached global platforms when she chaired a 2022 Vatican International Sports Summit panel on athletic accessibility. Her published works and training programs ensure children of all abilities can experience sports' transformative power—a testament to Notre Dame's emphasis on human dignity.
The Notre Dame Difference: Cultivating Leaders of Conscience
The university's distinctive approach combines academic rigor with social responsibility. Initiatives like RouteND (established 2017) facilitate military personnel's transition to higher education through comprehensive support systems. Alumni engagement in movements addressing racial justice and educational equity further demonstrates this institutional ethos.
From courtroom advocacy to nuclear engineering, from youth sports to philanthropic innovation, Notre Dame graduates prove that professional excellence and humanitarian service are not mutually exclusive pursuits. Their lives answer the university's enduring question: What will you do with your education to better the world?