Dear Members of the Notre Dame Community:
I hope this message finds you well. This is the time of year when the Laetare Medal Committee convenes to propose recommendations for the President's consideration. In my role as Vice President for Mission Engagement and Church Affairs, and on behalf of the Laetare Committee, I invite you to submit recommendations for this prestigious award.
Established by Rev. Edward Sorin, C.S.C., in 1883, the Laetare Medal has been presented to recipients from many different fields including Church officials and lay leaders, artists and industrialists, diplomats and philanthropists, educators and scientists. The Medalist is announced on the Fourth Sunday of Lent (Laetare Sunday) and the Laetare Medal is presented at the May Commencement Exercises.
The Laetare Medal celebrates the ways in which the Catholic faith ennobles the pursuit of excellence, creativity, and service in all professions and vocations. In awarding it, the University of Notre Dame strives to recognize the diversity of fields in which United States Catholics make contributions to society and the diversity of the United States Catholic community itself.
The recipient of the Laetare Medal will be a citizen of the United States whose Catholic faith deeply informs his or her life and actions. The Medalist will have made significant contributions to society through sustained and illustrious accomplishments within his or her chosen field.
With all of this in mind, any names you wish to submit for consideration would be very much appreciated. With each name submitted, please include the nominee's field or occupation and a sentence or two on why he or she might be a suitable choice for this award. If you would like to learn more about the Laetare Medal or about past recipients, click on laetare.nd.edu.
The deadline for submission of names is Friday, September 22, 2017 at 5:00 p.m.
You may send hard copy letters to my attention at 304 Main Building or e-mail me at laetare@nd.edu.
Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely yours in Notre Dame,
Rev. William M. Lies, C.S.C.
Vice President