Connections — Spring 2009

Letter from the Director

Dear Friends,

It is my great pleasure to introduce you to the first issue of Connections, the electronic newsletter of the University of Notre Dame’s Ford Family Program in Human Development Studies and Solidarity. Based in Notre Dame’s Kellogg Institute for International Studies, the Ford Program integrates teaching, research, and community development projects to address the causes and consequences of extreme poverty.

Each issue of Connections will update Notre Dame faculty, students, alumni, and friends on the efforts of the Ford Program. Some of these efforts take place on Notre Dame’s campus while others take place in Africa. Wherever we work, our goal is essentially the same: to connect people to each other and to ideas that allow them to make the most of their God-given potential. While we have a great deal to learn and much more work to do, we are off to a great start.

Here you will find the list of articles that comprise this first installment of Connections. The titles are hyperlinked to our website where you will find full text and many pictures. I invite you to explore the topics that interest you to learn more about the Ford Program's past activities and some of our current and future news and events.

I want to thank all of you who in some way have been connected to us since we launched this effort in 2008. Without your support and encouragement, we would not be where we are today: poised to combine the power of the human mind with the commitment of the human heart in service of the common good. We continue to welcome your interest and engagement. Never hesitate to contact us with questions, comments and suggestions at <fordprogram@nd.edu>.

Sincerely Yours,

(Rev.) Robert A. Dowd, C.S.C.
Director, Ford Family Program in Human Development Studies and Solidarity
Assistant Professor of Political Science

List of Articles