Four years in review: Students comment on campus controversies
Tragedy confirms Notre Dame family exists
New students are bombarded with somewhat cheesy talk about the "Notre Dame family" and the "spirit of Notre Dame." To me, this talk seemed rather hollow ... I had not yet been enveloped in the "spirit," as it was called. I would not be for almost two years, until three weeks ago, when we learned that my good friend Conor Murphy, a Zahm Hall resident, has leukemia.
Although my realization of the Notre Dame family is just one of many latent effects of this horrible news, it is an important and a comforting one. At home in Cleveland over spring break, I was able to visit Conor in the hospital and witness firsthand the strength he draws from his connection to Notre Dame.
Letters and cards, many of them from people somehow connected with Notre Dame, brighten the walls of Conor's room ...
There is a sense of community and family at our school that is hard to find elsewhere. I hope you don't have to go through hard times to appreciate it. Maybe you will never find it. But know it's out there if you ever need it.
Katie Sanders
sophomore
Farley Hall
March 29, 2000
I have never been so proud to be a part of the Notre Dame community as I am today.
The way that students have responded to one of our own in need is overwhelming. I stood today in LaFortune and felt tears sting my eyes as I saw how many students came to show their support for Conor Murphy.
I want to thank everyone who came today to show their love and support for a fellow Notre Dame student. I thank God that I am here among so many wonderful people. We should all be proud of the Notre Dame family today.
Amber Holleman
sophomore
Lyons Hall
March 29, 2000
All Viewpoint Stories for Friday, May 17, 2002
