College News - Fall 2026

A New Home

The Fitzgerald Institute for Real Estate (FIRE) has joined the Mendoza College of Business, transitioning from a University institute to a College institute. This realignment bridges FIRE’s multidisciplinary research with Mendoza’s academic rigor, strengthening the popular real estate minor, which currently serves over 500 students. 

Founded to advance real estate education and research at Notre Dame, FIRE supports one of the University’s most popular academic offerings: the real estate minor offered through Mendoza’s Department of Finance, which in spring 2026 enrolled more than 500 undergraduate students from 32 majors across the University. The multidisciplinary program combines coursework in real estate finance, economics, architecture and other disciplines, and offers experiential learning opportunities and engagement with industry professionals.

FIRE remains a collaborative hub, partnering with Architecture, Law and Arts & Letters to tackle global challenges like affordable housing and the stewardship of church properties. The FIRE Fall Kickoff and FIREworks career fair are opportunities to mentor the next generation of real estate leaders.

The research of FIRE’s affiliated faculty examines real estate markets, housing, finance and the built environment. Among them is Marco Giacoletti, associate professor of finance, whose research focuses on real estate finance, housing markets and mortgage securitization.

“Locating FIRE within Mendoza gives the Institute a natural academic home and connects our work more directly with faculty whose research intersects with real estate,” said Michael O’Malley, executive director of the Fitzgerald Institute for Real Estate. “It strengthens research collaborations, expands educational opportunities, creates new opportunities for Notre Dame students to engage with professionals in the real estate industry, and allows the Institute to remain multidisciplinary

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ALIGNING ALUMNI EXPERTISE

The Mendoza Corporate Advisory Board (CAB) is transforming to align more closely with the accelerating pace of the modern MBA journey. Led by co-chairs Kevin Lange (MBA ’15) and Robbie Singley (MBA ’19), the board has shifted toward a student-centric model by introducing specialized mentorship pods and moving meetings to campus to interact with students during critical recruiting cycles. By partnering directly with MBA Association leaders, the CAB is better connecting alumni expertise and student needs to maximize the power of the Mendoza network.

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THE CHAIR HAS THE FLOOR

The Mendoza College of Business showcases the profound scholarship and personal journeys of our premier faculty in the University Chair Lecture Series. On November 13, 2025,

Corey Angst, Jack and Joan McGraw Family Professor of IT, Analytics, and Operations, traced his transition from engineering to becoming a leading researcher on the societal impacts of healthcare technology in an insightful and entertaining lecture: “A Brief History of ANGST in Higher Education.”

Jim Otteson, John T. Ryan Jr. Professor of Business Ethics, presented on March 20, 2026, sharing his unplanned academic journey that led the philosopher and 1990 graduate back to campus to found the Business Honors Program. The University chair is the highest faculty honor at Notre Dame.

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LEADING THE EXCHANGE

In February, leaders from across the investing field came together for two days of meaningful conversations and thought-provoking panels at the Women’s Investing Summit hosted by the Notre Dame Institute for Global Investing. More than 300 attendees heard from alumnae Kristen Bitterly Michell (’02), Stephanie Geveda (’00) and other leading finance experts, including creators of the popular podcast, “The Wall Street Skinny.”

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“The biggest lie Mother Nature tells you is that if you get that thing you want, you’ll enjoy it forever.”

Arthur C. Brooks

Arthur C. Brooks, bestselling author and Harvard professor who teaches courses on leadership and happiness, spoke to a standing-room-only Jordan Auditorium on December 5. In his talk, “Managing Your Happiness,” he explained that the human brain is wired to return to a baseline of dissatisfaction within months, whether it’s from a new toy or a 10% raise. He argued true satisfaction comes from fewer, not more, acquisitions.

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TAKING OFF

American Airlines CEO Robert Isom (ND ’86) returned to campus on October 10 for the Dean’s Speaker Series. In a fireside chat with Dean Martijn Cremers, Isom credited his Notre Dame dual degrees in engineering and English for his balanced leadership style. He discussed navigating the airline’s post-pandemic recovery and fostering a people-centric culture. Among other advice, Isom urged students to build their networks “in the trenches” long before a crisis hits.

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MISSION OF GOVERNANCE

The College welcomed the Bishop’s Ministry of Governance Seminar in June 2025. Co-hosted with the U.S. Council of Catholic Bishops, the event brought more than 20 bishops to campus for faculty-led modules on essential administrative and business principles. By blending management expertise with theological reflection, the seminar reinforced the College’s commitment to serving the Catholic Church and equipping its leaders with the tools necessary for modern governance.

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MAHAFFEY MILESTONE

The Thomas Mahaffey, Jr. Business Library recently celebrated its 30th anniversary, marking three decades as a cornerstone of research and innovation at Mendoza. Since opening its doors, the library has evolved from a digital pioneer into an essential campus partner, now providing access to 128 specialized databases. The library’s dedicated faculty and staff conduct nearly 300 annual instruction sessions and consultations, ensuring that students and researchers remain at the cutting edge of business intelligence and collaborative study.

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RAISE THE ROOTS

The Mendoza College of Business building has a lush new look after the installation of a 31,100-square-foot green roof. Featuring more than 9,000 trays of drought-resistant sedum and allium, the living roof covers more than half an acre. This initiative aligns with the University’s LEED-certification goals, offering benefits such as reduced energy costs, improved stormwater management and a doubled lifespan compared to traditional roofing. The project provides a natural habitat for wildlife and a vibrant view from certain windows.

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MAJORING IN THE MINORS

Beginning in fall 2026, Mendoza will offer 10 undergraduate minors — eight of which are open to non-business students — continuing the College’s effort to give students greater flexibility in shaping their academic path. Four new minors join the lineup: accountancy for business majors, finance for non-business majors and two AI-focused offerings — AI Essentials in Business and AI Analytics in Business. These new minors reflect the College’s commitment to preparing students for an increasingly technology-driven business landscape.

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CAREER CONNECTIONS

The Mendoza College of Business has launched a new External Engagement team to bolster professional networks for all graduate students. The initiative bridges the gap between the classroom and the boardroom by expanding internship pipelines, employer partnerships and alumni mentorship, ensuring that a Notre Dame graduate business degree carries maximum value in the global marketplace.

 

2026 Magazine Issue