More than 300 local leaders joined University President Rev. Robert A. Dowd, C.S.C., for the 2026 President’s Community Leaders Breakfast on Tuesday, June 2, in the Dahnke Ballroom at Notre Dame.
The annual event celebrates the partnerships that are helping shape the future of the South Bend-Elkhart region and brings together leaders from education, healthcare, government, nonprofit organizations, and business.
This year’s program featured a panel discussion titled Building Bridges: Strengthening Our Community Through Partnerships, moderated by Tim Sexton, associate vice president for public affairs. Father Dowd, Executive Vice President Shannon Cullinan, Notre Dame Law School Dean G. Marcus Cole, and Kristin Valentino, director of the Veldman Family Psychology Clinic, explored how collaboration between the University and community partners is driving progress across the region.
Offering the opening prayer was Carl R. Buchanon, chief of the South Bend Fire Department. Following the panel, the benediction was offered by Jacqueline Barton, president and founder of Specialized Staffing Solutions.
Check out photos below from the event. Photos by Matt Cashore/University of Notre Dame.
