In mid-October, the CCCG welcomed alumni, students, faculty collaborators, and other friends of the center to a weekend of prayer, conversation, and celebration.
The weekend kicked off with a recitation of the Rosary and celebration of the Mass at the Notre Dame Law School’s St. Thomas More Chapel, celebrated by Fr. Bill Dailey, CSC. Fr. Dailey’s homily reflected on the importance of incorporating charity when discussing law and politics, and the gift of being able to consider courses of study at Notre Dame in light of the Catholic faith. Former Tocqueville fellow and constitutional studies minor Abraham Figueroa ‘24 spoke highly of the Catholic mission of the CCCG: “I loved that we started the line of events with the most holy Rosary. The CCCG stays true to Notre Dame’s Catholic faith and I’m proud to be an alumnus of such a wonderful fellowship.”
Following Mass, the center hosted a conversation moderated by Professor Phillip Muñoz that featured professors Rick Garnett and Derek
Muller, both of Notre Dame Law, regarding the recent and upcoming SCOTUS terms. Professor Muñoz posed questions about executive power, constitutionality, and cases of interest that are currently before the Supreme Court. Following his questions came several from the audience about the dynamics of the Supreme Court and how to predict their opinions based on comments in oral arguments. Senior Tocqueville Fellow Kathleen Farnan ‘26 attended the lecture and noted, “I was especially interested in hearing which Supreme Court cases Professor Garnett and Professor Muller were watching this term. It gave me a better idea of what I should be paying attention to.”
Muñoz then thanked the audience for their presence, and announced a generous benefaction of $1 million from brothers Bob ('57) and Rich ('60) Griffin named “The Griffin Brothers Grant.” This grant was given specifically to enable students who would otherwise not be able to accept internships in law and public policy due to financial constraints with a means to support them financially, allowing them to pursue opportunities without financial hardship. A light reception offering the opportunity for continued conversation was hosted after Muñoz’s announcement in Eck Hall’s Clynes Atrium.
The Alumni & Friends Weekend festivities continued on Saturday with a tailgate co-sponsored by Mendoza’s Business Honors Program before the Irish defeated the USC Trojans. Former Tocqueville Fellows and newlyweds Will Grannis ‘25 and Maddie Grannis (née Kosobucki) ‘24 attended Friday’s lecture and Saturday’s tailgate together. Will was “touched to hear about the announcement of the new $1 million fund for students participating in summer internships, and I loved the opportunity to get together with other CCCG alumni and hear about what they’re doing.” Tocqueville Fellow alum and current 1L at NDLS Luca Fanucchi ‘25 added, “It was great to see some old faces and mingle with the current fellows. It makes me feel good to be a part of such an accomplished group and to see that the future is very bright.”
Farnan summed up the fruits of the weekend: “Alumni Weekend offered meaningful opportunities to explore current Supreme Court issues and to build community through events like the CCCG tailgate.” Figueroa added, “The center represents the best of what Notre Dame has to offer: flourishing intellectual diversity and curiosity, a kindling of the sense of civic duty, all while being grounded in our duties and obligations to our Creator.”
Tocqueville alumna Keira Stenson ‘26 wrote, “I was excited to go to reconnect with old friends, and because I feel that the CCCG conversations always treat complicated and relevant topics that aren't necessarily discussed in my other classes or elsewhere on campus. Their guests are very knowledgeable and Professor Muñoz does a great job of asking insightful and challenging questions in order to deepen the level of the conversation.”
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