This past summer, the Center for Citizenship & Constitutional Government bid farewell to two cherished team members — Luke Thompson and Zane Mabry.
Luke Thompson, a 2024 Notre Dame graduate, began his time at the Center as many undergraduates do: as a Tocqueville Fellow. Thompson notes his participation in the center's programming as a Tocqueville Fellow as “an irreplaceable complement to my pursuit of this inquiry in the classroom.” He wrote: “ The community of learning that the Fellowship provided and the opportunities to meet and have true discussions with high-profile public servants and scholars were absolutely essential parts of my education.”
After his robust affiliation with the center during undergrad, Thompson found working for the CCCG after graduation the “perfect opportunity…to continue [his] education and help others in their own studies in formation.” Thompson’s work as a Pre-Doctoral Research Affiliate for the Center included leading colloquia, such as one for first year students on "Free Speech and the University" and one for junior students’ parents on Lincoln's Gettysburg Address; helping facilitate the CCCG's public events, such as the Jeannie Poole O'Shaugnessy Memorial Lecture and Statesmanship Dinner; and working on two pieces of written research that are currently in the process of publication.
Thompson noted, “The formation in citizenship I received from the center certainly played some part in the decisions I have made since graduating to get married and become a father. But also concretely, my next steps as a student and professional were largely made possible by my work with the center.”
This fall, Thompson began his joint JD-PhD in Political Science at Notre Dame. He is grateful for the opportunity to remain close to the center, writing, “Both my choice to pursue this interdisciplinary path and my ability to do so are intimately connected to my experience with the CCCG. I am extraordinarily grateful that my next steps will keep me close to the center, and I look forward to having my education and career further improved through my continued engagement with the CCCG as a law and graduate student in the coming years.”
Zane Mabry graduated from Hillsdale College in 2020 with a BA in Economics. He found his way to the CCCG when his wife Hadiah Mabry, Notre Dame Law School class of 2025, matriculated as a 1L. During his tenure at the CCCG he served as the Office Coordinator, taking the lead on many operational functions within the center and lending invaluable support to the success of its public programming. Aside from the tasks that filled his days, Mabry was looked to as a role model by the CCCG student interns; his strong commitment to his faith and willingness to engage in meaningful conversations about the students' relationships and aspirations left a deep impression.
Mabry spoke highly of the center’s incredibly unique and tight-knit culture. “I couldn't have asked for better colleagues than those I had at the CCCG. It is rare to be able to claim a deep personal and professional respect for every single colleague one has, but I can do so for those I worked with at the center. We all held many core values in common and were thereby able to contribute more fully to the center's mission of cultivating virtuous citizens.”
Mabry left the CCCG in July 2025 as he and Hadiah prepared to move to Michigan. He began his coursework at his alma mater in the Van Andel Graduate School of Statesmanship in late August and hopes to emerge with a PhD he can use to go on and teach.
The CCCG is overjoyed to welcome two new team members who began their roles prior to the start of the 2025-2026 academic year.
Helena Drake, a South Bend local and recent graduate of Princeton University, joined the team in August as a Pre-Doctoral Research Associate. She said, “Growing up in South Bend, I've gotten the chance to attend some of the center's programming in the past, and the speaker events in particular have been phenomenal. I'm excited to be on the other end of it now, helping with the center's events and research.”
After studying Comparative Literature at Princeton, Drake was particularly drawn to the center for its emphasis on an interdisciplinary approach to politics. “One thing I particularly appreciate about the center is that it draws so many students from different backgrounds and fields of study, allowing them to explore American ideas from a variety of different lenses and contribute really unique thoughts.” Helena will be filling Thompson's role, helping with research at the center and leading colloquia as she applies for graduate school to continue her studies of French.
Lauren Douglas ‘25, a recent graduate of the Program of Liberal Studies and Theology at Notre Dame, joined the CCCG in early July as the Office Coordinator.
Douglas works primarily with CCCG Assistant Director Anna Bradley and takes the lead on facilitating the center’s public programming, as well as coordinating the daily functions of the office. “Much of my work so far has been occupied with planning for our fall events, especially the Jeanie Poole O'Shaughnessy Memorial Lecture with Justice Barrett in September. It’s a pleasure to help bring such incredible speakers to campus for the Notre Dame community.”
One of Douglas’ notable initiatives is the creation of Sweet Treat Tuesday, an opportunity for hospitality and fellowship with the CCCG community. “Each week, someone brings in a sweet treat to enjoy with the CCCG community. My hope is that Sweet Treat Tuesday will help to foster a deeper connection between students, faculty, and staff over a cookie or cannoli. Building community is one of the aspects of this role about which I am most excited, and I hope this year will provide me opportunities to find creative ways to bring people together.”
Douglas plans to attend graduate school for early modern English literature with hopes to teach in a university setting. Her work at the CCCG has expanded her perspective on undergraduate education as well as her interdisciplinary interests: “Working as a staff member has already shown me another side of the University and given me a new appreciation for all the work that goes into undergraduate education. I’ve also appreciated the ability to engage with professors in another department and hope to make more connections across disciplines throughout this year.”
About the priorities for the operational side of the center, Bradley said, “The center keeps its public programming team on its toes; you never know what event might pop up during the course of the semester. It’s important for our team to be prepared to do things last-minute while still delivering on the outstanding quality our community has come to expect from our programming.”
When it comes to changes in staffing, Bradley continued, “Zane was exceptionally even-keeled and gracefully handled anything that was thrown at him. He provided invaluable stability for the entirety of the center’s staff. Lauren brings with her the perspective of a Notre Dame student and a deep knowledge of our campus that has already paid dividends in our program planning. We’re looking forward to having her with us this year.”
“The CCCG continues to be a place where the study of ideas is essential and always in relation to others who study, engage, and reflect on these ideas,” reflected Don Stelluto, Co-Director of the center. “This includes our staff. At the center, staff play an active and critical role in advancing its academic purpose and its contributions to the University’s Catholic mission. This year, the center was blessed with individuals who are committed to these purposes and who bring their unique talents to the task. While this year we witnessed the departure of Zane and Luke, who have begun exciting new chapters in their lives, we have also gained new insights and talents in Lauren and Helena, who have taken up the CCCG’s staff tradition as the newest members of our team. It has been a joy this year to work with such a talented group of staff colleagues.”
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