Summer Beloved Community Gathering: Joy

Author: NDHR

A man with gray hair and a beard, wearing a blue shirt with a name tag, gestures with his hands while speaking to people seated around a round table during a conference or large meeting.  The room is filled with attendees at other tables.

July 24 event offers a refreshing take on community building

Faculty and staff are invited to savor the sweetness of summer at the upcoming Beloved Community Gathering: Joy, taking place from 3:30 to 5:00 p.m. Thursday, July 24, on the DeBartolo Performing Arts Center Terrace. In case of rain, the event will move indoors to the center lobby.

Hosted by the Office of Institutional Transformation in partnership with NDHR, this gathering offers a lighthearted opportunity to unwind and connect with colleagues across campus. Attendees can enjoy free ice cream, live music, and a welcoming space for relaxed conversation and spontaneous fun.

While previous Beloved Community Gatherings have centered on storytelling and reflection, this summer’s event embraces the theme of joy—celebrating the simple, everyday moments that help build a strong and inclusive campus culture.

“Joy is an essential part of building a beloved community, especially during times of change and uncertainty,” said Eve Kelly, executive director for institutional transformation and staff belonging. “Happiness is fleeting, but joy is deliberate and intentional. Let’s come together to share a laugh and delight in sweet treats and live music, as moments of lightness help strengthen the bonds between us.”

Beloved Community Gatherings are designed to foster belonging, deepen relationships, and celebrate the diverse voices that make up the Notre Dame community. Each event invites participants to engage in different ways—sometimes through meaningful dialogue, other times through joyful presence.

Registration is not required, but it is encouraged. Register here.

 

Originally published by NDHR at ndworks.nd.edu on July 08, 2025.