A warm welcome to all of NDLS from the Student Bar Association. For all of my fellow 3Ls and the 2Ls, welcome back home under the Dome. And to our incoming 1Ls and international students, we are all excited to have you start your legal journey here at Notre Dame. My name is Keith Ongeri, and for those whom I haven’t had the pleasure to meet yet, I will be serving as the President of the SBA this year.
I write this letter to you all in the middle of one of the most unique circumstances our country has ever seen. Last semester, seemingly overnight, COVID-19 sent us home and away from the people, professors, and places that we've come to love in South Bend. Across the country, the nation is still mourning the losses of loved ones lost to the disease, while trying to rebuild an economy that saw over 20 million unemployment claims in a matter of a few short weeks. Now, more than ever, our neighbors need someone that is HERE for them, and the SBA plans to do its part.
Everyone is a member of the SBA. While we do have an Executive Board and Cabinet of student leaders working to help plan and organize, we are looking forward to each law student being an active member in the SBA. There will be one large lunch meeting each month in which we invite all law students to attend and learn about what is going on in the school that month. Look for more information about this on our website or the Monday Morning Update (MMU) email.
We are all first and foremost here to receive our JDs, but here at NDLS, we have a little fun along the way. From social events such as tailgates to sponsoring renowned academic speakers, we hope to enhance each law student’s three years spent in South Bend. Additionally, our Merchandise Committee will ensure everyone is sporting the newest NDLS apparel.
Law school can be a stressful period for many students—we are looking forward to putting students’ physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing front and center this year. Fr. Bill Beauchamp and Stella Miller are both here to support us during this three year journey, please do not hesitate to contact them. In addition, we have created a new Mental Health and Wellness Committee, headed by Jessica Wolfert, to further provide law students all the support they need.
This school year, this epidemic, and the fallout from the crisis are uncharted territory
for us all. The challenge ahead of us this semester is daunting, but I know Notre Dame
is up to the task. Whatever this semester brings, let it not be said that the Irish went
down without a fight. I am beyond confident this year is going to be one of the best
for NDLS yet. The collective ingenuity, foresight, and compassion in the Notre Dame
community will see us through. As we ready ourselves for the upcoming year, I have
no doubt that Notre Dame Law School will be ready. And so will the SBA.
