NOTRE DAME, IN - University scholar calls Sycamore Trust "a model of calm and reasonable yet unrelenting friendly questioning of recent events on the South Bend campus."

In a recent column appearing in the Internet publication The Catholic Thing, one of the most honored Notre Dame scholars, Dr. Ralph McInerny, discusses the University's Catholic identity and the role of The Sycamore Trust. The article, Alma Mater, requires no elaboration by us.

Dr. McInerny has had a glittering career as teacher, scholar, public commentator, and novelist. A few words from one of countless tributes provide a glimpse into his career: "He has taught at the University of Notre Dame since 1955 and was the director of the Jacques Maritain Center from 1979 to 2006. He is author of two dozen scholarly books and many more scholarly essays. For many years, he directed Notre Dame's prestigious Medieval Institute. In his spare time, he penned over eighty novels, including the well-known Father Dowling mystery series. He has lectured in nine countries. He has served as President of the American Catholic Philosophical Association, the Metaphysical Society, the American Maritain Society and the Fellowship of Catholic Scholars."

(Personal note: Dr. McInerny's mention of my name furnishes me the opportunity to call attention to the exceptional qualifications of my colleagues, which are summarized on our web site, and to their vital contributions. In addition, I am pleased to tell you that we have a new Board member, Lauren Galgano, an accomplished graduate of both the undergraduate program ('05) and the Law School ('08). Lauren is spending her first post-school year as law clerk to a Justice of the Minnesota Supreme Court. Bill D.)