Press Release: March 27, 2009
Contact: William Dempsey
www.projectsycamore.com
ND Alumni SYCAMORE TRUST Response to Obama Scandal:
Donate to The Notre Dame Fund to Protect Human Life
The escalating series of declarations by University spokespersons of its allegedly unyielding commitment to the pro-life cause proves only the existence of a defense squad in the public relations operation. What counts is action, not words; and the most revelatory actions have been this year’s honoring of President Obama and last year’s grant of an honorary degree to a foremost advocate of embryonic stem cell research, Dr. Marye Anne Fox, a Notre Dame Board member.
Nevertheless, Notre Dame need not be written off as a participant in the central moral struggle of our time. Rather, notwithstanding the actions of the Administration, Notre Dame can become a major contributor to the pro-life cause through a new and important project, The Notre Dame Fund to Protect Human Life. While the Fund is not a University initiative, it has authorized the Fund, and contributions to the University can be designated for the Fund.
Many alumni have declared that they will no longer contribute to Notre Dame. We understand. But this is a way for alumni and others to support a Notre Dame pro-life initiative while at the same time protesting the University’s actions by explaining to the University why they want their money to be used for an unambiguously Catholic purpose.
We speak here of a way to deal as constructively as possible with this dispiriting situation. We add that, in a more general sense, there remain important sources of Catholic strength at Notre Dame amid the metastasizing secularization. It is not yet time to despair of the future, but rather time to be spurred to work together to do what we can to strengthen Notre Dame’s Catholic identity.
Those responsible for the Obama decision deserve strong criticism. They have introduced calamitous contention into what should be a communal celebration of graduation. They have armed the enemies of the pro-life movement with a powerful new weapon. But Our Lady’s University should not be condemned. Rather, she should have our renewed pledges of loyalty and love.
Please join our initiative in support of The Notre Dame Fund to Protect Human Life.
HOW TO CONTRIBUTE
This Fund provides a vehicle for supporting Notre Dame, with assurance that donations will be used to protect the unborn and to maintain and build the Catholic character of Notre Dame. There are three ways to give:
- Direct Contribution: Send your check or stock contribution to The University of Notre Dame, Department of Development, 1100 Grace Hall, Notre Dame, IN 46556-5612 and specify that your donation is for the Notre Dame Fund to Protect Human Life.
- Endowments: For information about the establishment of an endowment which would provide funding to The Notre Dame Fund to Protect Human Life, contact the University of Notre Dame, Office of Gift Planning, 1100 Grace Hall, Notre Dame, IN 46556-5612, telephone 574-631-5776.
- Bequests: For information about how to include The Notre Dame Fund to Protect Human Life in your Will, contact the University of Notre Dame, Office of Gift Planning, 1100 Grace Hall, Notre Dame, IN 46556-5612, telephone 574-631-5776.
FUND BACKGROUND
The driving force in the launching of this exciting project has been Bill Dotterweich (’58), a major supporter of pro-life activities at the University. The Fund has been organized within the Center for Ethics and Culture, a vibrant center of Catholic thought and teaching that is unapologetically pro-life. The Fund is administered by a committee chaired by Dr. David Solomon, the Director of the Center. The additional members are Dr. Daniel McInerny and Elizabeth Kirk, associate directors of the Center; Rev. Wilson Miscamble, C.S.C., professor of history; and O. Carter Snead, associate professor of law and former chief counsel for the president’s Council on Bioethics.
In summary, its purpose is to educate and energize students and to encourage administration and faculty support through a host of “activities and projects which will enhance the University’s institutional involvement and reputation as a leader” in right-to-life issues. It supports the undergraduate and law school RTL clubs and has and will sponsor speakers, seminars, research and a host of other activities.
For more information, please visit The Notre Dame Fund to Protect Human Life.
