New banners decorate campus
“Heal. Unify. Enlighten.” This fall, a new set of posters and banners bearing these words were unveiled across campus this fall. Displayed prominently in the LaFortune student center, the dining halls, and on many poles and lampposts, these banners feature various images and quotations which, according to University Spokesperson Dennis Brown, reflect the mission and vision of the university.
“The message speaks not only to the University’s vision, but also to the manner in which we are looking to achieve it,” Brown wrote in an email to THE IRISH ROVER. “In concert with our mission as a Catholic research university, we seek to bring healing, unification and enlightenment through our scholarship, service, engagement and discourse locally, nationally and globally.”
“Heal. Unify. Enlighten.” is the thematic phrase adapted from University President Father John Jenkins’ 2005 inaugural address. In that speech, Fr. Jenkins stated that his mission was “to build a Notre Dame that is bigger and better than ever – a great Catholic university for the 21st century, one of the pre-eminent research institutions in the world, a center for learning whose intellectual and religious traditions converge to make it a healing, unifying, enlightening force for a world deeply in need.” These same adjectives were invoked by Fr. Jenkins in a 2006 address to the Notre Dame faculty, in which he challenged the university community to “be the unifying, healing, enlightening place we are called to be, and fulfill the hopes so many have for this university.”
Fr. Jenkins’ words inspired the idea of the current banners, which were first conceived and developed throughout the spring and summer of 2011 by the Office of Public Affairs and Communications.
Some of the banners, such as the large tapestry hanging in the South Dining Hall, exclusively feature the aforementioned excerpt from Fr. Jenkins’ inaugural address. A majority of the outdoor lamppost banners bear the “Heal. Unify. Enlighten.” phrase along with a photograph. Some depict Notre Dame students, faculty, and staff undertaking service projects, participating in the fine arts, working on research or within the laboratory, or building community relations; others depict Fr. Jenkins himself.
According to Brown, the appearance of Fr. Jenkins’ image and words is a continuation of a long-standing tradition which emphasizes the charism, vision, and mission of both the Congregation of Holy Cross, Notre Dame’s founding order, and the university generally, especially its presidents. “Environmental banners in recent years have featured Father Moreau and the Congregation of Holy Cross,” Brown wrote. “The works and words of Fathers Hesburgh and Malloy were featured through other communications vehicles during their presidencies.”
The galvanizing banners have elicited a variety of responses from the university community. Many on campus applaud the campaign and its message.
One residential Holy Cross priest wrote, “I like the wording on the banners very much. To heal, to unify, to enlighten is certainly from the message of Jesus. And the world is in great need of healing and unity and enlightenment. I am so grateful to work at Notre Dame, a place where, as a community, we strive to be a sign of healing, unity, and enlightenment.”
A campus rector agrees that the banners convey an essential aspect of Notre Dame’s mission. “When it comes to the three words ‘heal, unify, enlighten,’ they’re a great way for students to be reminded of the mission of the University,” he said in a telephone interview with THE ROVER. “It reminds us in a very simple way that we are about not just self-realization or self-betterment, but are also concerned about doing something for others in the world. And that speaks to what Father Sorin said about this University, that it would be a great force for good in the world.”
Yet, others feel that the banners’ messages are either not distinctive or clear enough, fall short of their desired effect, or are puzzling.
“The banners certainly express worthy sentiments,” one senior faculty member said. “However, what they promote is not distinctively Catholic, but rather are common aspirations of all people of good will. One would hope that an effort of this sort to establish a common identity for Notre Dame would be more transparent for its DISTINCTIVE mission as a CATHOLIC university.”
“I’m confused as to why the face of a Catholic priest [Fr. Jenkins] is featured so prominently,” one senior science major admitted. “They seem like a popularity contest or advertising campaign. Or maybe [they are] a reference to wounds within the Notre Dame community. Maybe that’s how the banners are intended, because of the Declan [Sullivan] tragedy, Lizzy Seeburg, the dorm stabbing, and everything.”
“They have a very worthy message about service to others,” a ‘11 alumnus wrote. “But they’re very commercialized, and I’m not sure how much impact they will have. The Center for Social Concerns is a huge presence on campus, and with so many people doing service already, it seems a little self-righteous or maybe ‘in your face.’ I wonder what the South Bend community thinks.”
Other students interviewed expressed indifference to the banners and their message.
According to Brown, the duration of the banners’ tenure is weather-dependent, but that each batch typically remains for two years.
Mike Bradley is a sophomore who enjoys running while imitating Van Gogh. Contact him at mbradle6@nd.edu.
