THE INDEPENDENT NEWSPAPER SERVING NOTRE DAME, SAINT MARY’S AND HOLY CROSS ESTABLISHED 1966
FRIDAY, MARCH 20, 2026 | VOL. LX, NO. 52
NDSMCOBSERVER.COM
Holtz’s visitation and funeral ND financial aid to exceed $1 billion honors a life of ‘tough love’ By Observer News Staff
By Mara Hall and Matthew Morin Associate News Editors
Former Notre Dame Football head coach Lou Holtz, who led the team to a national championship in 1988, died on March 4, 2026. He was 89. A devout Catholic his entire life, the ceremonies celebrating the life of Lou Holtz began on Sunday at 7 p.m. with a visitation in the Sacred Heart Basilica. The University confirmed that for the two days of events, over 1,000 people attended. Students and faculty, former players and well-wishers came to pay their respects. The visitation was scheduled for three hours, had a two-hour long line and was staged in the Main Building due to inclement weather. The Holtz family greeted every person individually to thank them for their attendance. His celebration of life began at 1 p.m. on Monday, with members of the public who wished to attend
JONATHAN KARR | The Observer
Skip Holtz, Kevin Holtz, Try Holtz, Chad Holtz, Aaron Holtz, Zach Messaglia and Jacob Messaglia carry Holtz’s casket out of the Basilica.
waiting in line for several hours to gain entrance to the Basilica. The earliest member of the public arrived at 4:30 a.m. “There’s some things you only get to do once. You can skip a class. There’s going to be class on Wednesday. God forbid a football game, there will be more next year; but you only get to memorialize
such a great person as coach Holtz one time,” freshman Ben Place, an attendee at the funeral Mass, said. “I was a long-term employee. He was my first football coach, and I always just held him in high regard,” Lori Maurer, a Notre Dame retiree of the office of human resources, see “Funeral” on page 4
Sr. Raffaella Petrini named ND commencement speaker By Observer News Staff In a March 19 press release, the University of Notre Dame announced that Sr. Raffaella Petrini, F.S.E., will serve as the University’s primary speaker for the 181st commencement ceremony and receive an honorary degree.
“Sister Raffaella is an extraordinary leader who works tirelessly for the common good and radiates the peace, love and hope of Christ. As the highest-ranking woman in the Vatican, she embodies the future of women’s leadership in the Church, having served Pope Francis and now
Pope Leo with deep wisdom, unfailing dedication and true humility,” said University President Fr. Robert Dowd in the press release. Dowd continued, “It is a privilege to have her address the members of the see “Petrini” on page 5
Anne Thompson chosen as SMC commencement speaker By Observer News Staff
In fall 2024, the University launched the Pathways to Notre Dame program, which removed loans from financial aid packages and chartered a path to be need-blind while meeting 100% of demonstrated financial need. Today, the Office of Media Relations announced the program is expanding again. According to a University press release, “Beginning in the 2026-27 academic year, Notre Dame will ensure that families with annual income below $150,000 will receive needbased financial aid that covers the cost of tuition. Families with income below $200,000 will receive need-based aid that covers half the cost of tuition. In addition, most students from families with annual income below $60,000 will receive needbased financial aid that covers tuition, fees, housing and food.” Micki Kidder, vice president
for undergraduate enrollment, said the changes are intended to make financial aid more transparent and accessible for families. “With this announcement, we reiterate our unwavering commitment to ensuring that cost will never be a barrier between a promising student and a Notre Dame education,” Kidder said in the press release. “By implementing income-based scholarship thresholds, we are providing the clarity families need to see that a world-class education is within their reach.” “Since Pathways was first introduced, the University has committed over $40 million in additional annual recurring funds to ensure a Notre Dame education remains affordable for our undergraduate students,” Kidder wrote in a statement to The Observer. “Every year, over 50% of first-year see “Financial Aid” on page 3
Rivera-Curtis runs unopposed at SMC By Berhan Hagezom Saint Mary’s News Editor
As students prepare to vote on Thursday, the sole ticket for Saint Mary’s student government is focused on increasing representation and improving campus life through a series of initiatives. Juniors Daniela Rivera and Mila Curtis say their campaign aims to strengthen how the student government association serves students both within the organization and across campus. Rivera, a math and civil engineering major and current director of internal affairs in SGA, pointed to her leadership experience as preparation for the role. She cited her work in the Residence Hall Association as a freshman and two years with the Belles Against Violence office. “I have worked there for
the past two years, and I feel like that has prepared me in a sense of what being a Smick means,” Rivera said. “Being in a leadership position is kind of like leading with purpose and doing your leadership with a certain purpose that leads toward service with heart.” Curtis, an accounting major and SGA’s director of external affairs, said her experience has prepared her to advocate for students and navigate the demands of student leadership. “Each of these roles has prepared me to serve effectively as student body vice president,” Curtis wrote in a statement to The Observer. “I have learned how to stay organized in fast-paced and often unpredictable environments, pivot when plans change and communicate effectively with diverse groups
Saint Mary’s College President Katie Conboy announced the keynote speaker for the College’s 179th commencement ceremony, as well as recipients who will be receiving an honorary degree and the President’s Medal on May 16 at Le Mans Green.
The statement was provided to Saint Mary’s students and faculty through an email Monday afternoon. Anne Thompson, who serves as the chief environmental affairs correspondent at NBC News, will be delivering the commencement speech for the class of 2026 and receive an honorary
doctorate of humane letters. She worked as a general assignment reporter at WNDUT V while a student at Notre Dame, graduating in 1983. Since 2010, she has served as part of the University’s Board of Trustees and in 2019 received the Rev.
NEWS | PAGE 4
OPINION | PAGE 6
SCENE | PAGE 9
SPORTS | PAGE 12
SPORTS | PAGE 16
Timothy Shriver, chairman of Special Olympics, will receive medal at ND commencement.
Columnist Amaris O’Connor discusses what has been learned from Charlie Kirk’s death.
The Yorgos Lanthimos film was not recognized at this year’s Oscar award ceremony.
No. 6 Irish face No. 11 Fairfield in the first round of the NCAA tournament in Columbus, Ohio.
Notre Dame baseball prepares to face powerhouse No. 19 Clemson at home in ACC opener.
Laetare Medal
Lessons post-Kirk
see “Thompson” on page 5
Burgonia snubbed
Women’s basketball
see “Rivera-Curtis” on page 5
ND baseball