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Goes by fast, doesn’t it? A month ago, it was 90 degrees, and those of you in dorms without air conditioning were wondering what you had done to end up in Dante’s Inferno. Freshmen were using Google Maps to get to class. Notre Dame’s College Football Playoff hopes were still alive after a narrow loss to No. 2 Ohio State in the Shoe.

You may not believe me in the throes of midterm season, but fall break is around the corner. The “permacloud” will be here before you know it. The freshmen are no longer asking how to get to Jenkins and Nanovic. And football? Let’s just say we’ve already seen it all.

It’s been a whirlwind first month, so take a moment and catch up with some of the big changes on campus and throughout the state. Indiana became the first state to pass an abortion ban after the overturning of Roe v. Wade this summer. As challenges to the bill proceed in court, read our cover story for thorough reporting on how the renewed battle over abortion access is playing out on campus.

There was also big news this summer for the people who keep campus running. Hear from staff, student-workers and Executive Vice President Shannon Cullinan about why it was time to make a historic investment in compensation, including a dramatic increase in the minimum wage.

And that’s just scratching the surface. Between Manti Te’o’s return, an alum fighting human trafficking in Afghanistan, a campus food overhall, a call for flex points to keep up with inflation, a collection of heartfelt personal essays and much more, we’ve got something for everyone.

There’s a long way still to go, but take a moment to stop and reflect. On all you’ve experienced. On how hard you’ve worked. On how much you’ve grown.

You deserve it.

Best,

Gregory McKenna