Upon opening Instagram recently, I saw a post titled, “A Crisis of Catholic Fidelity at Notre Dame” from First Things Mag that immediately called back emotions of the 2023 spring semester. Over three years later, Susan Ostermann continues to come under public fire for the views she expressed in a 2022 letter to the Chicago Tribune where she spoke as a policy expert, and not a representative of the University (which is clearly stated).
As a member of the inaugural class of undergraduate students to have a primary major in Global Affairs through the Keough School, I believe I had the opportunity to know Ostermann well. She was my instructor in a class titled “Global Politics and Policy,” my research advisor for my senior capstone project and my frequent host at office hours throughout my tenure at Notre Dame. I also took several classes within the Liu Institute and served as a student worker for four years.
It is almost laughable that Ostermann continues to receive flack for exercising her academic and literary freedom. Of course, I am angry at those who continue to question her place at Notre Dame and the Keough School, but a clear irony exists to any of her students reading these naysayers’ remarks. Ostermann is undeniably qualified for her position as a professor and as the new leader of the Liu Institute: She is an accomplished scholar, Silicon Valley attorney and orator. Frankly, her resume should answer any question as to why she was appointed to direct the Liu Institute. What sets her apart to me and many other Keough students is her empathy, understanding and unbridled commitment to her students.
While Ostermann was researching in India over spring break, she still took my calls with questions of how to pivot my own research when an essential study fell through. She has accompanied me alongside my own career discernment. She has always encouraged her students to do what is right, and not what is easy. During a session of Global Politics and Policy, Ostermann shared with us that Keough students were some of the most tolerant and open-minded students she had instructed during her teaching career. She told us that we were “able to discuss difficult topics with a respect that leads to understanding.” I can say with full confidence that Ostermann expressed nothing but respect to all students’ viewpoints, which is a cornerstone of seeking to understand.
Of course, now I am angered that that same understanding that Ostermann reflects to each of her students is not being reflected to her. A diversity of experiences and backgrounds is what makes a global university, and part of what makes Notre Dame great. The core of academia is seeking to understand; and the core of the Keough School is seeking to understand how to best accompany our fellow man to the full realization of their human dignity. Ostermann’s academic work champions that pursuit. My ask is that the Notre Dame community grants Ostermann the same respect that she has reflected to each of her students in the great pursuit of realizing human dignity.
Alaina Reed
Class of 2025
Feb. 7
