Fr. Gerry Olinger, C.S.C., Vice President for University Relations, has accepted the position of Vice President for Mission Engagement and Church Affairs at the University of Notre Dame. Fr. Gerry’s last day at the University of Portland will be Friday, August 10, and he will begin his new role at Notre Dame on Monday, August 20. Bryce Strang, Senior Associate Vice President for Development, will serve as interim Vice President for University Relations while a search is conducted for Fr. Gerry’s replacement.
At the Provincial Chapter meeting of the United States Province of the Congregation of Holy Cross in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania earlier this month, Fr. William Lies, C.S.C. was elected as the new Provincial Superior. Following his election, Notre Dame president Fr. John Jenkins, C.S.C., invited Fr. Gerry to consider succeeding Fr. Lies in his position at Notre Dame.
Fr. Gerry’s new role will offer him opportunities to grow in his priesthood and to further explore Holy Cross spirituality. In addition to deepening the Catholic and Holy Cross mission of his alma mater, he will also serve as the liaison to the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) and the Vatican. The move also allows him to be closer to his parents and family in Pennsylvania during a critical time for them.
As Vice President for University Relations, Fr. Gerry has been responsible for the Offices of Alumni and Parent Relations, Development, Marketing & Communications, and University Events. He is a concurrent assistant professor of political science in the University’s College of Arts and Sciences. He also serves as a pastoral resident in Schoenfeldt Hall.
Please make time in the next few weeks to wish him well on this new path of his journey.