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.
The Garaventa Center invites all faculty and staff to this year’s Red Mass, which celebrates those entrusted with the law in our nation, on Monday, September 18, at 5:30 p.m., in the Chapel of Christ the Teacher. The Mass is also open to the public. University president Rev. Mark L. Poorman, C.S.C., will be the principal celebrant and Rev. Gerry Olinger, C.S.C. university relations, will offer the homily.
All University of Portland faculty and staff are invited to shop at the Columbia Sportswear Employee Store from August 18 to September 10, according to Rev. Gerry Olinger, C.S.C., university relations. Each employee can bring four guests with them to shop and use the invitation multiple times during that date range. Click 
Columbia Sportswear has generously provided University faculty and staff access to their employee store from April 8 through May 8, according to Fr. Gerry Olinger, C.S.C., vice president for University relations. This invitation offers UP employees the same pricing as Columbia Sportswear employees; all products are up to 50% off suggested retail price, including all brands in the Columbia Sportswear family of brands, in fully stocked size runs with new spring season products.
All University community members are invited to meet in Mehling Ballroom on Tuesday, March 22, from 7-8:30 p.m., for an opportunity for students, faculty, and staff to come together, share personal experiences, and collaborate about how to make UP a more racially inclusive community. This event is co-sponsored by the Presidential Advisory Committee on Inclusion (PACOI), Black Lives Matter@UP, The Student Association of Social Workers and the Office of Student Activities.