Selection
Virtual Exploration Application
Virtual Exploration Event
Are you interested in learning more about the Inspired Leadership Initiative? We invite you and your spouse/partner to attend an upcoming Virtual Exploration Event held via Zoom.
This experience will provide the opportunity to learn more about:
- Life as an ILI fellow and living at Notre Dame
- Core Elements of the ILI program
- Academic Engagement Opportunities
- Hearing from current/former fellows and spouses
- Community Engagement & Social Activities
We encourage anyone who is interested in learning more about the program to express your interest in attending by registering below. Our team will contact you when we have scheduled a future Exploration Event. You can also request a recording from a previous session at the link below.
Express Interest Request a recording of a previous event
ILI Fellow Selection Process
We are currently accepting applications for the 2023-2024 academic year. We are seeking applications from a broad array of accomplished individuals who have completed careers of 20 years or more.
Please consider the following when contemplating your application:
Diversity of Backgrounds: An individual’s experience may be in any field from non-profit, business, family management, to academics, to name a few. We will admit up to 30 individuals for the upcoming cohort.
Time Commitment: The program encompasses a full academic year at the University of Notre Dame’s campus. Fellows will have access to the academic and cultural life of the University community.
Community-Focused: We are seeking individuals — as well as their spouses or partners, if desired — that have a willingness to share their knowledge and experience with other program participants, students, faculty, and others within the community; as well as an openness to learn from others.
Social Impact Focused: Fellows should have a desire to become a greater force for good in the world while leveraging the knowledge and experience gained through the program.
Spouse/Partner Engagement: Spouses, life partners (and for select activities invited guests) are welcome to participate in certain elements of the ILI programming and are encouraged to do so to the degree that best suits each individual - from social participation, auditing two courses per semester or to apply as a fellow themselves. If your spouse or partner would like to participate as a full fellow, a separate application must be completed by them.
Please contact our office at ili.admissions@nd.edu or (574) 631-8070 with any questions about admissions criteria or the selection process.
“After what I consider to be a successful business career and a busy twelve years in retirement, I felt like I needed a new challenge. I was confident that the ILI would fulfill that need and perhaps provide a pathway to my future endeavors. To return to college again after fifty-four years, and to take advantage of all that Notre Dame has to offer—academically, spiritually, culturally, and socially—was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity."
—Dave Kostolansky, ILI Fellow
“Looking for more than simply some kind of lifelong learning program to interest or challenge me in retirement, I was drawn to Notre Dame’s Inspired Leadership Initiative because it offered a rare opportunity to actually take the time—a year’s worth of time!—to discern my next vocation. Along with that gift, the ILI enkindled a new joy and an internal peace that comes with doing what one is called to do."
—Cindy Sescleifer, ILI Fellow
