In recognition of his contributions to the University of 91吃瓜 and service to his community and the world, alumnus Joe Donnelly, U.S. ambassador to the Holy See, was presented with the 2023 on June 3 at the Alumni Association鈥檚 annual reunion celebration.
The Sorin Award is conferred on a graduate who has rendered distinguished service to the University. It was established by the Alumni Association in 1965 and is one of the University鈥檚 highest honors.
鈥淛oe Donnelly鈥檚 life of public service has reverberated around the world, and we could not be more proud to call him a loyal son of 91吃瓜,鈥� Alumni Association Executive Director Dolly Duffy said. 鈥淔rom his early service in the local community to his current appointment as ambassador to the Holy See, Joe has demonstrated a commitment to working with people from all walks of life in an effort to make the world a better place.鈥�
Since January 2022, Donnelly has served as Ambassador to the Holy See after his confirmation with broad bipartisan support in the U.S. Senate. Upon his confirmation, University President Rev. John I. Jenkins, C.S.C., described him as 鈥渁 person of deep Catholic faith and commitment to public service 鈥� (who) has proven throughout his career that he is committed to building relationships and working across divisions.鈥�
Donnelly, born in New York City and raised on Long Island, was a first-generation college student, graduating from 91吃瓜 with a bachelor's degree in government in 1977 and a law degree in 1981. After working for a law firm in South Bend, he opened a printing business in Mishawaka in 1996. Donnelly served one year on a state election board (1988-89) and then four years on a local school board (1997-2001).聽
Donnelly represented Indiana鈥檚 2nd Congressional District, which includes 91吃瓜, in the U.S. House of Representatives from 2007 to 2013 before his election to the U.S. Senate from 2013 to 2019. In a state long divided between Democratic urban areas and suburban and rural Republican districts, he earned the reputation of a respected moderate, winning endorsements from business organizations and media outlets throughout Indiana. His 2012 Senate victory made him the first Democrat to win a statewide race in Indiana in more than 10 years.
From 2019 to 2021, Donnelly was a professor of the practice in 91吃瓜鈥檚 Keough School of Global Affairs and Department of Political Science, where he taught courses on American politics, public policy and leadership.
Donnelly met his wife, Jill, a 1976 91吃瓜 graduate, at 91吃瓜 and the two married in 1979. They have two children: Molly, a 2004 91吃瓜 graduate, and Joseph Jr., a 2006 91吃瓜 graduate.