BEAM Community of Practice Spotlight
When Matthew Bizoe applied for a job at Notre Dame two years ago, he was cautiously optimistic—about whether he’d be hired and whether he’d be happy here.
He knew Notre Dame well, having grown up only a few miles away in Niles, Mich. Or at least, he thought he knew. “I had this perception of Notre Dame being a really intimidating force,” Bizoe said. He could appreciate the University’s Catholic mission, academic reputation, and iconic sports programs. Still, he wasn’t so sure it would be a good fit for him.
Lucky for him, a friend advised him otherwise.
His background in the arts and public relations coupled with his passion for storytelling and helping people made him the perfect candidate for the position. He was offered the job and accepted. And, during his two years as a Notre Dame employee, he has found enjoyment and purpose in the many facets of his work at the University.
“I really like the teaching aspect of my job,” Bizoe said of his role on the Arts and Letters communications team. “I teach people and empower them to make these strategic decisions about their websites. We work together so that they aren’t being reactionary and they can understand the thought process. People also come to me when they need help. It keeps me busy and involved, and it allows me to form different relationships with people.”
Beyond his “day job,” Bizoe has taken on several volunteer roles at the University. Within the College, Bizoe co-chairs the Inclusion and Belonging Committee and is a member of the Staff Advisory Support Committee. He is also active in the campuswide BEAM Community of Practice and Chair of the Spectrum employee resource group.
Through the Inclusion and Belonging Committee, Bizoe and others seek to foster a spirit of belonging among employees at Notre Dame by cultivating spaces where all are able to discuss personal identity topics, issues, and successes in a supportive environment through events, advocacy, and peer mentorship. Bizoe sees the committee’s initiatives, like their monthly Lunch and Learns, as an opportunity for people to get out of their silos and bubbles to learn more about others and getting to know people across campus. Past Lunch and Learns have explored the U.S. incarceration system, Indigenous experiences, and supporting the trans community.
The charge of the Staff Advisory Support (SAS) Committee is focused on similar themes of support, trust, and unity. The committee helps facilitate confidential communication between Arts and Letters staff members and administration. “I come from a place of privilege as a white man, and I try to use these privileges for good,” he said. “I saw SAS as the opportunity to use my abilities of communicating with others, empathizing, and building trust to help solve issues.”
Finding a resource and being one
As a result of his Arts and Letters committee assignments, Bizoe joined the BEAM Community of Practice, a program of the Office of Belonging, Engagement, and Mission. The group includes more than 200 staff and faculty implementing initiatives at the University broadly focused on belonging. During meetings, the group meets to share best practices, strengthen relationships, learn from campus and national experts, and identify areas of need and opportunity for Notre Dame.
The BEAM Community of Practice has been not only a great resource, Bizoe says, but also a valuable support system. Connecting with the content and the people doing similar work across campus has enhanced his efforts on behalf of the college and the Spectrum employee resource group.
He learned about Spectrum back when he interviewed with Notre Dame. The organization is open to LGBTQIA+ staff and faculty, allies, or anyone committed to fostering an inclusive, supportive environment for the LGBTQIA+ community. “When I came to work at a Catholic institution as an out, married, queer person, I was looking for community. I saw that there are tons of resources here, so when I started I immediately reached out to get involved and ended up in a leadership role on the Spectrum steering committee,” he said.
Spectrum’s current priorities include partnering with Notre Dame Human Resources (NDHR) to better promote the benefits and services the University provides, and to bring specific LGBTQIA+ employee concerns to the HR leadership team when needed. Bizoe believes all of the ERGs play a crucial role in the emotional and social wellbeing of Notre Dame’s employees. “They provide an opportunity to be seen and exist with ease, and they are a place of community and comfort,” says Bizoe, who is also a member of NDHR’s Well-Being Committee.
The work continues, even off campus
Off campus, Bizoe also volunteers with Health Plus Indiana, one of the state’s leading inclusive health-service non-profits. He notes that Health Plus serves a large percentage of the Indiana population living with HIV. The virus is not a death sentence anymore, so the organization spends a lot of its time delivering programs that ensure a good quality of life for its clients—such as housing, food, and legal assistance along with counseling referrals and additional health services.
Despite all of his busyness, Bizoe is intentional about taking time for himself to prevent burnout. He refuels by crocheting—a childhood activity he rediscovered after becoming sober four years ago—and by working out, taking part in talk therapy, and spending time with his partner and his dog.
“I’ve always been someone who likes doing the most,” he says, “but I wouldn’t do this work if it didn’t fill my cup a little bit. I’m very fortunate to have a supportive office environment where I’m still getting my job done and feel like I’m still able to pursue these opportunities to give back and share my gifts.”