Pictured left to right: Rev. Paul Kollman, C.S.C., Elaine Tan, Arianne St. Aubin, Shannen McKaskle, Lee Haines, Beata Nabrzyska. Not pictured: Adrienne Skinner
On January 29, during Walk the Walk Week 2025, the first Beloved Community Gathering sparked the creation of Table 17: a group of strangers from across campus with a shared desire for connection and community.
“Something really special happened at our table,” Arianne St. Aubin, assistant director for student development, said. “We had such meaningful and emotional conversations—we didn’t want it to end.”
The event opened with an unplanned yet moving moment when Miguel Fonder-Genes, a banquet server at the Morris Inn, was invited on stage to sing an a cappella rendition of “We Shall Overcome.” Their heartfelt performance set the tone for the rest of the event, where keynote speaker Jonathan Wilson-Hartgrove invited participants to reflect on belonging at Notre Dame by asking questions such as “What lets you know where you belong in the Notre Dame community?” and “Are there places where it feels like you are not welcome?”
The questions resonated deeply with Table 17, composed of seven faculty and staff members from departments across campus: Arianne St. Aubin, Student Development; Lee Haines, Biological Sciences; Rev. Paul Kollman, C.S.C., Theology; Shannen McKaskle, St. Michael’s Laundry; Beata Nabrzyska, ND Research; Adrienne Skinner, Transformational Leaders Program; and Elaine Tan, Law School.
Each table member brought a unique perspective to their rich discussions, due not only to their departmental differences, but also to their international backgrounds. Beyond the US, countries represented at Table 17 include Poland, Malaysia, and Canada.
For Haines, who had to leave early that day, the chemistry of the group was so striking that she sent an email just two days later inviting her tablemates to continue the dialogue:
“As I mentioned before I had to run off, I think it would be fantastic to continue discussions with all of you, not only because I think we were an amazing multifaceted and multicultural group created through serendipity through table selection . . . but also because we have so much to learn from each other. I think such a network also embodies the idea of why we were there in the first place, to make connections and build communities where they are lacking.”
Since then, Table 17 has gathered every three months for lunch in Corby Hall, generously hosted by Father Kollman. They use this time to break bread, reconnect, exchange life updates, and reflect on how they are continuing to build a beloved community in their own corners of campus.
“It’s easy to get pigeonholed in your office,” Nabrzyska shared. “Sometimes I get so focused on what I’m doing that I forget to participate in campus events, but I’m so glad that I did because it resulted in this special connection with these wonderful people.”
The others agreed, noting how the group has inspired them to encourage colleagues and students to build new connections as well.
“Sometimes it can be difficult for those coming from out of state or who aren’t Domers to settle in and find community at Notre Dame beyond their immediate work unit,” Tan said. “For me, Table 17 has become that community—a space where I’ve been able to connect, share, and get to know others outside of my day-to-day role.”
At their most recent lunch on September 8, the group exchanged both stories and resources: Tan shared her curated list of local international food vendors (including the Afghani vendor Cultural Bites), McKaskle offered information about Saint Mary's sustainable farm, and Haines highlighted her recent Scientific American podcast interview on the tick-borne allergy to red meat.
“We never would have had the chance to meet if it wasn’t for that first Beloved Community Gathering, and we’re all the better for it,” St. Aubin said. “Learning about the incredible work happening across campus has been eye-opening, and I’m grateful to now have more connections and resources to help me do my job well.”
“Yes—and now I know I have a friend over at St. Michael’s when I need something altered or dry-cleaned!” Nabrzyska laughed.
Table 17 is a reminder that true community begins when we are willing to have honest conversations—and commit to continuing them.
The next Beloved Community Gathering will be held from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. Tuesday, October 28, at the Morris Inn, featuring speaker April Garcia, faculty member and recruiter for the Mary Ann Remick Leadership Program, on themes of remembrance and gratitude. Registration is now open to all Notre Dame staff and faculty.
The Office of Belonging, Engagement, and Mission and NDHR partner on the Beloved Community Gatherings to strengthen the bridges we are building—bridges to one another, to our communities, and to our world. These gatherings emphasize collaboration, meaningful connection, and fun, reinforcing the University’s mission to create a campus where everyone feels at home.
Originally published by at ndworks.nd.edu on September 29, 2025.