The Team

Prof. Sullivan figured out she wanted to be a philosopher while an undergraduate at UVa.  She went on to do her graduate work at Oxford (as a Rhodes Scholar) and Rutgers. Prof. Sullivan also serves as Director of the University Philosophy Requirement.  When not teaching God and the Good Life, she researches philosophical problems concerning time, value, possibility, and the nature of religious belief.  She also regularly writes public philosophy pieces–including articles in The Huffington Post and First Things.  When not philosophizing, Sullivan enjoys cooking, biking, building elaborate Star Wars Lego sets, reading science fiction, and traveling the world.

All-Time Favorite Philosopher: Tie between Plato and Aristotle.

Prof. Christy teaches the GGL Fellows Seminar: Philosophy as a Way of Life and helps coordinate the Fellows program.  Justin grew up in Greenwich, a small town in upstate New York. He did his undergrad in another small town across the state, at SUNY Geneseo, and started grad school at Notre Dame immediately thereafter. His philosophical work focuses on the philosophy of mind, especially the nature of perception and other types of conscious experience. His non-academic interests include running, hiking, playing music, and enjoying the company of cats.

All-time favorite Philosopher: J.L. Austin

Josh is originally from Indiana, where he received his undergraduate degree before completing an MA in philosophy at Texas A&M University. He subsequently worked in Texas, China, and Jacksonville, Florida, having many good (and often-times surprising) adventures alongside his wife, Lea.

Josh’s primary research interests fall squarely within metaphysics, philosophy of religion, and logic.

Sam is a Ph.D. student in the philosophy track of the History and Philosophy of Science program. He grew up in Louisville, Kentucky and received his B.A. in Philosophy from Transylvania University in nearby Lexington before earning a joint M.A. in Philosophy and Theology from Boston College. He primarily works on epistemological and ethical questions in the context of general philosophy of science. Some topics of particular interest include the social epistemology of science (especially trust and disagreement), the role of values in science, underdetermination, and the nature of evidential relations. He also has side interests in the rationality of religious commitment, especially defending a non-doxastic view of propositional faith. He loves and accepts both William James and W.K. Clifford, and you should too!

All-time favorite Philosopher: Pierre Duhem

Ross is, among other things, an avid naturalist/outdoors-person, a coffee snob, a friendly anarchist, a proud Utahn and son of the American West, a Quaker, and a wisecracking wayfarer.

Professionally, Ross mostly studies ethics and social/political philosophy. More specifically, he spends a lot of time thinking about moral and intellectual virtues, moral psychology, environmental stewardship, and social justice.

Jenna is a sophomore who is double majoring in business and political science and minoring in philosophy. She is from the suburbs of Chicago and lives in McGlinn. She is also on the club softball team.

All-time favorite Philosopher: Aristotle

I'm from Grosse Pointe, Michigan (near Detroit) and am a sophomore studying finance and economics. When not working with GGL, I work as a student manager for the ND football team, the apparel commissioner for the best dorm at Notre Dame (Stanford Hall), and also enjoy running on campus. I look forward to working with GGL again and having some more of the philosophical discussions that make this class great.

All-time favorite Philosopher: Marcus Aurelius

Ryan is a sophomore Business major living in Fisher Hall. He grew up in the suburbs of Cleveland, Ohio and is a graduate of Saint Ignatius High School. He is a big fan of Cleveland Browns football, Classic and Alternative Rock music, and existential philosophy. In addition to two thought-provoking semesters of philosophy in his freshman year, Ryan has taken Catholic school Theology courses for the past sixteen years and has entertained many “deep conversations” past midnight in his dorm room. If you want to talk about how Tyrod Taylor and the Browns will win the AFC North, The Strokes' rejuvenation of rock music, or the implications of William James’ speech The Will to Believe, feel free to stop him on the quad to say hi!

All-time favorite Philosopher: William James

Bryce Dahnke is a freshman living Keough Hall. He is majoring in Economics with a minor in PPE. Originally from Greenwich, CT, Bryce is a diehard Patriots fan. He is excited to discuss even more philosophy during this upcoming semester of GGL.

All-Time Favorite Philosopher: Aristotle

I'm a Junior studying both Neuroscience and Philosophy; hoping to one day be a doctor. I come from the great state of South Dakota and live in St. Edward's Hall.

All-time favorite Philosopher: Parmenides

Melissa Fenner is a Junior currently pursuing a major in Science-Business and minor in Philosophy. She lives in Farley Hall and plans to attend medical school after graduation. Her heart and hometown is Santa Fe, New Mexico, and her hobbies include fishing, watching sappy chick flicks, and traveling around the world. On campus, she also works as a Managing Editor and Photographer for the University's Dome Yearbook.

All-time favorite Philosopher: Marcus Aurelius

I’m a current sophomore from Randolph, NJ planning on majoring in ACMS and Finance. I live in Lyons Hall, and I’m a part of ND Circle K to get involved in community service around South Bend. Even though my majors have nothing to do with philosophy, GGL sparked my interest in the subject, and I can’t wait to get to know the new GGL students!

All-time favorite Philosopher: Hegel

Pete is a sophomore who hails from the best city in the world, St. Louis, Missouri, and currently resides in the Center of the Universe, Alumni Hall. Planning to major in finance and psychology, two subjects that at first glance one might pause and ask “how does philosophy even relate to that,” he has realized that contemplation and asking the big questions help to guide his life no matter what he plans on doing. Pete is extremely passionate about all sports, especially basketball, he currently participates on campus in student government and as a ND Tour Guide, and he loves to meet new people. He can’t wait to get started with GGL!

All-time favorite Philosopher: Aristotle

Just like his ten-page History of Chicago Theatre final that he wrote in 48 hours, John procrastinated on this bio. He spends too much time thinking about space, artificial intelligence, and how West Virginia lacks an East Virginia. Loves semicolons; hates apostrophes.. Both Father Pete and John call Grand Rapids home.

All-time favorite Philosopher: Sartre the sex god

Haley Holden is a sophomore at ND, originally from Boston. She studies computer science, with a planned minor in philosophy. When she is not at the booths of North Dining Hall (pretty rare), she enjoys improv comedy and playing volleyball. While she loves to think/talk about death, she is also interested in life, especially the good one.

All-time favorite Philosopher: Diogenes

Cassie is a sophomore studying neuroscience and ACMS. She is from Wilmington, North Carolina and currently lives in Welsh Family Hall. She plays tuba in the marching band and jokes that she is secretly an old lady because she enjoys knitting and baking in her free time.

Sam is a junior from the south side of Chicago studying philosophy, history, and education schooling and society. In his free time, he enjoys art, travel, biking, and talking philosophy, not necessarily one at a time and often all at once. His past, present, and future is in education, though what and where are always evolving. If you hold any view that the general public might call 'radical,' you've got a friend in him. If you don't, he loves a challenge. Either way, he looks forward to philosophizing with you!

All-time favorite Philosopher: Friedrich Nietzsche

Katie is a Junior, Computer Science major. She lives in Farley Hall (Go Finest!), and she's originally from Colorado. She really enjoys being a GGL Fellow, as she especially values having the opportunity to listen in on all the great dialogues. In her free time, Katie loves all things sports, video games, and puppies :).

All-Time Favorite Philosopher: St. Thomas Aquinas

Caroline is a junior from Wilmington, NC living in Flaherty Hall. She is currently majoring in finance and minoring in philosophy! On campus, she is involved in College Mentors for Kids, SIBC, Junior Class Council, and intramural sports. She is excited to discuss the application of philosophy in our everyday lives with the incoming GGL class!

All-time favorite Philosopher: Kant

I’m from Phoenix Arizona and I’m in Mendoza trying to major in IT management with a possible double major in history.

All-time favorite Philosopher: Fyodor Dostoevsky

Fiona is a junior living in Ryan Hall. When she is not here, she lives in Naperville, Illinois. She is the fourth of five kids in her family, all of which have also attended Notre Dame. She is studying Computer Science Engineering but was super interested in Professor Sullivan’s Philosophy class. She typically enjoys math and science classes the most, but philosophy proved to be one of her favorite courses she has ever taken. She is super intrigued by the way the class deals with real-life issues and pushes us to think past what we have always accepted. She is very excited to have another semester of philosophy with Prof Sullivan and all of you! She is looking forward to meeting all of you and everything that lies ahead.

All-time favorite Philosopher: Peter Singer

Patrick McGuire is a proud sophomore member of Siegfried Hall (go Ramblers!) studying Economics and Sociology! It's kind of tough for him to round out the classic ND introduction and explain where he's from - he graduated from high school in Wiesbaden, Germany, but has actually moved 14 times and lives in San Antonio, Texas at the moment! He's a massive! exclamation! point! enthusiast! He loves ND student government, languages, people, pretentious coffee and pretentious music (he especially recommends checking out Reflektor by Arcade Fire for some Kierkegaardian philosophical tunes), and is passionate about promoting human flourishing in communities at home and around the world. He is always eager to get to know people, especially those who share his passions!

All-time favorite Philosopher: Søren Kierkegaard

Shay is a Junior living in Ryan Hall. She is majoring in Sociology and debating a minor in Philosophy. When not in class, she is either in Washington Hall, or in the basement of LaFun contemplating the meeting of life.

All-time favorite Philosopher: Descartes

I'm from a suburb outside of Cleveland (The LAND), Ohio but currently living in St. Edward's Hall as a Biochemistry major. Although still pretty torn up that Lebron James left for greener pastures, I am really looking forward to getting to hear everyone's views on some thought-provoking topics this fall semester. In my free time, I enjoy sci-fi novels, carrying the squad to Victory Royales and exploring the greater South Bend community.

All-time favorite philosopher: Aristotle

Jasmine is sophomore in McGlinn Hall. She is pursuing a major in Science-Business and a minor in Science, Technology, and Values. She is from the suburbs of Chicago and is a huge Cubs fan. GGL was one of her favorite classes so she's excited to be back as a fellow.

All-time favorite Philosopher: Aristotle

Mark is currently a Sophomore living in Zahm House, from Wheaton, IL. He plans on majoring in Accounting, with an additional interest in pursuing either philosophy or ACMS. He typically enjoys more math-based, objective classes, but philosophy greatly interests him because of how it allows you to look at big questions (especially relating to religion and God) from countless different perspectives, arriving at many possible answers from various angles. He enjoyed GGL in large part due to how it actively engaged himself and other classmates in learning and debating philosophical topics.

All-time favorite Philosopher: Aquinas

Annie is a sophomore from Ormond Beach, FL who currently calls Flaherty Hall home and is pursuing a degree in Psychology. She loves goofing off with friends, drinking inordinate amounts of coffee, and chatting about life's big questions—sometimes all three at once! God and the Good Life was her favorite class last year, and she is looking forward to working with a fresh batch of GGL students this fall.

All-time favorite Philosopher: Simone de Beauvoir

Howdy y'all, my name is Loyal Murphy (yes, like faithful or trustworthy). I'm from Memphis, Tennessee, so I'm avid supporter of soul music and good BBQ. I'm a Christian at heart, but if I had to pick a side, I'd go with Methodism. I find solace in music of many kinds, singing in the Folk Choir and playing piano for the past 13 years. I also enjoy running, fishing, and playing volleyball.

All-time favorite Philosopher: Friedrich Nietzsche (I don't agree with over half of what he says. He just makes me laugh.)

Tom is a junior political science and Spanish major from Rockville, Maryland. He lives in Keough Hall on-campus. When he's not pondering philosophy, you can find Tom celebrating the Washington Capitals' Stanley Cup championship (even two months after the fact), watching D.C. sports, writing for The Observer, doing his best to walk backwards as an admissions tour guide, or running. Tom studied religion and conflict in Jerusalem this past summer, so if either of those things interest you, he's your guy. He will be spending the spring semester studying abroad in Toledo, Spain.

All-Time Favorite Philosopher: Socrates

Cait is a sophomore political science major from Huntington Beach, California. This class is entirely responsible for her being more interested in Sartre than Game of Thrones (nerdy, she knows, but welcome to Notre Dame). She couldn't be more excited to delve into the questions that make life on earth worth living with this year’s GGL freshmen! Here’s to a great semester ahead.

All-time favorite Philosopher: Simone de Beauvoir

Welcome! I'm Noble Patidar of Keough Hall (Go Roos!), and I'm from the Sunshine State. Here on campus, I am a part of the Indian Association of Notre Dame, BridgeND, and I am the unofficial Hypeman of Keough Inter-hall Sports (Yes, I gave myself this title). Friends. Family. Hype. God. With these four pillars of life, you can find me anywhere, from South Dining Hall and La-Fun to the Stadium and the Grotto. SpongeBob, Harry Potter, Taco Bell, and Hot Chocolate are some of my favorite things (I probably share at least one of these in common with you). Let's get some coffee or hang out sometime! It's never bye for me; it's just till next time.

All-time favorite Philosopher: Baron de Montesquieu

I am a sophomore Neuroscience and Behavior major with a Philosophy minor from The Woodlands, Texas. I live in McGlinn Hall and spend most of my time playing a variety of intramural sports, watching movies, cheating on the crosswords in The Observer, and eating plenty of ice cream in South Dining Hall. I love to debate, whether the topic be about which state is superior (obviously Texas) or a compelling philosophical question. I look forward to meeting everyone next semester!

All-time favorite Philosopher: Fyodor Dostoevsky

Vy is a junior Neuroscience and Human Behavior major, and she is currently pursuing a Pre-Medical track. Her hometown is Port Orchard, WA and her favorite hobbies are listening to music, playing the flute, traveling to new places, and cooking/eating food. On campus, Vy is the Liaison/President for the QuestBridge Chapter of Notre Dame and conducts undergraduate research at the Boler-Parseghian Center for Rare and Neglected Diseases. She is very excited to discuss philosophical topics with her fellow students and cannot wait to expand her own philosophical views.

All-time favorite philosopher: Simone de Beauvoir

Emma currently resides in Pasquerilla East Hall, but was born in Erie, PA, the snowiest city in the United States. She is a junior majoring in mechanical engineering with an intended minor in engineering corporate practice. She loves competition, especially in sports like soccer, basketball, and flag football. Since coming to Notre Dame, she has fallen in love with rugby and plays for the club team here on campus. She also enjoys playing the piano and guitar and recently started playing the ukulele. She loves to ask hard questions and push others to do the same. She is excited to be working as a GGL Fellow again!

All-time favorite Philosopher: Immanuel Kant

Hunter is a Junior, from El Paso, Texas, pursuing a degree in International Economics with a concentration in Spanish. God and the Good Life allowed him to explore philosophy and apply it to everyday life. He is interested in transhumanism, so if you want to talk A.I. or anything related to the merging of technology and man, he's your guy. He's very excited to continue his study of philosophy with you and looks forward to working with you this semester.

All-time favorite Philosopher: Marcus Aurelius