<p>Throughout his college search, Notre Dame has been my child's first choice. As I try to learn more about each of the schools he is seriously considering, I found a website, <a href="http://www.uhnd.com%5B/url%5D">www.uhnd.com</a>, which is frequented almost entiredly by Notre Dame alums. As I Catholic who was attracted to a Notre Dame education for its emphasis on values, I was appalled at the crass discussions, language and mean-spiritness of the Notre Dame alums. Have things changed at Notre Dame?</p>
<p>When we start judging entire entities by the small slice of them who do a little online trash-talking on a sports site, I think we've sold them short. </p>
<p>There are a lot of alumni, wheretogomom. I am one of them. I wouldn't be online on such a site. Then again, I'm not all that offended by it. </p>
<p>My advice is to ease up, and consider the source.</p>
<p>Notre Dame is a great institution as it always has been, with people doing incredible things that make society a better place throughout the world. So they cut loose on a website on Irish football? So what?</p>
<p>If you are really that offended and would judge the entirety of Notre Dame and its alumni on the basis of that one site, I'd say that thinking is a bit narrow and the assessments reached pretty limited.</p>
<p>I'm proud to be a Domer, proud of my Domer brethren--including the ones that post on sports websites.</p>
<p>Seriously, ease up!</p>
<p>If you want a more accurate view of ND alums I would encourage you to go to alumni websites like <a href="http://www.nddenver.com/%5B/url%5D">http://www.nddenver.com/</a>. I refer to this one just because I am a Denver native and I know the work they do. Look especially at the volunteer work and I think you will understand what ND is all about.</p>
<p>Another thing worth mentioning on uhnd.com is that most of the members aren't alumni. I am on a different sports website and I believe the most recent poll showed that only 25% of us are alums or current students.</p>
<p>We parents want the best for our children. I can understand how something like this would bother you. However, I have found that sometimes where sports are concerned, normal, rational people sometimes act in ways that can be unbelievable. With that being said, I don't think one should blame either university for the actions and opinions people who are supporters of their sports teams. Unfortunately, these people are entitled to their opinions...to the detriment of many of us@!</p>
<p>I too have a daughter that had to make hard choices regarding her post secondary education. She was accepted to ND as well as quite a few top universities. Many of them offered her a free ride for 4 years. My husband and I allowed her to explore each one thoroughly supported her decision... Ultimately, her heart lead her to Notre Dame. She is now a freshman. In fact, I received a letter from her a few weeks ago, thanking me for giving her this great opportunity. If your daughter is lucky enough to be accepted to Notre Dame, I can assure you that she will be in an enviroment where she can grow both in and out of the classroom. I am so happy that she chose wisely. I hope you daughter finds the university of her dreams...no matter where it is! Best wishes.</p>
<p>Wheretogomom...oops...</p>
<p>Sorry, I was on my way out and typed the previous message quite hastily. For some reason, I thought you were speaking of your daughter, not your son. I'm new at this... thanks for being patient.</p>
<p>As a parent of a future ND student - I have confidence your son will get in - you need to be prepared for your future encounters with more of those obnoxious ND fans. I'm an alum and those crazy fans - mostly non-alums- frustrate me too. The ND parents, the ND students, the ND alums you will meet in the future, will be some of the nicest people you will ever meet. On the other hand, those ND sports sites are filled with some of the most obnoxious people you will ever find. Fortunately, they are not the people your son will meet at ND.</p>
<p>The illustrious subway alumni! I'd still imagine there are folks on the campus and amongst the ranks of alumni who are lewd and over-the-top when it comes to the blood sport of football. I wouldn't completely exonerate ND alumni...or students for that matter. There were plenty of people I remember from my own days there that provided half the reason for the old saying, "Notre Dame, love 'em or hate 'em" (it wasn't the love 'em half.) </p>
<p>Notre Dame is not utopia. It has, like any other elite institution, its fair share of obnoxious types, narcissists and blowhards. It is also, however, home to what daaaaad aptly refers to as "the nicest people you will ever meet." The Dome may be gilded in gold, but the sidewalks of the quad are not paved with it. </p>
<p>Those who have read my previous postings can attest that I genuinely and truly love Notre Dame, both as an alumna and a parent. That being said, my love includes "warts and all."</p>
<p>Notre Dame has warts. Every place does. It has its own downsides and weaknesses unique to its own institution, as every place also does. It is one thing to capture the love of ND on these boards and be inspired by it. It is something else to make the quantum leap from a values-centered institution bonded by love--which it is--and heaven on earth--which it is not. Those who view it through the latter, rather than former, prism, are bound to be disappointed.</p>
<p>Quite frankly, such people are bound to be disappointed anywhere, as utopia doesn't exist.</p>