Alumni

Notre Dame High School proudly launched its new Alumni Speaker Series this month, bringing accomplished graduates back to campus to share their expertise and inspire our community.

Board Chair Brian Miller '83, who spearheaded this exciting initiative, introduced our inaugural speaker, Roger Milici '84, Vice President for Development & University Relations at Fordham University. Roger presented "The State of Higher Education" to an engaged audience of alumni, current parents, and students.

The evening was particularly valuable for juniors and seniors navigating their college journeys and making critical decisions about their futures. Roger shared insights from inside the academy and welcomed questions from attendees.

Key Takeaways for Students and Families

Roger's presentation offered essential guidance for families approaching the college search:

Finding the Right Fit: Start campus visits early—ideally spring of junior year—and pay attention to how you feel on campus. The "ordinary Tuesday" test matters: Can you see yourself thriving here on a regular day? Choose a school that will transform you, not one that merely impresses others.

Understanding Today's College Landscape: A projected 13% decline in high school graduates by 2041 creates what Roger calls a "buyer's market." Colleges will compete harder for students, potentially offering more scholarships and investing heavily in student services and outcomes. Mission-driven institutions with clear identity—like Notre Dame and Fordham—will remain strong.

Maximizing the Value of Your Degree: Bachelor's degree holders earn roughly 70% more than high school diploma holders over a lifetime ($900K more for men, $630K for women). However, the degree is just a platform. Internships, research, leadership, and communication skills are what unlock its value.

Preparing for an AI-Powered World: People who know how to work with AI will replace those who don't. Yet critical thinking, ethical reasoning, collaboration, and the ability to ask good questions remain the differentiators—precisely what a Catholic liberal arts education strengthens.

The Deeper Question: Beyond rankings and resumés, Roger returned to the central Holy Cross theme: "Who are you becoming, and how will you use your life in service of others?" Character, compassion, and confidence matter more than any prestige metric.

About Roger Milici '84

Since joining Fordham University in 2009, Roger has been a transformative leader in higher education advancement. He successfully led the historic Excelsior | Ever Upward | The Campaign for Fordham, raising over half a billion dollars to fund scholarships, new facilities, and endowed faculty positions. His career has also included leadership roles at Tufts University's Fletcher School and the United Way of Greater Waterbury.

This inaugural event exemplifies how Notre Dame alumni continue to shape important conversations in our world. The Speaker Series offers more than lectures—it creates opportunities for our community to gather, engage, and reflect on the enduring impact of a Notre Dame education.

Visit the alumni webpage to learn about upcoming Speaker Series events.