A Proud Day for Notre Dame as Zander Roth Named 2025 Valedictorian for His Leadership, Academic Excellence, and Compassionate Spirit
The University of Notre Dame, a name synonymous with academic rigor, ethical integrity, and faith-driven purpose, has once again lifted the bar for excellence with its announcement of Zander Roth as the Class of 2025 Valedictorian. This proud moment for the Fighting Irish family signifies more than just scholastic achievement—it embodies the spirit of leadership, community service, personal resilience, and the profound values that form the bedrock of Notre Dame’s mission. Zander Roth, a student who exemplifies excellence across every spectrum of his life, is not only an academic star but a beacon of inspiration to his peers, mentors, and faculty.
Zander’s journey to this prestigious honor is a testament to years of hard work, unwavering focus, and genuine love for learning. From the moment he set foot on Notre Dame’s campus, it was clear he wasn’t just there to earn a degree—he came with a mission to make a difference. As a double major in Political Science and Theology with a minor in Peace Studies, Zander embraced a challenging academic load, consistently achieving top marks while participating in intellectually rigorous research projects, student leadership initiatives, and campus ministry outreach.
One of Zander’s most notable academic achievements includes his senior thesis, which explored the intersection of faith, diplomacy, and humanitarian intervention. This work received university-wide recognition for its depth, originality, and relevance in an era marked by global uncertainty and moral complexity. Guided by renowned faculty members, Zander applied historical, theological, and ethical frameworks to address real-world geopolitical challenges, earning accolades not only from his professors but also from visiting scholars and international think tanks.
However, academic performance alone does not define Zander Roth. What sets him apart—and ultimately earned him the highest student honor at Notre Dame—is his exceptional ability to blend intellectual achievement with compassion, humility, and servant leadership. Throughout his undergraduate career, Zander took every opportunity to serve others. He was a tireless volunteer at the South Bend Center for the Homeless, organized weekly food drives for underserved families, and mentored local high school students through Notre Dame’s TRiO program.
Zander’s work in the campus ministry also deeply influenced the spiritual life of the Notre Dame community. As a student leader in the liturgical and social justice ministries, he organized retreats, led Bible study groups, and coordinated interfaith dialogues that brought together students of various beliefs in respectful and thought-provoking conversation. His efforts to create inclusive spaces for dialogue earned him the Campus Ministry Peacemaker Award in both his sophomore and senior years.
In addition to his service and scholarship, Zander was a central figure in student leadership. As president of the Notre Dame Student Government, he successfully advocated for increased mental health resources, broader inclusivity policies, and sustainable campus practices. His ability to listen, unite, and inspire action drew praise from administration officials, fellow students, and staff alike. He never sought leadership for recognition—it was always about making Notre Dame better for everyone.
One of Zander’s professors described him as “the most complete student I’ve had the privilege to teach in my 35 years at Notre Dame.” This high praise came not just from his academic acumen, but from his integrity, his relentless pursuit of truth, and his deeply rooted moral compass. Whether in the classroom, on the debate stage, or walking alongside a peer through difficult times, Zander led by example—quietly, authentically, and courageously.
His classmates share similar sentiments. Many speak of Zander not as a student who rose above them, but as one who walked beside them. “He always made time for others—even when he had a million things going on,” one fellow senior recalled. “He made everyone feel like they mattered. That’s just who Zander is.”
Zander’s impact reaches beyond the bounds of the Notre Dame campus. During the summer after his sophomore year, he interned with the United Nations in Geneva, focusing on refugee policy and religious freedom. The following summer, he worked with Catholic Relief Services in East Africa, documenting the experiences of displaced communities and helping design faith-based education programs. These global experiences enriched his worldview and deepened his resolve to work at the intersection of faith, diplomacy, and humanitarian service—a path he plans to pursue after graduation.
In his valedictory speech, Zander reflected on the collective experience of his class, acknowledging the challenges they faced—from navigating the lingering effects of a global pandemic to confronting social injustices and climate anxieties. He emphasized gratitude, resilience, and the enduring importance of community. His words were not lofty abstractions but deeply personal convictions shaped by four years of listening, serving, and growing alongside his peers. His speech was met with thunderous applause and heartfelt emotion from students, faculty, and families alike.
Zander also took time to express thanks—to his family, for their unconditional support and grounding values; to his professors, for challenging him to think more critically and act more justly; and to his friends, who journeyed with him through laughter, stress, discovery, and grace. His humility throughout the ceremony reinforced what many already knew: Zander’s greatness is not in his résumé but in his heart.
After graduation, Zander will be pursuing a Master’s in International Affairs at Oxford University as a Rhodes Scholar. This prestigious scholarship is yet another acknowledgment of his extraordinary promise. His ultimate goal is to work in international peacebuilding and policy development, with a focus on religious reconciliation and conflict prevention. He also hopes to return to academia one day to teach, mentor, and inspire future generations—just as he was inspired at Notre Dame.
The announcement of Zander Roth as valedictorian is not just a victory for one individual—it is a celebration of what is possible when intellect meets purpose, and when service is not an obligation but a calling. His journey is an embodiment of the Notre Dame mission to educate both the mind and the heart. For future students, Zander’s story is a roadmap—showing that it is not enough to excel in academics. One must also love deeply, serve freely, and lead humbly.
This moment, therefore, is bigger than a title. It is a testimony to the enduring ideals that define the Fighting Irish spirit. In Zander Roth, the Notre Dame community sees the fruits of its mission—formed in faith, focused on justice, and fueled by love. His legacy will endure in every peer he lifted, every community he served, and every mind he helped illuminate with truth and hope.
As the Class of 2025 prepares to take its next steps into the wider world, they do so inspired by a valedictorian who reminds them of what matters most. Zander Roth’s story is one of brilliance not only in books but in life—an enduring example of what it means to be a light in the darkness, a voice for the voiceless, and a leader with soul. In the history of Notre Dame, his name will be remembered not simply for his title, but for the heart he gave to his community and the world beyond.
The Fighting Irish family has every reason to be proud.
