President Jan Cervelli Announces Kara Kelly ’96 to Join Her as Special Assistant

July 6, 2016 (Notre Dame, Ind.) — Saint Mary’s College President Jan Cervelli announced today that Kara Pavlik Kelly ’96 will join Saint Mary’s College, on July 18, as Special Assistant to the President. Kelly most recently served as Director of Communications in the Office of South Bend Mayor Pete Buttigieg.

“We’re thrilled to welcome Kara back to Saint Mary’s,” Cervelli said. “She brings a wealth of knowledge about strategic communications, community relations, and problem solving. Kara’s experience and enthusiasm for the College will help us build on our strengths to create an even more vibrant future.”

An award-winning public relations professional, Kelly has extensive experience in media relations, speech writing, and event planning. With the Buttigieg administration, Kelly worked closely with the mayor and other leaders on issues involving economic development, public safety, infrastructure, and innovation in government services. She was also involved in planning and promoting events such as South Bend 150, the city’s sesquicentennial celebration in 2015.

Prior to joining the mayor’s office in 2013, Kelly served for 12 years as Director of Communications for the University of Notre Dame School of Architecture. She oversaw the writing, editing, and design of the school's publications and online content, in addition to leading the promotion of the Richard H. Driehaus Prize, an annual award that honors a preeminent classical architect.

Kelly previously worked in publishing, developing national publicity campaigns for Sorin Books, a general-trade imprint of Ave Maria Press. She also served as Assistant Editor for U.S. Catholic Magazine in Chicago. Kelly graduated from Saint Mary’s in 1996 with degrees in mass communications and humanistic studies.

Kelly said the opportunity to contribute to the growth and development of Saint Mary’s College will be both a personal and professional privilege.

“This is an exciting time for Saint Mary’s,” Kelly said. “President Cervelli, the faculty, staff, and students have generated great enthusiasm and optimism for the future. I’m honored to join them and return to a place that has meant so much to me.”

Susan Combs Dampeer ’72, who has served as Special Assistant to Presidents Carol Ann Mooney ’72 and Marilou Eldred retired from the position last month.