Friends and colleagues will gather to celebrate Timothy Matovina’s contributions as a scholar, teacher, mentor, and leader following his retirement in spring 2026.
Matovina joined the University of Notre Dame’s Department of Theology in 2000 and served in various leadership roles at the University throughout his tenure, including as the William W. and Anna Jean Cushwa Director of the Cushwa Center for the Study of American Catholicism (2002–2012), co-director of the Institute for Latino Studies (2015–2017), and chair of the Department of Theology (2017–2023).
Nichole Flores (University of Virginia), Rev. Robert Wright, O.M.I. (Oblate School of Theology), and Austin Cruz (Notre Dame) will offer brief reflections on Matovina’s career and influence. A light reception will follow the panel discussion.
This gathering opens the fall 2026 Jay P. Dolan Seminar in American Religion weekend, which will include a Saturday morning discussion of Deborah E. Kanter’s Pioneers of Latino Ministry: Claretians and the Evolving World of Catholic America (New York University Press, 2025).
This event is presented by the Cushwa Center for the Study of American Catholicism and cosponsored by the Department of Theology, the Institute for Latino Studies, and the McGrath Institute for Church Life.
Originally published at cushwa.nd.edu.