Elicia Dennis ’18, ’23 M.S.
After a childhood where her world collapsed and she lost beloved family members over and over, Elicia Dennis ’18, ’23 M.S., craved community and unrelenting support—and that’s exactly what she found at Notre Dame:
“By the end of high school, I was hollowed out by years of volatility. Beyond a few teachers and my dog, Tiffany, I had little trust in anyone. I survived on autopilot toward what I thought ‘success’ was supposed to look like. Then came my acceptance letter from Notre Dame. That alone wasn’t life-changing, but the call from the AnBryce Scholars Initiative was. They offered not just financial help, but a community designed for students like me—a chance to fill the void left when my grandparents died.
In this Advent season, as we await Christ’s coming, I invite you to reflect on the unrelenting grace of presence—how love and hope rooted in steady presence can transform even the most broken ground. How might Advent invite each of us to embody that same steadfast love and hope for another?”
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Elicia…..you embody all that ND represents! Your journey although rocky is profoundly touching and I wish you continued success in all you do!
Go Irish💚☘️
So tender, real and reminding that community is salvific for in pivotal times of our development. In my 80th year, I am loving the ‘sacred stories’ of ND students and Alums in these Advent sharings of growth, transformation and the impact of sharing during this time of ‘learning how to wait*!’
(* Our now 50+ years old ND grad’s childhood definition of Advent.)
Thank you for sharing your story. So glad you found a new family at Notre Dame.
God works in mysterious ways
Elicia’s courage and perseverance is incredible. Thank you for your beautiful message of love and presence.
Thank you so much for sharing your amazing story. Your strength, resilience and message of faith and hope for others are so inspiring. Wishing you all the best.
Good for you! May God continue to bless you every day of your life and may God Bless Notre Dame for giving students a life when there appears to be no opportunity to thrive!!
Elicia-Thank you and may God bless you. Your journey tugged at my heart as I continued to watch it numerous times. You are an inspiration to our world and a shining example of what can be accomplished when you believe. Continue to help change our world as you have done so far. Merry Christmas!
In Him,
Michael Caci
Thank you for sharing your amazing story. God has many great plans for you! Happy Advent!
Absolutely lovely and inspiring, Elicia. Thank you.
Elicia – Thank you for sharing your story! Your journey is a true testament of God having His Hand on you and walking with you (and I’m sure, carrying you at times) through all of life’s ups and downs. An empowering example of faith, strength, courage, perseverance. resilience, and finding community. God bless you and Happy Holidays!
This is so beautiful Elicia. Thank you for sharing. I am so glad you work at Notre Dame. God bless you❗️ND’72
Your story is so real, raw, vulnerable, and inspiring – thank you so much for sharing, Elicia! Through the ups, downs, twists, and turns – God had a plan for you, and it is good. Your sacred story of love, triumph, resilience, perseverance, grit, hope, faith, and community is beautiful, and I’m so excited it was highlighted in today’s reflection, as it is so inspiring and truly a gift and a blessing. Merry Christmas, Happy, wonderfully blessed New Year, and may God continue to bless you richly.
Elicia, love 💚 your peaceful dogs and your story of great perserverance!
God bless you & yours on your sacred journey 🙏🏽🙏🏻.
Thank you for modeling greatness every day. Go Irish ☘️❗️
What an inspiring story, and now an incredible life you have made for yourself in service to others— ❤️🍀❤️🍀
Wonderful storyGod takes care of His children. Some have parents and don’t appreciate them. Very sad.
Thank you for sharing your story with us. Your story is one of faith, perseverance and hope which is truly inspiring. May God continue to bless you.
Elicia. You are a truly an example of the “Lord works in mysterious ways” You may already doing this but in case you’re not try to get in at least 10 laughs a day. So much has been written about the healing power of laughter both Psychologically and Physically. I have been a comedian for 56 years so I have done a lot of research myself. The greatest gift we can have is a sense of humor and a sense of humor is not when we have the ability to laugh at others failures or misfortunes but when we have the ability to laugh at our own.It is healing and will endure you to all those around you.
Wishing you the best in all your endeavors.
PS. I actually performed at Notre Dame a few years before you were born. My website tomdreesen.com
Thank you Elicia, for your courage to keep moving forward. What an inspirational life.
Thank you so much for sharing your story, Elicia! There is nothing else like the Notre Dame Family.
Wishing you a very merry Christmas!
Isabel Chirase Walch, ND ’11
Thank you for sharing such a heartfelt story. I’m happy for you.
Elicia – thank you for sharing your incredible sacred story. Like so many of us, your Notre Dame experience completely changed your life and your future. You are an inspiration and ND is lucky to have you! May you be blessed this Christmas and in the new year.
Thankyou for sharing your story Elicia! What a wonderful example of fortitude and faith! A fantastic story of a solid, supportive community that lifts people up. ND is such a beautiful community – I am an admiring Aussie, loving these stories of God quietly and not so quietly working away in people’s lives xxoo
What a beautiful empowering share in Advent Stories. Thank you for your vulnerability and your model of resilience Elicia. I am pleased you felt the love of our Notre Dame Family as it stood firmly for you and your success. Blessed Advent!
As my 50th reunion approaches, when I hear inspirational stories like yours, I more easily reflect on how our experiences at Notre Dame impact our lives forever. May Our Lady continue to embrace you until your 50th … and then some. Merry Christmas.