The South Bend Regional Chamber released its Forty Under 40 class of 2023, which includes three staff members from Notre Dame. The chamber picks candidates from the area who exemplify a passion for career success and community engagement. In the program’s 17th class, Austin Gammage, Victoria Woodard and Mitch Olsen of the Irish blue and gold were selected.
Gammage is the director of regional development at Notre Dame. His career includes five years of experience in management and human resources with companies including Target and Sherwin-Williams. While conversing with members of the Regional Chamber of Commerce, Gammage expressed a goal to solve the lack of access to elite areas and participation of historically marginalized groups in this community. “The University has allowed me to assist in carrying out their mission of being a force for good in the world through being a part of the ND development department and talent and recruiting,” Gammage said. “I’ve been fortunate that the University has also supported me in my own personal mission, to bring diverse talent and audiences into premier spaces such as the DeBartolo Performing Arts Center. I appreciate Notre Dame’s continuous encouragement and support.”
As a man of faith, Gammage believes that genuine trust in Christ will produce a purposeful life. “I am truly grateful to be acknowledged amongst such a phenomenal cohort of young professionals in this area.”
Woodard, assistant teaching professor in the Department of Applied and Computational Mathematics and Statistics, strives to help students use technology such as AI as a learning tool, rather than misuse it. An employee for more than five years, Woodard continues to love the Irish community.
“I absolutely love working at Notre Dame. I have taught at a community college, four-year schools, an all-women’s college and public and private institutions, so I’ve experienced a variety of different places. I don’t have anything negative I could say about any of my previous places of employment, but Notre Dame is just a step above the rest.”
When asked how she felt about being included in the 2023 class of Forty Under 40, Woodard displayed a humble attitude as well as genuine appreciation. “I was so excited to hear that I was selected as a member of Michiana’s Forty Under 40 for 2023. I know some of the other people on the list this year as well as years past. They are extraordinary individuals, both professionally and personally. To be recognized among their ranks is a bit surreal to me. I felt honored to be selected for the award.”
Olsen, a faculty member in the Mendoza College of Business, has been a part of Notre Dame for more than seven years. As the Richard J. Huether Associate Teaching Professor of Marketing, director of undergraduate studies and assistant chair of the marketing department, Olsen has made a name for himself throughout campus. Olsen aims to help students see how all parts of business are connected and important to learn. Olsen has nothing but appreciation for the people and opportunities that helped him get to this point in his career.
"I am honored to be included in this year’s class of the Michiana Forty Under 40. I feel incredibly fortunate to call Michiana home and to have the opportunity to work with so many amazing people across this community — especially the faculty, staff and students at the Mendoza College of Business.”
Olsen expresses how blessed he is for the people in his life including his family and mentors who have given him guidance along the way. “I am deeply grateful to so many of them for helping me in so many ways. I would like to specifically thank accountancy professor Ken Milani for thinking of me for this Forty Under 40 list … It’s people like Professor Milani with their infectious joy, kindness and welcoming spirit that make communities great.”
Representing and making a difference at Notre Dame and beyond, Gammage, Woodard and Olsen all use their passionate mind and heart to make a positive impact in Michiana.
Photos provided
Originally published by at ndworks.nd.edu on July 10, 2023.