President
June 27, 2018
University of Portland President Rev. Mark L. Poorman, C.S.C., announced today that Rev. Gerard J. Olinger, C.S.C., Vice President for University Relations, has accepted a position as the University of Notre Dame’s Vice President for Mission Engagement and Church Affairs. An alumnus and a former trustee of Notre Dame, Fr. Olinger will succeed Rev. William M. Lies, C.S.C., who has been elected provincial superior of the Congregation of Holy Cross, United States Province of Priests and Brothers.
“Fr. Olinger has been an integral part of the University of Portland, its growth and successes, for over nine years and will be deeply missed by our community,” noted Fr. Poorman. “While I know this decision was a difficult one for him, his new role will offer him opportunities to grow in his priesthood and explore Holy Cross spirituality much more deeply.”
In his new role, Fr. Olinger will focus on strengthening the Catholic and Holy Cross mission of Notre Dame and serving as the University’s liaison to the Congregation of Holy Cross, United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB), and the Vatican.
“I will deeply miss the University of Portland and all of my colleagues here,” said Fr. Olinger. “I have spent my entire time in ministry since final vows at UP, and it was within this community that I learned to be a priest. This University will always hold a very special place in my heart.”
Currently the Vice President for University Relations, Fr. Olinger is responsible for the Offices of Alumni and Parent Relations, Development, Marketing & Communications, and University Events. He is a concurrent Assistant Professor of Political Science in the University’s College of Arts and Sciences. Fr. Olinger also serves as the pastoral resident in Schoenfeldt Hall, one of the University’s ten residence halls.
Previous to University Relations, Fr. Olinger served as Vice President for Student Affairs for the University, where he oversaw the Offices of Residence Life, Public Safety, Student Activities, Career Services, Campus Ministry and International Student Services, as well as the University’s Health and Counseling Center and Moreau Center. He assisted with the planning and development of several important campus projects, including the construction of the Beauchamp Recreation and Wellness Center and Lund Family Residence Hall, as well as the Dundon-Berchtold Academic Hall and the Franz Campus, both currently under construction. He also previously served as executive assistant to University of Portland’s president.
A native of Springfield, Pennsylvania, Fr. Olinger graduated magna cum laude with a bachelor’s degree in history and government from Notre Dame. He earned two post-graduate degrees from Notre Dame: a juris doctor cum laude in 2004 and a master of divinity degree in 2009. While in law school he served as executive notes editor for the Journal of Legislation and was a member of the Student Bar Association. After law school, Fr. Olinger entered formation with the Congregation of Holy Cross, made his final vows in August 2009 and was ordained a priest in April 2010.
A current member of the Board of Directors for King’s College in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, he also previously served on the Board of Directors for the Association for Student Affairs at Catholic Colleges and Universities (ASACCU) and the Board of Trustees for De La Salle North Catholic High School in Portland. He is a member of the state bars of Indiana and Pennsylvania.
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