(South Bend, IN) - The new president chosen for the University of Notre Dame will be a Michigan City native.

Robert Dowd will assume the position on July 1st, replacing Father John Jenkins, who’s been president of the university for 19 years.

Dowd graduated from Marquette High School in 1983 and from Notre Dame four years later. He has been described as an athlete, having also been involved in performing arts and student council in his days at Marquette High School.