Stanford Potential Purchase of the NDNU Belmont Campus FAQ’s

Overview:

In September 2021, NDNU entered into an option to purchase agreement with Stanford University which gives Stanford the option to acquire the Belmont campus property by June 2025. The agreement is designed to support the academic missions of both universities. NDNU will continue to operate as an independent, nonprofit, private Catholic institution and remains dedicated to providing high-quality education, rooted in our values.

The potential relocation of the NDNU campus is currently being explored. We are committed to remaining in San Mateo County, but no final decisions have been made regarding where and when we will relocate. Through a pre-arranged leaseback agreement, NDNU has the option of remaining on the Belmont campus for a period of time should Stanford complete its purchase of the property.

Rest assured that regardless of the potential relocation of the NDNU campus, our focus remains on supporting our students, faculty, and the broader community as we continue to grow and adapt. It is important to remember that the Notre Dame de Namur community is not just a physical space—it’s a network of people, values, and traditions that will endure no matter where we are located. We are excited about the future and the opportunities that lie ahead.

FAQs:

What impact will the potential Stanford purchase of the NDNU Belmont campus have on prospective or current students?

None. NDNU will remain an independent, non-profit, Catholic university. Prospective or currently enrolled students will be able to continue their degree programs without any disruption. If NDNU relocates its campus, should Stanford acquire the campus property, we are committed to finding a new location in San Mateo County, so there will be minimal impact to the access students have to campus classrooms and/or support facilities. The goal for a new campus will be to improve the student experience at all levels of the university, providing students with a modern learning environment, whether it be in-person, fully online, or hybrid.

What will happen to the NDNU staff and faculty if the Belmont campus is sold?

NDNU staff and faculty will continue to work in their respective roles to support NDNU’s mission and degree programs. Should the property’s sale go through with Stanford, relocation is not likely to occur for at least 6-12 months after the sale. NDNU leadership will work with all faculty and associates to minimize the disruption during the relocation to a new campus. The sale would most likely be complete in August 2025, so there will be plenty of time to notify everyone affected by a relocation before it takes place. NDNU is committed to staying in San Mateo County, so any relocation will have minimal impact to those commuting to campus for work or attending classes.

Why is NDNU pursuing the sale of its Belmont campus to Stanford?

NDNU’s potential sale of the Belmont campus property is part of a strategic decision in 2020 by the Board of Trustees to ensure the long-term sustainability of NDNU and the pivot from a primarily 4-year undergraduate residential institution to a focus on graduate and undergraduate degree completion programs. The potential sale to Stanford will allow the university to focus on its core mission and future plans for growth through in-person, fully online, and hybrid degree programs in Business, Education, and Psychology.

Why is Stanford potentially purchasing the NDNU Belmont campus?

The Belmont campus and community present exciting opportunities for Stanford as it extends its educational mission and focus on more purposeful engagement with the region. The Conditional Development Plan that Stanford submitted to the City of Belmont would provide Stanford University with the flexibility to reposition the campus in a way that supports new academic uses and greater community engagement.

How is Stanford engaging with Belmont and the NDNU Community?

Stanford recognizes the historical significance of the NDNU Belmont campus and is committed to respecting its legacy. Stanford has engaged with the NDNU community, supporters, and the broader Bay Area community via public forums, events, meetings, and official communications to share information about their plans, receive feedback, and address any concerns. They have also set up a dedicated website to keep the community informed of their plans: https://belmont.stanford.edu. If you have any questions for the Stanford project team, you can email them directly at: belmontcampus@stanford.edu.

What will happen to the on-campus facilities and services after the potential sale?

The agreement with Stanford allows NDNU to lease back facilities to use on the Belmont campus after the potential sale. NDNU will coordinate with Stanford to ensure that essential services and facilities remain operational during the post-sale transition period, which will likely be over a 6 to 12-month period into 2026. The university will coordinate with Stanford to minimize any disruption to campus life and provide clear guidance on any changes to services, should they occur.

How will NDNU honor its legacy and history if the campus is sold?

NDNU is deeply committed to preserving its rich history and legacy. The university will ensure that the campus’s heritage is respected and that its contributions to the community are recognized. Stanford is committed to restoring the Ralston Mansion, the Carriage House and Taube Center as part of their proposed development plan. NDNU is developing a digital twin of the campus so we can retain and celebrate its legacy with future generations.

How can the NDNU community provide feedback or ask additional questions?

NDNU encourages students, faculty, staff, alumni, and other community stakeholders to share their questions and concerns. NDNU has several channels for feedback, including a dedicated email address ndnu.stanford@ndnu.edu, community forums, and will provide direct communication from university leadership as more detailed plans emerge.

Notre Dame de Namur University is an equal opportunity employer firmly committed to non-discrimination in its hiring and other employment practices and personnel policies. In compliance with all applicable federal and state laws, except where a bona fide occupational qualification exists, NDNU will make employment decisions irrespective of the staff member’s race, color, religion, religious creed, ancestry, national origin, age (except for minors), sex, marital status, citizenship status, military service status, sexual orientation, medical condition (a cancer-related or genetic condition), disability and/or any another status protected by law. When necessary, the NDNU will reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities if they are otherwise qualified to perform all essential functions safely and do it without undue hardship to the NDNU. Inquiries regarding the College’s equal opportunity policies should be directed to the Human Resources Department via email at hr@ndnu.edu. NDNU admits students of any race, color, national and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national and ethnic origin in administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship and loan programs, and athletic and other school administered programs.

Mark Dee

Magellan Solutions USA launched under the visionary leadership of Mark A. K. Dee, Chief Executive Officer – a consultant and service provider for healthcare administrative support, IT development, energy, call center, and business process outsourcing. Mark has served in various multi-level management positions in his 21 years of service in the United States Air Force (USAF). He performed as Immunology and Microbiology department manager, Medical Laboratory Assistant Director, Facility and Security Manager, and finally retiring in the military in 2008 as Superintendent/Assistant Chief of Operations of 330 personnel Medical Group. Mark has experiences in the services industries since he retired, including running a restaurant chain as the CEO. He has also developed other businesses in the Martials Arts studio and 3d-printing industries. He has a BS in Health Sciences and Hospital Administration, Board Certified in Clinical Laboratory Sciences, Graduated in the Senior Executive Leadership School from the USAF, Master’s in Business Administration, and a Master’s of Science in Systems Management at Notre Dame De Namur University.

Chosen Cheng

Chosen Cheng is owner of CMC Group, a privately held engineering and marketing consultancy for small business startup ventures. He currently works with project teams developing patented award-winning solar roofing systems and patent pending drone-based augmented reality geological and thermal mapping solutions. He was formerly a Silicon Valley marketing and innovative corporate training manager. As an avocation and a way to “pay it forward” he enjoys teaching and career coaching college and graduate MBA students many of whom are pioneering first generation college students from underserved communities. He and his wife, a Notre Dame alum, celebrated their wedding reception at the Ralston Mansion in the 70’s and have two stupendously successful, married adult children who between them have four stupendously adorable grandchildren.

Arthur Chait

Entrepreneur, Executive, Engineer, Investor, Professor, Mentor. Founder & CEO EoPlex Inc. ($31 million VC funded startup acquired by ASTI Singapore). President Stanford Research Institute (SRI) Consulting Division (800 staff worldwide). SVP Flextronics (responsible for $8 Billion in global accounts). President Zitel Software. Principal Booz Allen. R&D Director Halliburton. Adjunct Professor Menlo College, Visiting Professor Universidad Francisco Marroquin (Guatemala), Mentor Draper University, Judge Startup Chile. BS Engineering Rutgers, MBA Strategy University Pittsburgh.

Kelly Cansler

Kelly completed both her BS (Finance/Economics) and MBA from NDNU. She utilized her business education to launch an insurance agency in 2008 with Farmers Insurance. It’s grown into multi-million-dollar agency, organically and through acquisition. She has been recognized by Farmers Insurance being ranked within the top 10% of agents nationwide, but also as a speaker, trainer, and mentor within the Farmers Insurance Community. Kelly is extremely connected with local businessowners through several networking channels.

Cliff Burnette

Cliff is the senior vice president and chief human resources officer at Rambus, a global chip and IP provider that advances data center connectivity and solves the bottleneck between memory and processing. Cliff has over 20 years of experience leading global human resources operations for publicly traded companies with expertise in employee relations, organizational development, and compensation strategy. Prior to Rambus, Cliff worked for several other high-tech companies in the semiconductor and medical device space and holds a bachelor’s degree in Business Management and Marketing from Texas State University and a master’s degree in Human Resources Management and Organization Development from the University of Texas at Austin.

Memo Morantes

Memo Morantes has been a San Mateo County resident for more than 45 years. He has been a three-term San Mateo County Board of Education incumbent, a Redwood City/San Mateo County Chamber of Commerce board member, a Sequoia Hospital Foundation member, a co-chair of the Latino Leadership Council of San Mateo, and a civic/community activist.

Sheryl Young

Sheryl serves as a director for Philanthropic Ventures Foundation, which provides $10M each year for innovative teachers and social entrepreneurs throughout the Bay Area. Prior Sheryl served as CEO of Community Gatepath and AbilityPath.org. She has over 30 years of managerial experience in operations, finance, and marketing. Young is a graduate of the Stanford University Graduate School of Business Executive Program for Non-Profit Leaders, earned an M.A. of Public Health from UC Berkeley, an M.A. in Special Education from Ball State University and a B.A. in Political Science from Purdue University.

Brian Schumacker

Brian manages South San Francisco-San Bruno’s wastewater treatment plant and with a dedicated staff of over 40 professionals who safeguard community health and protect the fragile San Francisco Bay ecosystem. Brian holds a Master’s Degree in Public Administration and a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Business Administration, both from Notre Dame de Namur University. Brian has also earned the highest levels of professional certifications in wastewater treatment.

Mario Rendon

Mario Rendon serves as District Director for State Assemblymember Kevin Mullin. He develops the communications, public relations and constituent service strategy for the office and supervises a small team that represents Mr. Mullin in the 22nd Assembly District within San Mateo County. He has over twenty year’s experience working with elected officials at the local, state and federal level developing public policy.

Jerry Hill

Jerry’s public service started with his local neighborhood association that progressed to the California State Assembly and Senate where he authored legislation resulting in laws on issues related to consumer protection, utility safety, coastal protection, public health, education and the environment. Jerry was born and raised in San Francisco, receiving his BA from the University of California, Berkeley and a Teaching Credential from San Francisco State University.

Magda Gonzalez

Magda was most recently the City Manager for the City of Half Moon Bay, California. Prior she was the City Manager of East Palo Alto, California and Assistant City Manager, Redwood City. Magda was President of Cal-ICMA, representing the Local Government Hispanic Network and serves on the Board of Directors for the San Mateo Credit Union and the Latino Leadership Council of San Mateo County. Magda is also a member of ICMA and the State Bar of California and received several awards and recognitions, including Career Excellence Award (WLG) and the Ethical Hero Award from Cal-ICMA.

Jeremy Dennis

Jeremy currently serves as Portola Valley Town Manager. Previously, he’s worked for elected officials at all governance levels, including twice as District Director for local assemblymembers. He worked as the Palo Alto Long Range Planning Director, and for San Mateo County in management roles. Jeremy has a Masters in Urban Planning from the London School of Economics, and graduated from UC Davis studying US History/Political Science.

Kate Comfort-Harr

Kate is Executive Director of HIP Housing, a nonprofit specializing in creative affordable housing solutions throughout San Mateo County. Kate is a frequent speaker on a wide array of affordable housing topics and is passionate about the cultivation of collaborations between the private, public and social sectors. She serves on the Board of Directors for the San Mateo Credit Union and was awarded the Chamber San Mateo County’s 2020 Business Woman of the Year Award.

Jeff Cox

Program Director for Master of Public Administration

Jerome Nadel

Jerome Nadel is Internationally experienced design-led marketing executive (CMO and GM) with a track record of improved market position, revenue growth, and M&A. He is an advance degreed psychologist and user experience product/service design expert, board member and advisor. Jerome recently retired from Rambus as where he was CMO and GM of the security software division that he led the sale to Visa. He has had a variety of chief marketing officer and chief user experience officer roles at companies including Human Factors International, SLP InfoWare, Gemplus, and Sagem. He started his career in the IBM Human Factors Labs. He is also an avid cyclist with National and multiple California State Champion titles.