ND Memorial Tree & Plaque for Andy Watkins

Hi Everyone,

Our names are Kat Kostolansky and Brian Kelley. We both met Andy while studying abroad in London in 2019, but remained great friends with him throughout college. As we sit down to write this, we just want to make a disclaimer: nothing we say will ever be able to capture everything about Andy. There are not enough words to describe how sad we are that he is gone or how much of a light he was to everyone that knew him.

Andy was one of the kindest people we have ever met. We know that may sound cliche, but it’s the truth. He really was and we are sure anyone that knew Andy will agree. He was always smiling, including random people in his plans if he found out they didn't have any, and was just so content with life.

We both are lucky enough to have made countless memories throughout our time with Andy. From traveling Europe to playing sloshball or civil war, to a South Bend summer with many boozy brunches, Andy was always a blast to be around. Andy was a science major, the same as us, and even during the many all-nighters we pulled together in the Hesburgh library, Andy managed to make sure it was a good time. All he ever seemed to care about was that everyone was together and everyone was enjoying themselves. Andy knew how to entertain. Can we talk about his amazing singing voice by the way? WOW!

As we are sure many of you know, Andy lost his battle to esophageal cancer a few days ago and has his memorial set to take place at Notre Dame. Knowing that ND was such a special place to Andy and that Andy was so special to all of us, we are trying to get a tree and plaque placed on campus in his memory. It will serve as a wonderful place for friends and family to gather as they reminisce about good times or stop by for a drink in his honor during a football weekend. Andy did so much for the class of 2021 and we want a place to honor all he did for each and every one of us.

To honor Andy, please consider making a donation and sharing this post on social media. All the proceeds will go toward placing a tree on campus. Any additional funds will be transferred to ND as a donation in Andy’s honor.

Thank you so much for caring about Andy.