The Michiana Forty under 40 program recognizes the exceptional work and service of forty professionals under the age of 40 in the South Bend and Elkhart region. The 2025 class celebrates individuals who have dedicated themselves to improving their workplaces and communities in a multitude of ways. Among this year’s honorees are Notre Dame staff members Allison Pajor and Morgan Lee Wilson.
Allison Pajor is the graduate program coordinator for Notre Dame’s Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, the largest graduate program at the University. Pajor is hands-on with her work as she ensures prospective students get a clear picture of their potential education should they wish to pursue a graduate degree at the University through coordinating visits, creating itineraries, planning receptions, and more. Pajor also helps incoming students, in order to make their transition into graduate school as smooth as possible.
Outside of her professional life, Pajor continues to improve the community through her work with local theatres. She has been a part of the Notre Dame Shakespeare Festival, the South Bend Civic Theatre, Flint’s Dance Studio, and AMP Theatre Company. Pajor participated in these programs in a variety of ways as she took on roles teaching high school students, being an assistant director, and acting in productions. Most notably, Pajor is a co-founder of the Mishawaka-based nonprofit, AMP Theatre Company.
After being named to this year’s Michiana Forty Under 40 class, Pajor said that she was proud of her contributions to her community and touched that her work was recognized through this honor.
“I'm also incredibly grateful for the network of friends, family, and mentors who have supported me over the years,” she added.
Morgan Lee Wilson has worked for Notre Dame for the past seven years and has served as the Architecture Archivist for the past two years. In this position, she manages architectural records, such as the archival collections of prominent architects and firms from across the globe. Some of Wilson’s responsibilities in this role include overseeing the promotion of the use of archival collections and the appraisal of architectural records.
Serving on the board of the Walkerton Area Historical Society and as the Treasurer for the Walkerton Community Foundation, Wilson is just as involved with the broader community as she is with Notre Dame. As chair of the committee that facilitated the move of the Historical Society into its new and larger location, Wilson was responsible for acquiring the donations that made this initiative possible. Through her diligent efforts, the Walkerton Area Historical Society was able to add new exhibits and reopen successfully.
Wilson stated that, “Being recognized alongside so many other incredible leaders has been both humbling and inspiring. I am excited to continue making positive impacts at both the University of Notre Dame and in my community.”
Originally published by at publicaffairs.nd.edu on July 21, 2025.