Notre Dame celebrates 50 years of undergraduate women

Students, faculty, and alumni gathered at the head of Notre Dame Avenue on September 19 for the blessing and unveiling of the newly-renovated Notre Dame Main Circle. The monument commemorates the 50th anniversary of the admission of women to the university. Announced in 2022, the project aimed to transform the space into a tribute to the contributions of women at Notre Dame.

The dedication ceremony, led by University President Father Robert A. Dowd, C.S.C., alongside Presidents Emeriti Father John I. Jenkins, C.S.C. and Father Edward “Monk” Malloy, C.S.C., opened with performances by the Magnificat Choir and local Irish folk band Kennedy’s Kitchen. The event culminated in a blessing of the circle’s artistic installations, which include a sculpture, bronze reliefs, and the university seal.

Despite sweltering heat, well over 100 attendees filled the circle as Fr. Dowd opened with a prayer of thanksgiving. He acknowledged key contributors like Ann Firth ’81, Fr. Dowd’s vice president and chief of staff, and Doug Marsh ’82, university architect and former vice president for facilities, design, and operations. In his remarks, Fr. Dowd emphasized the circle’s role as a “welcoming front door” to the university, aligning with founder Father Edward Sorin’s vision. The design preserves a clear view from Angela Boulevard to the Main Building’s golden dome.

Fr. Jenkins, who was a Notre Dame student when women were first admitted in 1972, spoke on the transformative impact of women on campus. “I was an immediate beneficiary of the diversity of perspective that enriched this institution immensely,” he said. Drawing parallels to the quiet strength of Mary in Luke’s Gospel, Fr. Jenkins highlighted how Notre Dame women embody a call to use their God-given talents, quoting Scripture, “For the Mighty One has done great things for me—holy is His name.”

In the middle of the circle stands a statue titled Our Lady of the University, crafted by Father Anthony J. Lauck, C.S.C., a former sculptor and arts faculty member. Relocated to align with the Sacred Heart of Jesus and Father Sorin statues near the Golden Dome, the statue now anchors the circle’s design. Doug Marsh, a planning committee member, told the Rover that this alignment draws the eye to the dome while allowing students to appreciate the statue’s details from the surrounding seating wall.

The circle’s redesign, led by alumni architects Melissa DelVecchio ’94 and Tony McConnell ’06, features Indiana limestone gates and seasonal shrubbery beds. The design is intended to release a calming fragrance, enhancing the sensory experience, as DelVecchio revealed in an interview with NDWorks. On the south side, bronze reliefs by sculptor Gail Folwell, known for her work on Duncan Student Center’s door handles, draw inspiration from historic Notre Dame women in the university archives. The reliefs are inscribed with a quote from St. Catherine of Siena: “For God’s true servants, every place is their place, every time is their time.”

At the circle’s center, an inlaid university seal is encircled by the inscription, “Celebrating the 50th anniversary of the admission of undergraduate women, 1972–2022. Honoring all women who have studied at Notre Dame.” 

Following the blessing, attendees explored the circle, admiring its craftsmanship and symbolism. Sonia Lumley, Vice President of Student Government, who read prayer intentions during the ceremony, told the Rover, “It was an honor to be part of this ceremony, and it’s good to see so many other ND women celebrating.” The renovated circle reaffirms Notre Dame’s commitment to fostering and celebrating its female graduates. 

Luke Woodyard is a sophomore studying economics, theology and constitutional studies. Unfortunately, the circle’s construction outside his room in Alumni Hall led to many rude awakenings. To protest future construction, you can reach him at lwoodyar@nd.edu. 

Photo Credit: Image by the Irish Rover

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