On a warm late-summer afternoon on September 19, representatives from the University of Notre Dame community—staff, faculty, students, alumni, and friends—convened to celebrate the inauguration of the newly reimagined Notre Dame Circle. This landmark, located strategically at the north end of Notre Dame Avenue, between Morris Inn and Eck Hall of Law, aims to honor the significant contributions of women students and graduates. The space effectively combines functionality with meaningful symbolism, notably placing Our Lady of the University in a renewed position of prominence at the campus entrance.
University President Rev. Robert A. Dowd, C.S.C., along with former presidents Rev. John I. Jenkins, C.S.C., and Rev. Edward “Monk” Malloy, C.S.C., led the dedication ceremony. The event opened with musical performance by the Magnificat Choir followed by a prayer. This initiative was commissioned in 2022 as part of the “Golden Is Thy Fame” celebration, marking 50 years since the admission of undergraduate women to the institution. The project also coincided with the revision of the university’s fight song, incorporating the words “sons and daughters” into its chorus.
Father Dowd expressed his gratitude to the planning committee, which was chaired by Ann Firth, vice president and chief of staff, as well as Melissa DelVecchio ’94, the lead architect. Although the landmark is newly constructed, it retains elements of the previous circle drive, which symbolizes unity and eternity, while echoing the welcoming vision of the university’s founder, Rev. Edward Sorin, C.S.C.
“Notre Dame Circle builds on the original design of our founder, Father Sorin,” Father Dowd stated. “I’m grateful for the planning committee for all their hard work on this beautiful space.” Father Jenkins provided further remarks, reflecting on the long-lasting impact of Rev. Theodore M. Hesburgh, C.S.C.’s decision to admit women in 1972. “In 1972, Father Ted made the courageous decision to admit the first class of women to Notre Dame, and I am a beneficiary of that,” he noted.
Symbolic Design Elements
During the dedication, various components of the Notre Dame Circle were blessed, highlighting their individual designs and placements. The statue of Our Lady of the University now graces the north end of the Circle, having been relocated to enhance visibility. This positioning allows the statue to align with others such as those of Father Sorin and the Sacred Heart of Jesus, culminating in Mary’s place atop the Golden Dome of the Main Building.
The 96-inch bronze statue was crafted by Rev. Anthony J. Lauck, C.S.C., a notable sculptor and educator affiliated with the university for over two decades. Father Malloy praised Lauck’s dedication to the arts, emphasizing his contributions to the campus.
Embedded in the center of the circle is a bronze representation of the university seal, surrounded by the inscription: “Celebrating the 50th anniversary of the admission of undergraduate women, 1972–2022. Honoring all women who have studied at Notre Dame.” The University’s seal features elements symbolizing faith and education, including a star depicting Mary, a cross representing the founding order, and an open book that signifies learning, adorned with the university motto, “Vita, Dulcedo, Spes”—translating to “our life, our sweetness, our hope.”
At the southern end of the circle, a bronze panel features illustrations of female students engaged in various pursuits, accompanied by a quote from St. Catherine of Siena: “For God’s true servants, every place is their place and every time is their time.” This panel, created by sculptor Gail Folwell, captures the essence of belonging within the Notre Dame community.
“The joy in it for me is that you can see belonging in the pictures. To have more women represented in the permanency of the incredible art collection on campus was amazing,” Folwell remarked.
An Inclusive Space for All Seasons
The planning for this redesign initiated during the 2022–23 academic year, led by Doug Marsh and architect Melissa DelVecchio of Robert A.M. Stern Architects. They worked alongside fellow alumni to create an accessible area intended for meditation and sensory engagement throughout the year.
The thoughtfully designed garden on the structure’s south side will feature year-round flowers, providing fragrant blooms and textured pathways. DelVecchio expresses hope that this reimagined environment evokes feelings of welcome, joy, and hope among all who visit.
In summary, the collaborative efforts of a diverse planning committee underline the significance of Notre Dame Circle, providing a space where community members can gather, study, converse, and reflect.
The comprehensive planning committee included:
- Joe Becherer, director and curator, Raclin Murphy Museum
- Rev. Austin I. Collins, C.S.C., vice president for mission engagement and Church affairs
- Beth Ann Fennelly ’93, poet and author
- Ann Firth ’81, ’84JD, vice president and chief of staff (chair)
- Mary Flannery ’78, associate dean for undergraduate studies and teaching professor in economics
- Stephanie Gallo ’94, member of the University’s Board of Trustees
- Doug Marsh ’82, former vice president for facilities design and operations and University architect
- Emily Meneses ’25
- Carol Mullaney ’82, executive director, Office of the President
- Maura Ryan, vice president and associate provost for faculty affairs
- Shayla Keough Rumely ’76, member of the University’s Board of Trustees
