Staff, faculty, students, alumni, and friends shared warm greetings and exuberant conversations as they gathered on the hot, late-summer afternoon of Friday, September 19, to celebrate the dedication of Notre Dame’s newest landmark. Situated at the north end of Notre Dame Avenue, between the Morris Inn and Eck Hall of Law, the reimagined Notre Dame Circle honors the invaluable contributions of women students and graduates. The space marries meaning and function—and places Our Lady of the University in a new place of honor at the entrance to campus.
University President Rev. Robert A. Dowd, C.S.C., together with Presidents Emeriti Rev. John I. Jenkins, C.S.C., and Rev. Edward “Monk” Malloy, C.S.C., led the dedication, which opened with music from members of the Magnificat Choir and prayer. Commissioned in 2022 by then–University President Jenkins as part of the “Golden Is Thy Fame” celebration of 50 years of the admission of undergraduate women at Notre Dame, the start of the Notre Dame Circle project also coincided with the revision of the fight song, officially changing the chorus of the victory march to include “sons and daughters.”
Father Dowd thanked the planning committee, which was chaired by Ann Firth, vice president and chief of staff, as well as lead architect Melissa DelVecchio ’94 and all who worked on the new space, many of whom were in attendance. While the landmark itself is new, it builds on the circle drive that already existed, which symbolizes eternity, unity, and completeness. It also reinforces the dream of creating a welcoming corridor to campus laid out by University founder Rev. Edward Sorin, C.S.C.
“Notre Dame Circle builds on the original design of our founder, Father Sorin, who envisioned that Notre Dame Avenue, in particular, would serve as a welcoming front door to this University. I’m so grateful for the planning committee for all of the work on this beautiful space. A special thanks to Doug Marsh, former vice president for facilities design and operations and University architect,” Father Dowd said.
Father Jenkins then offered brief remarks, discussing the long-term impact of Rev. Theodore M. Hesburgh, C.S.C.’s decision to admit women to the University in 1972.
“In 1972, Father Ted made the courageous decision to admit the first class of women in Notre Dame, and I am a beneficiary of that,” Father Jenkins shared.
“I was on campus in those years as women came to Notre Dame, and they have enriched this institution tremendously. This beautiful circle is a tribute to those women who have helped make Notre Dame better and stronger and richer by their presence. So to the women of Notre Dame, we thank you, we celebrate you.”
Meaning behind each piece
As each part of Notre Dame Circle was blessed during the dedication, the distinct elements of their design—and their thoughtful placement—were highlighted.
Our Lady of the University anchors the north end of Notre Dame Circle. The statue previously stood in the same area, but its placement was shifted to allow for better viewing and, most notably, to reposition it in relation to other statues on the Main Quad. Our Lady of the University now aligns with the statues of Father Sorin and the Sacred Heart of Jesus, leading up to Mary atop the Golden Dome of the Main Building.
The 96-inch-tall bronze statue was created by Rev. Anthony J. Lauck, C.S.C., ’42, a well-known sculptor, educator, and arts administrator at the University from 1950 to 1973. His work can be found across campus, including in the Eck Visitors Center and the Basilica of the Sacred Heart.
“Father Tony Lauck, who was a Holy Cross priest, was totally devoted to the promotion of the arts, and he contributed a number of wonderful things here on campus,” Father Malloy said.
A bronze, circular rendering of the University seal is embedded in the center of the circle. Around the seal are the words: “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 a star, representing Mary, Our Lady, Star of the Sea, and a cross, representing the University’s founding order, the Congregation of Holy Cross. Additionally, the seal includes an open book that represents learning. Written on the pages of the book is the University motto, “Vita, Dulcedo, Spes”—“our life, our sweetness, our hope.”
The south end of the circle is adorned with a bronze panel that depicts images of female Notre Dame students participating in various activities, alongside a quote from St. Catherine of Siena that reads, “For God’s true servants, every place is their place and every time is their time.” St. Catherine of Siena is one of only four women to be designated as a Doctor of the Church for her extensive theological writing.
The bronze panel was created by Gail Folwell, a nationally known sculptor and the mother of two Notre Dame graduates, whose work can be seen across campus. She is most well-known at Notre Dame as the creator of the bronze sculptures that serve as door pulls on Duncan Student Center.
For her, the artwork represents the belonging that students find at Notre Dame—something she experienced both as a parent and through exploring the archival photography that served as the inspiration for her sculpture.
“The joy in it for me is that you can see that [belonging] in the pictures. It was so amazing,” Folwell commented. “And, to have [more] women represented in the permanency of the incredible art collection [on campus], and to be invited to do this, was amazing.”
Designed for the seasons and senses
Planning for this redesign began during the 2022–23 academic year. Doug Marsh, then the vice president for facilities design and operations and University architect, engaged Robert A.M. Stern Architects and, more specifically, lead architect and alumna Melissa DelVecchio to lead the physical and landscape design. Working with fellow alumni Tony McConnell ’06, MG Lewis ’20, and Parker Hansen ’18, DelVecchio designed an accessible space, incorporating opportunities to meditate using all the senses, in any season.
The garden on the south side of the structure will showcase blossoms year-round—the foliage offering fragrance and the paved path providing texture. And, as visitors take in the 360-degree experience, DelVecchio hopes this reimagined space provides them a feeling she holds dear.
“We hope this is a place that makes people feel welcomed, and [feel] joy and hope. That’s what I always feel when I come back to campus. It’s this feeling of warmth, of belonging, so for me, this is a really important spot and this was an extra-special honor,” DelVecchio said.
Robert A.M. Stern Architects also designed the Raclin Murphy Museum of Art and the Stayer Center.
For Carol Mullaney ’82, executive director in the Office of the President and member of the planning committee, the wide range of voices who collaborated to make this project a reality is a testament to its impact—both at its initial dedication and for the future of this space.
“It was meaningful because it brought together other alumni, staff, faculty, and students to get their thoughts on what this circle would mean and the meaning of female students here at Notre Dame,” Mullaney said. “I hope that all who come here and visit can appreciate it. And I also think it’s a welcoming place where students, faculty, staff, and visitors alike can come and sit and study and converse and pray.”
The full 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, ’84 JD, 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
Originally published by at ndworks.nd.edu on September 23, 2025.