University of Notre Dame

The University of Notre Dame, a Roman Catholic research university, is the 15th ranked school in the United States. Located just outside South Bend, Indiana in Notre Dame, the university offers bachelor’s, master’s, and doctorates.

Notre Dame was founded in 1842 by Father Edward Sorin, who would later become president of the university. Originally an all-male school, the full name is Notre Dame du Lac, or “Our Lady of the Lake”, to pay respect to the patron saint, the Virgin Mary. Two years later, the all-female college would be opened nearby by the Sisters of the Holy Cross.

Notre Dame became especially well known after the growth and success of the football team and coach (and alumni) Knute Rockne. The school would go on to win 105 games with only 12 losses and 5 ties. This included three national championships, five undefeated seasons, and a Rose Bowl. Rockne’s last game was the Notre Dame vs New York Giants match to benefit the New York unemployed during the first years of the Great Depression.

It was also during this time that Notre Dame grew academically, adopting electives, something other top-name schools were reluctant to use. By 1921, the university would have five colleges, a professional law school, and new residence halls and buildings being added with each new president.

Today, the school sits on 1,250 acres with a number of well-known landmarks including the Golden Dome, “Touchdown Jesus,” and the Basilica. Famous alumni include congress members, state governors, Nobel Prize winners, several sports and Olympic stars, former US Secretary of State Condoleeza Rice, Regis Philbin, and Joe Montana. Currently, about 13,100 students attend the University of Notre Dame.