University of Notre Dame

Not to be confused with the University of Notre Dame Australia

Overview

The school was founded in 1842 by Rev. Edward Sorin and French priests who were members of the Congregation of Holy Cross. The Indiana General Assembly incorporated the school on January 15, 1844 under the name University of Notre Dame du Lac.

Related Topics:
1842 - Edward Sorin - French - Priest - Congregation of Holy Cross - Indiana General Assembly - January 15 - 1844

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While the translation of the French Notre Dame du Lac is "Our Lady of the Lake," the university actually has two lakes on its campus. According to legend, when Father Sorin arrived to found the school, it was November and everything was frozen. He thought there was only one lake, and named the university accordingly.

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Catholicism is physically manifest throughout the Notre Dame campus. A statue of Mary stands atop the Main Building's dome, there are chapels in every residence hall, and crucifixes in most rooms on campus. About 90 % of the student body self-identifies as Catholic.

Related Topics:
Catholicism - Mary - Crucifixes

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Location

The university is located adjacent to South Bend, Indiana, and has its own ZIP code (46556). Most of the campus is located in Portage township, while the expansions east of Juniper Road are in Clay township.

Related Topics:
South Bend, Indiana - ZIP code

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• Google map

Government

The university consists of twelve self-perpetuating members called "fellows". Six of the fellows are priests of the Congregation of Holy Cross, and the remaining six fellows are laypeople. Three of the priest fellows are always the current university president, the provincial superior of the congregation in Indiana, and the local superior of the congregation at Notre Dame. The chairman of the board of trustees is also always a fellow. The rest of the fellows are selected for staggered six-year terms. The fellows meet at least annually and are competent to amend the university's statutes and bylaws and to elect and remove trustees. The board of trustees is much larger than the fellows and currently numbers fifty-seven, composed mostly of laypeople. The board meets tri-anually and is responsible for electing the officers of the university as well as exercising the rest of the corporate powers of the university.

Related Topics:
Laypeople - Provincial superior - Chairman of the board of trustees - Board of trustees

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The university president is responsible for the overall administration of the university and is ultimately responsible for the hiring of faculty and staff. The president must always be a priest and a member of the Congregation of Holy Cross. Rev. John Jenkins, CSC, DPhil, is the 17th and current president of the university. He is a full professor in the department of Philosophy. He succeeded Rev. Edward Malloy, CSC, PhD on July 1, 2005. The Provost is Tom Burish.

Related Topics:
Rev. John Jenkins, CSC - DPhil - Philosophy - July 1 - 2005 - Provost

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