Catholic institution with a strong commitment to academic excellence, character development, and social responsibility. Its roots in faith have shaped a distinctive identity, fostering a community dedicated to service and intellectual growth. Notre Dame’s alumni have made significant contributions to various fields, from business and politics to science and the arts. The university’s emphasis on character formation has produced graduates known for their ethical leadership and commitment to making a positive impact on the world. Beyond academics, Notre Dame’s legacy includes a rich athletic tradition, particularly in football, and a strong sense of community among its students, alumni, and faculty.
Barbara Allison talks with Tess Hayes about Sister Madeleva Wolff. She says “When I joined the Saint Mary’s College community, I was familiar with the name Madeleva as a campus building and a street name. I didn’t know Sister Madeleva Wolff, the college president, poet, medieval scholar, educator, leader, and Renaissance woman. She is known and remembered by the area Catholic community and tri-campus communities. And if you don’t know this remarkable woman, you should.”
Thanks to local historian Aaron Helman, I’m learning about the significance of one of the most famous sons of South Bend you’ve most likely never heard of: Schuyler Colfax
This video features Peyton and Eli Manning’s visit to Notre Dame to explore the legacy of legendary football coach Knute Rockne, accompanied by current Notre Dame head coach Marcus Freeman and Brady Quinn. I also saw Marist Liufau and a few others in there…
An Incomplete History of St. Joseph County, Indiana explores the rich and intricate past of St. Joseph County, weaving together stories, events, and notable figures that have shaped the region. The narrative offers insights into the social, cultural, and economic developments over the years, showcasing the diverse experiences of its residents. Through a blend of historical accounts and engaging anecdotes, the book highlights the unique identity of St. Joseph County, making it a valuable resource for history enthusiasts and those interested in the local heritage.
Bonus book recommendation…
Ride the Jackrabbit is a captivating exploration of the Michiana region, delving into its unique history, culture, and folklore. This engaging narrative uncovers the tales of the area through the lens of local characters and events that have left a lasting imprint on the community. With a blend of humor and heartfelt storytelling, the book offers readers a window into the heart of Michiana, highlighting the quirks and charm that define its landscape. Whether you’re a resident or a visitor, the stories within Ride the Jackrabbit provide a rich tapestry of the region’s identity, making it a delightful read for anyone interested in the local lore and history.
This message from Riley Leonard to his Notre Dame family is worth keeping. On December 18 he posted:
“We’re done being afraid of anything — I know that much about this team. I know that, win or lose, we’re going to do it our way: We’re going to dare greatly.” Go to the source to read the entire post but you might need to get a box of Kleenex first: A Message For My Notre Dame Family | By Riley Leonard
A scant 133 days ago, after the loss to Northern Illinois some of his ‘Notre Dame family’ would have gladly put his head on a spike right next to Marcus Freeman’s in the middle of the God quad and yet he kept his head while everyone else was losing theirs. Rudyard Kipling could have been thinking of Riley when he authored his immortal poem “If”…
If you can keep your head when all about you are losing theirs and blaming it on you,
If you can trust yourself when all men doubt you, but make allowance for their doubting too;
If you can wait and not be tired by waiting, or being lied about, don’t deal in lies,
Or being hated, don’t give way to hating, And yet don’t look too good, nor talk too wise…
Yours is the Earth and everything that’s in it, And – which is more – you’ll be a Man, my son!”
No matter what happens Monday — even if an errant throw costs us the game — Riley Leonard will go down in my mind as one of the greatest quarterbacks in Notre Dame history not because of his arm or his legs, but because of his heart, his head, and his character. He is the spirit of Notre Dame!
“Due to playing the role of Notre Dame football star George Gipp in the film Knute Rockne, All-American—and subsequently adopting the nickname “Gipper”—Ronald Reagan may be the US president most publicly associated with the University of Notre Dame. But it actually was Jimmy Carter among American chief executives who had the closest relationship with the University.Notre Dame’s relationship with Carter began in the summer of 1976. Soon after accepting the Democratic Party’s nomination for president, Carter called Rev. Theodore Hesburgh, C.S.C., late one evening seeking advice. Father Hesburgh offered advice on a variety of issues. Carter appreciated the insight, gave the priest/president his home phone number in Plains, Georgia, and asked for any recommendations he might have for people to serve in his administration if he were to win the election.” Source: Jimmy Carter at Notre Dame
In a game where Notre Dame scored five touchdowns, it was one the Fighting Irish didn’t score that might have been the most important one.
“What was the referees’ explanation for why the flag was thrown? The NBC broadcast crew noted that since Kiser took the snap from close to center, the offensive linemen lined up needed to be wearing numbers 50-79 to be in legal position. On a traditional punt formation, the offensive linemen blocking can be any number combination.” In other words, we got jobbed by the Zebras!
I’m thoroughly enjoying the book Unbeatable by Jerry Barca. It’s the story of the 1988 football season. I’ve always admired Lou Holtz but I didn’t realize that he was responsible for a couple of Notre Dame’s greatest game day traditions:
The Sign
“George Stewart walked into the maintenance shop in the Athletic and Convocation Center and handed Laurie Wenger a piece of paper. Stewart was acting on the direction of Holtz, who wanted a sign up in the locker room tunnel. The players would tap it as they headed to the field. Wenger looked at the paper and the five words PLAY LIKE A CHAMPION TODAY. The South Bend native’s job was to paint signs for functions. Some routine assignments included painting game balls and signs for Junior Parents Weekend. This project took her about a week to complete. Her co-workers cut a three-foot by four-foot piece of wood. Wenger primed it and then painted it in a yellow-gold. She let the color dry and then used blue paint to brush on the phrase in all capital letters. Notre Dame lore has it that shortly after Holtz became the head coach he went through books on Fighting Irish football history and found a photo of the sign. However, nobody, including former coaches, remembered it being posted anywhere. Regardless of where the photo came from, the Notre Dame players who left the locker room to take on No. 3 Michigan in ’86 were the first to touch the sign.
Barca, Jerry. Unbeatable: Notre Dame’s 1988 Championship and the Last Great College Football Season (pp. 56-57). St. Martin’s Publishing Group. Kindle Edition.”
Yes, this press release is from 2001 but it sums up the Jim Flanigan, Jr. I know nicely…
“Former Notre Dame football standout Jim Flanigan was named co-winner of the Walter Payton National Football League Man of the Year Award, which recognizes community service as well as playing excellence. Flanigan is the third Notre Dame graduate to win the award, joining Washington Redskins quarterback Joe Theismann (’82) and Chicago Bears safety Dave Duerson (’87). Past winners includes 12 members of the Hall of Fame.
Flanigan, an anchor of the Chicago Bears defensive line for seven years, makes a difference with the James Flanigan Foundation, which raises awareness of child literacy through efforts such as the Great American Book Drive, which delivers more than 700,000 books to 400,000 underprivileged children.
His programs include Reach Out & Read Chicago, the Flanigan Foundation Literacy Advocate Award, Mission 99, the James and Susan Flanigan Endowed Scholarship at Notre Dame, and the Jim Flanigan Charity Golf Outing.
Welcome to South Bend 