38 Interesting Facts about the University of Notre Dame

The University of Notre Dame is a Catholic research university located in Notre Dame, Indiana. It was founded in 1842 by a French priest named Father Edward Sorin, who established it as a small school for the education of Catholic men. Today, Notre Dame has grown into a prestigious institution that is recognized as one of the top universities in the United States.

One of Notre Dame’s defining features is its commitment to the Catholic faith. The university offers a rich Catholic intellectual tradition and incorporates Catholic teachings and values into its academic and extracurricular activities. However, Notre Dame also embraces diversity and welcomes students of all faiths and backgrounds, creating a welcoming and inclusive community.

Notre Dame is also known for its strong academic programs, which span a wide range of disciplines. The university offers undergraduate and graduate degrees in areas such as business, engineering, arts and letters, science, and law. In addition, Notre Dame is home to several research centers and institutes, including the Notre Dame Initiative for Global Development and the Kellogg Institute for International Studies.

Notre Dame has a strong tradition of athletics and is a member of the Atlantic Coast Conference. The Fighting Irish are known for their successful football program, as well as other sports such as basketball, soccer, and hockey. Notre Dame also places a strong emphasis on the student-athlete experience and the importance of sportsmanship and integrity.

University of Notre Dame

University of Notre Dame

What about interesting facts about the University of Notre Dame? Let’s take a look at these 39 interesting facts about the University of Notre Dame.

  1. The university’s official name is the University of Notre Dame du Lac, which means “Our Lady of the Lake”.
  2. Notre Dame is located in Notre Dame, Indiana, a small town near South Bend.
  3. The university’s mascot is the Fighting Irish, and its official colors are blue and gold.
  4. Notre Dame has a strong Catholic identity and incorporates Catholic teachings into its academic and extracurricular activities.
  5. The university is home to the famous Golden Dome, a landmark on campus that houses the main administration offices.
  6. The university has an extensive study abroad program, with over 40 international programs available to students.
  7. Notre Dame is one of the few universities in the United States that operates its own fire department.
  8. The university is home to the world’s largest collection of George Bernard Shaw materials.
  9. Notre Dame is known for its strong football program and has won 11 national championships.
  10. The university has a strong commitment to sustainability and has implemented a number of initiatives to reduce its carbon footprint.
  11. The Hesburgh Library at Notre Dame is home to the largest collection of theology and philosophy materials in the world.
  12. Notre Dame is a member of the Association of American Universities, an invitation-only organization that recognizes the top research universities in the United States.
  13. The university has a strong research focus and conducts over $150 million in research each year.
  14. Notre Dame is home to several research institutes, including the Notre Dame Initiative for Global Development and the Kellogg Institute for International Studies.
  15. The university has a strong tradition of community service and encourages students to engage in service projects both on and off campus.
  16. Notre Dame has a large and active alumni network, with over 140,000 alumni living in all 50 US states and over 100 countries.
  17. The university is home to several notable works of art, including a painting by Michelangelo and a statue by Rodin.
  18. Notre Dame has a strong tradition of academic excellence and is consistently ranked among the top universities in the United States.
  19. The university offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs, including programs in business, engineering, arts and letters, science, and law.
  20. Notre Dame is home to the Snite Museum of Art, which houses over 29,000 works of art from around the world.
  21. The university is known for its strong sense of community and hosts a number of events and activities throughout the year, including the annual commencement ceremony.
  22. Notre Dame has a strong commitment to diversity and inclusion and offers a variety of resources and support services for students from diverse backgrounds.
  23. The university has a strong commitment to student wellness and offers a variety of resources and support services for mental and physical health.
  24. Notre Dame is home to the Fighting Irish marching band, which is known for its lively performances and traditional Irish music.
  25. The university is home to several notable research facilities, including the Notre Dame Radiation Laboratory and the Center for Sustainable Energy at Notre Dame.
  26. Notre Dame is home to several notable religious artifacts, including a piece of the True Cross and a relic of St. Francis Xavier.
  27. The university offers a variety of extracurricular activities, including over 400 clubs and organizations.
  28. Notre Dame has a strong commitment to the arts and offers several opportunities for students to engage in artistic activities, including a performing arts series, a student-run theater company, and an arts festival.
  29. The university is home to the Center for Social Concerns, which offers a variety of community-based learning opportunities and service projects.
  30. Notre Dame has a strong tradition of Catholic social teaching and encourages students to engage in social justice activities both on and off campus.
  31. The university is home to the Morris Inn, a historic hotel on campus that has hosted numerous dignitaries and celebrities over the years.
  32. Notre Dame is known for its beautiful campus, which features several lakes, tree-lined walkways, and historic buildings.
  33. The university is home to the Basilica of the Sacred Heart, a beautiful church on campus that hosts daily Mass and other religious services.
  34. Notre Dame is home to several notable research centers, including the Notre Dame Global Adaptation Initiative and the Notre Dame Initiative for Advanced Diagnostics.
  35. The university has a strong commitment to undergraduate research and offers a variety of research opportunities for students in all fields.
  36. Notre Dame has a strong athletics program, with 26 varsity sports teams and numerous club sports and intramurals.
  37. The university has a strong tradition of service to the military and offers several programs and resources for veterans and active-duty military members.
  38. Notre Dame is a highly selective university, with an acceptance rate of around 15% and a highly competitive applicant pool.

The University of Notre Dame is a highly respected institution of higher education with a rich history and a strong commitment to academic excellence, community service, and Catholic values. From its beautiful campus and world-renowned research facilities to its strong athletics program and commitment to diversity and inclusion, Notre Dame offers students a well-rounded and rewarding educational experience. Whether studying business, engineering, the arts, or any other field, students at Notre Dame are encouraged to embrace the university’s spirit of inquiry, innovation, and service, and to use their education to make a positive impact on the world. Notre Dame truly embodies the motto of its founder, Father Edward Sorin: “God, Country, Notre Dame.”