The University of Notre Dame is known for its research and scholarship in a variety of fields, as well as its Fighting Irish athletics teams.
This University is home to more than 11,000 students on campus, while another 5,000 students attend Notre Dame’s seven regional campuses around the country. The University’s main campus is located in South Bend, Indiana — a city known for its rich athletic history. Notre Dame’s football stadium has been nicknamed “the house that Rockne built” after legendary coach Knute Rockne.
Notre Dame was founded by Rev. Edward Sorin, CSC (1808-1893), who was born in France and moved to the United States when he was 28 years old. In 1842, he purchased land near South Bend from a local farmer and built his first residence there. This building became known as St. Mary’s College and it opened its doors on October 1, 1842 with two priests and nine students. The college became affiliated with the Congregation of Holy Cross in 1888 when it received its charter from the State of Indiana.
The name “Notre Dame” comes from French words meaning “Our Lady,” referring to Mary the mother of Jesus Christ; this name was chosen by Brother Andre Bessette.
The school has produced more than 15 Rhodes Scholars and 27 Goldwater Scholars and has been awarded 34 NCAA Division I championships. Faculty members who have been awarded the Nobel Prize include Theodore Hesburgh, president emeritus of Notre Dame, as well as William G. McGowan and George Smoot.
