Women have made profound contributions to Our Lady’s University since its founding. In 2022, the University turned its attention to the momentous anniversary of the first undergraduate women admitted to Notre Dame in 1972.
This occasion was commemorated on campus June 1-2, but the celebration is ongoing. The decision to admit women as undergraduates marked an important milestone in the life of Notre Dame, expanding the intellectual and cultural horizons of the campus community.
The Golden Gala featured a special video experience that included live storytellers and an original musical score telling the story of how women evolved at Notre Dame—from buttressing a fledgling school of the 1800s to comprising half the student body and carrying its mission to the world.
Moments captured from events during the Golden is Thy Fame celebration honoring 50 years of undergraduate women at the University of Notre Dame. Alumni participated in spiritual, educational, and social events on June 1 and 2.
University President Rev. John I. Jenkins, C.S.C., delighted guests at the Golden Gala with two special announcements. The University of Notre Dame’s Main Circle will be re-imagined to commemorate the profound impact women have had on the University and the lyrics to the Notre Dame Victory March will now reference 'loyal sons and daughters' in the song’s last verse.
Join us for an extraordinary Golden Gala Dinner, hosted by University President Rev. John I. Jenkins, C.S.C., featuring reflections on this historic anniversary from senior University leaders, a multimedia presentation created for the occasion, and a musical performance by Grammy Award-winning artist, Amy Grant.
Hosted by Notre Dame Law School's Joseph A. Matson Dean and Professor of Law G. Marcus Cole
Hear the inspiring story of a Notre Dame alumna's distinguished career—a journey of many "firsts," including her appointment as the first judge of color to serve on the Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals and only the third woman of color on any U.S. Court of Appeals. From her childhood in Detroit to her many years of distinguished service as a judge, learn about her journey of faith, resilience, generosity, and commitment to justice.
Moderated by Anne Thompson '79, University Trustee and NBC News Chief Environmental Affairs Correspondent
Faculty panelists Jennifer Tank, Peter Burns, Ellis Adjei Adams, Jessica McManus Warnell, and Daniel Miller will share how, inspired by Pope Francis’s encyclical Laudato Si’, they are advancing the care of our earth through groundbreaking research and teaching.
Moderated by Muffet McGraw, Former Head Coach, Notre Dame Women's Basketball and Current Athletics Advisor
Hear from four Notre Dame alumnae who have distinguished themselves as leaders in both college and professional sports. Joining the panel will be Jill Bodensteiner '92, MBA '08, Director of Athletics, St. Joseph's University; Nina King '00, Vice President and Director of Athletics, Duke University; Kate Markgraf '98, General Manager, U.S. Women's Soccer; and Ruth Riley Hunter '01, MBA '16, former WNBA player and current broadcast analyst for the Miami Heat.
