About Me

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Intro

I am a force for good in the world. My students are like Jedi, guided by an ardent energy inspired by faith and knowledge. So yeah, you may have guessed it…I'm super Catholic. I don't try to hide it, though.

Anyone who passes by Touchdown Jesus on their way to Hesburgh Library knows that two of the biggest things in my life are my faith…and my faith in football. My football team started back in 1887 and I've been crazy about it ever since.

My students have even been known to make comments about the traitorous autumn trees siding with the Trojans (my rival) instead of the Irish. They're joking, of course…mostly.

We're not just a bunch of bible-thumpin' football meatheads, though. I also teach people. Pretty well, too (surprise, surprise). I'm known for my business, architecture, and philosophy programs, all of which have been ranked as some of the best in the nation.

Beyond all of that, I'm home to a tight-knit community of people who strive for lifelong friendship. Move over, Disneyland—I'm the happiest place on Earth. My students are friendly and animated without compensation. Although, the squirrels here can be a little terrifying if they see something delicious in your hands.

That's the main difference between real squirrels and giant mascot squirrels, in case you weren't aware. Best eat your Nutter Butters quickly.

Name

The Fighting Irish. I mean the "fighting" part in a non-violent, metaphorical way, of course. But I mean the Irish part in a quite literal way. My mascot is a leprechaun, after all.

Hometown

Father Sorin. Everything the Dome light touches is our kingdom. Technically, the campus is located in Notre Dame, Indiana because it's easy to remember and because I really wanted my own zip code. Freshman: But what about that dark, shadowy place, Father? Father Sorin: That's…South Bend. You must never go there, Simb—er…student. Except for service trips, grocery runs, and merrymaking.

Birthdate

November 26, 1842

Body Type

I'm a mesomorph. I have a smaller frame, stretching across 1,250 acres with a total of 11,931 students in attendance. I like to think I exercise, but it's usually just exercising control over how many incoming students to take, which was 3,785 last year.

Current Living Situation

Eighty percent of students live in the twenty-nine dorms on campus. There aren't any fraternities or sororities, so the dorms serve as my social hub. Freshmen and sophomores are required to live here and each dorm has a slightly different reputation.

If you live in one of the newer dorms like Ryan Hall, you're spoiled (with such fancy technologies as air conditioners and elevators). If you live in an old dorm like Sorin College, you're…lucky. You have a dorm with "character."

About twenty percent of my students live off campus. There are several apartment complexes to choose from in the surrounding area. Some students choose to live in old South Bend homes fit for arsonists.

Relationship Status

I have a long-term loyalty to Saint Mary's College, my official sister school who lives across the street. While the Brothers of the Congregation of the Holy Cross were founding the all-male school (Notre Dame), The Sisters of the Holy Cross were founding the all-female school (Saint Mary's). Like any sister, I love her to death but will tease her to no end.

Religion

It's hard to ignore my strong Catholic affiliation. Priests and nuns always seem to be floating around campus. It's okay, though, since students rarely mistake the clergy for Death Eaters. Those cassocks can be very confusing.

Late-night masses are held in the residence hall chapels and are usually followed by socializing and tasty treats. Although it's true that many of my students are Catholic, I'd be happy to give a student of any religion an after-mass milkshake in his/her pajamas.

Politics

Although most students think I lean right, it really depends who you talk to. If you stand in the church, then yes, that would be pretty accurate. Likewise, if you stand on the East side of campus in the business school, I appear to tilt even further right.

If you travel to the Arts and Letters Department, however, you'll find plenty of liberal-minded folks. But everyone is tolerant here and many are up for friendly debates.

You should apply to me if...

you value tradition and are ready to study like a champion.

Website

http://www.nd.edu