Discover the Secrets of Paris: Top 12 Fun Facts You Never Knew About Notre Dame University

1. Land Dispute Leads to Legendary University

When Father Sorin and his team of Holy Cross Brothers wandered into the sleepy town of St. Peter's Church, little did they know that their journey would ultimately lead them to build an empire of knowledge: After butting heads with the Bishop over building a college at St. Peter's Church, they were granted a piece of land which would later become the legendary University of Notre Dame.
Source => trail.nd.edu

2. Quirky Boat Race Tradition: The Fisher Regatta

When the Irish set sail, it's not all about finding pots of gold at the end of watery rainbows: Notre Dame University students engage in a spirited tradition known as the Fisher Regatta, constructing their very own quirky boats to race across the treacherous waves of St. Joseph's Lake. With laughter filling the air and teamwork on full display, the lakefront becomes a bustling hub of creativity, as students also enjoy a sandy beach, a pier for swimming, and an exclusive boating facility.
Source => tour.nd.edu

Did you know it took a "mere" 180 years to build the iconic Notre Dame Cathedral, featuring stunning stained glass windows and unforgettable memories? Discover the fascinating story behind this Gothic masterpiece!

=> Fun Facts about Notre-Dame

3. Divine & Delicious: The Milkshake Mass

In the spirit of blending the sacred with the scrumptious, let us raise our spoons to the divine union of ice cream and theology: Since 1997, Dillon Hall at Notre Dame University has been hosting the much-beloved Milkshake Mass, where over 200 students gather every week to enjoy spiritual discussions alongside 250 16-ounce milkshakes made with 27 gallons of ice cream and 12 gallons of milk, all thanks to the endeavors of Father Paul Doyle, CSC, '65, '75M.Div., who once invested $600 on commercial drink mixers and Bonnie Doon ice cream to make it all happen.
Source => magazine.nd.edu

4. T-shirt Fundraising: The Shirt Project

T-shirts for touchdowns and tomes: The Shirt Project began in 1990 at Notre Dame University as a creative way to raise funds for student activities, but has since evolved into its own student-run organization that not only unifies the student body for the home-opener football game, but also provides financial support for students unable to afford tickets, textbooks, and various campus-life activities, as well as offering aid to those facing extraordinary medical expenses.
Source => theshirt.nd.edu

5. Moose-Defended Fortress: The Zahm House

In a moose-head-mascot-defended fortress where water balloons declare independence and banners herald the football-loving Irish: Notre Dame's Zahm House boasts of quirky, yet unfortunately controversial traditions that led to its recent closure for possible renovation and transformation into a more traditional residence hall.
Source => scholastic.nd.edu

6. Birth of the "Fighting Irish" Nickname

It's a bird, it's a plane, it's... the Fighting Irish? Notre Dame University's athletic nickname has more lore than a comic book origin story: The most widely accepted explanation for the birth of the "Fighting Irish" moniker points to its popularization by the press, symbolizing the tenacity, grit, and unwavering spirit Notre Dame exhibited on the field. The university made the nickname official in 1927 under the watchful eye of Rev. Matthew Walsh, C.S.C. Cue the triumphant theme music!
Source => und.com

7. The Virgin Mary's Golden Dome

With a twinkle in her eye and a bit of Notre Dame bling bling, the Virgin Mary can't help but show off her dazzling abode on top of the Golden Dome: Literally standing 19 feet tall, a gleaming statue of Our Lady adorns the pinnacle of the gilded structure, signifying the University's dedication to its Catholic foundation since 1882, and sporting a fresh coat of gold leaf from her 2005 refurbishment.
Source => onmessage.nd.edu

8. Football VIP: "Touchdown Jesus" Mural

In an epic move of biblical proportions, the Notre Dame University decided to literally put God on their side as a permanent VIP in their football games: The "Word of Life" mural, also known as "Touchdown Jesus," adorns the Hesburgh Library, with 6,700 pieces of granite spanning 134 feet high and 68 feet wide, and even underwent a $280,000 renovation in 1994 to ensure its divine presence remains for many seasons to come.
Source => news.nd.edu

9. Green & Single Students: Walk/Bike to Campus

When "single and ready to mingle" meets "green is the new black": Notre Dame University boasts a high percentage of unattached undergrads and a strong commitment to eco-friendly practices, making it an alternative transportation hotspot with one of the highest percentages of students who walk or bike to campus.
Source => unitedstateszipcodes.org

10. Oldest University Band in the U.S.

Before there were "Boots made for walkin'," the University of Notre Dame was treading to their own rhythm: This esteemed institution houses the oldest university band in the United States, founded in 1845, which has never missed a beat (or a home football game since 1887), earning the title of a "Landmark of American Music" during the 1976 U.S. Bicentennial.
Source => en.wikipedia.org

11. Frequent Flyer Mary: The Lourdes Grotto

If Mary had a frequent flyer program, she'd have racked up some serious miles at Notre Dame University: The Grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes is a smaller replica of the French shrine where the Virgin Mary appeared to Saint Bernadette 18 times in 1858. Complete with massive boulders and a tiny piece of stone from the original French Lourdes, it's a hotspot for prayer, marriage proposals, and daily outdoor Masses, proving that the Notre Dame experience isn't just "Touchdown Jesus" and football.
Source => tour.nd.edu

12. Hollywood Royalty: "Knute Rockne All-American" Premiere

Lights, camera, touchdown! It's 1940, and Notre Dame University scores big by rolling out the green carpet for Hollywood royalty: The university hosted the world premiere of "Knute Rockne All-American," starring Pat O'Brien as the famous football coach and a young Ronald Reagan as George Gipp. Parts of the film were shot in South Bend, with locals and Rockne's own children appearing as extras. The glitzy affair drew over 100 celebrities, journalists, and politicians who traveled from LA and NYC, while 24,000 fans flocked to the Palace Theater to sneak a peek at their favorite stars.
Source => historymuseumsb.org