Mary Hamann, director of communications for the Mendoza College of Business, died suddenly Friday, April 22, while in Paraguay, according to a University press release Tuesday.
Hamann, 50, was in Paraguay for her daughter's wedding, the press release stated.
Dean Carolyn Woo said Hamann will be missed after her 10 years in the Mendoza College.
"The death of Mary Hamann is a tremendously sad event for Notre Dame, the entire Mendoza College and for myself personally," Woo said. "She was a faithful colleague and a very good friend whose judgment was always balanced and considerate of all parties involved. Through her writing and editorial judgement, she was the voice for our College in so many ways."
Hamann started working at Notre Dame in June 2000 as the manager of administration and operations for Mendoza, according to the press release. She then served as the director of Web content and publications beginning in 2003 before she assumed her position as director of communications in 2004.
Hamann also served as the editor for Notre Dame Business, the Mendoza College alumni magazine, and produced a number of online and print articles and publications, the release stated. Under her leadership, the magazine was recognized for excellence by the League of American Communications Professionals, the Association of Marketing and Communication Professionals and the Council for Support and Advancement of Education.
Hamann is survived by her husband and their four children.
Mike Hamann, Mary Hamann's husband, is a candidate for the Democratic nomination in South Bend's mayoral election. The South Bend Tribune reported Tuesday that he decided to remain in the race despite the death of his wife.
"Her love for her family and Notre Dame, her strong faith and her kind-hearted generosity were evident in all that she did," Woo said. "She was the calm shelter in every storm. We grieve her as a friend. Our thoughts and prayers are with her husband, Mike, her children and her extended family."
