In an email Tuesday afternoon, University President Fr. John Jenkins announced plans for a celebration ahead of the 50th anniversary of undergraduate women attending Notre Dame. The University welcomed its first class of women in the fall of 1972.
The anniversary celebration, themed “Golden is Thy Fame: 50 years of Undergraduate Women,” will include keynote events during the 2022 spring semester. Information regarding the events will be forthcoming, the email said.
The celebration will conclude with the 2022 Alumni Reunion, which will additionally invite all alumnae back to campus from June 3 to 5. The first cohort of undergraduate women will also be recognized at the reunion, Jenkins wrote.
Jenkins invited all University groups to partake in celebrations and events to commemorate the 50th anniversary.
“We invite the campus community — the colleges and schools, departments and campus units, as well as student and alumni groups — to join us in commemorating the anniversary by hosting events that recognize the impact women have had,” Jenkins said.
In addition, the email announced that 2022 also marks the 50th anniversary of Title IX — an educational amendment that was introduced in 1972 “which prohibits sex-based discrimination in educational programs and activities.” Jenkins added that both anniversaries serve as opportunities for reflection.
“These twin anniversaries provide us an opportunity to celebrate the invaluable contributions of our women students and graduates, both at Notre Dame and beyond, in their communities, our nation, the Church and the world,” Jenkins said.
