Notre Dame History

A BRIEF HISTORY OF NOTRE DAME

In November of 1842, Father Edward Sorin founded the University of Notre Dame at St. Mary of the Lake. In the 160 plus years since then, the University of Notre Dame has grown immensely in size and stature. It is recognized for its Catholic heritage, excellence in education and exciting athletic programs. The campus has grown to 1,250 acres and 137 buildings. The most famous of these buildings by far are the main building featuring the Golden Dome and the Hesburgh Library with its 132 feet high mural of Christ the Teacher. Because of the mural's proximity to another famous building, Notre Dame Football Stadium, this mural is sometimes affectionately referred to as Touchdown Jesus.

The real estate value of the Notre Dame campus has been estimated at 2.2 billion dollars. However the value of Notre Dame University and the impact its graduates have made in the world goes far beyond any dollar value. The world has been and continues to be shaped by Notre Dame University through its alumni. Notre Dame alumni are instrumental in government, law, entertainment, the arts, finance, medicine, science, business and education in the United States as well as the world. Condoleezza Rice, U.S. Secretary of State, Regis Philbin game and talk show host, Nicholas Sparks author of "The Notebook" "Message in a Bottle" and "A Walk to Remember", James Wetherbee Astronaut and Ernesto Perez Balladares former President of Panama are just a handful of influential Notre Dame alumni.

Notre Dame University takes great pride in all its athletic teams. In fact it is this burning desire to win that has served Notre Dame Alumni well thorough out their lives whether they have chosen a career involving athletics or not. The "Fighting Irish" spirit is infectious to everyone in Michiana. The Notre Dame Football team has always held a special place in the heart of Maury's Pub owner Maury Cocquyt, Jr. The walls of the restaurant are lined with Irish greats like Knute Rockne, Lou Holtz and Joe Montana as well as the current Fighting Irish Football team. Some famous Notre Dame football players are Paul Hornung, Tim Brown, Joe Montana, Joe Theismann and Jerome Bettis.

Notre Dame's Football team has won over eight hundred games in its existence and has claimed 11 national championships. In addition, Notre Dame has produced seven Heisman Trophy Winners. If you love the Irish, are just a big fan of college football or simply enjoy a great tasting hand made meal, come to Maury's Pub! When the lights start flashing and the music starts playing sing along as everyone sings.