Photography by Matt Cashore ’94
Friday, September 13, 2024, was a day for the Notre Dame history books. For only the third time in the previous 70 years, the University inaugurated a new president: Rev. Robert Dowd, CSC, ’87.
Five memorable moments from Inauguration Day:
During the convocation and inauguration ceremony in Purcell Pavilion, Dowd knelt and received a blessing from presidents emeriti Rev. John I. Jenkins, CSC, ’76, ’78M.A, and Rev. Edward A. Malloy, CSC, ’63, ’67M.A., ’69M.A.
It recreated in remarkable detail a scene from Jenkins’ inauguration 19 years ago when he received the blessing of Malloy and Rev. Theodore M. Hesburgh, CSC. Hesburgh died in 2015 at age 97.
Dowd offered thanks for the support of his family, including his late mother, Norma Dowd Krentz, who died last month; his fellow Holy Cross priests; and the Sisters of the Holy Cross.
He provided a special shoutout to Sister Carmel Marie Sallows, CSC, his first-grade teacher more than 50 years ago at Queen of All Saints Catholic School in Michigan City, Indiana.
“Like all great teachers, she looms large in my heart, even though she’s barely 5 feet tall,” Dowd said. “Not only did she teach me a love of learning, but she helped me to be curious about the world around us and to see God’s presence in all things. What a great gift! Thank you, Sister Carmel Marie.”
Sallows, 91, was in the audience and broke out in a wide smile. Now retired, she lives at Saint Mary’s Convent.
Dowd, drawing on words from Hesburgh, encouraged all to become “bridge builders” in this era of widening societal chasms.
“Every inauguration is an opportunity to build a bridge from one era to the next,” Dowd said in a 37-minute inaugural address. To build bridges is to imitate the Virgin Mary, to whom Notre Dame is dedicated, Dowd noted, and it embodies the very spirit of the University.
“This is who we are, and who we are called to be: Seekers of truth. Sustainers of hope. Builders of bridges. Extending and expanding these gifts we’ve been given — to others and to the world,” Dowd said.
“As I begin this journey as president, I invite you to join me and build more bridges: to future generations of Notre Dame students . . . to one another, as we learn and live side by side . . . to our neighbors and people in communities around the world.”
Grammy- and Oscar-winning musician Jon Batiste performed an electrifying concert Friday night in Purcell Pavilion. The musician and his band wowed the crowd with vocals and his prowess on piano and other instruments.
The concert ended with the Notre Dame New Orleans Brass Band performing with Batiste, who served as a pied piper on the melodica — a hand-held mouth organ with a keyboard — as they marched and danced through the aisles to an extended rendition of “When the Saints Go Marching In.” Batiste often paused for high-fives and selfies with fans in the audience.
The celebration culminated with an Inaugural Ball for students on the field of Notre Dame Stadium. Following a drone light show in the night sky that created images including the Leprechaun logo, the Grotto, the Golden Dome and a “Congrats Fr. Bob” message, students danced the night away in celebration of the new University president.
Margaret Fosmoe is an associate editor of this magazine.