Photo by Matt Cashore '94
As this week’s From the Archives shows, patriotism is hardly a new habit at Notre Dame. But did you know that one star-spangled tradition takes place each year as an official part of commencement?
Near the end of the commencement mass, the graduates with the highest GPA in each college present an American flag to the celebrants. University president Rev. John I. Jenkins, CSC, ’76, ’78M.A. offers a blessing, and, once graduation is over, the newly sanctified flag takes up residence on the South Quad flagpole for the next academic year.
In honor of Independence Day, our photo this week is a throwback to that very blessing, as conducted at commencement mass 2008.
Photo of the Week highlights images of notable happenings on campus and in the Notre Dame family around the world. Have a snapshot you think we should see? Email scahalan@nd.edu to be considered for publication.