1930s

36 Congratulations, Joe

Dolly Duffy ’84, executive director of the Alumni Association, surprised Joe Newman during a visit to Joe’s Florida home earlier this year, presenting him with the Alumni Association’s Distinguished Alumnus Award. It was a fitting honor for Joe, who has spent his entire life in service to others, and the visit also allowed him to share stories and memories. To learn more about Joe’s wonderful life and to share in his joy at receiving the award, watch the Alumni Association’s video, “A Full Life,” which is available online at weare.nd.edu/stories/a-full-life/. Go Irish. — Maureen McGinn; jwn176@aol.com

 

37 Celebrating 104

In June, Bernie Hartz celebrated his 104th birthday with friends and family in Fishers IN. I was able to attend as well. There was good company with many Domers in attendance. Even 82 years after graduating, Bernie still has lots of Irish pride. A Notre Dame alumni flag hangs on the door of his room. I asked Bernie if he has any advice, and he spoke about the value of always seeking new knowledge at every opportunity. It is through constant curiosity that humankind has made big advances over his lifetime, and Bernie values the drive to understand and innovate. Bernie’s birthday made for a lovely afternoon, and I look forward to next year’s celebration and another slice of chocolate cake. — Kathleen Coverick ’08; kathleen.coverick@gmail.com

 

38 Class Secretary — Meg Julian ’03, ’06JD;

11 E. 36th St., No. 603, New York NY 10016; 646-246-5480; megjulian@gmail.com

 

39 Time Flies: 80 Years

June marked the 80th reunion for the class and the first time I’d been back to campus in several years. The oldest celebrant was from the class of 1944, and although none of the ’39 class attended, you were remembered, and a candle was lit in your honor at the Grotto. While the heart of campus remains much the same as it was in 1939, there has been quite a bit of expansion through the years. Despite the growth, it remains a pedestrian and bicycle campus. The grounds remain tranquil, lush, and well maintained. If anything, it seemed as if the trees were fuller than before. The view up Notre Dame Avenue to the Dome was narrow because of all the green, yet beautiful as ever. Recent projects, including nearly 20 new campus buildings this decade alone, may get the publicity; however, when the men of ’39 were on campus from 1935-1939, there was no shortage of construction. Cavanaugh, Zahm and Breen-Phillips residence halls were opened during this period. The old student infirmary and the Rockne Memorial (still in use as a student recreation center, pool, and gymnasium) also were built. Now, 80 years later, B-P hosted the class of 2004 during the reunion as we celebrated 15 years “in the real world.” By my count, about 40 buildings were built on campus in the 97 years between ND’s founding and 1939. In the 30 years since the class’s 1989 golden jubilee, there have been at least that many put up, and today more than 170 structures are cared for by the campus maintenance teams. Corby Hall, once home to Knute Rockne and Rev. Ted Hesburgh (just west of the Basilica, home to “Fair Catch” Corby’s statue) has been demolished and construction was well under way on a modern home for CSC priests. In recent years, more than 1.4 million square feet of research, classroom, residence, and student life space has been added on campus. The generous gift creating the Charles B. Hayes Family Sculpture Park was reported in a prior column. I am happy to share that the park is open and provides a wonderful southern boundary to campus, providing peaceful reflection at several installed pieces with space for more installations if desired. The park (at the northeast corner of Angela Boulevard and Eddy Street) separates the Eddy Street Commons commercial development from the new architecture building and the rest of campus to the north. — Seth O’Donnell ’04; 17 Marion St., East Greenwich RI 02818; 603-828-7335; seth.odonnell@gmail.com