Introduction:
Notre Dame of Maryland University (NDMU) is a private, Catholic university located in Baltimore, Maryland. The university was founded in 1873 by the School Sisters of Notre Dame, and it has since then been dedicated to providing a comprehensive education that prepares students for leadership and service in a diverse world. Over the years, NDMU has grown and evolved, but it has remained true to its mission of empowering women and men to make a difference in their communities. In this blog post, we will explore some fun facts about NDMU that you may not know.
NDMU’s unique campus architecture
The NDMU campus is a blend of modern and historic architecture, with buildings ranging from the early 1900s to the present day. One of the most notable buildings on campus is the Marikle Chapel of the Annunciation, which was built in 1965 and features stunning stained-glass windows and a beautiful organ. Another interesting building on campus is Fourier Hall, which was built in the 1920s and served as a convent for the School Sisters of Notre Dame. Today, Fourier Hall is home to NDMU’s School of Education and has been renovated to include state-of-the-art classrooms and technology.
In addition to these buildings, NDMU also has a unique outdoor space called the Noyes Garden. This beautiful garden is named after Helen P. Noyes, who was a longtime benefactor of the university. The garden features a variety of plants, flowers, and sculptures, and it is a popular spot for students, faculty, and staff to relax and enjoy nature.
NDMU’s commitment to social justice
NDMU has a strong commitment to social justice, which is reflected in its curriculum and community outreach programs. One example of this commitment is the university’s annual Social Justice Day, which brings together students, faculty, staff, and community members to discuss and address issues related to social justice. The university also offers a variety of courses that focus on social justice issues, such as Women in Leadership, Global Health and Social Justice, and Immigration and Refugee Law.
NDMU also has several community outreach programs that aim to address social justice issues in Baltimore and beyond. One such program is the Women’s College Mentoring Program, which pairs NDMU students with young women in Baltimore City to provide academic and personal support. Another program is the School of Pharmacy’s Medication Management and Adherence Clinic, which provides free medication management services to patients who cannot afford them.
NDMU’s athletic programs
NDMU has a variety of athletic programs for both men and women, including basketball, volleyball, soccer, lacrosse, and cross-country. One of the most successful athletic programs at NDMU is the women’s basketball team, which has won multiple conference championships and made several appearances in the NCAA Division III tournament. The university also has a strong commitment to fitness and wellness, with a state-of-the-art fitness center and a variety of fitness classes and programs available to students, faculty, and staff.
NDMU also has a unique athletic tradition called “House Games,” which is a series of intramural athletic competitions between the university’s residence halls. These games include events such as dodgeball, tug-of-war, and ultimate frisbee, and they provide a fun and competitive outlet for students to showcase their athletic skills.
NDMU’s notable alumni
NDMU has a long list of notable alumni who have gone on to make significant contributions in their fields. One such alumna is Sister Mary Aquinas Weber, who was a professor of physics and astronomy at NDMU and was the first woman to earn a PhD in physics from the Catholic University of America. Another notable alumna is Sheila Dixon, who served as the first female mayor of Baltimore from 2007 to 2010. Dixon earned her Bachelor of Arts degree from NDMU in 1976 and has since gone on to have a successful career in politics and public service.
Other notable NDMU alumni include Mary Catherine Bunting, who was a philanthropist and supporter of the arts in Baltimore, and Catherine Pugh, who served as a state senator and the 50th mayor of Baltimore. NDMU has also produced a number of successful business leaders, such as Sarah Hemminger, who co-founded Thread, a nonprofit organization that supports underperforming Baltimore City high school students, and Patricia J. Brown, who is the CEO of Johns Hopkins Medicine International and the former CEO of NDMU.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, Notre Dame of Maryland University is a unique and diverse institution that has a rich history and a strong commitment to education, social justice, and athletics. From its beautiful campus architecture to its notable alumni, there are many interesting and fun facts about NDMU that make it a special place. Whether you are a current student, an alumna or alumnus, or simply interested in learning more about this remarkable university, there is much to discover and appreciate about Notre Dame of Maryland University.
