Mary K. Hamann, director of communications for the Mendoza College of Business at the University of Notre Dame, died of natural causes on April 22 while on a visit to Paraguay for her daughter Kate’s wedding. She was 50 years old.
Hamann began working at Notre Dame in June 2000 as Mendoza’s manager of administration and operations. She subsequently served as the director of Web content and publications beginning in 2003 before taking the position of director of communications in 2004. She also was the editor of Notre Dame Business, the Mendoza College alumni magazine, and produced a range of print and online articles and publications.
“The death of Mary Hamann is a tremendously sad event for the University of Notre Dame, the Mendoza College and for myself personally,” said Carolyn Y. Woo, Martin J. Gillen Dean of the Mendoza College. “She was a faithful colleague and a very good friend whose judgment was always balanced and considerate of all parties involved. Through her writing and editorial judgment, she was the voice for our College in so many ways.
“Her love for her family and Notre Dame, her strong faith and her kind-hearted generosity were evident in all that she did. She was the calm shelter in every storm. We grieve her as a friend. Our thoughts and prayers are with her husband, Mike, her children and her extended family.”
During her tenure at the Mendoza College, Notre Dame Business has been recognized for excellence by the League of American Communications Professionals, Association of Marketing and Communication Professionals, and the Council for Support and Advancement of Education. Prior to joining Notre Dame in 2000, Hamann was a principal in a marketing communications firm serving professional, nonprofit and higher education clients.
Hamann’s father, Edward J. Murphy, taught at Notre Dame Law School from 1957 to 1994.
Hamann is survived by her husband of 30 years, Mike Hamann, a 1982 Notre Dame graduate who also earned master’s degrees from the University in 1985 and 2009; and their four children, Kate (Juan); Jacob, a 2005 Notre Dame graduate (fiancée Anne); Nicholas, a Notre Dame senior (Kelly); and Peter, a 2008 Notre Dame graduate (Gina).
Visitation will be held May 1 (Sunday) from 2 to 8 p.m. at the Kaniewski Funeral Home, 3545 N. Bendix Dr., South Bend. A rosary will be said at 4 p.m. The funeral will take place May 2 (Monday) at 10 a.m. at Holy Cross Church, 920 Wilber St., South Bend, with burial to follow at Highland Cemetery.