Better than expected progress on the University of Notre Dame’s Campus Crossroads Project will make it possible to hold the 2015 University Commencement Ceremony in Notre Dame Stadium, the University’s president, Rev. John I. Jenkins, C.S.C., announced Monday night (Feb. 16) at an undergraduate town hall meeting in DeBartolo Hall.
The University announced in August that commencement would have to be relocated to Purcell Pavilion in the Joyce Center due to the Crossroads construction surrounding the stadium. However, favorable weather and outstanding work by the construction crew on site will make it possible to temporarily halt construction for commencement weekend.
“We know the decision to relocate commencement to the Joyce Center troubled the senior class in particular,” Father Jenkins said. “Due to the incredible hard work of our architectural and facilities team here at Notre Dame and our construction partners, and the blessings of a relatively good streak of winter weather, construction is ahead of schedule, giving us a window to make the stadium available for commencement and making it possible for all family and friends of the graduates to attend.”
The University Commencement Ceremony has been staged in Notre Dame Stadium for the past five years after being held in the Joyce Center from 1969 to 2009.
Notre Dame’s 170th commencement will take place May 17 beginning at 9 a.m.