About Us
Founded in 1934, The Ladies of Notre Dame, Saint Mary’s College and Holy Cross College is a non-profit organization that champions the social connections of its members and promotes life-long enrichment through educational, cultural, and volunteer activities. It is administered solely by volunteers.
Each year, our activities reflect those of current interest within the tri-campus community. Some annual events include our Opening Reception in September welcoming new members and old friends; a Holiday Tea; a Spring Reception honoring our scholarship recipients at each school. In addition, we host numerous activities planned by different Interest Groups, and encourage service and volunteerism.
We come from many backgrounds, speak many languages and are in various stages of life, but we share a common mission – nurturing community through friendship. We feel that our logo, featuring three intertwined tree branches, captures a sense of our organization. By establishing roots in this community, our friendships flourish and we give back through our service.
A 90+ Year Legacy
During the spring meeting in May 2023, a Heritage Committee was formed to explore our history and create ways to recognize our 90th anniversary. Ninety years is an impressive milestone, especially when you consider the changes to women’s roles over this time period. As roles have evolved, so too has our organization, and yet we continue to thrive as a group for women who support our motto of Friendship, Community and Service.
Our Newsletter
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The Ladies Newsletter was first published in 1966. Its first editors were Lillian Fahey and Eva Eliel. Called The Distaff, it came out “more or less monthly,” as it was the sole method of communication available to its members with the exception of the telephone chain. Now called The Kaleidoscope, the newsletter is published four times per year. LND/SMC/HCC members have a choice of receiving a printed copy of the newsletter (via USPS or Campus mail) or a digital copy via email. Current and past editions are available for viewing in the Newsletter tab.
LND/SMC/HCC also uses email communication throughout the year to keep members informed in a timely manner about programs, events, and volunteer opportunities.
Welcome to The Ladies of Notre Dame, Saint Mary’s College and Holy Cross College, an organization which just celebrated its 90th year! Our mission is to assist and serve as a connection for women affiliated with Notre Dame, Saint Mary’s College and Holy Cross College. If you are new to the area or here temporarily and need support or referrals, our organization is a wealth of resources! If you have lived in the area for a long time or just retired and are looking to meet interesting women, we are here for you!
We have many opportunities for members to enjoy activities together and to strengthen bonds within our community through service. This group has always been a strong support network for its members, and the community through good and bad times. We are proud of this long history!
My roots to the tri-campus community run deep: I am the middle of three generations of Saint Mary’s College alumnae; my SMC daughter also has a master’s degree from Notre Dame; my husband, son, and many extended family members are Notre Dame graduates; my husband and I, collectively, have worked at all three Holy Cross institutions.
I have been a member of LND/SMC/HCC since 1989 when I returned to South Bend and began a rewarding 31-year career in the Advancement division at Saint Mary’s. As I anticipated retirement in May 2020, I decided to get more involved in the organization. I knew that LND/SMC/HCC would provide the perfect social outlet where I could make friends in my retirement years with smart, interesting, creative, and faith-filled women.
I invite you to join us! It’s a great way to make new friends and get involved in the community.
To register as a new or renewing member and enjoy the many benefits of membership, click on Membership and choose one of the registration options.
Contact us at ndsmc1934@gmail.com with any questions you may have.
Addie Stefanac Cashore (SMC 1970)
President 2024-2025