April 2018
Notre Dame’s Duncan Student Center Grand Opening
“The Duncan Student Center is the physical embodiment of the integration we hope our students will explore as they pursue their interests, cultivate their well-being, and discern their futures.” - Erin Hoffman Harding, Vice President for Student Affairs, Notre Dame
Students returned to the University of Notre Dame campus for a new semester as well as an entirely new student life experience. As classes began, the Duncan Student Center opened its doors to the entire campus community for the first time. In the first few hours, students trickled in and could be seen scoping out the center's various spaces; including light-filled lounges and intimate nooks, the new coffee house/programming space, new restaurants, new media-focused student organizations, and a new 3-story climbing wall that extends up into the rec center. Before long, the main thoroughfare and all possible spaces in between were overflowing with students. As the day progressed, everyone seemed to settle into their favorite places, as if the student center had been on campus for years!
The two main entries of the building are book-ended with an innovation lounge on the south and the coffee house on the north with a spacious gathering space in the middle that includes a warm fireplace. In its entirety, this blended academic, recreation, and student life facility is a commitment to mind, body, and spirit. At every point of entry, students can find places to refuel, connect, revitalize, engage, and relax. Duncan Student Center is nothing short of inspirational and, at every turn, offers moments of discovery and an experience that is undeniably Notre Dame.
Select photos courtesy of University of Notre Dame Marketing & Communications