SOUTH EUCLID, Ohio -- Notre Dame College is continuing its centennial celebration with the opening of a history of science exhibit, two new videos, a shoe drive, a display of items removed in September from a time capsule, a fundraising campaign -- and its annual Christmas tree-lighting event.
The Centennial Christmas Tree Lighting, which includes the singing of carols and serving of hot chocolate, will begin at 6:30 p.m. Friday (Dec. 2) in the foyer of the Administration Building (the college’s tallest building).
The public is invited to take part in the event which, in addition to the tree lighting, will feature NDC’s annual holiday choral concert by performing arts students at 7:30 p.m. in the Administration Building’s Christ the King Chapel.
Shoe drive
The college is conducting a drive for new shoes through Dec. 15 in collaboration with the City of South Euclid.
The drive is modeled on 1981 alumna Jeanne Nealon’s initiative “Laces of Love,” which is currently conducted in Naples, Fla.
The collection will provide sneakers to needy South Euclid youths. Dropoff locations are located throughout campus, 4545 College Road, and at the South Euclid Community Center, 1370 Victory Drive.
“We are collecting new sneakers -- tennis shoes, athletic shoes -- for children ages 5 to 18,” said Karen Poelking, who was NDC’s vice president for board and community relations until her 2020 retirement. She now serves as Centennial coordinator.
“Our goal is to get at least 100 pairs. Shoes for younger children, as well as shoes for high school students, are all welcome.”
Notre Dame College is working with three primary groups to distribute the shoes, as well as with other groups.
The college maintains an ongoing relationship with South Euclid’s Garfield Memorial Church through tutoring and afterschool activities with the church’s elementary and middle school students/parishioners. NDC Campus Ministry is working with Garfield Church to distribute shoes to families in need.
Additionally, the college is working with the City of South Euclid to distribute shoes for Christmas, as well as the Sisters of Notre Dame, who have established Blessing House in Lorain. Blessing House is a children’s crisis care center, caring for children up to 12 years old whose parents or caregivers are facing a crisis or emergency or who are experiencing a high level of stress that might put their children at risk of abuse or neglect.
Finally, NDC will reach out to several schools and churches in Cuyahoga County to be sure each pair of shoes ends up with a young child or high school student in need.
“Some children do not go to school because they do not have shoes,” Poelking said. “In some families, children take turns wearing shoes to school. Each child should have the joy of a new pair of shoes.”
Videos and fundraising
Two videos have recently been produced that highlight the impact the college has made on students and the community.
One of these videos was shown at the Centennial’s opening event Sept. 18. It can be viewed on the Centennial’s events homepage at notredamecollege.edu/centennial/#events or accessed at youtube.com/watch?v=ekl_-JoS7-g.
Following the video, the Centennial Campaign was announced to the Sept. 18 crowd, with the goal of raising $14 million, the bulk of which will go toward scholarships. Donations can be made online at notredamecollege.edu/support-ndc/give/.
To date, just over $2.3 million has been raised.
The second video was created for One South Euclid’s Hometown Hero program, held during the nonprofit’s Mingle at Mayfield fundraiser Oct. 20. The college was one of three Hometown Hero recipients.
One South Euclid is the City of South Euclid’s community development corporation formed in 2009. The link to the nonprofit’s video is youtube.com/watch?v=N-PBJXyoO6U&t=11s.
History of science programs exhibit
A Centennial exhibit depicting the history of science programs at NDC is on display at the east end of the third floor of the Administration Building.
The public is invited to see a display of old specimens and equipment used for chemistry and biology classes, as well as images from science labs over the past 100 years.
Stories of notable science alumni will be added throughout the year. Chemistry and biology were among the first majors offered at Notre Dame.
Time capsule and history walk
The time capsule, which was buried in 1997 during the college’s 75th anniversary, was opened Sept. 19 at the NDC/Community Centennial Celebration. The items contained in the capsule reflect the college’s status at that time as an all-women’s college.
Some of the items in the capsule included copies of the ND News student newspaper; copies of ND Today, the college’s magazine; 1997 admission marketing materials; academic calendars; student life stories and memories; toys from the Tot Spot, the college’s daycare; and a replica of the Administration Building.
The time capsule display is located on the first floor of the Administration Building.
Visitors to campus can also take an interactive historic walking tour. Maps and directions can be found at notredamecollege.edu/centennial/walking-tour/, and paper copies are located throughout campus.
Access to the exhibits and the tour is available when classes are in session and the building is open -- from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Mondays through Fridays. Visitors should stop by admissions, located on the first floor of the Administration Building, to let staff know they are on campus.
Community members are also welcome and encouraged to stop in at the Falcon Café coffee shop to get to know students, faculty and staff.
“South Euclid is home to the college community, and we want the community to feel comfortable and welcome on campus,” Poelking said.
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