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Notre Dame Honors Sister John Miriam Jones for Leadership in Coeducation
On Friday, Sept. 19, 2025, the University of Notre Dame paid tribute to the late S. John Miriam Jones, recognizing her pivotal role in the university’s transition to coeducation. University President Father Robert Dowd, Chief of Staff Ann Firth, President Emeritus Father Monk Malloy, and Professor Emeritus Father Tom Blantz joined committee members—including Sister of Charity of Cincinnati Sally Duffy—for the dedication and blessing of a tree outside Badin Hall.
In her remarks, Teri Madden, committee member, highlighted S. John’s historic contributions: “When Notre Dame made its decision to enroll women undergrads in 1972, Father Ted appointed S. John to the Provost’s Office, making her the university’s first high-ranking female administrator. For the next 17 years, first as assistant provost then as associate provost, S. John was a key figure—and a staunch ally and advocate—in leading the integration of women into the university. The university’s historic change from an all-male to a coeducational institution wasn’t always easy, but, as her commemorative plaque on Notre Dame’s Wall of Honor attests: ‘S. John directed that transition with an impressive blend of imagination, grace, and humor.’”
The tree dedication was part of a celebratory weekend marking the 50th anniversary of undergraduate women’s admission. It coincided with the dedication of the newly remodeled Notre Dame Circle, honoring the lasting contributions of women students and graduates.
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