Bringing transition to co-education full circle
Diane Dirkers Jones
class of '84
Imagine a prototype raven-haired green-eyed Fighting Irish hero with a good Celtic name like Riley — and her first name is Ruth!
Undoubtedly, the Notre Dame students of today are still reveling in the victory, basking in the afterglow of a championship — as are we alumni from sea to shining sea and beyond.
Speaking as a member of the eighth class of women to attend the University, however, the championship meant much, much more than that to me. Back in the early 1980's, men outnumbered women on campus by over a three to one margin in enrollment, and by far greater proportions in influence and tradition.
I will never forget the Notre Dame Club Freshman Send-Off Picnic I attended the summer before I started at Notre Dame. An alumni from the class of 1953 looked me straight in the eye and told me point-blank that the decision to become co-ed was "the worst mistake Notre Dame had ever made." Nice send-off, huh?
Sadly to say, his were not the only derogatory comments I was to hear. Over the next four years, there were professors, security officers, alumni — and even fellow students — who openly echoed the refrain. Our joke back then was that the only adjustments Notre Dame had made to welcome women were a few alterations to the plumbing system.
Thus was it a grand and glorious moment for me to sit in my living room, watching the Irish women play to a packed house, cheered on by the band and cheerleaders and hordes of students and alumni waving the "Play Like A Champion" sign — gaining the respect and adoration once reserved exclusively for those in pads and helmets.
I'll bet even my send-off buddy from the class of '53 was jumping up and down in his living room, embracing the new champions as his own. Although they may not know it, Ruth Riley, Niele Ivey and crew have accomplished something far greater than just a sporting championship. They have brought the University's transition to co-education full circle, as women have become not only a part of Notre Dame's enrollment but of its rich and glorious traditions.
It certainly brought tears to this Domer's eyes. Thank you Lady Irish!
Diane Dirkers Jones
class of '84
Washington, MO
April 2, 2001
All Viewpoint Stories for Tuesday, April 3, 2001
