After more than 100 years since it was founded in 1922, Thursday marks the last day of classes at Notre Dame College in South Euclid before the school closes forever.
“Like many small higher education institutions across the country, NDC has faced long-standing challenges related to declining enrollment, a shrinking pool of college-aged students, rising costs and significant debt,” according to the school’s closure announcement back on Feb. 29. “These challenges were the impetus for the Board of Trustees’ decision to create new pathways for students to continue their education at partner institutions.”
Notre Dame College’s closure announcement said the Board of Trustees had worked tirelessly for years on multiple fronts to address long-standing issues.
“This includes refinancing debt, navigating a down market, strategically using Federal and State COVID-19 relief funds to maintain our mission during the pandemic, launching a Centennial fundraising campaign, pursuing two potential higher education partners for a possible merger or acquisition; and working closely with major donors and other stakeholders to raise additional revenue. These heroic efforts were not enough to close the financial gap in time to satisfy debt obligations and allow the school to continue to operate independently.”
As a result of the closure, the Notre Dame College Board of Trustees reached agreements with nine partner colleges and universities to help current students in good standing continue their college careers. Here are those full details as announced in February:
The options available for students depend on their status at NDC. Current students in good standing with at least 60 completed credits will receive guaranteed admission to pursue their degrees uninterrupted at a partner institution, with comparable net tuition and transfer of all credits. They will be able to complete their degree in relatively the same amount of time as they could at NDC. Current students in good standing with less than 60 completed credits may have the opportunity to transfer to a partner institution and receive the same benefits of the Teach-Out Program.
We are pleased to have several Teach-Out Partner Institutions that have agreed to provide outstanding opportunities for our students, including Baldwin Wallace University; Cleveland State University; Hiram College; John Carroll University; Kent State University; Lake Erie College; Ursuline College; Walsh University; and Mercyhurst University (Erie, PA). Additional partners may be announced during the remainder of Spring Semester.
NDC will also offer HR support to all faculty and staff to support them with their career transition.
SOUTH EUCLID MAYOR'S REACTION TO NOTRE DAME CLOSURE
Here's what South Euclid Mayor Georgine Welo said after news of Notre Dame's closure was first announced:
The decision comes as a profound loss to our community, marking the end of an era rich in academic excellence, tradition, and community engagement.
Notre Dame College has been more than just a place of learning; it has been a beacon of knowledge, a cultural hub, a gathering place for our community, and a cherished landmark. For decades, it has nurtured the minds and spirits of countless students, fostering intellectual curiosity, personal growth, and a sense of belonging.
The college is one of our most cherished institutions steeped in tradition and excellence. As we reflect on the today’s announcement, we honor Notre Dame College’s storied history and the countless individuals—students, faculty, staff, and alumni—who have contributed to its legacy. Their dedication and passion have left an indelible mark on South Euclid, helping to shape the fabric of our community for generations to come.
At this time, we don’t know what the future holds for this historic property, but we draw strength from the enduring spirit of our community and the bonds that unite us. Together, we will work to honor the legacy of Notre Dame College and keep South Euclid a great place to “Come Together & Thrive.”
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