The University of Notre Dame's School of Architecture has received a landmark investment of $150 million from alumnus Matthew Walsh and his wife, Joyce. This significant gift is the largest in the 160-year history of American architectural education. It will dramatically enhance the school's global influence, research capabilities, and long-term strategic vision. In recognition of this unprecedented generosity, the school will be renamed the Matthew and Joyce Walsh School of Architecture at Notre Dame.
Key Takeaways
- Notre Dame's School of Architecture received a $150 million gift.
- This is the largest gift in American architectural education history.
- The school will be renamed the Matthew and Joyce Walsh School of Architecture.
- The investment aims to expand global reach, research, and future vision.
- The Walshes have a long history of supporting the University and the School of Architecture.
Transforming Architectural Education Globally
The University of Notre Dame officially announced the transformative gift on September 25, 2025. This investment positions the school to become a global leader in architectural education. It will influence how architecture is taught and practiced for many generations to come.
Rev. Robert A. Dowd, C.S.C., President of the University, expressed deep gratitude for the Walshes' vision. He stated that their support ensures the School of Architecture will be among the best worldwide. Father Dowd emphasized Notre Dame's mission to be a 'force for good' and highlighted how this gift will enable the school to transform the field through its graduates and research.
Historic Investment
The $150 million gift is the largest single commitment ever made to an American architectural education program. This sets a new benchmark for philanthropic support in the field.
Expanding Impact and Research Excellence
The Walsh family's gift will allow the school to significantly broaden its impact. It will also ensure the school can adapt to future needs and challenges effectively. This flexibility is crucial in a rapidly changing world.
John McGreevy, the Charles and Jill Fischer Provost of the University, commented on the gift's importance. He noted that advancing Notre Dame as a leading global Catholic research university requires elevating the research excellence of all its colleges and schools. The School of Architecture, already known for its classical and new urbanist approach, now has an opportunity to build on its prestigious programs. This will influence architectural teaching and practice both nationally and internationally.
"Through the support of the Walsh family, our School of Architecture — widely renowned for its classical and new urbanist approach to the discipline — has an opportunity to build its already prestigious program in ways that will influence the teaching and practice of architecture in our country and around the world."
A Legacy of Generosity and Support
Matthew and Joyce Walsh have been dedicated supporters of the University and the School of Architecture for many years. Their previous contributions include substantial support for the school's academic facility in Rome. This renovation took place in 2014.
In 2013, the Walshes provided a $33 million gift. This funding led to the construction of a new 100,000-square-foot building for the School of Architecture. The Walsh Family Hall opened in 2018. It was designed with a focus on architectural character, long-term sustainability, and energy conservation. The hall is a key part of the University's Arts Gateway, located on the south side of the campus. It joins other significant buildings like O’Neill Hall and the Raclin Murphy Museum of Art.
The Walsh Family Hall
- Opened: 2018
- Size: 100,000 square feet
- Key features: Emphasizes architectural character, long-term sustainability, and energy conservation.
- Location: South side of Notre Dame campus, within the Arts Gateway.
Upholding Unique Pedagogy and Professional Excellence
Stefanos Polyzoides, the Francis and Kathleen Rooney Dean of the School of Architecture, highlighted the deeper meaning of this new gift. He described it as a strong endorsement of the school's unique teaching philosophy. This philosophy emphasizes respect for place, culture, climate, and social purpose. It prepares students to address both the physical need for shelter and the spiritual longing for community.
Dean Polyzoides also affirmed the school's commitment to a specific view of the architecture profession. This view focuses on designing beautiful, durable, and resilient buildings. The goal is to improve how people live together in flourishing cities and in harmony with nature.
"Thanks to Matt and Joyce Walsh, from this point forward, the School of Architecture will be the only school of its kind in the world with the resources to match its ambitions of academic and professional excellence."
According to Dean Polyzoides, this gift ensures that Notre Dame's School of Architecture will be uniquely resourced globally. It will have the means to achieve its goals of academic and professional excellence, reinforcing its distinct position in the field.
The Walsh Family: Dedicated Advocates
Matthew Walsh earned a bachelor’s degree in English from Notre Dame in 1968. He later received a law degree from Loyola University Chicago in 1972. He served as chair of the School of Architecture Advisory Council for 17 years, from 2004 to 2021. He is also a life member of the board of trustees for Saint Ignatius College Prep.
Joyce Walsh completed a bachelor’s degree in French from Barat College. She has dedicated her time to her family and is a volunteer leader at Saint Ignatius College Prep. The Walshes have three adult children: Matthew IV, Sean, and Erin. Erin and her husband, Mike Gibbons, are both 1998 Notre Dame graduates. Additionally, Sean Walsh and Mike Gibbons both earned EMBA degrees from Notre Dame.
Matthew Walsh shared how he and Joyce first learned about the School of Architecture in 1996 through Andy McKenna Sr., then chairman of Notre Dame’s Board of Trustees. He stated that their three-decade journey with the school has been transformative for both of them. Their primary goal with this gift is to ensure the Notre Dame School of Architecture continues to lead in architecture worldwide and in creating world-class environments.
"Notre Dame architects have always been inspirational leaders. Our goal is to ensure that continues in perpetuity," Matthew Walsh said. This statement highlights their long-term vision for the school's influence.
A Family Business and Architectural Parallels
After earning his law degree, Matt Walsh joined his family's business, Walsh Construction. This Chicago-based firm was founded in 1898 by his Irish immigrant grandfather, Matthew Myles Walsh. Today, Matt Walsh co-chairs the firm with his brother Dan. They lead the company alongside all their adult children.
Walsh Construction is a prominent national leader in the construction industry. The firm has undertaken major transformative projects in many leading U.S. cities. It is also one of the largest builders of major infrastructure across North America. Interestingly, the School of Architecture at Notre Dame was established in 1898, the same year Walsh Construction began. It was the first such program at an American Catholic college or university.
Walsh Construction Milestones
- Founded: 1898
- Founders: Matthew Myles Walsh (grandfather of Matthew Walsh)
- Current Leadership: Matt and Dan Walsh (co-chairs)
- Industry Standing: National leader in construction, one of North America's largest infrastructure builders.
Academic Programs and Global Immersion
The School of Architecture at Notre Dame offers a five-year bachelor’s degree program. A distinctive feature of this program is that students spend their entire third year at the University’s facility in Rome. This global immersion provides students with a unique perspective on classical architecture and urbanism.
In addition to the undergraduate program, the school offers various master’s degrees. These include master's degrees in architecture, urbanism, and historic preservation. These programs further solidify the school's commitment to comprehensive architectural education.
The Rome program is a cornerstone of the curriculum. It allows students to experience historical and contemporary architectural practices firsthand. This exposure is vital for understanding the global context of architectural design and urban planning.
This historic gift from Matthew and Joyce Walsh ensures that Notre Dame's School of Architecture will continue to foster leaders who respect tradition while innovating for the future. The investment will enable new research, expanded opportunities, and a lasting impact on the built environment worldwide.