The University of Notre Dame du Lac is a private Catholic research university located in Notre Dame, Indiana, United States. Founded in 1842 by Father Edward Sorin and members of the Congregation of Holy Cross, the institution has grown from a modest log cabin school into a prestigious academic powerhouse with a 1,261-acre suburban campus featuring iconic landmarks like the Main Building with its Golden Dome, Sacred Heart Basilica, the Grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes, and Notre Dame Stadium. Throughout its history, Notre Dame has navigated significant challenges including a devastating fire in 1879 and played a crucial role during World War II by hosting a V-7 naval officer training program. Academically, Notre Dame is renowned for its strong liberal arts programs, law, business, engineering, and the humanities, with particular emphasis on Catholic intellectual traditions, ethics, philosophy, and public policy from a faith-based perspective. The university has a prominent intercollegiate football program that helped build its national reputation and secured landmark athletic partnerships, including a record-breaking 2014 deal with Under Armour. Notable alumni include former U.S. Vice President Joe Biden, Supreme Court Justice Amy Coney Barrett, and Condoleezza Rice, who earned her Master's degree in political science from the university in 1975. The university fosters a community oriented around Catholic values, service, and global engagement, with recent developments including the Campus Crossroads project integrating academic, student life, and athletic facilities.