The University of Notre Dame announced the retirement of Doug Marsh, longtime university architect and vice president for facilities design and operations.
Marsh is retiring effective May 31, 2025, after a 30-year career at the university.
“Over the past three decades, Notre Dame’s campus has experienced tremendous growth, and Doug has been at the forefront of ensuring that we have world-class facilities to support the teaching, research and community-building that are at the heart of the university’s mission,” said Rev. Robert Dowd, Notre Dame president, in a press release.
During Marsh’s tenure, the campus grew by 55 percent, from 7.3 to 11.3 million square feet, and 60 major buildings were opened. The buildings include new research facilities, academic and sacred spaces, residence halls, and student life facilities. Since 1995, 25 smaller structures that support campus infrastructure and operations have also been built.
“Doug is arguably the most impactful builder in Notre Dame’s history,” Shannon Cullinan, Notre Dame executive vice president, said. “He has led with exceptional wisdom, humility and a true servant’s heart. His legacy on our physical campus, our culture and our spirits will be felt for years to come.”
Marsh spearheaded the drafting of the university’s original campus plan in 2002 and updated it in 2008, 2017 and 2024.
The plan spurred the development of the university’s new Arts Gateway at the southern edge of campus. It also led to the creation of Eddy Street Commons, a college town environment within walking distance of campus. Marsh also led the 800,000-square-foot Campus Crossroads project, the largest construction project in the university’s history.
Marsh’s impact on Notre Dame has been also felt abroad. He led projects including the design and construction of academic centers and student residences in Rome, London and Dublin.
Marsh has also helped advance Notre Dame’s transition from fossil fuels to sustainable energy. Nearly a third of all campus buildings will be LEED-certified when the buildings currently under construction are completed.
A South Bend native, Marsh received a bachelor’s degree in architecture from Notre Dame. He worked in private practice prior to joining the university’s staff.
“I am extremely humbled and grateful to have walked alongside a legion of friends, colleagues, leaders, benefactors, scholars, students, alumni and mentors who have all shared a deep love for this extraordinary place,” Marsh said.
