The Honors Program brings together the best and brightest minds representing different majors at NDMU. They form a tight-knit community of active learners and global citizens who take part in unique experiential learning opportunities including study abroad, directed research, service learning, and conference presentations.
Named in honor of Elizabeth Morrissy, Ph.D., a distinguished professor of history, political science and economics at Notre Dame for 40 years, the Honors Program provides opportunities for students to experience the kind of excitement in learning that Dr. Morrissy inspired.
Program Benefits
Morrissy Scholars embrace many exclusive opportunities—from studying and gathering in the charming, cozy Otenasek House to experiencing new cultures and traveling abroad.
Leadership Opportunities
- Participate in national, regional and state honors conferences
- Serve on the Morrissy Honors Student Executive Board, an elected group that helps plan activities and events
- Guide first-year students through the Morrissy Mentorship Program
Cultural Experiences & Study Abroad
- Scholarship opportunities for two-week study tours abroad
- International study abroad opportunity every two years
- Dinners and other social activities in the Otenasek House
- Baltimore outings including Center Stage, Baltimore Symphony Orchestra, Baltimore Opera and The Walters Art Museum
Otenasek House
The Otenasek House of the Morrissy Honors Program provides welcoming study areas, a seminar room for classes as well as individual and group activities, and a comfortable lounge where students interact with other honors students and faculty.
Recognition
- Incoming students accepted to the Honors program receive Notre Dame’s largest and most prestigious merit scholarships
- Honors courses are designated on student transcripts.
- “Morrissy Scholar” is noted on transcripts (if required 18 credits of honors courses are completed).
- Scholars are recognized publicly at Notre Dame’s annual fall Honors Convocation.

Honors Councils
The University maintains membership in the National Collegiate Honors Council (NCHC), the Northeast Regional Honors Conference (NE-NCHC) and the Maryland Collegiate Honors Council (MCHC).
