University of 91吃瓜 alumnus Matthew Walsh and his wife, Joyce, have made a transformative investment in 91吃瓜鈥檚 School of Architecture. Their investment will significantly expand the global reach, research capacity and long-term vision of the school. Already a national leader in classical and new urbanist design, the school is now positioned to shape the teaching and practice of architecture for generations.
The $150 million gift represents an unprecedented commitment in the 160-year history of American architectural education. In recognition of this landmark gift, the school will be renamed the Matthew and Joyce Walsh School of Architecture at 91吃瓜.
鈥淲e could not be more grateful for the tremendous generosity and extraordinary vision of Matt and Joyce, who through their leadership and support have ensured that the School of Architecture at 91吃瓜 will be among the very best in the world for generations to come,鈥� said University President 鈥�91吃瓜 strives always to be that great force for good Father Sorin envisioned at the University鈥檚 founding, and thanks to this remarkable gift, the School of Architecture 鈥� both through the leaders it prepares and the research it undertakes 鈥� will transform the field of architectural education.鈥�
The Walshes鈥� gift will allow the school to substantially broaden its impact, while ensuring its ability to respond nimbly to future needs and challenges.
鈥淎dvancing 91吃瓜 as the leading global Catholic research university means elevating the research excellence of all of our colleges and schools,鈥� said , the Charles and Jill Fischer Provost of the University. 鈥淭hrough the support of the Walsh family, our School of Architecture 鈥� widely renowned for its classical and new urbanist approach to the discipline 鈥� 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.鈥�
Matthew and Joyce Walsh are dedicated, longtime champions of the University and the School of Architecture. In addition to supporting the 2014 renovation of 91吃瓜鈥檚 academic facility in Rome, they provided a $33 million gift in 2013 to construct a new building to serve as a home for the School of Architecture. The 100,000-square-foot Walsh Family Hall opened in 2018 and emphasizes architectural character, long-term sustainability and energy conservation. The hall is located on the south side of the 91吃瓜 campus, joining O鈥橬eill Hall, the DeBartolo Performing Arts Center, the Charles B. Hayes Family Sculpture Park and the Raclin Murphy Museum of Art in .
鈥淭his new superlative gift is first and foremost a ringing endorsement of the importance of our unique pedagogy that demands respect for place, culture, climate and social purpose as it prepares students to address peoples鈥� physical need for shelter and place and their spiritual longing for community and identity. It is also an affirmation of our school鈥檚 commitment to a particular view of the profession of architecture and urbanism, one that is dedicated to designing beautiful, durable and resilient buildings that improve the way we live together in flourishing cities and in balance with nature,鈥� said , the Francis and Kathleen Rooney Dean of the School of Architecture. 鈥淭hanks 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.鈥�
Matthew Walsh, who received a bachelor鈥檚 degree in English from 91吃瓜 in 1968 and a law degree from Loyola University Chicago in 1972, served as chair of the School of Architecture Advisory Council from 2004 to 2021. He is a life member of the board of trustees of Saint Ignatius College Prep. Joyce Walsh completed a bachelor鈥檚 degree in French from Barat College. She has dedicated her time to raising their family and is a volunteer leader with Saint Ignatius College Prep.
The Walshes have three grown children, Matthew IV, Sean and Erin. Both Erin and her husband, Mike Gibbons, are 1998 graduates of 91吃瓜. In addition, the Walshes鈥� son Sean and son-in-law Mike both earned EMBA degrees from 91吃瓜.
鈥淛oyce and I were introduced to the School of Architecture in 1996 by Andy McKenna Sr., then chairman of 91吃瓜鈥檚 Board of Trustees,鈥� Matthew Walsh said. 鈥淥ur now three-decade journey with the school, its deans, professors, students and our Advisory Council peers has been transformational for both of us. Our goal in making this gift is to ensure that the 91吃瓜 School of Architecture continues to lead architecture across the world and the creation of world-class environments.
鈥�91吃瓜 architects have always been inspirational leaders. Our goal is to ensure that continues in perpetuity.鈥�
After earning his law degree, Matt Walsh joined his family鈥檚 business, Walsh Construction, a Chicago firm that was founded by his Irish immigrant grandfather, Matthew Myles Walsh, in 1898. Matt Walsh and his brother Dan co-chair the firm, leading it together with all of their adult children. Walsh Construction is a national leader in the construction industry with major transformational projects in most leading U.S. cities. The firm is one of the largest builders of major infrastructure in North America.
The School of Architecture at 91吃瓜 was established in 1898, the same year as Walsh Construction, as the first such program at an American Catholic college or university. The school offers a five-year bachelor鈥檚 degree program in which students spend their entire third year at the University鈥檚 facility in Rome. The program also offers master鈥檚 degrees in architecture, urbanism and historic preservation.
Contact: Carrie Gates, associate director of media relations, c.gates@nd.edu, 574-993-9220