Oct. 16, 2012

Photo Gallery

NOTRE DAME, Ind. – The legendary University of Notre Dame Fencing program will be hosting a dedication ceremony for its new arena, the Castellan Family Fencing Center, Saturday, Oct. 20 at 10 a.m.

The center is a gift of Patrick and Concetta Castellan; Patrick is a 1968 graduate of Notre Dame, and their sons Matthew and Christopher both fenced during their time at the University. Matthew fenced from 2001-04, and Christopher participated in the program from 2004-05; he went on to graduate from Notre Dame in 2007. Concetta Castellan earned a B.A. in Spanish from Queens College (N.Y.), an M.S. in bilingual education from Hunter College (N.Y.) and an M.A. in counseling from Kean University (N.J.). The Castellans also have a daughter, Caroline, who graduated from Georgetown University.

The new facility, which features locker rooms, a team room and conference room, coaches’ offices, manager’s office and an armory, is located in the North Dome of the Joyce Athletic Convocation Center, the former location of the Joyce Ice Arena.

Throughout the new arena are several displays that honor Notre Dame’s instrumental fencers who have helped elevate the program into the nation’s most elite. The displays highlight not only the 279 All-Americans (21 of whom were four-time All-Americans), but also the 13 different Olympians (most notably, two-time gold-medalist Mariel Zagunis) and several NCAA Championship fencers and coaches.

Among the displays are two trophy cases that highlight the eight national championships the team has won. Both cases are located directly outside of the main entrance into the Castellan Family Fencing Center.

A detailed schedule of events for the Saturday dedication is as follows:

10:00 A.M. Dedication
– Master of Ceremonies – Missy Conboy, Sr. Deputy Athletics Director
– Invocation – Rev. John I. Jenkins, C.S.C., University President
– Blessing the plaque – Rev. John I. Jenkins, C.S.C.
– Remarks
Jack Swarbrick, University Vice President and Director of Athletics
Janusz Bednarski, Head Fencing Coach
Marta Stepien, Fencing Student-Athlete
Patrick Castellan (’68) and son Matthew (’04)
Conclusion
– Benediction – Rev. Lawrence Calhoun, C.S.C., Fencing Chaplain
– Musical Performance – Tim Stopulos
– Dismissal – Missy Conboy

11:00 A.M. Open House
– All are welcome to walk through the facility
– Concludes at 1:00 P.M.