The architectural firm of Ellerbe and Company, located in St. Paul, Minnesota, was commissioned to create plans for the new Memorial Library. The modern, modular building was designed as a “library for people as well as books.” It would support the diverse needs of faculty, graduate students and undergraduate students for research, study and engagement in various aspects of academic life.
The building’s 430,000 square foot, 14-story (including the penthouse) structure required the fabrication of over 2,800 tons of steel.
In April 1962, Rev. Theodore M. Hesburgh signed a steel column as part of the “topping out” ceremony which involved raising the highest piece of steel in the structure and fitting it into place. Fr. Hesburgh inscribed the steel with the following Latin phrase: ”Nos cum prole pia benedicat Virgo Maria.” This Catholic prayer translates as “May the Blessed Mother bless us with her wonderful child.”
After the signing, officials from the University and U.S. Steel helped to attach the American flag to the steel prior to raising it to the top of the building. This topping out effort signaled to all that the steel frame would soon be completed.
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