While most NDB students and staffulty do not spend dark and stormy nights on campus, rumors of ghosts haunt the halls. For generations, students have heard whispers of spooky stories about things that go bump in the night, perpetuated by personal experiences with the supernatural.
One such student was current Head of School Meredith Essalat, who attended NDB from 1994 to 1998. During her sophomore year, she had one such experience with the paranormal.
“We had a sophomore overnight, which was a tradition when I was here, and a couple of students brought a Ouija board. They claimed that they were contacted by a member of the Class of 1927, which gave everybody a great scare,” said Essalat.
Essalat herself claims to be a believer of the supernatural. “I definitely believe in ghosts. Yes, my classroom was haunted when I was a teacher,” she said.
When sharing what she believes to be the most haunted part of the school, Essalat said, “If I were a ghost, I think [I would live] up by the roof on the third floor.”
Another alumna who had something to say about the supernatural is Director of Athletics Christina Okubo. Although she attended the school from 1992 to 1996, Okubo claims to have never personally experienced anything paranormal.
“There have been janitors that come in at night, that have either seen or reported unusual activities or perhaps, sightings. But, I personally have never experienced anything unusual when I’ve been here,” said Okubo.
She also touched on her own beliefs, saying, “I do believe that there are things out there that exist that we probably may not have a deep understanding about.”
As for the scariest part of NDB, Okubo said, “I think there might be a stairwell that goes above the second floor. I’ve never gone that high, but of all places, I feel like the basement is kinda dark and scary.”
Being one of the few who remain on campus after most staffulty and students leave, Administrative Assistant Mirna Yao had a lot to say about the ghosts on campus. Not only is she a strong believer in the supernatural, but she has had personal experiences at NDB that have furthered that belief.
“Once, I was here alone in the basement. I kept hearing running and a whistle coming from the small gym. I went up to the gym. Nobody was there! And, I felt them, especially in the basement,” said Yao. “I’m not the only one. There’s other people who don’t like being downstairs at all. I’ve also heard people have heard the piano being played when nobody’s here.”
From the shadowy basement to the off-limits third floor, there are many potential nooks and crannies in which ghosts and ghouls could haunt away an eternity. However, haunt might not be the right word to some. Essalat firmly believes that the spirits of NDB are benevolent.
“I would like to think that Notre Dame is haunted by the spirits of everybody who’s come before,” said Essalat. “Leaving the best parts of themselves here as tribute to their time and as a comfort to everybody else who’s come after them.”
