James E. Armstrong Award - 2019: Ann (Stockmann) Firth ’81, ’84 J.D.
2019: Ann (Stockmann) Firth ’81, ’84 J.D.
With this award, Ann (Stockmann) Firth ’81, ’84 J.D. is recognized for her distinguished service to Our Lady’s University.
Firth arrived on Notre Dame’s campus as a first-year student in August 1977. The daughter of German immigrants, she immediately felt a sense of belonging. A proud resident of Walsh Hall, she embraced both campus life and her studies, earning her undergraduate and law degrees from Notre Dame.
After practicing law in Chicago, Ann married John Firth ’81, ’84 J.D., and the couple settled in South Bend. She applied for a position as the University’s inaugural director of residence life, beginning a career as an administrator that has spanned 33 years.
After serving in residence life, Firth took on other leadership roles, eventually becoming the Associate Vice President for Student Affairs. In 2011, she joined the President’s Office, where she now serves as Vice President and Chief of Staff, working closely with University President Rev. John I. Jenkins, C.S.C.
In her current role, Firth manages the staff and operations of the President’s Office and communicates with internal and external constituencies. She serves as a primary liaison with the University’s Board of Trustees, helps coordinate the initiatives of the President’s Leadership Council, and serves as part of several key University committees. She is also responsible for the planning of University-wide events hosted by the President’s Office, including the annual Commencement Exercises.
Firth and her husband are the proud parents of five children, including four Notre Dame graduates (John ’10, Molly ’12, Kate ’13, Jim ’16), and a current Notre Dame junior (Clare ’20).
As I look at the list of past recipients, I am humbled, as so many of them taught me by their examples what it means to serve Our Lady’s University. It’s a great blessing in my life and that of my family to be part of Notre Dame, to try to pass on all that we have received from Notre Dame and the Congregation of Holy Cross.