Elizabeth Nanovic, a generous supporter of the University of Notre Dame and a founder of the Nanovic Institute for European Studies, died on March 30 at her home in North Yarmouth, Maine. She was 90 years old.
Born on July 6, 1934, in Queens, New York, Nanovic was the oldest of four siblings. She graduated from Baldwin High School and Hofstra University before beginning her career as a textbook editor at McGraw-Hill. Alongside her husband of 60 years, Robert S. Nanovic, she helped inspire the founding of the Nanovic Institute in 1992, providing students with opportunities for research, travel and study in Europe.
“Liz was extremely smart, witty, generous and kind,” A. James McAdams, the Scholl professor of international affairs, said. “She was intensely devoted to enriching the learning experience of Notre Dame students by encouraging language study, creating unparalleled opportunities to study and travel in Europe and bringing distinguished European leaders, film directors, musicians and scholars to Notre Dame.”
At the Nanovic Institute, Elizabeth Nanovic made a point of connecting with students during her visits to campus.
“She was always touched by the gratitude they expressed for providing them with opportunities to broaden their horizons in ways that would have a lasting impact on their lives,” McAdams said.
Clemens Sedmak, the director of the Nanovic Institute, praised Elizabeth Nanovic’s deep care for students, particularly those from less privileged backgrounds.
“She especially cared about students who came from not-so-privileged backgrounds,” Sedmak said. “She loved to hear from the students directly.”
When describing her character, Sedmak added, “Liz Nanovic was kind and down to earth, a great human being with a love for children, students, books, travels and wildlife. She loved pets, wildlife and birds. She loved to read and knew so many words I would never have heard of.”
The Nanovic Institute has supported hundreds of students in their travels and research across Europe and brought dozens of important European voices to campus. Sedmak emphasized that “without the generosity of Liz and Bob Nanovic, all this would not happen and would not have happened.“
Former Nanovic Institute administrative assistant Sharon Konopka, who worked at the institute for more than two decades, remembered Elizabeth Nanovic’s ability to make everyone feel welcome.
“Her favorite events were the ones where students were involved,” Konopka said. “She loved talking to the students who had received travel grants about the research they conducted in Europe. Liz made everyone feel comfortable, whether it was staff, students or visiting speakers.”
Beyond Notre Dame, Elizabeth Nanovic’s philanthropy reflected her wide range of passions, including supporting conservation efforts in Florida, medical initiatives in Maine and educational scholarships at several universities. She especially enjoyed summers at Kezar Lake in Lovell, Maine, and winters on Captiva Island, Florida, where she exercised her love for wildlife and shelling.
An avid reader and crossword puzzle enthusiast, Elizabeth Nanovic was also a devoted family historian. She traveled extensively, sharing her passion for culture and history with her children and grandchildren.
Friends recalled Elizabeth Nanovic’s hospitality and warmth. Sedmak shared memories of visiting the Nanovics at their home, including a 2024 visit when Elizabeth Nanovic retold the story of the institute’s beginnings, which started with a Notre Dame cruise on the Danube River.
“She was a great storyteller too,” Sedmak said.
Sedmak also reflected on Elizabeth Nanovic’s marriage to her husband, calling their more than 60-year bond “touching” and “a deep partnership.”
Elizabeth Nanovic is survived by her husband, Robert S. Nanovic, three children — Rebecca Lin, Kathryn Nanovic-Morlet and Robert T. Nanovic — and seven grandchildren.
The funeral Mass for Elizabeth Nanovic was celebrated by University President Fr. Bob Dowd and Fr. John Jenkins, during which she was recognized for her “quiet strength” and “unwavering commitment to Notre Dame.” Among those in attendance were provost John McGreevy, Keough School dean Mary Gallagher, vice president Fr. Austin Collins, vice president Mike Seamon, Raclin Murphy Museum director Joseph Becherer, alumni executive director Dolly Duffy and members of the development office, along with Sedmak and his wife, Maria.
Visitation was held on Sunday, April 6 at Conroy Tully Walker Funeral Home in Portland, Maine. A funeral Mass took place Monday, April 7, at St. Pius X Church in Portland.
More information about Nanovic’s life can be found in her official obituary.
