Donor Stories

Beth (O’Shaughnessy) Friel (‘06) Albuquerque, New Mexico

“Giving to Notre Dame was an obvious choice for my new husband and I. The University brought us together and prepared us to live a rich and meaningful life. As newlyweds, we make decisions every day about financial priorities, and we have decided to be consistent supporters of Notre Dame. We give out of gratitude for the lessons we carry with us and in the hope that the University will expand its great work in our country and around the world.

Future students deserve the extracurriculars, research opportunities, outstanding facilities, spiritual guidance, preprofessional advising, rigorous classes, and residential life we enjoyed. Someone built it for us; it’s our turn to contribute to the future of Notre Dame.

By leaving our gifts unrestricted, Notre Dame can guide our donations to meet needs that may not be apparent to us. We trust Notre Dame to make the most of our gift. The University has certainly earned that trust.”

Barbara Kelly, Notre Dame Parent (‘03 and ‘08) and Spouse (‘70) Irvine, California

“As the wife of a 1970 graduate, when Notre Dame was all men, I watched it from a distance. Now as the mother of a Notre Dame graduate and current student, I am Notre Dame! With each year, each visit to campus, and every national acknowledgment of Notre Dame’s excellence, I have felt a part of the spirit, the values, and the life of Notre Dame. Notre Dame stands for faith and family, for knowledge and achievement. How can you not want to be a part of that?”

Katy Marsh (‘06, ‘07 MBA candidate) Bowling Green, Ohio

“I donated to the Class of 2006 Scholarship Fund so that other young people could experience the unique beauty and community of Notre Dame. As a graduate student now, it’s so fulfilling to walk around campus watching undergraduates enjoy what I enjoyed for four years.”

Jen Monn Curran (‘02) Atlanta, Georgia

“When I was a student, I received academic support from several scholarship funds. It’s important to me now to give back. I’m not fooled by that 24k Golden Dome – I know Notre Dame needs my help. Alumni support like mine is what allows this place to continue functioning as a world-class university.”

Jack Flynn (‘55) River Forest, Illinois

“I contribute to Notre Dame primarily because they develop such respect for community service. Their Center for Social Concerns is probably the largest effort of any university to do that kind of work. They are trying to make a difference in the world. That’s why I support them.”

Ed Walerko, friend of Notre Dame President, Walerko Tool & Engineering Corp. Elkhart, Indiana

“I’ve attended Notre Dame athletics events for 40+ years, enjoying the games and soaking up the traditions. My connection to the University, however, has always been that of the fan, observing from the stands. Contributing to the Rockne Heritage Fund and joining the Director’s Circle has given me a closer tie to Notre Dame. Membership has afforded me opportunities to meet student-athletes, coaches, and athletics administrators. I am very gratified to know that my contributions have helped to fully fund grants-in-aid for all 26 varsity sports.”

Matt (‘97) and Kate (‘97) Althoff Sioux Falls, South Dakota

“We participate in the Reunion Giving and Dorm Challenge campaigns because they offer an added incentive: benefiting the University, while hearkening back to those dorm rivalries that played such a large role in our formation at Notre Dame.”

Eugene and Denise Desimone, Notre Dame parents Bernardsville, New Jersey

“As the parents of a sophomore, we are delighted to support the mission of Notre Dame, a university that has no identity crisis. They know who they are and are proud to be America’s Catholic university. In a world where many are losing their way, Notre Dame’s moral compass continues to point students in the right direction. We are truly blessed to be a part of the Notre Dame family.”

Rob Bertino (‘85) Goldman, Sachs & Co. Dallas, Texas

“By using my company’s matching gift program, I am giving Goldman, Sachs a way to support Notre Dame. And, as the Volunteer Notre Dame Corporate Agent for my company, I can help to educate others about the simplicity of requesting a matching gift and the exponential value it has for the University.”

Kate Dembs (‘03) Chicago, Illinois

“I know my employer has money budgeted for philanthropy. Those dollars are going to go somewhere. Why shouldn’t they go to Notre Dame?”

John J. McMackin Jr. (‘74) Sorin Society member since 1984, Founder’s Circle member since 2003, Chevy Chase, Maryland

“As I get grayer and slower, I think more about what matters, what lasts. Notre Dame stands for something–a tradition older than itself, one that struggles now as it has always struggled, but one that should be preserved and shared.”

David Olivencia (‘04 MBA) Madison Heights, Michigan

“I believe in giving back–especially to those who have given so much to me. I am proud to belong to a group of leaders who share the same values that I do. Together, members of the John Cardinal O’Hara Society are helping the Mendoza College of Business to meet its mission.”

Robert Wozny, Notre Dame parent President’s Circle member since 2003 Granger, Indiana

“The President’s Circle provides a great opportunity for us to support Father Jenkins in his mission to demonstrate that excellence in education and Catholic education are not mutually exclusive concepts.”

Adam Skibley (‘02) Palo Alto, California

“I support Notre Dame because I believe in the mission of this University and its power to be an instrument of positive change in the world–and because I hope that members of my family and future generations will have the opportunity to be a part of that mission, too.”

Mary Blazek Kruger (‘04) Chicago, IL

"I feel strongly about supporting the Law School because I had an incredible experience as a student, and I want others to be able to share in that same experience."

Amy (Cashore) Mariani (’92) Winchester, Massachusetts

"My years at Notre Dame were a time of tremendous personal and academic growth—and a long time coming! My father, a Notre Dame alum, taught me the Fight Song when I was just two. My son Michael is two now. He sings the Fight Song… and we’re working on the alma mater."

Josh Gentine (03) Milwaukee, Wisconsin

" I joined the Sorin Society because I have been so blessed. Notre Dame formed me—I couldn’t have asked for a better place to learn and grow. With these gifts comes the obligation to give back. Notre Dame was a gift to me, and I hope my contribution can provide that same gift for others, now and in the future."