Recognition Societies
Individuals who want to make a strong statement about their commitment to the mission of Our Lady’s University—and support that mission at a higher level—often choose to join one of Notre Dame’s recognition societies.
A Core of the Notre Dame Family.
Recognition societies were created to honor and thank those donors whose loyal commitment and steadfast, high-level support have made them a core of the Notre Dame family. Since the Sorin Society was founded in 1976, members of recognition societies have proved the largest—and most dependable—source of unrestricted annual support for the University, its students, and its myriad academic, athletic, and outreach programs.
Become a Member.
With a minimum annual contribution of $1,500, donors are invited to join a recognition society:
- Sorin Society (unrestricted support)
- Order of St. Thomas More (Notre Dame Law School support)
- John Cardinal O’Hara Society (MBA support)
- Director’s Circle (athletics support)
With an unrestricted annual gift of $25,000, donors are invited by Notre Dame’s president, Father John Jenkins, to assist him in meeting emerging and strategic priorities through the
Those who have graciously included Notre Dame in their estate plans are welcomed into the
Recognition society membership is open to all alumni, parents, and friends of Notre Dame. Want to know more about Notre Dame’s recognition societies? Please contact us.
A Family Made Under the Golden Dome
When Christopher Estes (’93) proposed to Christine (Cerves) Estes (’93) in front of the Golden Dome, the New Jersey and Florida natives never imagined that life would keep them in the Midwest and bless them with all three of their children at one time (triplets!).
But what would life be, if it weren’t an adventure?
Between their busy careers—Christine has her own practice in obstetrics and gynecology, and Chris is self-employed in tax and business advisory consulting—and their active six-year-olds—Mathew, James, and Gabriella—sometimes there aren’t enough hours in the day for the Estes family, but Chris and Christine always find time to visit their alma mater.
“Notre Dame was a special place for us. Not only did we meet here, but both of us made lifelong friends,” says Chris. “So many great things in our life have come about by going to ND.”
It’s because of their loyalty, and belief in the mission of the Sorin Society, that the couple decided to make a giving commitment and become members in 2002.
“We like the Sorin Society because it’s not specific,” says Chris. “The administration can spread the funding around where they need it most.”
The Esteses do all they can to ensure that Notre Dame has a successful future, of course. It won’t be too long before they might have three children all in the same freshmen class.
Arrange a Matching Gift. It’s Easy.
Love Thee Notre Dame? Join the Sorin Society.
Video: Milo Dodson ‘08