Colleges and Schools // The Spirit of Notre Dame Campaign // Supporting the University of Notre Dame

Colleges and Schools

Spirit of Notre Dame is unique among Notre Dame's previous fundraising campaigns in that it addresses, more comprehensively than ever before, the specific priorities of each of the University's four colleges, the Notre Dame Law School, and the School of Architecture.

Of note:

The campaign will further strengthen the University's exceptional undergraduate education by allowing for the development of new curricula and degree programs; increasing learning opportunities that invite intellectual engagement beyond the traditional classroom; and expanding opportunities for undergraduates to participate in hands–on research.
For each of Notre Dame's colleges and schools, enhancing the faculty is a foremost priority. Spirit of Notre Dame will enable the University to recruit its strongest corps of faculty through the establishment of a series of new endowed chairs.
Spirit of Notre Dame will support the University's aspiration to excel as a research university through an amplification of research programs and dedicated centers for research; increased fellowship funding for graduate students; and the recruitment of topnotch professors and postdoctoral researchers.
Finally, the campaign will reaffirm Notre Dame's commitment to its Catholic heritage through an investment in those resources specifically dedicated to Catholic thought and traditions, social justice issues, theological education, and the sacred arts.

Questions? Please contact us at spirit@nd.edu.

Endowment in Commodities Law Memorializes Larry Bonner (’77)

Few who knew him as an anthropology major at Notre Dame would have predicted that Larry Bonner would become a leading expert in the tumultuous, high-stakes world of commodities law. After graduating in 1977, Larry earned a law degree from Duke. An internship in a Miami, Florida, law firm led him to his future wife, Jeanie, whom he married on Valentine’s Day shortly after completing law school.

larry bonner While practicing with a Miami firm, Larry worked with a fellow Notre Dame alumnus, Peter Homer (’74). The pair subsequently formed their own law firm, focusing on complex commercial, securities, commodities, and banking litigation. Larry went on to become one of the country’s most respected authorities on commodities law, with numerous landmark decisions bearing his name. As his partner and friend Peter observed, “Larry’s rare combination of a lightning-quick mind, outstanding judgment, and legendary persuasive skills made for a superb advocate.”

Sadly, Larry lost his 20-month battle with brain cancer in 2007. He is survived by his wife and three sons. In his memory, Larry’s law firm, colleagues, friends, and family created a $100,000 perpetual fund for the Notre Dame Law School: the Larry Bonner Endowment for Excellence in Commodities and Securities Law.

This enduring resource will allow the law school to strengthen its curriculum through research and course development, organize seminars and symposia with practitioners, and offer workshops and guest lectures with respected professionals. Just as Larry helped to shape the commodities sector, Notre Dame will, with the support of this endowment, advance the legal framework for commodities trading and dispute resolution.

“Larry was a bright, talented lawyer and an energetic and enthusiastic advocate for his clients,” says former partner and Florida Third District Court of Appeals Judge Gerald Cope. With the Bonner Endowment, Notre Dame law graduates will be better prepared to follow in Larry’s footsteps as they serve this dynamic and pivotal dimension of global trade.

What does the Spirit of Notre Dame mean to you?

Share what the spirit means to you

Sonia Miller–Van Oort '93

Hopkins, Minnesota

“The Spirit of Notre Dame is what speaks to me on a daily basis—as I practice law, as I parent, as I mentor others and am mentored myself, and as I serve my community and church. The Spirit of Notre Dame reminds me of my obligation to serve others, to lead when it is needed, and to follow my faith, my values, and my passions without compromise.”

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