April 14, 2009
Notre Dame, Ind – With the Annual Blue-Gold Weekend (April 16-19) right around the corner, the Monogram Club staff and board of directors are hard at work preparing for this year’s festivities. Below you can find a complete rundown of Monogram Club sponsored events taking place during this year’s Blue-Gold Weekend.
Thursday, April 16 Schedule of Events.
Thursday night, the Monogram Club will be hosting its Annual Mass/Meeting & Dinner in the Joyce Center Monogram Room and Concourse.
Athletic department chaplain, Rev. Paul Doyle, C.S.C., who received an honorary monogram last year, will celebrate mass in the Monogram Room at 5:30 p.m.
Following mass, a cocktail reception will be held in the Joyce Center Concourse. Monogram Club members will have the opportunity to catch-up with former teammates and other club member at this gathering before the Monogram Dinner. Those in attendance will have the opportunity to purchase Monogram Club merchandise from the Varsity Shop during the reception.
During the dinner, former fencing coach Mike DeCicco will receive the Moose Krause Distinguished Service Award, an honor bestowed annually by the Club to a member of the Notre Dame community who has exemplified a commitment to the University and his or her community
Friday, April 17 Schedule of Events
Former football monogram winners and their guests can attend the football team’s spring kickoff dinner, sponsored by Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse at 6 p.m. Friday in the Joyce Center Arena. Coach Charlie Weis will speak along with several former Irish football players.
Following dinner, a reception for all former football players will be held at the Football Alumni Player’s Lounge in the north tunnel of Notre Dame Stadium. Complimentary beverages will be offered to those in attendance.
The Fencing Reunion Dinner will begin at 7 p.m. Friday in the South Dining Hall, east side. Tickets are $20 each for former fencers and their guests.
Friday’s activities also include a meet and greet for those attending the 60th Anniversary of Black Student-Athletes at Notre Dame. Registration begins at 7 p.m. with a reception on the 5th level of the Notre Dame Stadium Press Box.
For guest arriving early for the 60th Anniversary of Black Student-Athletes, at 2 p.m. tours of the Notre Dame campus will begin from the Eck Visitors Center. Each will be led by a current Notre Dame student. This is a great way to see the improvements and changes to the university.
Saturday, April 18 Schedule of Events
Those participating in the Celebration of the Black-Student Athlete at Notre Dame can attend a town hall meeting on the current state of the black student-athlete at the University at 9 a.m. in the DeBartolo Performing Arts Center. The panel will include athletics director Jack Swarbrick, and Frances Shavers, chief of staff for University President Rev. John Jenkins, C.S.C., will serve as moderator.
At 10:00 a.m. the family friendly Fan Fest opens in the Joyce South Parking Lots. Carnival style inflatable’s and activities will be set up fans of all age to enjoy.
For those not playing in the Alumni Flag Football game, the Monogram Club will host a tailgate/luncheon in a tent on the Jordan Science Building Lawn from 11:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Admission is free for dues paying members and one guest. Members may purchase up to six additional guest tickets for $20 a piece.
At 11:30 a.m., former Irish football players return to the gridiron as the Annual Flag Football Game kicks off at Notre Dame Stadium. The game is scheduled to last 45 minutes.To give the game an authentic feel, football public address announcer Mike Collins will call the action from the press box.
At 1:35 p.m., the 2009 Notre Dame Fighting Irish Football Team will take the field for the first time this year as they look to build on last season’s Hawaii Bowl victory.
Thirty minutes after the conclusion of the football game, mass will be held at the Monogram Club Tailgate Tent on the Jordan Science Hall lawn. This event is open to all Monogram Club members and their guests.
The 60th Anniversary of Black Student-Athletes continues Saturday evening with a 6 p.m. cocktail reception and 7 p.m. dinner on the Joyce Center Concourse. Dress for the event is business attire.
The dinner will feature guest speakers Tim Brown and Phyllis Stone. Brown, who played football for the Irish from 1984-87, won the Heisman Trophy as a senior, making him the only black student-athlete from Notre Dame to receive this honor. Stone, a former Irish cheerleader, currently serves as a member of the Notre Dame Board of Trustees.
The fencing reunion continues at 7 p.m. Saturday as former coach Mike DeCicco holds court at his favorite local eatery, Bruno’s, located at 2610 Prairie Avenue in South Bend.
Sunday, April 19 Schedule of Events
The 60th Anniversary of Black Student-Athletes concludes Sunday morning with an ecumenical service and brunch in the Rotunda of the Main Building. The service will begin at 9 a.m., with the brunch to follow at 10:15 a.m. The service will feature remarks from University President Rev. John Jenkins, C.S.C.