June 19, 2006

Notre Dame, Ind. – Rev. William D. Seetch, C.S.C, currently religious superior of Holy Cross priests and brothers at the University of Notre Dame and a Trustee and Fellow of the University, has been named assistant director of student welfare and development in the athletics department.

In this newly-created position, Father Seetch will serve as chaplain for the athletic department and its 26 teams and will be charged with implementing, coordinating and facilitating various events and projects for student-athletes that are specifically aimed at assisting them in areas of wellness and spiritual growth. In addition, he will assist with coordinating community service opportunities and projects for student-athletes.

The student development and welfare program focuses on providing a balanced Notre Dame experience for student-athletes by focusing on five key areas: academic excellence, athletic success, career preparation, community involvement and personal development.

A 1974 graduate of Notre Dame, Father Seetch earned his master of divinity degree from the University in 1978 and was ordained in 1979. He taught, coached and served in administrative positions from ’78-’90 at Notre Dame High School in Niles, Ill., and at Bourgade Catholic High School in Phoenix, Ariz., where he coached and served as local superior for the Holy Cross community. He was selected teacher of the year at Bourgade Catholic and was honored by the Knights of Columbus as chaplain of the year in Arizona.

After spending one year on the staff of Moreau Seminary, Father Seetch served as rector of Flanner Hall for six years and of Morrissey Manor for three years. Since 1993, he has served as chaplain of the Notre Dame Alumni Association and team chaplain to the Notre Dame football and men’s and women’s soccer teams, as well as to the competitors in the University’s annual Bengal Bouts.