NOTRE DAME, Ind. — The University of Notre Dame Athletics Department has announced the establishment of the Roger Valdiserri Student Worker Program in Fighting Irish Media, made possible by a gift to the University from an anonymous benefactor.
In addition to the program that will allow the Notre Dame Athletics Department the resources to carry on Roger Valdiserri’s legacy of mentorship and excellence, Fighting Irish Media also announced the creation of the Roger Valdiserri Award, which will be given each year to the top communications student assistant in the senior class.
Fighting Irish Media (FIM) is the main storytelling arm of Notre Dame Athletics, including athletic communications, live event production, feature video production, social media and innovation and design. All proceeds from FIM’s 2020-21 ND Day will go directly to the Roger Valdiserri Student Worker Program.
Donations to the Roger Valdiserri Student Worker Program can be made to Fighting Irish Media by clicking here.
Through his mastery of public relations and unparalleled charisma, Roger Valdiserri has forever changed how the world perceived Notre Dame Athletics. During his three-plus decades working in the athletics department, Valdiserri revolutionized the way colleges and universities showcase teams and student-athletes.
The Fighting Irish are celebrated worldwide thanks in part to the passion, dedication and creativity that he brought to his role as Director of Sports Information. Valdiserri remains a beloved figure among the many eras of Notre Dame student-athletes, coaches and department personnel with whom he worked.
As an undergraduate at Notre Dame, Valdiserri served as a student secretary for head football coach Frank Leahy. Following his graduation in 1954, the Belle Vernon, Pennsylvania native worked for football coach Terry Brennan as an administrative assistant from 1954-59.
After working in public relations for Mercedes-Benz of North America and the Kansas City Chiefs, Valdiserri returned to Notre Dame in 1966 and was the school’s Director of Sports Information until 1988. He held the title of Assistant Athletics Director from 1976-82 and was promoted to Associate Athletics Director in 1983.
In 1987, he received a special citation for meritorious service from then Notre Dame President, Rev. Theodore M. Hesburgh, C.S.C. Additionally, Valdiserri received an honorary Monogram in 1973 and was awarded the James E. Armstrong Award from Notre Dame’s Alumni Senate in 1990.