• Text

Riehle Receives Moose Krause Award
(Notre Dame National Monogram Club, 2001)

Presentation to Rev. James Riehle, C.S.C., by Rev. Edward “Monk” Malloy, C.S.C.

“Of course I’m always delighted to recognize anybody who satisfies the criteria that were mentioned, but I’m even more delighted when it happens to be somebody who belongs to my family. I would like to ask a member of my Holy Cross family to come forward to receive this recognition, the Reverend James L. Riehle, C.S.C., Notre Dame National Monogram Club Moose Krause Member of the Year Award 2001.”

RIEHLE’S COMMENTS: “You’ve got to be kidding me. I’m dumbfounded, I really am. I am deeply honored and to see my relatives up here, my brother, my sister-no wonder they didn’t call me last weekend. … They had a surprise party for me in this room right here, the Monogram Room, when I came back from Florida and after having some brain surgery, and I walked in the room and there were about a hundred and some people there, all the monogram people plus the padres, and I walked in completely unknowing about this … Even to use the word `humbled’ is an embarrassment, because I’m really flabbergasted. I’ve always said that my life is a labor of love, and I honestly believe that. Thank you.”

RIEHLE is in his 26th year as the chaplain for the athletic department. In that role, he travels with the Irish football team and tends to the spiritual needs of Notre Dame’s athletes and coaches. He also has served as the executive director of the Notre Dame National Monogram Club since 1978. In that post, Riehle serves as an on-campus liaison and organizes national monogram reunions and maintains historical data on former award winners.

A 1949 Notre Dame graduate, Riehle earned his bachelor’s degree in business administration and then studied theology at Holy Cross College in Washington, D.C., from 1960-64. He earned his master’s in business administration from Notre Dame in 1978.

Riehle was ordained as a deacon at the Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington D.C., in 1963. On June 10, 1964, he was ordained as a priest in Sacred Heart Church. His first assignment was as chaplain for Dillon Hall before he went to Sacred Heart Parish in New Orleans, La. In 1966, Riehle returned to Notre Dame as the assistant dean of students and rector of Sorin Hall. He assumed the dean of students post in 1967 and served in that capacity until 1973. For 12 years, until 1985, Riehle served as rector of Pangborn Hall.

Those attending the surprise tribute to Rev. James Riehle, C.S.C., in late April included (from left) Notre Dame executive vice president emeritus Rev. Edmund P. Joyce, Dan Shannon, Tad Eckert, Marty Allen, Riehle, Mike Heaton, Dave Duerson, Pat Novitzki and John Anthony.

Riehle has held several posts at the University, including chairman of the board of directors for the University Club (1971-77) and director of energy conservation (1973-93). Notre Dame recently dedicated an intramural field-Riehle Playing Field-located adjacent to Stepan Center. Riehle was presented with the honor during a surprise brunch, held April 29 in the Monogram Room of the Joyce Center.