Monogram Club members share their favorite memories.
Share Your Monogram Memories With Us!
In honor of our 100-year anniversary celebration, we’d like you to share why you’re proud to be a Monogram winner and a member of the Monogram Club!
Examples:
- How earning a Monogram impacted your life.
- Stories of how you stay connected to your former teammates and fellow Monogram Club members.
- Your fondest memories from your days at Notre Dame.
- While we definitely want lighthearted memories, we’d also appreciate reflections of how teammates, coaches, and others from Notre Dame have had a meaningful impact on your life both now and during your playing days.
“I did not initially come to Notre Dame as an athlete and never thought I would have the opportunity to play for Notre Dame. I had tremendous respect for the athletes at Notre Dame, for the way they were able to be so successful on the field and in the classroom. I saw the Monogram Club as a symbol of their commitment to all things ND.
Getting the opportunity to walk-on to a Notre Dame team was such an honor and a blessing. I can’t exactly describe it as a dream come true, because I never thought it was possible. When I called my family and told my friends they thought I was joking. It felt so surreal for the first two months I was on the team.
I was fortunate to be a part of such an incredibly talented and welcoming team. It was an adjustment going from a student to a student-athlete, but the support I received from my teammates, coaches and the support staff was amazing. I was lucky to have taken part in ACC play and the NCAA tournament and earn playing time, things I never thought I could achieve. Being on the team challenged me in ways I never thought possible. Physically, it was a challenge to get my body into D1 shape. Mentally, it was a challenge to learn everything about the team while trying to adjust to my role on the team.
Being an athlete had such a positive impact on my life. I think the confidence and discipline have changed my life for the better. The relationships I have built and the opportunities it has given me both at school and in my career have been tremendous.
Being honored with the monogram was an indescribable feeling. My family and friends were so happy and proud, and being able to share the whole experience with them was truly special. I am so thankful to have been able to be a part of the Notre Dame family for life. I look forward to staying involved and engaging with my fellow athletes!”
Nicole Fantozzi (`16, lacrosse)
“I am proud to be a Monogram winner because it represents all the hard work I put in and determination it took as I worked my way from being a walk-on to a three-time Monogram winner! I am eternally grateful for the experience I have had and the professional opportunities that have become because of being a varsity diver at Notre Dame. I feel so blessed and am grateful for Our Lady’s University!”
Kimmie Lisiak (’13, diving)
“I cherish my Monogram and being a member of this exquisite Club. I earned the Monogram serving as the Leprechaun from 1976 to 1978. Those were exciting years indeed, but the legacy of the Monogram and what it says to the world about Notre Dame’s commitment to the student-athlete concept far surpasses victories or seasons. It is a reminder of what makes Our Lady’s school great.”
Joe Cosgrove (’79, ’82, cheerleading)
“I’m proud of the brotherhood and family of Monogram winners and the opportunity to come together to share time and Notre Dame memories. There was a lot of blood, sweat, tears and hard work – and this (Monogram Club pre-game reception) is a welcome `reward’ that I cherish.”
Ted Schwartz (’84, men’s soccer)
“Earning a Notre Dame Monogram continues to be one of the great sources of pride and accomplishment in my life. As a walk-on to the men’s lacrosse team, after foregoing offers from other schools, the Notre Dame `experience’ has given me gifts to last a lifetime. I treasure the memories made and often draw on the lessons learned on and off the field. I owe all that I am to my family and the University of Notre Dame. Go Irish!”
Dr. Keith L. Parendo (’00, men’s lacrosse)
“I have enjoyed being part of the Monogram Club for 54 years. Being from the Chicago area- we are thicker than thieves.”
Bill Snyder (’62, football)
“It is an honor to be a graduate of the finest university in the world. On top of that, to be a Monogram winner and a member of the Monogram Club is beyond description. Go Irish.”
Frank D. Carpin (’60, baseball)
“As a member of the Monogram Club I believe my experience is somewhat unique. In the spring of 1974 two very important and wonderful men in the history of the Club confided in me that I presented them with a bit of a dilemma!! I was a Notre Dame student, I had cheered for both Irish football and basketball teams for three years and that technically qualified to become a member of the ND Monogram Club, but I was a woman. I distinctly remember Father’s words, “What do we do about Anne?” … Oh my, different times!! After admitting their hesitancy, they both smiled and whole-heartedly awarded me a Monogram, the first awarded to a woman. For the record, male cheerleaders were given Monograms starting in the late 1920s, provided they cheered for three years for both football and basketball.
Who were these two special men in the lore of Monogram history? Father Jim Riehle and Moose Krause. It was my great honor to have known both men. In 1978 Moose invited me to be the first woman member of the Monogram Club Board of Directors. My experience as both a cheerleader and board member gave me a unique opportunity to meet and befriend some of the finest people in the ND family.
I should also mention that as captain my senior year, the Irish rolled Alabama in the Sugar Bowl in the 1973 national championship game! After returning to campus in January 1974 the Irish basketball team stunned UCLA and ended their 88 game winning streak. WOW!!! As an Irish cheerleader it just doesn’t get any better than that.
I will always be a grateful daughter of Notre Dame and proudly wear my Monogram.”
Anne (Cisle) Murray (`74, cheerleading)
“When Moose Krause awarded my Monogram, I was filled with great pride and a feeling of connection with prior and future Notre Dame Monogram winners. In fact, I could always reach back to my Notre Dame athletic experiences when faced with challenges to give me courage, endurance, or the discipline or conviction to carry on. It was as if I stood on the shoulders of all the Monogram winners before me. Thank you Notre Dame for the enormous privilege of wearing the ND.”
Jane Lammers (’77, tennis)
“I have always considered the way Moose Krause introduced me at my first Monogram award ceremony to be funny and a true ‘Moosism’. In his deep singsong voice he said, “This golf Monogram is awarded to Terry Lally a sophomore from Louisville, Kentucky. Terry is a sophomore, and he’s been here at the University for two years now. I loved it!”
Terry Lally (’60, golf)
“Earning a Monogram at Notre Dame was the icing on my “dream” cake, which was to play Division I basketball. The opportunity to represent the University as a student-athlete and team captain is one for which I am forever grateful. My freshman year was the program’s first at the D-I level. My teammates and I knew we were laying the groundwork for an eventual power house!
I remember taking a recruit to dinner at the Morris Inn in 1980/81; I was wearing my Monogram jacket, and as we were leaving the restaurant I was stopped by a group of men eating dinner. They didn’t know that women could earn a varsity letter at Notre Dame. We chatted for awhile and they were delightful! It turned out those gentlemen were Monogram winners from old – Creighton Miller and Ziggy Czarobski – ND legends. I found out that night that Creighton and I both hailed from Wilmington, Delaware….it was an ND moment, ignited by my letter jacket, that I will never forget!”
Theresa Mullins Shorey (’84, basketball)
“I was head manager of one of the least successful football teams in ND history — ’63 — but we had loyal fans and dedicated players. I’m delighted that today the Monogram is awarded in a ceremony. In my time, we went over to Mac McAlister in the old Field House and he threw the jacket across the counter and said, “See if it fits, you old (expletive deleted).”
Matt Storin (’64, manager)
“My fondest memory came my freshman year when we were competing against Penn State at College Station the second meet of the season. With the score tied 13-13 Coach DeCicco subbed me in for the final epee bout against Penn State’s captain. I was losing the bout 4-2 with one minute remaining but tied the score 4-4 before time expired forcing sudden death. All my touches had been scored on fleche attacks to my opponents left side. Fleche means arrow in French. For the final touch, I telegraphed that I was going to fleche again. My opponent turned to lead me thinking that I would be attacking to his left side again. I fleched to his right side instead and I hit him square in his rear for the final touch to win the bout 5-4. We won the meet 14-13. This is where I earned my first Coach DeCicco Hug.”
John J. Strass (`78, fencing)
“The blue jacket with the interlocking ND is not given out, it has to be earned. Earning a Monogram at Our Lady’s University was an accomplishment that I will cherish for the rest of my life. For me my Monogram represented the culmination of a dream that was planted in me by my parents and siblings at a young age. It was the ultimate accomplishment waiting at the end of a long and arduous road if I was willing to put forth the work. However, there were no shortcuts. The dream had to be cultivated over countless years in both the classroom and on the athletic field. A lot of blood, sweat, and tears go in to earning a Monogram. Naysayers have to be ignored, distractions have to be isolated, and one must remain resolute in the midst of adversity. The life lessons I learned in the pursuit of a Monogram still serve me well today. The journey I took to earn my Monogram is a humbling reminder that all things are possible if I’m willing to make the necessary sacrifices. When I encounter fellow Monogram Club members there is an unspoken understanding, appreciation, and respect because I know they earned their Monograms too.”
Justin Meko (’99, football)
“To receive a Monogram was a lifelong dream of mine. I got hurt in football and I thought my dream was done. I went out for baseball, had a great year, and signed with the Detroit Tigers. But the great thrill was winning the Monogram.”
Bud Trapp (’58 & ’63, baseball)
“I am most proud that my daughter, Annie (’19, cross country/track), is following in my footsteps as a scholarship athlete at Notre Dame.”
Daniel Heffernan (’77, wrestling)
“I’m proud to be a Monogram winner because I waited my whole life to accomplish the dream to swim at Notre Dame.”
Courtney (Campbell) Endwright (’06, swimming)
“Attending the Monogram Club pre-game reception is a tremendous way to share in the membership of the Notre Dame family. Seeing former classmates and teammates is made easier just by walking into the room. The membership in the Monogram Club is a way to continue the family relationships, which make Notre Dame special. The culmination of the football Saturday is accomplished with the Mass in the Monogram Room after the game.”
Thomas J. Hansen (’74, baseball/basketball)
“I’m proud to be a member of the Monogram Club because there is nothing like connecting with new Domers at our pre-game receptions!”
Anka Jedry (’08, rowing)
“When we come back with our kids, and see how exciting the atmosphere is and how excellent a University Notre Dame is, I am extremely proud to be a Monogram Club member. Athletics at Notre Dame are phenomenal and continue to improve!”
Sean O’Brien (’88, tennis)
“I am proud to have competed for Coach Dennis Stark, the finest man in Notre Dame history (non-clergy division).”
William J. O’Connor (’74, swimming)
“The Monogram Club has helped me stay in contact with some really fine people.”
Ed Kelly (’64, track)
“I was fortunate to earn my Monogram on the fencing team back when the coaches had to teach us how to fence. Even though my engine is now out of warranty, I have upgraded my sabre gear to electric! Go Irish!”
Roy Nanovic (’68, fencing)
“I’m not a Monogram winner, but I enjoy looking on the wall at the picture of the 1930 football team. My uncle, Joe Lauerman, was a manager. His son, Joe Jr., then became football manager as well and graduated in 1957. It makes me proud of our family.”
Mike Brennan (’69)
“I was granted a Monogram years after my graduation. The Club made me feel so welcome. My wife said I was probably the only 65-year old that the letter jacket still fit. It was such an honor.”
Bob Burton (’60, trainer)
“There are many reasons that I am happy to be in the Monogram Club – particularly the Brennan-Boland-Riehle Scholarship Fund that helped my two daughters (’14, ’15) attend Notre Dame as well!”
Tim Heilmann (’79, manager)
“I worked hard as a student manager to earn my Monogram and it paid dividends 100 fold. The Monogram Club is a classy group of guys and gals and it’s always a pleasure to see my longtime friends.”
Kevin Kennedy (’70, manager)
“My fondest Club memory happened when I was 12 years old, in 1950. In the `40s and ’50s, the football team that finished first in the AP poll was awarded the J. Hugh O’Donnell Memorial Trophy, which was presented by the Notre Dame Monogram Club, with the then Club President doing the honors. Fr. O’Donnell was a former President of Notre Dame. In 1950 Oklahoma won its first national championship, and they were going to be awarded the Fr. O’Donnell trophy. I think Fred Miller was the then President of the Monogram Club, but he couldn’t do it, and he asked my Dad, who was a Club VP living in Texas, to go to Oklahoma and present the trophy. He was joined by Moose Krause and Frank Leahy. Fred Miller and Leahy were teammates of my father at Notre Dame, and Moose was a freshman. Being the wonderful father he was, he took me along. So he, Moose Krause, Frank Leahy and myself, represented the Monogram Club in presenting Bud Wilkinson his first national championship trophy. It was at that event that Moose, Leahy and Wilkinson set up the first ND-Oklahoma series. Bud also won the O’Donnell trophy again in 1955 and 1956, and it was retired at Oklahoma. I think the Monogram Club then retired from the national championship trophy business. Many years later in Dallas, Bud and I became good friends and shared memories of that event, which of course, was huge to both of us… for very different reasons.”
Christie Flanagan (`60, golf)
“Being a Monogram winner isn’t just about getting a jacket, a blanket, a ring or a watch (but how cool is that stuff?!). What it signifies to me is the work (literally blood, sweat and sometimes tears) and relationships formed during and since my time at Notre Dame. To say I was blessed to receive a top-notch education and four Monograms is an understatement. My teammates and coaches still remain some of my closest friends and confidants as the friendships that are forged here truly last forever. None of this even touches on how prepared I was to be a success at everything I would endeavor to do in my life. No one place prepares you or teaches you better.
Love thee Notre Dame.
GO IRISH!”
Jarrah (Myers) Kennedy (’02, softball)
“My experience with the fencing team was an incredible opportunity to develop as an athlete and person. The example set by coach Michael DeCicco, and life lessons he taught, transcended the fencing salle and helped me long after my fencing career was done. The opportunity to represent this University as an athlete is something I will always cherish. I will always be grateful to the Monogram Club for the financial assistance provided for my daughter through the Brennan-Boland-Riehle Scholarship Fund during her undergraduate years at Notre Dame.”
Luis O. Krug (’79, fencing)
“I’m proud to be a member of a group where friendships were created 55 years ago and continue today. It’s a group that has aided needy students and so much of the ND family.Go Irish!”
Bill Killilea (’60, manager)
“In every job I’ve held in the public and private sector, one of the most common questions I was asked during the interview process and after I started the job was about my experience at Notre Dame as a student-athlete. I found that it was something that made me unique when I was interviewing. It was something that allowed me to talk about the values of being a Notre Dame athlete. Not just the values of hard work and time management, but about sportsmanship, collegiality and teamwork. Those are the values that translate very well from the playing field to the office setting. At Notre Dame when you’re playing sports, every day you’re getting exposed to very hardworking and disciplined people and it rubs off on you in a very positive way.”
Kevin O’Connor (’89, lacrosse)
Monogram Club President 2015-17
“I am proud (to be a member of the Monogram Club) because there is no greater place for pride, atmosphere, and passion than Notre Dame. Notre Dame brings out the best in students and athletes worldwide.”
Steven Brus (’11, swimming)
“When you earn your Monogram as an undergraduate it specifically says that you’re endowed with the official insignia of the University, which means it’s forever. You sense right away that it’s not an ending when you leave school it’s a beginning. A perfect way to begin is to be a member of the Monogram Club because it’s a continuation and expansion of what we did during our undergraduate days. When you’re a member of the Monogram Club you’re working with an organization that’s part of the mission of the University.”
Marty Allen (’58, manager)
Monogram Club President 1997-99/Director Emeritus
“The Notre Dame Monogram and the Monogram Club represents all that is “right” with college athletics, combining academic and sports excellence.”
Dan Buck (’77 & ’79, manager)
“The Monogram Club is an extension of the service we learned at Notre Dame emphasized by God, Country, Notre Dame. The opportunity to come back and be a part of that in the Monogram Club has been fantastic. It’s been a privilege and an honor to be part of such a fabulous group of individuals who continue the service we learned here at the University.”
Bryan Fenton (’87, manager)
Monogram Club Board of Directors 2011-15
“I’m proud to be a Monogram winner because it helps to keep me connected to the school as an alum!”
Sarah (Esterline) Sampson (`92, track)
“Being a student-athlete at Notre Dame was the foundation to everything I’ve done. It taught me discipline, focus and teamwork, which are things I’ve taken throughout my entire life. Being a part of the Monogram Club is really an extension of that. I’ve been able to recommit and find people I haven’t seen in a long time. It’s a tremendous amount of fellowship and it’s a great opportunity for us to give back to the student-athletes of today.”
Don Casey (’82 & ’83, swimming)
Monogram Club 2nd Vice President
“I’m proud to be the daughter of Andy Corrao (’54, baseball). Coming to Notre Dame to see a football game has been a family tradition for over 30 years, which is now passed on to our son! God, Country, Notre Dame!”
Mary Corrao Meehan
“What has impressed me most about being a part of the Monogram Club is the quality of the people, both our members and our current student-athletes. It is inspiring to me, whether I’m meeting with current student-athletes or Monogram winners from across the decades, just the quality of people we have here at Notre Dame and how humble they are, the goodness in their heart and how charitable they are. I leave any Monogram Club gathering just inspired to do more and be more.”
Haley Scott DeMaria (’95, swimming)
Monogram Club President 2013-15
“Being a member of the Monogram Club has been tremendous. People talk about coming here and being part of the Notre Dame family and that really is true. You get to stay in touch with some of the most caring, interesting, successful people and you build a network of friends and family that lasts a lifetime. Being a part of the Club and around Club members has been tremendous for our family, personally, professionally and spiritually.”
Rob Williamson (’93, lacrosse)
Monogram Club Board of Directors 2013-16