June 9, 2000

NOTRE DAME, Ind. — The University of Notre Dame has earned honorable mention status in 2000 in competition for the annual Academic Achievement Award presented by the American Football Coaches Association.

Notre Dame’s award was based on its football team achieving a graduation rate of 70 percent or better, based on the results of the entering freshman class in 1994-95. Syracuse won the 2000 award with a 100 percent graduation rate, while Notre Dame was one of 26 other institutions rating 70 percent or better.

The Academic Achievement Award — presented from its inception in 1981 through 1997 by the College Football Association — has been won by Notre Dame on five occasions, in 1982, 1983, 1984 (shared with Duke), 1988 and 1991. In 14 other years, Notre Dame has earned honorable mention honors — missing only in 1981 when no honorable mention awards were presented.