Richard Notebaert has served on Notre Dame's Board of Trustees since 1997.

Richard Notebaert Awarded Honorary Monogram

June 8, 2016

Richard Notebaert, chair of the University of Notre Dame’s Board of Trustees, recently was awarded an honorary Monogram from the Monogram Club for his significant contributions to Notre Dame’s athletics department since joining the Board in 1997.

The surprise presentation took place during a luncheon over Commencement weekend. Several University leaders, including University Vice President and James E. Rohr Director of Athletics Jack Swarbrick (’76, honorary), were in attendance. Fellow Trustee — and former Monogram Club president — Dick Nussbaum (’74, ’77, baseball) also was present along with Monogram Club Executive Director Brant Ust (’00, baseball).

Notre Dame’s Vice President for University Relations, Lou Nanni (’84, ’88, honorary) welcomed guests at the luncheon before handing it off to Katherine McManus (’16, lacrosse). McManus represented the graduating class of student-athletes and she spoke about the significance of being a Monogram winner. She also discussed the importance of strong leadership on a team, which Notebaert has provided to the Board of Trustees.

“Dick Notebaert’s leadership over the last 19 years on the Board of Trustees has resulted in significant contributions to the department of athletics,” said Nussbaum. “These contributions include the renovation of the Joyce Center, creating Purcell Pavilion and Club Naimoli, construction of the Compton Family Ice Arena, the hiring of Jack Swarbrick as athletics director, admission of Notre Dame into the Atlantic Coast Conference while maintaining football independence and unprecedented success on the field and in the classroom by our student-athletes.”

Notebaert became the sixth chairman of Notre Dame’s Board of Trustees in 2007. He is a Fellow of the University and previously served as chair of the Board’s University Relations Committee.

Notebaert is the retired chairman and chief executive officer of Qwest Communications International Inc. He previously served as chief executive officer of Tellabs Inc. and as chairman and chief executive officer of Ameritech Corp., and he currently serves on the board of directors of Aon Corp., American Electric Power and Cardinal Health Inc.

A graduate of the University of Wisconsin, Notebaert and his wife, Peggy, are generous benefactors to Notre Dame, including a leadership gift to establish the Richard and Peggy Notebaert Premier Fellowships in support of doctoral students in the University’s Graduate School.

“I am humbled to receive an honorary Monogram,” said Notebaert. “For our student-athletes, participation in athletics is great preparation for life, as they cultivate leadership, teamwork, perseverance and commitment. It is a privilege to share in the honor bestowed on them for their efforts.”

The Monogram Club, which is celebrating its 100th anniversary in 2016, began bestowing honorary Monograms in 1949 to individuals who have demonstrated a commitment to the betterment of Notre Dame athletics and the development of Fighting Irish student-athletes and graduates.

“There is no one more deserving of an honorary Monogram than Dick Notebaert,” said Monogram Club President Kevin O’Connor (’89, lacrosse). “His many contributions to the University and the athletics department over his years of service on the board of trustees have made a tremendous impact on student-athletes and we are pleased to honor him in this fashion. On behalf of all of our members, we welcome Dick to the Club.”

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