Since our founding, the University of Notre Dame’s unique mission has been to educate the whole student— the mind, the body, and the spirit. This commitment is personified by our student-athletes, who compete at the highest levels of their sports while pursuing degrees in everything from mechanical engineering to finance.
Athletics is an opportunity for the campus community to gather together, cheer on their classmates in competition, and celebrate the unique spirit of Notre Dame. Few experiences have the power to bind the Notre Dame family closer than rooting for a Fighting Irish victory.
Thanks to our outstanding Rockne Athletics Fund Family, Rockne set a new record raising over $12.5 million, eclipsing the previous record of $10.7 million.
Of the $12.54 million raised in the fiscal year 2021, 90% will provide grants-in-aid to Notre Dame student-athletes.
The largest Rockne Athletics Fund membership count to date ($500+ annually to Rockne).
Rockne Athletics Fund
It takes a unique individual willing to accept the expectations and demands that come with being a Notre Dame student-athlete. Every day, Notre Dame student-athletes have the opportunity to experience the most distinctive student-athlete experience in the country, because of Rockne Athletic Fund members. In the 2021-2022 academic year, Rockne members provided over $8 million in student-athlete financial aid and over $3 million in much- needed facility upgrades. In total, the Rockne Athletics Fund raised $19.3 million for Notre Dame student-athletes in the fiscal year 2022. Rockne Athletics Fund members help build champions on the field, in the classroom, and community.
"Back in 2019, when I first came to ND, I looked forward to college to be in a competitive environment and be challenged daily. Notre Dame was everything I wished for, and it was entirely overwhelming. Throughout my first two years here, I faced the many challenges that accompanied balancing academics and athletics, but if I could go back, I wouldn’t change a thing.
If I had gone to a different college, my experience as a student-athlete would have been extremely different. Notre Dame’s approach to the mix of athletics and academics is unparalleled. Being at Notre Dame is the perfect mix of elite athletics and premier academics. Row Irish!"
- Aidan McIntyre ’23, Women’s Rowing
Impact
• Funding Student-Athlete Scholarships (Grants-In-Aid)
• Renovation of the JACC weight room for Olympic student-athletes
• Aided team charter flight for postseason competition, which reduced student-athlete travel time and prevented class absences
• Covered gaps related to the cost of attendance for student-athletes
• Expanded prevention, recovery, and rehab resources such as a new RPS Image Unit (X-Ray)
• Provided robust nutritional options and access for all student-athletes through shared nutrition stations, team room provisions, and family dinners
Enhancing World-Class Facilities
Ensuring our student-athletes have the facilities needed to compete at a championship level is an ongoing but necessary battle. The Rockne Athletics Fund has consistently assisted the Department of Athletics in the upgrade of facilities when required. This year, members of the Rockne Athletics Fund provided $438,000 to renovate or add facility equipment for our student-athletes.
Prioritizing Student-Athlete Education
While we are a proud member of the ACC Conference, traveling to our ACC counterparts’ campuses is exhausting for our student-athletes. Charter flights are essential to the overall well-being of our student-athletes and their ability to perform and not miss their classes. This year, members of the Rockne Athletics Fund provided $100,000 to help our student-athletes travel charter and adhere to their class attendance policies.
Graduating Champions
A degree is something that can never be taken from you. Over $8 million of funds from members of the Rockne Athletics Fund were directed to student-athlete grants-in-aid last year. It is not hyperbole to say Rockne members make life-changing gifts—the life-changing gift of a Notre Dame education.
Membership Levels
Excellence
Seven Notre Dame student-athletes have earned an Olympic gold medal and national championship.
Podcast
Thank you for all the ways you love Notre Dame.
Contact your OnwardND Concierge team:
574.631.5192
Sorinsoc@nd.edu
or contact me personally:
Sophie Burke
Associate Regional Director, Development
sburke22@nd.edu