Eight of Notre Dame’s varsity head coaches have voted with their wallets, so to speak, joining the Rockne Heritage Fund’s Director’s Circle as a way of giving back to Notre Dame and demonstrating the importance of annual, expendable gifts in support of student-athletes.

“Since I arrived at Notre Dame, I have been amazed by the quality of the student-athletes we attract,” says Jeff Jackson, varsity hockey coach. “The Rockne Heritage Fund and its Director’s Circle generate the resources that allow these young people to pursue their dreams in sports and in life. It’s these gifts that help to create the opportunity for our students to realize their potential.”

In addition to Jackson, the following coaches are members of the Director’s Circle: Deb Brown (volleyball), Kevin Corrigan (men’s lacrosse), Tracy Coyne (women’s lacrosse), Muffet McGraw (women’s basketball), Randy Waldrum (women’s soccer), Charlie Weis (football), and Tim Welsh (men’s swimming). Weis and McGraw support the Director’s Circle at the Irish Legends level.

Scholarships for student-athletes, or grants-in-aid, comprise one of the largest line items in the athletics department operating budget, at more than $14 million annually. The Director’s Circle, an extension of the Rockne Heritage Fund (the athletics annual fund), provides invaluable support for grants-in-aid, thereby freeing up University dollars to address the academic priorities of Notre Dame.

The Director’s Circle offers two tiers of membership: Traditional ($1,500 annual gift) and Irish Legends ($5,000+ annual gift). Members enjoy a variety of benefits, including invitations to special events with senior athletics staff and improved odds in the football ticket lottery. For more information, visit supporting.nd.edu/recognition-societies. Or join the Director’s Circle now.