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A Left-hander Speaks Out

by Mitchell "Mike" Tackley '34, '37LLD

It's been more than 70 years since I entered Notre Dame, the leading Catholic University in America, despite the fact that I was and still am a "left-hander" -- born and brought up as an Episcopalian. Although accepted in two other fine schools I accepted the approved application from N.D.

Forced to live off-campus initially, thanks to crowded conditions, I moved to the campus after more than one-and-a-half years and soon became involved in the life of a Catholic, despite my Protestant affiliation. I attended Mass every morning, which was mandated in those days, and kidded my friends that I was better than they were because I went voluntarily.

It was the fall semester of 1930, Rockne's final season before the fatal air crash. I had my own personal contact with the greatest coach of all time. After breakfast in the cafeteria I went downstairs to the men's room and stood next to the great football mentor in the place where men do this sort of necessary thing. I told my children and grandchildren of this contact and that I knew I would never get close to Rockne on the football field, since I'm not exactly an athlete.

After a few months I learned about the Grotto and it became a favorite stopping place for me, both when I was troubled and also when I was grateful.

I majored in journalism and became a good friend of old Doc Cooney, who headed this department for so many years. In my senior year Doc allowed me to correct papers, and one of the students I shoved a little was none other than Ed "Moose" Krause, also class of 1934. After a successful football game one weekend, I told Moose he'd better be nice to me.

During the last two years of my undergraduate studies I became associated with the Notre Dame Scholastic and its editor, Jim Kearns of Chicago. He made me managing editor of that great newsweekly magazine, and I still consider this a highlight of my academic years.

After graduating in '34, I decided to continue schooling since, as my father pointed out, there were no jobs, it still being the Depression. I entered Law School, where I got to know and admire Dean Konop and then Clarence Manion. I did not graduate with honors, but I gained valuable knowledge which came in handy in the world of business.

During WWII, I met and associated with many Notre Dame men, and as anyone knows, there is immediate bonding with those you meet who attended Our Lady's university.

Following the war, I opened a radio station with my lifelong friend Ralph Cardinal, a 1937 Notre Dame graduate, and we are still very close, being survivors among the many ND friends made in college and afterwards.

I am almost 88 years old and still love my alma mater as much as any lifelong Catholic graduate. Religion, I have found, is not a habit, but a strong heart and soul feeling that stays with you all your life.