Alumni Association Awards
Rex Rakow '82MSA, director of the Notre Dame Security Police Department since 1985, was
presented the James E. Armstrong Award for distinguished service
to the University shortly before his death March 7 after a long illness. He joined the NDSP in 1979 as assistant director, having previously been
director of campus safety at Albion College in Michigan. Rakow, 55, served as president of the
International Association of Campus Law Enforcement Administrators from 1993 to '94. He
earned his bachelor's degree in police administration from Indiana University and completed the
FBI National Academy's management training program in 1983.
Sheila O'Brien '77, '80J.D., of the Chicago area will receive the Rev. Edward F. Sorin,
CSC, Award at the Reunion All-Classes Banquet on June 2. The award is presented annually to a
distinguished graduate who has rendered outstanding service to Notre Dame. A judge for 20
years, O'Brien was elected to the Illinois Appellate Court in 1994. She is a member of the
advisory council for the Notre Dame Law School and assists recent law graduates in obtaining
judicial clerkships and jobs in both the public and private sector. She was one of the first
recipients of Notre Dame's "Women of Achievement" awards in 1995. Chair of the alumni
schools committee of the ND Club of Chicago, O'Brien is also active in the new Notre Dame
Alumnae Leadership group. She has served as secretary of her law school class since graduation.
Michael J. Kennelly '85 will be presented the William D. Reynolds Award during the
Blue-Gold game, April 21, for dedication to the lives of youth. Kennelly is the chairman and
founder of HFS Chicago Scholars, a nonprofit corporation created to help economically
disadvantaged Chicago high school students who show academic and leadership promise achieve
their educational goals by providing mentoring and financial support. Through Kennelly's
leadership, HFS has raised millions of dollars over the last 15 years to provide scholarships,
tutors and mentors for thousands of students. He is one of the founders of Huron Consulting
Group.
Patrick Schneidau '00, '00MBA, of Houston, Texas, is recipient of the 2007 Young
Alumni award, to be presented May 3. As past treasurer and president of the ND Club of
Houston, his dedication and leadership have benefitted the club's financial organization, doubled
its dues-paying membership base and expanded club activities across all areas of club
involvement. While an active participant in all Houston club events, Schneidau also organized
and led the Vocare Retreat for young alumni. Schneidau is director of Solutions Consulting for
PROS Pricing Solutions.
Jacquie and Barry Ryan '62 will receive the Family Exemplar Award on November 8 in
recognition of their volunteer service in providing Sunday dinner to homeless persons in
Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, since January 2003. The Ryans initiated and continue to facilitate the
meal program at the Cathedral Parish of Saint Patrick with the assistance of their sons, Matthew
'88 and Daniel, and granddaughter, Allysa '09SMC (daughter of Michael '85). They supervise
18 weekly volunteers from the parish and the Notre Dame Club of Harrisburg in the preparation
of 300 meals. The Ryans also staff the meal service, greeting guests and making donated
clothing available.
The Notre Dame Club of Houston was honored with Distinguished Club award for their
involvement in assisting the family of Notre Dame baseball coach Dave Schrage while his wife,
Jody, who recently died, was receiving cancer treatments in the Houston area. For information
on the alumni club hospital ministry program, visit ndsenioralumni.org/hospital.html.
Chuck Lennon Honored for 25 Years
On January 25, Chuck Lennon '61, '62M.A., was surprised with a tribute dinner in celebration of
his 25th anniversary as executive director of the Alumni Association. Establishment of the
Charles and Joan Lennon Endowment for Excellence was announced at the event. Alumni
contribution to the fund have reached $275,000 to benefit the Alumni Association and its
programs. For more information and photographs from the event, visit
alumni.nd.edu/Lennon_25years.html.
Pray at ND
The recently launched website at pray.nd.edu/ provides access to Notre Dame's spiritual
resources and offers a daily prayer and Gospel reading, a video of campus, Grotto prayer
requests, campus retreat schedules and words of inspiration.
Month of Service to Honor Father Hesburgh
In honor of the 90th birthday of Rev. Theodore Hesburgh, CSC, on May 25, the Alumni
Association has designated May 2007 as a month of service.
Class and club officers, and other alumni group leaders can register for a group service
project through "ND Month of Service" at alumni.nd.edu/commserv/. The website also includes
a detailed biography of Father Hesburgh and a video of him discussing Notre Dame alumni
dedication to community service.
Notre Dame Family Hall
Fisher Hall on campus will serve as Notre Dame Family Hall this June and July. Room rates are
$25 plus tax per week nights; $30 plus tax per weekend night, with an additional $10-15 for
children's rooms. Visit alumni.nd.edu/ndfamilyhall.html or call 574-631-8807 for more
information.
Reunion '07
Alumni Reunion takes place May 31-June 3 for the undergraduate and law classes of 1957,
1962, 1967, 1972, 1977, 1982, 1987, 1992, 1997 and 2002; architecture grads from class years
ending in 3 and 8; all 50 Year Club alumni; Hispanic Alumni of Notre Dame; the first female
graduates; and master's of divinity graduates. For more information, registration and lists of
registrants by class, visit reunion.nd.edu.
A half-day seminar during Reunion '07 is designed to assist alumni during career
transitions. Executive search recruiters will discuss how to best utilize recruiters, manage
expectations and network with other ND alumni. The seminar will take place Thursday, May 31,
from 1 to 5 p.m. and costs $25. Register at reunion.nd.edu. For more information, contact Kevin
Monahan '94 or Marc Burdell '87 at the Alumni Association, 574-631-6000.
(April 2007)
