Pictured above, Irish head coach Brian Kelly watches the action during April’s spring game. Richard Corbett’s $35 million gift to the University of Notre Dame includes a football coaching endowment. Evan J. Thomas/The Pit
[dropcap]T[/dropcap]he University of Notre Dame will receive $35 million in gifts from alumnus Richard Corbett for an academic building and football coaching endowment.
Corbett will underwrite the construction of a 280,000 – square foot building on the east side of Notre Dame Stadium and endow the head football coaching position at the University.
The first gift of $25 million is in support of the Corbett Family Hall, which will house the Departments of Anthropology and Psychology along with a digital media center. The remaining $10 million will establish the coaching endowment.
Notre Dame has been a part of the Corbett family history for more than 90 years.
“My father, brother and I have proudly and boldly worn our blue and gold in all that we have done, ” Corbett said. “We have sought to support the tradition and excellence in academic, athletic, personal and professional performance. We are very pleased to help further build Notre Dame’s commitment to the dynamic blend of academic and athletic enrichment that continues to be a beacon of this nation’s values and sustainability.”
Corbett earned a bachelor’s degree in history from Notre Dame and was class president his senior year. In celebration of the 50th reunion of the Notre Dame class of 1960, Dick provided a generous matching gift in 2010 for the class’ scholarship fund.
Rev. John I. Jenkins, C.S.C., Notre Dame’s president stated, “for many generations of Notre Dame faculty and students to come, Corbett Family Hall will represent a full integration of teaching, research and advanced technology on our campus.” He also had to say, “likewise, the endowment of the head football coaching position will underwrite salary, provide stability and resources for the long term and create funds for use within the department and across campus.” “We are humbled by and tremendously grateful for these extraordinary gifts from Dick.”
Construction of Corbett Family Hall began this past November and will be completed in August 2017.
“The new buildings surrounding Notre Dame Stadium, as well as other projects we have begun, or will soon begin, are tangible evidence of our commitment to the traditional residential college campus,” said John Affleck-Graves, executive vice president of the University. “All of us at Notre Dame are deeply appreciative of Dick’s vision and generosity.”
“Dick has always been a loyal supporter of the University of Notre Dame and its global family,” said Jack Swarbrick, vice president and director of athletics.
Brian Kelly will be the first Corbett Family Head Football Coach.
“I’m honored and quite humbled to be a part of this incredible gift from Dick,” Kelly said. “He has offered the University of Notre Dame and its football program an incredible gesture that will help so many people on this campus. His generosity, vision and unyielding support reinforce our University’s commitment to provide all of its students with a truly unique and exceptional college experience. This further fosters Notre Dame’s commitment to excellence in all areas.”
