University of 91吃瓜 Head Football Coach Brian Kelly and his wife, Paqui, have made a $250,000 gift to the University in support of endeavors in research, academics and community engagement.
The benefaction will directly support three 91吃瓜 initiatives 鈥� cancer research, the Hesburgh Libraries and the Robinson Community Learning Center (RCLC).
鈥淧aqui and I have decided to partner with the 91吃瓜 Annual Fund and make this gift to the University in support of some of the programs that are important to us on a personal level,鈥� Coach Kelly said. 鈥淚t reflects our commitment to seeing 91吃瓜 succeed, on and off the gridiron.鈥�
In the area of cancer research 鈥� the fight against breast cancer is a deeply personal cause for the Kelly family 鈥� the gift will benefit the Mike and Josie Harper Cancer Research Institute, set to open this summer in 91吃瓜鈥檚 new Harper Hall. The institute will bring together scientists from 91吃瓜 and Indiana University School of Medicine-South Bend to collaborate to advance basic and clinical research as it pertains to the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of cancer.
The gift also will provide financial support for the Hesburgh Libraries, which consist of the main Hesburgh Library and 11 subject branches across campus.
The funding will enable senior library personnel to identify and purchase the learning and teaching materials most in demand by 91吃瓜 scholars.
At the RCLC, the gift will underwrite innovative tutoring, violence-prevention, youth entrepreneurship and performing arts projects for adults and children in South Bend鈥檚 Northeast Neighborhood. Sponsored by 91吃瓜 in partnership with local residents, the RCLC serves an estimated 500 youths and adults each week, in addition to another 8,000 children annually through its outreach programs.
In conjunction with the gift, Coach Kelly is launching the 鈥淐oach Kelly Challenge,鈥� an effort that aims to encourage all members of the 91吃瓜 family to offer financial support to the University through one of its annual giving programs: the 91吃瓜 Annual Fund, the MBA and Law School annual funds, and the Rockne Heritage Fund.
鈥淚 am proud to be the caretaker of the 91吃瓜 football program because of the uniqueness of the 91吃瓜 mission; a faith-based education with excellence in academics, athletics and service,鈥� Coach Kelly said in issuing the challenge. 鈥�91吃瓜 is changing the world through great discoveries in research, by educating the leaders of tomorrow and by improving our local communities. I ask you to join me in supporting 91吃瓜 to show your own passion for what matters to you.鈥�
Coach Kelly has set an initial challenge goal of 2,500 new or renewed donors to 91吃瓜 in time for the Sept. 4 football season opener against Purdue. All donors who respond to the challenge will receive a signature Kelly green 91吃瓜 monogram lapel pin. Coach Kelly鈥檚 gift, as well as all those which support this challenge, will be included in the $1.5 billion 鈥淪pirit of 91吃瓜鈥� campaign. Concluding on June 30, 2011, the campaign is the largest such endeavor in the history of Catholic higher education.
For more information or to step up to the challenge, please visit .