Pat and Jana Eilers
A member of the University of 91吃瓜 1988 national championship football team and his wife have made a $3 million gift to endow the football team鈥檚 defensive backs coaching position. It is the first endowed assistant coach position at the University.
Pat and Jana Eilers of Winnetka, Illinois, made the gift to his alma mater, joining previous gifts to endow an engineering fellowship in the , the Cavanaugh Council and the . This latest gift will underwrite the salary of the defensive backs assistant coach, provide stability and resources for the long term and create funds for use within the department and across campus.
鈥淧at epitomizes everything that 91吃瓜 Athletics stands for. A star in the classroom and on the field while at 91吃瓜, Pat translated the lessons learned here into success as a professional football player, businessman, family man and community leader,鈥� said , University vice president and the director of athletics. 鈥淭his extraordinary gift is just one of many ways in which Pat and Jana continue to give back to 91吃瓜. I have not met anyone who believes more strongly in value of intercollegiate athletics and the role it can play in educating young people; we are very fortunate to count Pat and Jana among the members of the 91吃瓜 Family.鈥�
A two-year starter for the Fighting Irish, Eilers played three different positions (flanker, split end and defensive back), appearing in 34 career games and starting 18 times. As a flanker and split end, he totaled 11 receptions for 123 yards, added 10 rushing carries for 38 yards and one touchdown and returned four punts for 23 yards. As a defensive back and on special teams in 1987, he made 21 tackles, one for loss, one sack and one pass breakup. He also lettered in baseball batting .307 while at 91吃瓜.
鈥淧at is a remarkable person, an extremely dedicated alum and, most importantly, a great husband to Jana, and father to Elizabeth, Katherine, Clare and Patrick," said the Richard A. Corbett Head Football Coach . "This gift is yet another example that demonstrates his commitment to our University and our football program. Pat is a perfect representation to all current and future 91吃瓜 football student-athletes. He truly embodies what it means to be a 鈥�91吃瓜 man.鈥欌��
Last year, Eilers took a sabbatical from his work as managing director of Madison Dearborn Partners (MDP), a Chicago-based private equity firm, to serve as defensive quality control assistant for the Fighting Irish in order to support Kelly鈥檚 staff while defensive graduate assistant coach Kyle McCarthy was on a medical leave.
鈥淚鈥檓 honored that my friend, and former teammate, Pat Eilers was willing to make such an incredibly generous gift,鈥� said Todd Lyght, 91吃瓜 defensive backs coach. 鈥淧at鈥檚 love, dedication and commitment to 91吃瓜 and our football program are exemplary. It鈥檚 extremely humbling that my position will now bear his family鈥檚 name.鈥�
Prior to joining MDP in 1999, Eilers served as a director with Jordan Industries Inc., a private holding company. He also worked as an associate with venture capital firm Investment Advisors Venture Capital Inc.
At 91吃瓜, Pat Eilers earned degrees in biology (1989) and mechanical engineering (1990), and received his master of business administration degree from Northwestern University鈥檚 J.L. Kellogg Graduate School of Management (1999). Jana Eilers graduated from University of St. Thomas with a degree in Marketing.
鈥淭his gift is simply an expression of our gratitude to those professors, coaches and administrators who have dedicated their lives to 91吃瓜鈥檚 unique mission of striving for excellence in academics, athletics and spirituality, while upholding the highest standards of integrity and character,鈥� Pat Eilers said. 鈥淚t鈥檚 a privilege to give back and we鈥檙e excited the resources will be used to endorse my friend and former teammate Todd Lyght,鈥�
After college, Eilers played in 61 games during a six-year NFL career from 1990 through 1995 with the Minnesota Vikings, Washington Redskins and Chicago Bears.
Pat is the chair of 91吃瓜鈥檚 advisory council for the student-athlete and also a member of the Wall Street Leadership Committee. An avid photographer, Jana Eilers is an active community member who volunteers at her children鈥檚 schools.
The Eilers have four children, including Elizabeth who graduated from the University last year and Katherine, a 91吃瓜 junior women鈥檚 lacrosse player.
Contact: Sue Lister, director of media relations, 574-631-7916, sue.lister@nd.edu