Still Learning: Tim Shriver at Notre Dame

The principal often reminds us that, as Ignatian educators, we never have to wonder whether our work makes a difference. What a privilege that is. And yet, I sometimes think we do not speak enough about another blessing of this vocation: the cyclical nature of school life itself.

Each year concludes, only to commence again. There is something profoundly hopeful about that rhythm. No school year is ever the same—and not simply because a new group of students walks through our doors each August. Every year brings unexpected challenges, new relationships, unforeseen moments of grace, and opportunities we could not have anticipated when the year began.

This year, among many other things, I had the opportunity to teach sophomores once again. Every sophomore is required to take Christology, a course centered on the life of Jesus through a close reading of the Gospel of Matthew. One of my favorite aspects of teaching the course is no only learning more about Our Lord, but a figure so central to His life that he is mentioned in all four Gospels—John the Baptist.

Through Matthew's Gospels, we learn that  JTB is a fiery prophet calling people to repentance and preparing the way for Jesus. But in the Gospel of John, he is presented as a witness. He points others toward Christ. 

I could hardly believe I caught this image inside of
Holy Name of Jesus Church as I was writing this post.

Religious art only affirms this attribute of John. To me, it seems that nine out of ten paintings show him with his hand raised, extending his index finger. He is not asking us to pause. He is not trying to make his own point. Rather, his point is to redirect our line of sight, calling us to pay attention to who and what matters: Jesus.

This is what saints and religious heroes do. They never point to themselves. They do not say, “Look at me!” or boast about what they have achieved. Instead, they help us discover where Christ can be found.

I was reminded of this disposition when I heard Tim Shriver’s speech at the commencement exercises at University of Notre Dame. Shriver, the chairman of Special Olympics, received the Laetare Medal—the highest honor conferred upon an American Catholic.

From what scripture tells us, I don't get the sense that JTB a storyteller. Tim Shriver however has that great gift. I appreciate the way he remembers the names and recognizes the gifts of others—their talents, their insights, their wisdom, their dignity. They become the very subject of his stories, not for his own glory, but to reveal the sacred worth already present in them. In telling their stories, he points beyond himself, much like John the Baptist pointed beyond himself. For example he recalls a lesson he learned from his time teaching in New Haven, Connecticut. He said, 

One student of mine, Jenny, was 14 years old when I first met her. She heard every day, and she echoed this to me. "I hear every day, I'm a nobody." She couldn't imagine being a person who mattered. So, I decided to pay her a visit at her home and meet with her mom and figure out what I could do. And she later told me, she said, "You know, that day you visited my house, you poured just a little self-worth into me, and that's all it took to change my life." Actually, as you all know, it was God who poured the self-worth into Jenny. I just saw it and I did my best to honor it. And she did the same for me.

In Ireland, he was a witness. In 2003, the Special Olympics World Games took place on the Emerald Isle; these were the first games that featured athletes with the most severe disabilities. Like a prophet, Shriver knows the lay of the land. He tells the crowd the story of one athlete Donal Page.

Donal suffered from an illness just after birth. It left him unable to speak, unable to walk. He was wheeled onto the stage in his wheelchair and positioned near a table like this with a bean bag on it. His challenge, his competition was to lift the bean bag and move it from one side of the table to the other.  

Now, I know you all have been in sporting events where there was bedlam, but I promise you, you have never seen an athlete as great as Donal Paige.

I thought later, you know, the madness in that hall, we were on the home field of the Fighting Irish. And on that field, all of us were fighting for one of us. There was no foe. There was no enemy. We were a mass of humanity rooting for humanity.And humanity won because humanity in that moment was one.

I could easily unpack each nugget, every anecdote and recall at minimum three more lessons from this story and this talk, but instead, I invite you to watch. Listen. Share it. Then listen again. You may want a box of Kleenex nearby. It is one of the more meaningful, memorable, polished, and hopeful talks I have ever heard in a long while. And God knows, we need that right now.

Shriver is no fool. He knows this great university stands under the guidance of Our Lady, Notre Dame. He points to her and her great "yes"—her fiat. He shares how in times of tragedy, which his family knows all too well (Shriver's mother is Eunice Kennedy, one of JFK's sisters), they have turned to Mary and pray the rosary.

He challenges the graduates of the Class of 2026 to be mystics. I couldn't help but wonder if those who work with athletes with intellectual and physical disabilities see that in a way the rest of us ought to...and need to. Shriver points to many things, but he testifies to this truth. We must see see that each and every individual is made in the image and likeness of God. And that when we do, there is no us and them. Humanity is one. We all win. A wonderful lesson for all of us, sports fans or not. 

Thank you to University of Notre Dame for honoring Tim Shriver. And thank you, Tim for your profound message. It has been thirty years since my own graduation, and I am still learning. 

Photo Credits
Tim Shriver
Special Olympics Logo

Admiral Chris Grady asks Graduates: What Would You Fight For? His Answer? Trust and Truth

After listening to Derek Jeter’s commencement address at the University of Michigan, I started wondering which other sports legends—past and present—might be speaking to the Class of 2025. As it turns out, this year’s lineup is impressive: Simone Biles (Washington University—St. Louis), Mia Hamm (University of North Carolina—Chapel Hill), Katie Ledecky (Stanford University), Carmelo Anthony (Syracuse University), and A.J. Brown (Ole Miss), to name just a few. Who would you want to hear?

I’m not sure why a search like this hasn’t been a regular part of my work in Sports and Spirituality. Every year, I check to see where the President is speaking—this year, it's the University of Alabama—and I never miss Notre Dame’s commencement. I’ve written about athletes like Roger Federer, Harrison Butker, and Haley Scott DeMaria when they’ve crossed my radar. From now on, a full search will be part of the routine.

When I read that Admiral Christopher Brady '84 was speaking to the Notre Dame Class of 2025, I took note. As an alum and Vice Chairman and Acting Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, I understood why the graduation committee asked him to give the address. With 41 years in the Navy, he said "I have been forged by the sea. But it really started right here — I believe I was forged at Notre Dame first." While a career in the armed forces is much different than one as a professional athlete, I had to wonder Would he? Could he? make a connection to Sports and Spirituality? I am pleased to report that he did. He was inspiring, interesting and his words still sit with me.

Like many speakers, Adm. Grady sought to create a connection with his audience. As someone who once sat in their shoes (albeit not inside Notre Dame Stadium, but the Joyce Athletic Convocation Center) he asked the graduates to pledge their allegiance. While choosing between South vs. North dining hall isn't new material, when he asked the class to declare Who is our number one rival: Ohio State? Clemson? Michigan? or USC? I was utterly delighted in by their response. Go Irish. Beat Trojans (we did). He made reference to all the sports I would need. So what of spirituality?

Grady said that "trust is a precious commodity." I heard those words and the spirit moved me. I leaned in. I listened hard. He said, 

As a young officer, I learned that building and maintaining trust is essential to effective leadership, and that trust is built on a commitment to truth.

When I took command for the first time, I quickly learned that trust is a precious commodity.

First-time captains, as with any leader, have to learn to trust those around them, because no person can do it all, especially on a warship with over 300 people.

And first-time captains, especially, have to get over themselves as the only answer.

For me that came from trusting my command master chief, the ship’s senior enlisted sailor, who pulled me aside and said, “Look, captain, you’re good, but we can be great as a team if you trust the crew … we will speak truth to power if you let us.”

Now, we can debate whether trust is given or earned. But I can tell you trust is difficult to maintain, easy to lose, and — once lost — nearly impossible to get back.

And trust is built through the ruthless commitment to and pursuit of truth.

We ask, “What would you fight for?” and I answer, “truth” — truth is worth fighting for.

During every football game, the University runs an ad that asks that questions: What would you fight for? Students and professors share stories of their work, study, preoccupations that they find worth fighting for. Past responses have been: religious liberty, our country's mental health crisis, rare diseases and education reform. No part of their quest exists without trust and truth. It's integral to the fight.

As much as I love athletes and their contributions to society—art, entertainment, joy and awe, I was humbled by the work of Admiral Grady. Jeter spoke of failing his rookie season. It was challenging; it was real. But adversity, challenge and even failure have a different face in the Navy. He said, 

In my line of work, that means that no plan survives first contact with the enemy.

My best days in command were not when everything went right, but when things went wrong, and the crew — the team — responded.

Like on a beautiful day off the coast of Bahrain when a routine voyage was interrupted by a catastrophic engineering failure, and the crew responded safely, expertly and swiftly.

Or when I was a strike group commander and we had to adjust to changing enemy tactics as we sent the air wing over the beach during the fight against ISIS.

The enemy was a learning adversary, but we learned and adapted faster.

You must do the same.

I turned to my friend and said "he just dropped ISIS on us. Not sure it gets more real than that." Or should I say truthful.

Though graduation speeches can be controversial, formulaic, biased and limited—I learn something from every one of them. At Notre Dame, we have the privilege of a second speech—from the the recipient of the Laetare Medal. This address is 100% spiritual in nature. It is the most prestigious award given to American Catholics by the University of Notre Dame in recognition of outstanding service to the Catholic Church and society. It had been conferred on saints, selfless leaders, men and women in religious life, lay people and more. This year's honoree—Kerry Alys Robinson is the president and chief executive officer of Catholic Charities USA. She spoke a lot of sports, especially football.

I had to wonder if next year, the University might recognize a priest from the South Side of Chicago who has become the first American Pope. Stay tuned and rest assured I will let you know. It's part of my routine.

Blessings to the Class of 2025, to Admiral Grady and Kerry Robinson and all those who have helped these graduates and honorees in their search for truth and in building trust. Go Irish.

Photo Credits
Coach Free
Commencement Speaker

Sports and Spirituality Icebreaker: Thank you, Polar Bears

It's graduation season. A moment for our schools and families to pause and participate in a time-honored tradition known as commencement. I love the components that characterize this rite of passage: the pomp and circumstance, academic regalia, baccalaureate mass, the valedictory address and more. Schools give extraordinary awards, extend diplomas and invite leaders, celebrities, authors, athletes, and alumni to impart inspiring messages, words of wisdom and even a call to action to a graduating class. 

Do you remember the person who spoke at your commencement ceremony? And if you remember them, what was their speech about? Did they quote Plato or Socrates? Jesus or a Jesuit named Greg Boyle? Perhaps they referenced a work of art or architecture. Did they share the story of a winning team or the lessons learned from defeat? Or, did they offer lessons from a polar bear. Probably not—which is the purpose of this. No motor board and robe required. 

I found this message on a graduation card, and figured "Advice from a Polar Bear" might serve a nation divided quite well. Though this Arctic animal is not expected to offer the address, we can learn from it just the same. Maybe this is an appropriate message for the kindergarten or eighth grade graduations. But wisdom never shows its age. It's is acquired by time, reflection and living life and meant to be accessible for all. Here's the message from our fury friend:

• Live Large
• Be thick-skinned
• Sniff out opportunities
• Learn some good icebreakers
• Be fearless
• Keep it cool!

In my capacity as a leader in the Office of Adult Spirituality, I have come to see a lot of people dread or fear icebreakers. And yet, we still lead gatherings with them. Why?! I think they are important for tone setting and getting the attention and focus of the community. The polar bear is right. I think leaders—school administrators, teachers, board chairs can benefit from good icebreakers. I suggest collecting them as you go. Hold on to those that energize you and let go of those that do not. 

I created Sports and Spirituality Bingo with the intention that participants would get up and out of their seats to ask questions and get answers from their colleagues/peers. One can fill all squares or a line of five in a row—vertically, horizontally, or diagonally. I offered a general Bingo for the faculty of St. Ignatius College Prep to commence our retreat. Truth be told, the room was buzzing and I got some great recommendations for future reading.

I doubt that a college or university is going to offer an icebreaker at their commencement exercises. And in today's world, we know that colleges and universities must be careful—deliberate and discerning—about the one who is to offer a commencement speech. He or she is given a high profile platform and it's public.This person ought to espouse the values and guiding principles of the institution. Time and again we have seen this go right and seen it go wrong. You may live by the understanding that even bad press is good press. I have wondered Benedictine College's stance on this axiom. Their 2024 speaker, Kansas City Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker spoke as someone who claims to be "authentically and unapologetically Catholic." His message has garnered a wide-spectrum of responses.  I invite you to watch for yourself. (NB: I watched about the first 12 minutes. That was sufficient for me.).

I make a point of watching the University of Notre Dame's commencement address every year. I still remember a few ideas that Dr. Mary Ann Glendon offered to the Class of 1996. However, the speech and stories from the Laetare medal winner, Sister Helen Prejean, CSJ are seared in my memory. Though she was honored for her work with individuals on death row, we left feeling as though we were the honorees—honored by her presence, her prayers, her humor and example. Thank you, Sister Helen!

Odds are your speaker won't give lessons learned from a polar bear....but this message is worth considering. Maybe that's your next icebreaker: Which one of these points do you find most important? challenging? appropriate for you?!

Congratulations to the Class of 2024—live large! 

If you want the Sports and Spirituality Bingo file, please send me a note and I'll share the document.

Photo Credits
Laetare

A Lenten Reminder: The Importance of Community

Let's be honest, Lent is long. Even with Laetare Sunday—March 27—reminding us that we are 21 days from Easter joy, three full weeks remain in the journey. The spiritual season is meant to mirror the 40 days and nights Jesus spent in the desert. The Lord fasted and prayed. He was tempted and yet He persevered. And you? 

these donuts were not in the iconic pink box, but still led me into temptation

During Lent, we make plans for deeper conversion. Some of us refrain from eating certain foods, maybe a dish we like, or we avoid social media. Whatever the case, we are trying to discipline ourselves in some way. Sometimes, we don’t stick with what we planned. Sometimes, we completely abandon the good work we started. But many of us in fact, persevere as well. How?

This is an important question to ask. With any goal—whether it is physical, spiritual, personal or prayerful—it helps to know how we can succeed. What choices ought we make? What should we avoid? Who can we turn to for support? When are we weak? When are we strong?

Just this morning, I found a helpful hint when I needed it most. The Fellowship of Franciscan Athletes is a group of student athletes who come together for faith sharing and prayer. Co-founder of the group, Jack Perry—home for spring break—came back to Saint Francis to speak about our dignity and worth beyond sports. He shared passages of Scripture, examples from the Bible, his personal story and led us in prayer. Thanks, Jack!

The group often promotes a speaker or guest to draw a crowd. Another successful tactic to attract students is extending hospitality, and of course fellowship. It works! 

For this speaker, the moderator spared no expense. I looked at the pink box of donuts he passed around with eyes bigger than my stomach. Move over Dunkin'. So long Krispy Kreme! Stan's donuts beats all. I took my seat in the gym and rationalization began. I decided I would wait until after everyone else got a donut before I ate my own.

I gave up sweets for Lent. I have done this for the past three years, because this sacrifice brings me into temptation nearly everyday. During Lent 2022, I have won many of those battles and other times, I have fallen. I have not abandoned ship. Today, however, I decided the apple fritter that caught my eye was mine for taking.

What's scary is I didn't even make an excuse for my choice. I deemed no justification necessary. In a way this scared me, I usually make a worthy plea bargain for my sugar intake. For example, I renounced my Lenten obligation because it was my friend's birthday. I mean, why not join in the celebration? The Sunday before last, I had the dessert after dinner because—well, it's Sunday. Thank you, Resurrection. Today, I was just ready to enjoy. Lent be gone.

And then one of my favorite golfers, a junior named Max walked in. He sat down near me and I asked him if he was going to have a donut. He said "no, my family gives up sugar for Lent. How's your Lent going?"

I could barely believe what I just heard. My plans for a donut suddenly changed. I couldn't look Max or anyone in the eye and not share that I made the same sacrifice.

This exchange reminded me of the importance of community. To take on any sacrifice is a challenge, but once we know we are in relationship with others doing the same—somehow, someway the burden isn't so heavy. We can swap stories. Share sympathy. Hold one another accountable, both directly and indirectly.

At the beginning of Lent, I discussed with my students the many ways we can implement the traditional pillars of Lent both as a community and in our homes. I invited them to consider not only giving something up, but doing something as well. I told them that I was giving up sweets and I said "please ask me how it is going. I know it won't be easy."

I understand that some people may not want to share what they have given up. But I do believe we can all give a little insight into our own journey and as proven today, help another person in the process. It helps me to know we do not spend these 40 days alone in the desert. We have Jesus and we have one another. Thanks be to God.

Photo Credits
Lent

The Positive of Negative Motivation: Thank you, Carla Harris.

I am a positive person. I would rather affirm that deny. I do what I can to make things possible, but occasionally it's just better to act, speak and think otherwise. For example, as a coach and a teacher, I know that "addition by subtraction" is much more than a catchy phrase. I cannot not tell you that's true. Quite often, less really is more. And thanks to Carla Harris, the recipient of the 2021 Laetare Award, I now know "negative motivation" is a positive approach—in spite of its name.

The Laetare Medal is an annual award given by the University of Notre Dame to recognize an individual who has displayed remarkable service to the Catholic Church, academics and society. At the commencement ceremony in May, the University will confer this distinction upon business leader, gospel singer, speaker and author Carla Harris.

As written in Notre Dame News, 

Harris currently serves as the vice chairman of wealth management and senior client adviser at Morgan Stanley and is on Harvard University’s and the Walmart Corp’s boards.

Throughout the course of her career, Harris has worked to promote women and people of color in business. She helped create Morgan Stanley’s Multicultural Innovation Lab and oversees the company’s multicultural client strategy as a whole.

Characteristic of Harris’ approach to her own success has been a mantra that has carried her beyond many obstacles and naysayers: “Never count yourself out.” Harris coaches others with a “negative motivation” approach, leveraging what people say cannot be done into energy to prove them wrong. She likewise understands her successes as a responsibility to help others, saying, “We are blessed so that we may be a blessing to others."

Her approach caught my attention. Negative motivation? It seems contradictory. To me, motivation feels inherently positive. It is fueled by optimism. But it's also driven by desire and Harris' life is testimony of a truth that too many women, too many people of color, too many people encounter. Many doors aren't open. Ceilings are made of something other than glass. The world says "no way," or even worse "there is no way." Harris' stands before herself and others and says We can. You can. I can....or rather "you/we/I cannot not do this!." And why not?!

Yasiel Puig has always been my example for addition by subtraction. Talented but not a great teammate the Dodgers have fared better without him.

In math, the multiplication of two negatives results in a positive. Every language, has a construction in which two negatives make a positive. And so it is with a reality that many people face. When people tell you to count yourself out, use negative motivation and prove them wrong. I think Carla Harris has it right.

I speak about Carla Harris in Episode 17 of my podcast FaithFondue. You can listen here!

Photo Credits
Carla Harris
Yasiel

Lenten Box Project for Athletes

This past Sunday was Laetare Sunday. Perhaps you noticed that the presider at Mass wore a Rose colored vestment. We are called to "REJOICE!" as we are half way through Lent. Think of this feast day as half time....as time to break, step away from the action and consider what has been working well and what you might need to adjust in your Lenten journey.

Lent, a holy season of 40 days, asks each of us to practice not one, but three traditional spiritual disciplines: fasting, giving alms and prayer. Many Catholics are familiar with the "test" of giving something up. They fast from eating cookies, drinking alcohol or using foul language. Abstaining from meat, fasting on Good Friday / Ash Wednesday and even making more time for prayer is no easy task; others nearly embrace the challenge. Ultimately, the rituals of Lent seek to deepen our relationship with Christ and bring hope to our brothers and sisters in need. What a beautiful invitation...what a wonderful way to live.

As coaches, we demand discipline—physical, mental and even spiritual discipline from our athletes. They expect it from us. This truth has given me pause to ask: How can I integrate the practices of the Lenten season into my own season? What might be a way for the athletes on my team to bring hope to those in need? I have an answer: Lenten Boxes.

I have to give credit to St. Benedict's Young Adult Group (of St. Thomas More Parish in San Francisco), Their e-news describes what you can do. It says:

Lent encourages us to think about self-sacrifice, giving things up, renewing our faith, and strengthening our relationships with God and others. How are you doing this during the Lenten season? What are some Lenten sacrifices that you are making? 

We are inviting all of you to participate in our Lenten Box Project. To participate we ask that you place items in a box to give to an individual who may be in need. We ask that your box be 8 x 14 x 5 inches-- roughly the size of a typical shoebox, or if you do not have a shoebox, then a gallon size bag. 

Here are some examples of items that you can place in the box or bag:

• Toiletries (i.e. toothbrush/toothpaste, bar of soap, travel sized shampoos, razor, floss, hand sanitizer, feminine hygiene products, etc.)
• Clothing (i.e. T-shirt, socks, gloves, etc)
• Religious items (i.e. prayer cards, Rosary, candle)
• Activities (i.e. book, coloring page/pencils, sudoku, mandala, etc)

Please note that you do not have to include all of these items, these are just suggestions! We encourage you to be creative (feel free to decorate your box) and to think about what you can give up and provide for others during this Lenten season. These boxes will be donated to individuals in need throughout San Francisco.   

Sports and Spirituality Lenten Box
This project could easily be modified to reflect the unique personality of any team.

The Tennessee Men's Golf team completes their own type of box project: to serve those affected by forest fires.

I would start by inviting my athletes to use the shoe box from their favorite pair of athletic shoes. For some, this might actually be a small sacrifice, but that is precisely the point. The shoes and the sport are the gift, the box is an immaterial, material good. If they do no have this box, they can decorate their box with images of their sport. Maybe they have stickers by the  brands for the gear that they use. Maybe it's a badge that comes with membership (e.g. USRowing, USGA). They can decorate these at home or together. Depends on the dynamic of your team.

Inside the Sports & Spirituality Lenten Box

• Toiletries (i.e. everyone needs sunscreen and even an SPF lip balm. Many of the teams I have coached share these items liberally; they can however, be quite costly. Some athletes need Advil or Alleve for pain relief; these over the counter drugs might be sincerely appreciated. Additionally, hair ties will never go to waste!)
• Clothing (might come in the form of what you wear for your sport—a dri-fit shirt or shorts? athletic socks are necessary, hat or visor that you like, etc. Many teams print their own shirts, separate from their uniform, that includes your team's motto. By including this gear, invite your athletes to consider this act of giving as an opportunity to share the spirit of your sport, your team).
• Religious items (i.e. I have a prayer card made for my team at the beginning of the season; if you make one as well, include your team's prayer card. Maybe your team has a unique candle or one that has the logo of your school).
• Activities (i.e. book, in particular one that you have enjoyed as it relates to your sport, maybe your team has a favorite activity that does not require electronics, like playing cards. Include a new deck of cards).
• Anything else you might like to receive...Every team I have ever been a part of has favorite snacks, as far as my athletes are concerned, these are a must for the Lenten Box.

It is a true privilege to give. While giving may—at times—feel like an obligation, when we give in a creative and personal way it feels much more like an act of love. Lent does indeed call us to make sacrifices, coaches may have to sacrifice practice time to make the Lenten Box Project happen. Athletes may need to make sacrifices to acquire the items that go into their box. But St. Francis has told us in his prayer, "It is in the giving that we receive." Yes, we are privileged to give, what athletes may gain in the process of giving and seeing one another give is a greater gift.

Photo Credits
Hands
UT Vols

The Voice of an Angel: Aaron Neville

Ask members of the class of 1996, their friends and family who served as graduation speaker at the 151st Commencement exercises at the University of Notre Dame and more than half will probably mention a peppery Cajun sister. Our Commencement speaker was a woman—Mary Ann Glendon, but the speaker who stole the show was the recipient of the Laetare Medal, Helen Prejean, CSJ. An activist and author, Sister Helen urged us to be the change we wish to see in the world.

Aaron Neville has a tremendous devotion to St. Jude.
He wears a medal of the saint on his earrings. #awesome

I have a feeling that if—19 years from now you ask a member of the Class of 2015 who their speaker was, they might do the same. While the Commencement speaker was the chancellor of Oxford University, Christopher Patten, this year's Laetare recipient was four time-Grammy Award-winning singer and musician, Aaron Neville. That's right, Aaron Neville of the melodious, rockin' Neville Brothers.

As written for Notre Dame news, “Aaron Neville proudly embraces and honors his faith through his God-given musical talents,” said Notre Dame’s president, Rev. John I. Jenkins, C.S.C. “Through tumultuous times in his life, Aaron turned to God, the Blessed Virgin Mary and St. Jude for strength, forgiveness, and salvation. His example of repentance and devotion shine brightly for all who see him perform.”

The Laetare (pronounced Lay-TAH-ray) Medal is so named because its recipient is announced each year in celebration of Laetare Sunday, the fourth Sunday in Lent on the Church calendar. “Laetare,” the Latin word for “rejoice,” is the first word in the entrance antiphon of the Mass that Sunday, which ritually anticipates the celebration of Easter. The medal bears the Latin inscription, “Magna est veritas et prevalebit” (“Truth is mighty, and it shall prevail”).

Next time you are in the basement of the Main Building...

Established at Notre Dame in 1883, the Laetare Medal was conceived as an American counterpart of the Golden Rose, a papal honor that antedates the 11th century. As I wrote in "Why Coach K Should Win the Laetare Medal" "This award recognizes outstanding service of a person or group to the Church and society; their genius has ennobled the arts and sciences, illustrated the ideals of the church and enriched the heritage of humanity. A committee must decide among several nominees and the winner is announced on Laetare Sunday (the fourth Sunday of Lent).  And I learned recently that every year, someone nominates Duke men's basketball coach Mike Krzyzewski."

 This year might have been an appropriate one for that distinction, but given Neville's response, I can't think of a greater gift for a graduating class, their families, and the alumni community. How so? I have noticed that not a lot captures the attention of teenagers at our all-school mass. But there's always one thing that does. When a student sings as prayer. 

When this happens, and our liturgist teaches and models how students can do this, it's captivating. It's prayer in its highest form (or prayer twice as Aquinas might say). When that's accented by someone who has "the voice of an angel," it's that much deeper, richer and sweeter. Aaron Neville is no exception.

Granted this context is different, but the community's response is no different. Neville says little but leaves much for the graduates. To hear him sing "Ave Maria" is something I want to pray with and remember. I encourage you to watch the link above to see/hear it.

When I was on campus in February, I came across a public commemoration of the Laetare Medal. In the basement of the Main Building stands an impressive ambo that features the likeness of the medal, its significance and a book that profiles each recipient. The stories of the lives it includes is tremendous. From Dorothy Day, to Martin Sheen, jazz composer Dave Brubeck and even the former captain of the men's basketball team—Rev John P Smyth. He dedicated his life in service to the poor of Chicago. What I love about this award is a simple fact that anyone can glorify God by using the unique gifts and talents they have been given.

I'm grateful that this year's honoree has done that in a way that speaks to me—music and prayer....one in the same.

Photo Credits

Aaron Neville's Instagram account

I took to photo of the Laetare Ambo and page

YouTube video 

Why Coach K Should Receive the Laetare Medal

The University of Notre Dame’s 168th Commencement Ceremony will take place on May 19, 2013 in Notre Dame Stadium.  Among the pomp and circumstance, addresses and honorary degrees is an award that is considered the oldest and most prestigious award given to American Catholics--the Laetare Medal.  This award recognizes outstanding service of a person or group to the Church and society; their genius has ennobled the arts and sciences, illustrated the ideals of the church and enriched the heritage of humanity. A committee must decide among several nominees and the winner is announced on Laetare Sunday (the third Sunday of Lent).  And I learned recently that every year, someone nominates Duke men's basketball coach Mike Krzyzewski.

Looking at the impressive list of past recipients--Dorothy Day, Sarge Shriver, Sister Helen Prejean and even Martin Sheen, one might ask how or why Coach K should be considered. Thanks to a conversation with Duke basketball manager, Scott Lamson I know why.

As the sports editor for Genesis, the alumni magazine of St. Ignatius College Prep in San Francisco, I am privy to talking to our alumni about what they do with their lives, opportunities they have had and lessons they have learned.  Many of these conversations have revealed a simple but uplifting truth: dreams do come true.  And that is exactly why I decided to get in touch with SI alum, Scott Lamson.

As reported in the most recent issue

Lamson first dreamt of attending Duke University when, at 8, he saw the men’s basketball team win the 2001 national championship.  He hoped to study at Duke and join the Blue Devil team coached by Coach Michael Krzyzewksi. 

While most 8 year olds may dream like this for a few years, Lamson stayed faithful to his vision.  He found his way onto the hardwood of Cameron Stadium when he landed the job as manager of the men’s varsity basketball team during the fall of his freshman year.   

“When I shared my dream with my sister Kiristie, she told me she could see me at Duke.  Because of her encouragement, I sought out SI.  I knew it was one of the best schools in the Bay Area.  I took challenging classes and spent a lot of late nights studying, which wasn’t always easy or fun, but I kept my focus on my goal.  My counselor even told me I needed “Plan B.”  Fortunately, the hard work paid off.    

Upon winning the 2012 Masters, Bubba Watson said what is one of my favorite quotes "I never got this far in my dreams."  That same truth applies to Scott.  Who would have thought this 8-year old boy would one day not only attend Duke but manage its basketball team?!  Perhaps those closest to Scott did.  

When I asked Scott to comment on what he had learned from one of the winningest coaches in the history of the game, he said “I am grateful for the many life lessons I have learned from Coach Krzyzewksi about leadership and more. Probably the biggest one is the importance of accountability.  He constantly instills the importance in each person taking responsibility for the work that they do, mistakes and all." 

I was fascinated by this culture of accountability.  Scott said fellow managers, coaches and players readily say "that was my bad.  I messed up."  Others own up to what they did do and didn't do.  It is a clear expectation from the top--we are responsible for ourselves and the impact is has on the team.  We can makes things wrong, but we can also make them right.

When I thought more about this culture, I closed my eyes and imagined what my classroom would be like if this culture was the norm.  I thought of how many tough conversations I have had with my students because they didn't take responsibility for the choices they made or because they curbed the truth rather than admit to their mistake.  I thought of the trust that is broken in the process and my frustration because I know it doesn't have to be that way.  I have students that do hold themselves accountable for what is right. I thought of the disappointment I feel when someone I care about doesn't take responsibility for their word.  I remembered the appreciation I do when someone does.

I thought of the teacher evaluations that my students complete and the administrative evaluations that my colleagues and I complete each year.  These forms are totally anonymous. They are meant to support and affirm and yet they can be downright scary to read.  Having taught for 13 years, I know my strengths and yes, I know my weaknesses.  But I thought of how different I feel when I read a challenging remark from a student who has voluntarily signed the form versus the one from the student who did not.  It takes courage to be honest with your teacher or administrator about what they do, but it's critically important.  A culture of accountability says "I will sign my name  because I respect you and I respect my word."

A culture of accountability means that we hold one another to a higher standard.  It is not one that forbids mistakes.  No, it acknowledges our shortcomings and failings but it also says the only way WE win is when you and I each do our part.  Scott would agree.  He said "Coach K also knows how to delegate—one person can’t do it all.  He uses the image of the fist to remind us of that truth.  A hand with five fingers spread apart isn’t strong.  However, when they combine to make a fist, it is.” 

The Laetare Medal is given at commencement to say to Notre Dame graduates, we have formed you in your time here and we want to hold up a model of who you can be.  It says that Catholic men and women live their lives in such a way that Coach Mike Krzyzewski has three national championships, an Olympic gold medal, a foundation--the Emily Krzyzewski Center.  It is a place that seeks to "inspire economically disadvantaged students to dream big, act with character and purpose, strive for academic excellence, and reach their highest potential as future citizen leaders."  But he's also made sure that his primary life's work--coaching Duke basketball is a place where athletes and coaches are responsible and accountable for themselves and what they do.  

Imagine a nation, party and church where this culture was the norm?  Looking at Duke basketball my only conclusion is that it is a culture where we would win.  Excellence would prevail.  Talent and teamwork go hand in hand. I won't go so far as to compare Coach K with some of the men and women who have tirelessly given their lives to the poor or amended government programs to support the marginalized but I do think a culture of accountably and responsibility is related to such issues. I'm glad he's on that list...sounds medal worthy to me...

Photo Credits
Coach K coaching
Laetare Medal
Winning