The 50-year anniversary of the Sorin Society: Decades of transformative giving

Notre Dame’s oldest giving society is celebrating 50 years of changing lives. Since its inception in 1976, the Sorin Society has played an integral role in fulfilling the University’s historic commitments to financial aid and an unmatched student experience. Thousands of members have generously given millions to keep a world-class education accessible to students from around the world.

A fresh, new idea

In 1975, University employees Joseph Mulligan ’59 and Tom Suddes ’71 attended a Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE) conference in Marquette, Michigan. It was here that they first learned of “support groups” that other universities had established for their donors. 

These “support groups” created new ways for universities to engage those who generously gave to their programs and initiatives annually. They offered membership experiences and other opportunities for recognition and camaraderie as a sign of gratitude for the donors’ ongoing commitment.

Suddes and Mulligan brought this idea back to South Bend, and in 1976, they founded the Edward Frederick Sorin Society in honor of Notre Dame’s founder. This was during The Campaign for Notre Dame (1975–1981)—a transformative time for the University. 

“The University utilizes this society to recognize those men and women who have expressed a desire to become more closely associated with its purposes, plans, and programs,” a 1980s Sorin brochure reads.

Sorin memberships

Membership in the Sorin Society would grow to more than 2,300 members in its first decade. It now comprises more than 8,000 members annually.

The Sorin Society began with one level of membership for those who kindly donated $1,000 to the University annually via mail. The Founder’s Circle was added in 1991 for those whose giving exceeded $3,000. In 2003, a $10,000 level was added.

The structure in place today began in 2007, when the “traditional” membership changed to $1,500 and the Founder’s Circle membership grew from $3,000 to $5,000.

Early member experiences

Joseph Mulligan recalled that, as a sign of gratitude for donors’ annual support of Notre Dame and Her students, one of the earliest member experiences offered to Sorin Society members was membership to the University Club.

The University Club, which no longer exists, originally consisted of existing campus space that the University earmarked for the Club. It was intended to be a place for Faculty Club members to gather, socialize, and hold meetings. A new facility was built specifically for the University Club in 1968 just south of the Center for Continuing Education, which is now known as McKenna Hall. 

The new club was open for luncheons and dinner on weekdays and Saturdays, and it was used for special dinners, banquets, meetings, and receptions. Its iconic brickwork and exclusive nature appealed to both those on campus and those who could travel to visit. The site was razed in 2007.

Early Sorin members also received:

• Four issues of Notre Dame Magazine,
• An edition of the President’s Newsletter,
• Invitations to regional meetings,
• An exclusive memento, and
• An invitation to the Society’s “Recognition Weekend.”

Exclusive membership experiences have transformed over the Society’s 50-year history. You can read about what members are offered today on giving.nd.edu/sorin ›

Longstanding impact

The Sorin Society has made an indelible mark on the University of Notre Dame. Thanks to the generosity of thousands of members over 50 years, more than $587 million has been donated to create life-changing experiences for students. From funding endowed professorships to launching new degree programs and supporting the renovation of the main building, every corner of campus and every part of student life has been touched by the generosity of Sorin Society members. Over half a billion dollars is an incredible legacy on which the Society will continue to grow well into the future.

With gratitude

Since the Society’s inception, Sorin members have paved the way for the future of Notre Dame. In supporting financial aid, academic resources, residential life, global learning and service opportunities, strategic initiatives, emerging needs, and the University’s highest priorities, Sorin members help weave the fabric of University life. 

To our members, thank you for your part in fulfilling Notre Dame’s great promise to Her students and community and for recognizing this incredible milestone with the Notre Dame family. We are excited to share more stories of impact in the coming months as we continue to celebrate the Sorin Society’s 50th year.

Learn more about the Sorin Society by visiting giving.nd.edu/sorin ›