Dec. 18, 2009
Notre Dame, Ind. – Sarah Krug grew up surrounded by people with a deep love for the University of Notre Dame. Both of her parents are graduates of the University and her father, John Krug ’86, is a third generation Domer who won a Monogram in wrestling.
“Growing up I knew every word to the Victory March and the Alma Mater by heart,” Sarah said.
Years ago, John brought her to campus for the first time to experience a Notre Dame football game. Sarah loved the game day experience, tradition and pageantry of Notre Dame football and she knew that she belonged at Notre Dame.
After spending the day on campus she walked up to her dad and said, “I want to go to school here.”
Despite Sarah’s desire to attend the University, her family had concerns. With rising tuition cost and having three other children in the family, John knew that making Sarah’s dream come true could prove to be a challenge.
Fast forward to Sarah’s senior year of high school. Just weeks after applying to Notre Dame, she received her acceptance letter. But there was still work to be done before she could enroll at Notre Dame.
“We filled out all the financial forms and as I was doing so I remembered hearing about the Monogram Club’s Brennan-Boland-Riehle Scholarship which is awarded to the children of Monogram winners who attend Notre Dame,” John said. “I really hoped Sarah would be considered to receive financial aid through the scholarship.”
A few weeks later, Sarah received a memorable phone call.
The University’s financial aid office called to inform Sarah that she would be receiving a Brennan-Boland-Riehle Scholarship from the Monogram Club, which would provide the extra financial cushion needed for Sarah to fulfill her dream of coming to Notre Dame.
“When I got that phone call I was ecstatic and filled with relief,” Sarah said. “For the next few days nothing could put me in a bad mood. It truly felt like a miracle that I could attend my dream school.”
“The thrill in Sarah’s voice was unforgettable when she called to tell me she received a Brennan-Boland-Riehle Scholarship,” John said. “The generous allotment from the Monogram Club was the difference maker that would allow my daughter to attend Notre Dame.”
This fall, as an incoming freshman, Sarah moved into Breen-Phillips Hall; the same dorm her mother and grandfather lived in years before. She is taking gym classes from her father’s wrestling coach, singing in the Celebration Choir and enjoying the excitement of football Saturdays around campus.
“It is difficult to decide what is the best part of my first semester has been,” Sarah said. “But I really enjoy walking through campus and seeing the golden dome. It serves as a reminder of the goals I set and helps inspire me to continue doing my best.”
“Every time we talk to her or see her face on Skype, she looks really happy,” John said. “We are very thankful to the Monogram Club for making this all possible!”
Since 1980, the Monogram Club has awarded over 3 million dollars in scholarships to 172 sons and daughters of Monogram winners through the Brennan-Boland-Riehle Scholarship Fund. For the 2009-10 academic year, the Monogram Club awarded a total of $280,050 to 28 children of dues paying members.
“The Brennan-Boland-Riehle Scholarship is a cornerstone of the Monogram Club”, said Beth Hunter, executive director of the Monogram Club. “Having the opportunity to help hard working and talented young people like Sarah and all our other recipients is extremely gratifying.”