Jim ’83 and Mary Catalino of Lansdale, Pennsylvania, have made a gift to the University of Notre Dame to endow the hockey head coach position. The Catalino’s gift will help underwrite the salary of the coach, provide stability and resources for the long term and create funds for use within the athletics department.
“We are truly grateful for this amazing gift from Jim, Mary and the entire Catalino family,” said University Vice President and James E. Rohr Director of Athletics Jack Swarbrick. “Forever the Catalino name will go hand-in-hand with one of the top coach-educators in the country and with their support, we can continue to support our student-athletes at the highest level on the ice, in the classroom and in life.”
Jeff Jackson, who is in his 19th season at the helm of the Fighting Irish hockey program, will now hold the title of Catalino Family Head Hockey Coach. During his time at Notre Dame, Jackson has led the Irish to the NCAA Tournament 12 times, including four trips to the Frozen Four. He has also guided Notre Dame to eight conference championships.
“I am honored and humbled by the extraordinary generosity that Jim and Mary Catalino have shown with this gift,” said Jackson. “This gift will allow the Irish hockey program to continue its pursuit of being the ‘gold standard’ in college hockey for many years to come. It will enhance the personal and athletic development of our student-athletes for their careers in hockey and beyond.”
Jim Catalino served as the Chief Revenue Officer of Frontline Education, a leading provider of school administration software for the K-12 education community, until his departure early this year. He graduated from Notre Dame in 1983 with a bachelor’s degree in finance, and later earned an MBA from Villanova University. Mary graduated from West Chester University with a bachelor’s degree in education.
The Catalinos have a long history of supporting Notre Dame. They belong to the Rockne Athletics Fund’s Athletics Director’s Circle and Jesse Harper Council, in addition to being members of the University’s Badin Guild. The couple has five children: James ’13, Christopher ’15, Mary Kate, Nicole and Kathryn.
“We are blessed to have Notre Dame as a part of our lives and grateful to now be a part of the hockey family,” said the Catalinos. “We believe in the impact that great coaches at Notre Dame have on student-athletes, and are pleased to support Coach Jackson and his successors. We look forward to cheering on the Irish this season and for many to come.”