Dec. 26, 2004
Two honorary/service Notre Dame monograms were presented during the 2004 football season to Pat Shannon (’48) and Mike Parseghian (’77). Shannon was presented an honorary monogram by his brother Dan (a former Monogram Club president) on Aug. 6, during a gathering in New Buffalo, Mich. Parseghian was honored by his father Ara and Notre Dame athletic director Kevin White on Sept. 24, at White’s home, receiving a postgraduate service monogram.
Shannon has been an active member of ND Club of Chicago since 1960 and served as that club’s president in 1964. He also has been an active board member of that club’s scholarship foundation, showing the passion for his alma mater as he interacts with young students in the Chicago area who are seeking financial aid to attend Notre Dame. He regularly keeps tabs on these Club Scholars through their whole ND experience.
Parseghian – son of the legendary Notre Dame coach – was a walk-on fullback on the Irish football team but never earned a monogram. Many of his former teammates and fellow alums eagerly stepped forward to nominate the younger Parseghian for the monogram he so truly deserves.
A graduate of the Northwestern medical school, Parseghian currently is a surgeon with Tucson (Ariz.) Orthopedic Institute and serves as secretary-treasurer for the Ara Parseghian Medical Research Foundation – inspired by great personal tragedy that has befallen his family as well as his desire to serve others through his medical skills. As a man who has dedicated his life to the healing of others, Mike has made an inspiring contribution to the legacy of his own Notre Dame experience.