This morning a beloved member of the Notre Dame family passed away. Father Jim Riehle was 83.

If you have seen the movie Rudy,you have seen Father Riehle. He played himself as the football chaplain, a position he held for several years.

Father Riehle also founded the University’s Monogram Club, Notre Dame’s version of a Lettermen’s Club for varsity letter winners. I currently serve on the Monogram Club’s Board of Directors. It is part of my way of giving back to a community that has given me so much. During this time, I have had the privilege to briefly get to know Father Riehle, and more importantly to learn and appreciate all he has done for Notre Dame Athletics.

Father Riehle was a Notre Dame man through and through. But priest or layman, Catholic or not, man or woman, what we can all learn from Father Riehle is passion, commitment and dedication. Find your passion, make a commitment, and live your life dedicated to that cause to make the world - or perhaps just one person’s life - a better place.