Blue & Gold Illustrated: America's Foremost Authority on Notre Dame Football
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BLUEGOLDONLINE.COM SEPT. 30, 2023 53 that he has supported with his time, wisdom and resources would more than fill this space. He has truly made the South Bend area a better place to live for many. For a career of serving others, he was awarded the 2023 Rockne Community Leader Award. JIM AUGUSTINE The Rockne Heritage Award was pre- sented to Jim "Augie" Augustine, whose knowledge of Notre Dame history and the objects which help tell its story is legendary. Augie's Locker Room, known as part- store, part-museum, is a must-stop for many ND football fans. Among other roles, Augie serves as curator for the Knute Rockne Memorial Society. His many years of extraordinary work has kept the Rockne era and the earliest years of Irish tradition alive. DICK VITALE A surprise presentation of the Rockne Inspiration Award was made to Dick Vitale, whose life of optimism and en- thusiasm is currently directed toward a serious health challenge. The longtime college basketball sportscaster is also the proud father of two Notre Dame alums — daughters Terri '94, former president of the Notre Dame Monogram Club, and Sherri '96, both of whom were varsity tennis play- ers for the Fighting Irish. * * * Also honored at this year's Rockne Awards was 2019 Rockne Distinguished Service Award winner Patrick "Murf" Murphy, who has welcomed visitors for decades behind the bar at the Morris Inn. On the day he was to be honored in 2019, a medical issue kept him from at- tending the celebration. He was able to be honored in person this time. The 2023 Knute Rockne Spirit of Sports Awards Celebration, presented by the Knute Rockne Memorial Society, featured host Allison Hayes, award- winning broadcast journalist known for hosting ABC57's Kickoff Show on Notre Dame game days. ✦ Jim Lefebvre is an award-winning Notre Dame author and leads the Knute Rockne Memorial Society. He can be reached at: jlefebvre@blueandgold.com The Knute Rockne Memorial Society wishes to congratulate the 2023 Rockne Award recipients Thom Gatewood '72 Living Legend Award Kevin Corrigan Champion Award Missy Conboy '82 Leadership Award Jack Nolan Communicator Award Larry Dwyer '66 Dis nguished Service Award Michael Leep Community Leader Award Jim Augus ne Heritage Award The Knute Rockne Memorial Society wishes to thank all who helped make the 2023 Knute Rockne Spirit of Sports Awards Celebra on a great success. We appreciate your par cipa on and support. Relive this great event by visi ng www.RockneSociety.org Notre Dame senior deputy athletics director Missy Conboy, who has overseen virtually every area of operation in her 35 years at the school, was pre- sented with the 2023 Rockne Leadership Award. PHOTO COURTESY MISSY CONBOY