Project UnlockND Newsletter #1
Project UnlockND Members,
As we kick off another transformative summer for our student-athletes, we wanted to take a moment to express our deepest gratitude for your unwavering commitment to our Notre Dame Football Student-Athletes. Your dedication to sharing your time, expertise, and resources is the driving force behind the holistic development of our young men, both on and off the field. We are thrilled to announce that our network has grown to an impressive 103 members, a testament to the strength and passion of the Notre Dame community. We encourage you to continue sharing this unique opportunity with your fellow alumni, friends and NDFB supporters who might be interested in making a lasting impact on the lives of our student-athletes. (Join link is below)
The First Week Back
Our student-athletes returned to campus on June 2nd, eager to dive into personal and professional growth. With the first week free from the demands of classes, we seized the opportunity to organize three development sessions that set the tone for an impactful summer:
1. Unlocking the Heroic Self with Brian Johnson and the Heroic App Team
Our student-athletes were introduced to the Heroic app, a cutting-edge self-development platform that seamlessly blends ancient wisdom, modern science, and practical skills
The workshop focused on cultivating anti-fragile confidence and empowering our young men to step into their heroic selves, on and off the field
Brian and his team provided invaluable tools and insights to help our student-athletes navigate the challenges of personal growth and leadership
2. Investing in the Future with Summit Trail Advisors
We were honored to welcome Peter Lee and his team from Summit Trail, one of the nation's premier family offices, for an in-depth presentation on investing
The session covered essential lessons such as the power of compounding, the importance of diversification, and the wisdom of investing early and often in money market funds
Inspired by the presentation, many of our student-athletes took immediate action and opened brokerage accounts, setting us on track to achieve our goal of having 100% of our team invested
This session laid the foundation for long-term financial literacy and empowerment, equipping our student-athletes with the knowledge and tools to secure their financial futures
3. Lessons in Leadership and Resilience: A Fireside Chat with Tracy Graham
We were privileged to host Tracy Graham, a former player and current member of the Notre Dame Board of Trustees, for an intimate and inspiring fireside chat
Tracy shared his remarkable journey from the South Side of Chicago to becoming a successful private equity investor and leader in the Notre Dame community
He emphasized the transformative power of genuine relationships and how the Notre Dame network, including friends and mentors like Jerome Bettis, Lou Holtz, and Jay Jordan, played a pivotal role in his personal and professional growth
Tracy highlighted the transferable skills that student-athletes develop throughout their journey, such as the ability to execute at a high level, work effectively in teams, and make decisions in the face of uncertainty
His words served as a powerful reminder of the unique advantages and opportunities that our student-athletes possess as they prepare for life after football
Launching the Summer Builder Pod: Nurturing Entrepreneurship and Innovation
Building on the momentum of the first week, we are thrilled to announce the launch of our summer "Builder Pod," a unique initiative designed to empower student-athletes who aspire to create and innovate. Whether it's developing camps, launching businesses, or founding nonprofits, the Builder Pod will provide the support, resources, and mentorship needed to turn ideas into reality. We recognize the incredible potential within our student-athletes and are committed to fostering an environment that encourages entrepreneurship and creative problem-solving.
Your Role in Shaping the Future
As we move forward with Project UnlockND, we are reminded of the incredible power of our network. Your continued support, has the potential to shape the trajectories of our student-athletes' lives. We are committed to fostering meaningful connections between our alumni and student-athletes, creating a tapestry of support and opportunity that extends far beyond the football field.
We understand that each of you has a unique set of skills, experiences, and passions, and we are dedicated to finding ways for you to contribute in a manner that aligns with your interests and availability. Whether you have an hour to spare for a virtual mentorship session or the capacity to host a student-athlete for a summer internship, every contribution matters and has the power to make a lasting impact.
Together, we are building a brighter future for our student-athletes, one that is defined by personal growth, professional success, and a lifelong connection to the Notre Dame family. We are incredibly grateful for your partnership in this transformative endeavor and look forward to working alongside you to empower the next generation of leaders.
Once again, thank you for being a vital part of Project UnlockND. Your commitment to our student-athletes is a shining example of the strength and spirit of the Notre Dame community.
Go Irish!
Amir