The Alma Mater

Dear Fr. Jenkins,

Having just returned from an enjoyable 5 days at our beautiful university ( other than the loss to Oklahoma), I was able to learn the reason behind the confusion at the close of the game over the singing of The Alma Mater. According to Coach Kelly's quote, a decision was made two years ago not to sing The Alma Mater after a home loss.

This tradition which was begun under Coach Weis is one of the most beautiful and moving traditions associated with Notre Dame Athletics. Time and again I have listened to non-Domers speak in admiration of this gesture, including many of our visitors from Oklahoma for this game. Even an occasional TV commentator will make such comments when the video stream has continued following the end of the game.

Such a tradition epitomizes the oneness of the student-athletes and the entire student body. While all Domers were upset over the loss, we Domers, especially current students, do not fault our players. We win together and we lose together ( hopefully not very often). The students in the stands Saturday willingly embraced our players and sang to Our Lady as they have done so many times in the past. Domers and members of the Notre Dame Family all around the stadium wrapped arms around each other and sang in unison.This should never be taken away from them, nor from the players.

Coach Kelly may need to be excused for not fully appreciating how uplifting and comforting is our Alma Mater ( even following a loss), as he is not a Domer. You, Fr. Jenkins, and every other Domer certainly do. Singing Notre Dame Our Mother, is just as emotional and moving for me today as it was over 40 years ago when I sang it for the first time. If there were to be only one musical selection following a loss, it should be our Alma Mater. The words are so appropriate.

This is clearly a decision on the field that begs to be overturned and I implore you to do everything in your power to restore this truly exceptional Notre Dame tradition.

Sincerely,
Paul DiGaetano, ND '75