The Rev. Louis J. Putz, C.S.C., Award - 2014: Mr. John C. Dwyer '55

2014: Mr. John C. Dwyer '55

With this award, John C. Dwyer ’55 is honored for his exemplary dedication to the Church and Catholic education. 

After graduating from Notre Dame with a B.S. in commerce, Dwyer spent two years in the U.S. Army before returning to his hometown of Batavia, New York, and the family business. He later served as the president of Thomas & Dwyer Shoes, Inc.’s three locations until 1997. He then became executive director of the Genesee County Industrial Development Agency and later served as an economic development consultant until his retirement in 2007. 

Dwyer has demonstrated a longstanding commitment to serve Notre Dame, highlighted by a three-year term on the Senior Alumni Board, during which he was named Outstanding Regional Director in 2012. His devotion to institutions dedicated to Our Lady extends beyond the University to Notre Dame High School in Batavia, New York, where all his children attended. 

Dwyer has served Notre Dame High School in many capacities: Chairman of the Board of Trustees, President of the Notre Dame Educational Foundation, President of the Sports Boosters Club, and Chairman of the Notre Dame Fund 2000 Campaign, which raised enough money to prevent the school from closing. During Dwyer’s leadership tenure on the Board of Trustees, the high school created its own version of the Grotto, which has become a special place of prayer and devotion to Our Lady in the Western New York Region. 

He has led, as president or chairman, roughly 30 different civic, church, educational, and health care organizations. Dwyer has supported his local parish as a Trustee, Finance Council Chair, President of the Holy Name Society, and Vice-Chair of the Church Building campaign. He also served as a Trustee of Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Buffalo. 

Dwyer met his wife, Jacquie, on Notre Dame’s campus in 1954. The couple married in 1956, and six of their eight children survive today.