Volunteer of the Year Award - 2023: John Hickey '69

2023: John Hickey '69

Remarks from Mike Sullivan ’90, Notre Dame Alumni Association's senior director of Alumni Programs as he presented this year's award:

Connector, writer, memory jogger, volunteer extraordinaire.

These are words that describe John Hickey.

Connector: John created the Class of 1969 Blog in 2017 as a way for his classmates to stay connected to each other. He called and visited classmates, sharing their favorite campus memories and updates on their lives after Notre Dame.

Writer: In addition to writing the class blog, John has also contributed to two books: one is a 320-page book that contains classmate bios, memorials, and stories, and the other is a 384-page book that celebrates the 50th anniversary of the Class of 1969.

Memory jogger: While this term was created by one of his classmates, John brought it to life by sending out weekly topics to solicit stories from his classmates. These topics contributed to the Class Blog, which now has over 1,500 posts. John also used these opportunities as a way to connect with his classmates.

And volunteer extraordinaire: In addition to what I already mentioned, John is finishing his term as the ND Senior Alumni Regional Director for the Central Region. John invited all the clubs in the Central Region to take part in the signature events hosted by the Senior Alumni group––and encouraged all clubs to tap their senior alumni populations for leadership positions. He was always available and willing to talk with club leaders and his fellow board members.

John exemplifies our conference theme because he has gone above and beyond to extend the mission of Notre Dame in his efforts to strengthen the bonds of the class of 1969 after graduation. The care he has shown for his classmates, the clubs, and for the senior alumni is unparalleled.

Thank you, John, for all that you’ve done and continue to do on behalf of the University.

Now, please join me in welcoming and thanking, from the class of 1969 and the Notre Dame Senior Alumni Board, our Volunteer of the Year recipient, John Hickey.