The Rev. Edward Frederick Sorin, C.S.C., Award -2019: Anne Thompson ’79

2019: Anne Thompson ’79

In recognition of her contributions to the Notre Dame community and beyond, Anne Thompson ’79 was presented with the 2019 Rev. Edward Frederick Sorin, C.S.C., Award, one of the University’s highest honors.

The Alumni Association bestows the Sorin Award, which was established in 1965, on a graduate who has rendered distinguished service to the University. Previous winners include Rev. Theodore M. Hesburgh, C.S.C., ’39, Regis Philbin ’53, Joe Kernan ’68, and Cindy Parseghian ’77.

“She’s one of the finest people I’ve ever met,” Dolly Duffy '84, executive director of the Alumni Association, said during her presentation of the award. “She’s always ready to say yes, and gives back to Notre Dame time and time and time again.”

Thompson was raised and educated in Europe, attending the International School of Brussels in Belgium for high school. She proceeded to move back to the U.S. to follow in the footsteps of her father, Bill Thompson ’47, and attend Notre Dame to receive her undergraduate degree. She graduated in 1979 with a Bachelor of Arts in American Studies.

Following her graduation from Notre Dame, Thompson began her journalism career in South Bend. She first worked as a general assignment reporter for WNDU-TV. From there, Thompson moved on to St. Louis and then Detroit, working for NBC affiliates.

In 1997, she began her work as a national correspondent at NBC News, reporting on MSNBC, Nightly News, and TODAY. Among her honors are the prestigious Gerald Loeb Award, the Alfred I. duPont-Columbia Journalism Award, and a number of Emmys. Her work has allowed her to be a firsthand witness to the havoc wreaked by Hurricane Katrina and the 2010 BP oil spill, as well as the triumphs achieved in renowned world-wide events such as the Olympics and World Youth Day. In 2007, Thompson was named NBC’s Chief Environmental Affairs Correspondent, and she continues to make an impact in her pursuit of truth today. 

In addition to her journalism work, Thompson has distinguished herself as an alumna by contributing her time and talents in significant ways to the University. 

Since 2010, she has been a member of the University’s Board of Trustees. She co-chairs Hesburgh Women of Impact, an initiative with the following objectives: to recognize and celebrate female leaders of Notre Dame; to empower, nurture, and develop future female leaders within the University; to invite philanthropic support of the mission of Our Lady’s University in a personal, inspiring, and impactful manner. One of their outreach events is an annual retreat held on campus that brings women together to celebrate female leadership.

Thompson commented on Fr. Ted’s profound legacy when she emceed his memorial service in 2015, and expressed her deep gratitude to him for making Notre Dame a co-educational institution and opening the door for women leaders-in-the-making to step onto campus. As a woman leader herself, Thompson has served as an inspiration additionally because of her journey through and survival of stage three breast cancer, an experience that she spoke about at the annual Notre Dame women’s basketball Pink Zone luncheon in 2011.

In her acceptance of the Sorin Award, Thompson emphasized the deep connection she feels with the University.

“If there is one irrefutable truth outside my family life,” she said, “it is my love for Notre Dame.”

Thompson was presented with the award on Saturday, June 1, while celebrating her 40th reunion with fellow alumni from the Class of 1979.