Statement from Paul J. Browne, vice president听for public affairs and communications at the University of Notre Dame, on the announcement of Lou Holtz as a recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom:
鈥淟ou Holtz is among America鈥檚听greatest听college football coaches, leading Notre Dame to a听national听championship in 1988.听But his听contributions off the field have been equally inspiring, bringing听attention and support to his hometown,听alma mater, Catholic Charities, the Women鈥檚 Care Foundation, the Center for the Homeless in South Bend,听and other worthy organizations through his charitable foundation. At Notre Dame, he and his late wife, Beth, served as research ambassadors, and the players he molded have added听to his legacy through their own contributions through the Lou鈥檚 Lads Foundation.听We presented Lou with an honorary degree听in 2011听for his听service听on and off the field to听Notre Dame听and beyond, and we join now with his听family and听many friends in听offering our sincere congratulations on this honor.鈥�
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