Until the early 60’s, there were less than a handful of Notre Dame alumni in Brazil. In the late 1970s and early 80s, under Fr. Ted Hesburgh's leadership the University grew more interested in attracting students from outside the U.S.and the Office of Admissions began making regular visits to Brazil. With the resulting growth in alumni and an increase presence of expatriate alumni in Brazil, there was a large enough group to formalize the Notre Dame Club of Brazil in the mid-90s. Since then, the club has grown to over 300 members, including current students, parents of alums and current students, and friends of Notre Dame in addition to alumni.
The mission of the Notre Dame Club of Brazil is to “support the efforts of Notre Dame as it relates to its vision for internationalization including increasing student enrollment and institutional ties to Brazil, while sustaining and strengthening the alumni network in the country, and being the lever for game-changing initiatives locally.”
The Alumni Association has recognized the Notre Dame Club of Brazil’s success in its efforts to support “game-changing initiatives” through the following awards:
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Spirit Award (recognizing the best international alumni club) - 2014
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Program of Excellence - 2014, 2021, 2022
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Special Citation - 2013, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2022