Cheer Cheer: A Celebration of Black Notre Dame Alumni and Friends
Overview
Cheer Cheer is an uplifting event celebrating the leadership and impact of Black Notre Dame alumni and friends. It brings people together for meaningful conversation and connection that highlight excellence, build community across generations, and honor the legacies of those who continue to strengthen the Notre Dame community.
Each celebration features a moderated discussion with distinguished alumni. The program blends inspiration and networking while supporting scholarships that help shape future leaders.
Why the Name “Cheer Cheer”
The name comes from the iconic Notre Dame fight song, “Cheer, cheer for old Notre Dame.” It has been reimagined as a celebration of people who embody that spirit by leading, serving, and inspiring others with purpose.
Cheer Cheer 2024
The first Cheer Cheer celebration was held on February 22, 2024, in partnership with the Notre Dame Club of New York City at The Cornell Club in New York City and featured:
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Byron Spruell (’87) – Notre Dame Trustee, President of NBA Operations, and former Co-Captain of Notre Dame Football
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Phyllis Stone (’80) – Notre Dame Trustee, Corporate Advisor at Stepping Stones, and the second Black Cheerleader at Notre Dame
🎥 Watch the full 2024 panel discussion
🎥 Watch a short clip: The Journey to Notre Dame
Cheer Cheer 2025
The 2025 celebration took place on March 20, 2025, in partnership with the Notre Dame Club of New York City at the Jackie Robinson Museum in New York City and featured:
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Justin Tuck (’05) – Managing Director at Goldman Sachs. Former Notre Dame, New York Giants, and Oakland Raiders football captain. Two-time Super Bowl champion
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Lauran Tuck (’06) – Philanthropist and educational advocate. Co-founder of Tuck’s R.U.S.H. for Literacy, an organization that promotes reading and learning opportunities for children
Cheer Cheer 2026
For the first time, two celebrations are being planned in two cities: Cheer Cheer NYC and Cheer Cheer Chicago, both taking place in February 2026.
Cheer Cheer (Chicago) 2026
A Celebration of Notre Dame Alumni and Friends: Honoring Excellence in Leadership, Real Estate, and Community Impact
Featuring Collete English Dixon (’79, Executive Director, Marshall Bennett Institute of Real Estate, Roosevelt University) and Dwight Stephenson (’07, Principal, Blue Vista Capital Management; Former ND Football)
Hosted by the Notre Dame Club of Chicago
Thursday, February 19, 2026
6-8 pm
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Cheer Cheer (NYC) 2026
Celebrating Excellence in Law and Leadership
Featuring Danielle Davis (’04, JD ’07, SVP, Head of M&A, Corporate Legal, Warner Music Group; Former ND Fencer) and Chris Stewart (’09, JD ’15, Vice President, Assistant General Counsel, AIG Investments; Former ND Football)
Hosted by the Notre Dame Club of New York
Thursday, February 26, 2026
Time: Evening reception (specific time TBD)