Rockne: Molder of Men

Author and Rockne historian Jim Lefebvre explores what made Knute Rockne such an influential leader in his presentation “Rockne: Molder of Men,” taking place at 2 p.m. on Friday, April 24, at The History Museum. The program begins with Lefebvre leading a guided tour of the exhibit Rockne: Life & Legacy, offering insights into the legendary coach’s life and impact. Following the tour, he examines the lives of several of Rockne’s players, highlighting how their time in Notre Dame football helped prepare them for successful careers in such fields as law, medicine, education, business, politics, and civil service. The event is part of the museum’s Rockne Speaker Series, and admission is free. Reservations are suggested and can be made by calling (574) 235-9664, ext. 6256.

Jim Lefebvre is one of the nation’s leading college football historians, specializing in the Rockne era. He authored the definitive, award-winning biography Coach For A Nation: The Life and Times of Knute Rockne. He is the executive director of the Knute Rockne Memorial Society and leads the annual Knute Rockne Spirit of Sports Awards. Lefebvre writes the Irish Echoes column in each issue of Blue & Gold Illustrated.

The exhibit Rockne: Life & Legacy explores the extraordinary life of Knute Rockne, an icon of college football and the coach who catapulted Notre Dame into the national spotlight. Featuring the most extensive collection of Rockne artifacts ever assembled for public view, Rockne: Life & Legacy tells the comprehensive story of the Notre Dame coach’s life. Recently added to the exhibit is a fedora worn by Knute Rockne. The hat has been authenticated and is on loan to The History Museum from Richard Anthony Batt and his sisters, Jennifer and Deborah, in memory of their father, Richard Adams Batt. The hat belonged to Maurice Vennet, great-great-uncle of the lenders.