1930s

37 Class Secretary — Kathleen Coverick ’08;

kathleen.coverick@gmail.com

 

38 Class Secretary — Meg Julian ’03, ’06JD;

804 Jersey Ave., Spring Lake NJ 07762; 646-246-5480; megjulian@gmail.com

 

39 Gone Too Soon

With sorrow, I report that Mark Mitchell IV ’96 passed away in March. He has been an avid contributor to these Class Notes, and I always enjoyed our correspondence. Mark’s efforts to keep alive the history of this class and the University we hold dear resulted in the re-introduction of many colorful figures from Notre Dame lore in recent columns. Readers such as Dan Wesolowski ’74 have reached out to share their lifelong inspiration by men such as Frank O’Malley ’32, another Irish legend who left us too soon. Dan wrote that he took every class O’Malley offered and, despite feedback that could be harsh and insightful (poems were recorded as either “routine” or “revelation”), Prof. O’Malley’s letters of recommendation opened many doors for him. Mark opened the archives of his late grandfather Mark J. Mitchell Jr., who served as the editor-in-chief of Scholastic in 1938-39 and played a key role in the first publication of the phrase “Subway Alumni,” which was printed in a Scholastic column prior to the 1938 ND-Army game. His stories were always witty, on point, and incredibly interesting. Though his words and memory will live on, I will miss our prep for this column and his shared love for the history of what came before us. At the end, Mark was comforted in the arms of his parents, Mark Mitchell III ’67 and Chris (Bradley). His funeral Mass was well attended by friends, family, and representatives from the University. The Alma Mater, Notre Dame Our Mother, was played. This song, created following the tragedy of Knute Rockne’s death, has motivated and comforted countless men and women in times of sorrow and joy since its composition. The story behind this “Hymn of Hope” is well captured on the faith.nd.edu website and emphasizes that, when things are turned upside down, Mary’s intercession brings strength, resilience, and compassion. Included at my own decision and through no other request is the link to the Mark J. Mitchell IV Memorial Fund: giving.nd.edu/mitchell. When this column is printed, the 2022 Reunion will have come and gone, marking over 30,000 days (83 years) since graduation. An invitation is extended to submit news of any still living 1939 class members and spouses, or stories of those who have gone before. Notre Dame, Our Mother, tender, strong, and true; proudly in the heavens, gleams thy gold and blue … and our hearts forever, love thee, Notre Dame. — Seth O’Donnell ’04; 17 Marion St., East Greenwich RI 02818, 603-828-7335; seth.odonnell@gmail.com