Notre Dame's Realize the Dream Campaign is a team effort, combining the talents and efforts of volunteers, alumni, friends, parents, faculty and students, educating them on the goals of the campaign, so that they may act as Campaign ambassadors wherever possible.

Campaign Volunteers have been busy. Here are some of our accomplishments to date :

• Throughout the current ‘quiet phase' of the campaign, the Realize the Dream cabinet have been busy meeting with donors telling the Notre Dame story and outlining the needs at the College. Today, approximately 75% of our campaign goal, or $15M has been pledged or received.

• The ‘Inspirational Speakers Series' was born from these volunteers as a way of engaging Canadian leaders with Notre Dame. Business and community leaders have already been asked to partake in this series and address the student body on-site. Inviting them to share their personal stories exposes the Notre Dame student to key leaders and their real life experiences. Some of the Inspirational Speakers have included: Ron Joyce, Premier Lorne Calvert, Roger Phillips, Ron Mannix, and Murray McCann. Several other national and international leaders have also agreed to participate in the Series.

• In November 2006, Campaign Chair Bruce Cowie, together with volunteer Russ Courtnall, President David Howie and Barry MacKenzie met with Mr. Gary Bettman, commissioner of the NHL. Mr. Bettman was very impressed with the list of hockey players who have benefited from the training received at Notre Dame over the years, and committed to provide whatever the NHL could offer in order to achieve our campaign goals. In addition, he agreed to represent the Realize the Dream campaign at a public fundraising dinner to be held in the Toronto area.

• Bill Lutes '72 and Dale Rondeau '73 are co-chairs for the Realize the Dream Alumni Campaign. In addition to several Cabinet, Honorary Patron and NHL past and present players alumnus, all Notre Dame Alumni will have the opportunity to participate in the Realize the Dream Campaign.