I am a 1988 graduate of Notre Dame and came back to visit for the Michigan State game with my 6-month-old son and wife. I brought them to experience the excitement of a Notre Dame football weekend — but I left disappointed and disgusted.

The Friday before the game, my son and I approached Heisman winner Leon Hart, who was there promoting his tape of the 1949 championship season at the bookstore.

I bought one of the mini-commemorative footballs for my son. I introduced my son and myself and told Mr. Hart it was an honor to meet him. Mind you, there was NO ONE else around the table at the time. I asked Mr. Hart to sign my son's football to put in his room — thinking it would be a neat momentum for him as he grew. To my dismay and surprise, Mr. Hart looked me straight in the eye and coldly said he would not sign it. The only way I would get an autograph, he said, was if I bought a tape!

I must say, for all the donating this University asks of its alumni, I find it appalling one of it's biggest names could not sign an autograph for a 6-month-old boy!

It left a bitter and disappointing taste in my mouth. It's sad to think money has become the most important focus of this University! I think the University best think twice about people it asks to represent it before its "golden" image becomes severely tarnished.

Paul A. Geary III

Class of 1988

September 29, 1999

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