Dick Rosenthal, who served as the Director of Athletics at the University of Notre Dame from 1987 to 1994, has passed away at the age of 94 on June 11, 2024. During his tenure, Rosenthal oversaw significant milestones in Notre Dame Athletics, including securing the university’s first exclusive television contract with NBC in 1991, transitioning Irish Olympic sports to the BIG EAST Conference in 1995, and expanding Notre Dame Stadium’s capacity from approximately 59,000 seats to 80,000 for the 1997 season.
Under Rosenthal’s leadership, Notre Dame also added six women’s varsity sports and he played a pivotal role in NCAA’s Gender Equity Task Force. Recognized for his influence, Rosenthal was named among the ‘100 Most Powerful People In Sports’ by The Sporting News in 1991, the sole collegiate athletics director on the list, ranking 37th.
Born on January 20, 1930, in St. Louis, Missouri, Rosenthal was a celebrated basketball player at Notre Dame. He concluded his collegiate career in 1954 as the program’s all-time leading scorer and captained the 1953-54 Irish team to notable victories, including an NCAA Elite Eight appearance. Rosenthal’s contributions were honored with the Byron Kanaley Award, the highest distinction for Notre Dame student-athletes.
Following his basketball career, Rosenthal was drafted by the Fort Wayne Pistons in the first round of the 1954 NBA Draft. After his time in professional basketball, he pursued a successful banking career before assuming the role of Notre Dame Director of Athletics.
Rosenthal’s legacy extends beyond athletics, as he leaves behind a loving family and a lasting impact on Notre Dame’s sports programs. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at The Basilica of the Sacred Heart on the University of Notre Dame campus on Wednesday, June 26, 2024, at 2:30 p.m., with live-streaming available for those unable to attend in person.
