13” x 13” framed

Mixed Media

(Based upon a photo John Mattera took after the 2024 USC victory)

Each individual cherry brick hand crafted by master woodworker and alum Scott Ismail 

The late afternoon light on the weather-worn ochre bricks on campus is always a reminder that Notre Dame's history is in those bricks.  Made from the rich marl of Saint Mary’s Lake by Notre Dame’s founder, Fr. Sorin, and the Holy Cross community, beginning in 1843, Notre Dame was built one brick at a time, just as our victories are achieved one choice at a time. I believe that our actions are the bricks and mortar of our dreams.

  Every hand made brick from Saint Mary's Lake has a story to tell, so I was moved when I heard about Frank O'Malley's role in saving the bricks of the administration building. Many of you know the story. The masonry was deteriorating, and some thought the time had come to demolish and replace it. Instead, Professor Frank O'Malley reminded those who would listen, of the words of President George H.W. Bush, speaker at our commencement on May 17th, 1992: "These bricks contain the blood of everyone who helped to build Notre Dame"

 So, I’m painting Coach Freeman’s portrait on bricks, to illustrate how deeply he has become part of the history of Notre Dame, and how the culture he created has helped to lay the bricks of our success.