Darrell Gordon Hometown: Indianapolis, IN Position: Director (2007-'10) Monogram Earned: Football

Former football standout Darrell Gordon '89 joined the Monogram Club Board of Directors as a director in 2007.

Gordon was a former starting outside linebacker on the 1988 National Championship Notre Dame Football Team. In addition to the 1988 National Championship Fiesta Bowl, Gordon played in the 1989 Hula Bowl Football all-star game with prominent NFL athletes including Deion Sanders, Derek Thomas and Troy Aikman.

Gordon was also honored as a White House guest of former President Reagan and President Bush Sr., in recognition of his stunning athletic performances.

In 2003, Gordon received The National Williams D. Reynolds Award by the Notre Dame Alumni Association for performing exceptional work with youth for the betterment of the quality of life. In 2005, he also received The Exceptional Service Award by The Chase College of Law for exhibiting the ideals of Chase through their daily contributions in service to the community.

In 2006, Notre Dame recognized Gordon as one of its twenty Distinguished Black Alumni during its Celebrating 20 Years of Excellence ceremony. A native of Hillside, New Jersey, he had the privilege of playing under the leadership of one of college football's most-winning coach, the legendary Lou Holtz at the University of Notre Dame.

Gordon's starring role on the gridiron can only be matched by his accomplishments off the field.

He earned a Bachelors degree in Economics and Business and a Masters degree of Science in Administration from Notre Dame, a Juris Doctorate from Northern Kentucky University's Chase College of Law and Strategic Perspective in Nonprofit Management from Harvard Business School Executive Education Program. Also, he recently earned his CFRM certificate from the IU School of Philanthropy.

Currently, Gordon holds the position of Chief Executive Officer of Wernle Children's Home, a multi million-dollar youth organization. In addition, he serves as a National Public Speaker on the topics of Character Training, Diversity Training and Leadership Training.

Gordon's ability to motivate his team of 180 staff and children led to the 2005 Achievement of Excellence for Wernle's Non-Profit Organization of the Year Award. His strong ties in the sporting community, as well as with his Notre Dame Alma Mater, have resulted in the support and participation of celebrities, for the organization's children and programs, including Regis Philbin, Dan `Rudy' Ruettiger, Dallas Mavericks' coach Del Harris, famous author Nickalaus Sparks and former Notre Dame Head Coaches Lou Holtz and Tyronne Willingham.

Gordon and his wife Tonia reside in Indianapolis, Indiana with their daughter Justis and son Darrell.

-- ND --