When Brian Boulac came from Walla Walla, Washington, to Notre Dame as an 18-year-old freshman in 1959, he wore a leather helmet on the freshman team:one of the last vestiges of an earlier era, a link that goes back to Rockne’s time.

Little could he have envisioned a future in which he would be involved with Notre Dame athletics for the next half-century. It became an incredible run in which he befriended, counseled and mentored countless Notre Dame students, athletes and others.

At Gonzaga Prep and Olympia High School, Boulac was a Washington state high school phenom, winning 10 varsity letters in four sports. With the Irish, he played on teams that featured stars such as Daryl Lamonica and Nick Buoniconti.

He remained a graduate assistant in 1964, playing a first-hand role in the dramatic turnaround brought on by the hiring of Ara Parseghian. That started “Coach Bou” on a long career of coaching and athletic administration. From 1963-83, he served as an assistant coach to Ara Parseghian, Dan Devine and Gerry Faust.

His roles included: grad assistant, administrative assistant, assistant freshman coach, and position coach for offensive line, defensive line, receivers and special teams. He also became the first assistant coach to serve as recruiting coordinator.

From there, he went into athletic administration, serving in a number of roles that connected him with hundreds of Notre Dame student-athletes. The Boulac home became a popular haunt for ND students, as Brian and wife Micki acted as stand-in parents for many. The Boulacs had four daughters of their own, all of whom earned degrees from Notre Dame.

Brian credits those he worked for in helping shape his approach to guiding students.

“I learned under Ara Parseghian and Gene Corrigan, who are the most talented and respected mentors one could ask for in athletics,” he said. “Being a Notre Dame employee is not a job—it’s a vocation. I’ve been blessed to share this with so many tremendous athletes and co-workers.

“I’ve been fortunate to live my dream for more than 50 years, and Notre Dame has given me so much more than I could ever give back.”

There are few who have done more over a longer period of time to earn the moniker: Notre Dame Man.

That’s Brian Boulac.

Brian died on June 3, 2020.