Tom Mendoza honored at ‘One for the Gipper’ Gala

Tom Mendoza, shown with his wife Tai and son Jake, was honored as the “Person of the Year” by the Notre Dame Club of New York during its annual Gipper Gala. (Photos by  Sienna Wilson (ND ’22))

“Win one for the Gipper” has long echoed as a rallying cry at Notre Dame, symbolizing the resolve to overcome the odds in service of something greater than oneself.

On November 12, that spirit was on full display as the University of Notre Dame community gathered in New York City to honor one of its most devoted alumni. Tom Mendoza (ND ’73) was named Rev. Michael J. Shea Person of the Year at the annual One for the Gipper Gala, hosted by the Notre Dame Club of New York, in recognition of his extraordinary service, leadership and lifelong commitment to the University.

Mendoza, joined by his wife Tai and son Jake, was celebrated by more than 200 attendees at the Union League Club in Manhattan. They included Notre Dame alumni and several former football players whom he has mentored over the years, as well as a number of Fortune 500 executives and business leaders who flew in from across the country to honor Mendoza. The evening recognized Mendoza’s enduring impact on Notre Dame, both through his professional achievements and his deep personal investment in students and alumni.

The gala served a dual purpose: honoring Mendoza’s contributions while raising funds for need-based scholarships for Notre Dame students from the New York City area. During the 2025–2026 academic year, the Notre Dame Club of New York awarded $134,500 in scholarship support to 32 students. Fundraising highlights during the gala included a live auction and paddle raise led by renowned auctioneer Pat Tully, featuring items such as a round of golf with former Irish defensive end Justin Tuck at Winged Foot Golf Club and a dinner with former Irish quarterback Ian Book.

Mendoza is the former president and vice chairman of NetApp, where he spent 25 years helping shape the company’s culture and global reputation as one of Forbes’ “Great Places to Work.” He currently serves on the boards of Varonis, Vast Data and Consulting IQ. In recognition of his generosity and commitment to business education, Notre Dame renamed its business school the Mendoza College of Business in 2000 following his endowment.

Anne Thompson (ND ’79), veteran journalist and NBC News’ chief environmental affairs correspondent, served as master of ceremonies for the evening and moderator for a fireside chat with Mendoza, during which Mendoza reflected on leadership, mentorship and the values that have guided his life and career.

The program also included a “State of the Club” address by Solon “Solo” C. Stephanou (ND Law ’23), president of the Notre Dame Club of New York.

“Tom was not only the honoree and speaker, but was also deeply invested in the event’s success, helping it become the largest Gipper Gala in our history and more than doubling the previous fundraising record,” said Stephanou. “He was truly remarkable and gave the credit to everyone else. His success in his career is only surpassed by his humility and selflessness.”

Martijn Cremers, dean of the Mendoza College of Business, honored Mendoza in a video tribute, noting, “Your name is engraved on our building, but more importantly, through the generous sharing of your experience, wisdom, and values, you’ve left a lasting mark on the lives of so many in the College and across the Notre Dame community.”

The evening concluded, fittingly, with attendees joining together to sing Notre Dame’s Alma Mater.

“Tom is the most school-spirited Notre Dame alumnus I’ve ever met,” said Rick Diana, one of the gala’s organizers and sponsors whose son Nick is a 2020 Notre Dame graduate. “He’s never lost the ‘college kid within,’ and he shares his time generously with students, alumni and anyone who happens to cross paths with him.”