10 questions with Tom Mendoza

The Mendoza College of Business consistently ranks among the top business schools in the US, and even just the word “Mendoza” has become synonymous with intelligent students, outstanding professors, and overall excellence to anyone who is familiar with Notre Dame.

We got to talk to Mr. Tom Mendoza himself, the man whose name now emblazons the building which houses many of our proud undergraduate and graduate business students, as well as their quarter-zip sweatshirts and fancy leather-bound portfolios.

Beyond just holding claim to the merchandise, Mr. Mendoza is an incredible philanthropist, businessman, and new father; he and wife Tai are proud parents to three-month-old son Jake Thomas, Notre Dame Class of 2037. Here’s what he has to say about his alma mater.

What dorm were you in as an undergrad?

I was in Cavanaugh Hall my first two years, then Flanner Tower the year it opened. My most memorable moment in Cavanaugh was during my Freshman year — the night before a football game, I heard a knock on my door. I answered it, and there stood Triple Crown and Red Sox legend Carl Yastrzemski, and Heisman Trophy winner and [Green Bay] Packers legend Paul Hornung. A little known fact is that Yaz went to ND for one year, roomed with Paul (in the same room I lived in at Cavanaugh) before going pro. They were delighted to see that it had not changed (not sure what that says). Cool moment.

During your time at Notre Dame, what was your favorite class and who was your favorite professor?

My favorite class was theology taught by an ND legend, John Dunne. The philosophy of Dunne (which incorporated aspects of Jung, Ghandi, and a few others) was taught at 30+ universities.  He assigned each student a different author; mine was Nikos Kazantzakis who wrote Zorba the Greek, The Last Temptation of Christ, etc. You had to read many of their works, and at the end of the term, write a paper about your life and discuss how the philosophies of the author and of Dunne did or did not fit into your thinking.  Awesome experience.

What was your favorite bar as an undergrad?

My hangout was “The Library,” a now-defunct bar that used to be located a few blocks from campus. When my parents came to graduation, it was the first time they realized that all my trips to The Library were actually not for study purposes.

What’s your favorite Irish sports memory?

Winning the “Catholics vs. Convicts” game against Miami in 1988. My second-favorite memory was watching ND come back from their 70-59 deficit to win 71-70 and end UCLA’s infamous 88-game winning streak in 1974.  I was lucky to witness both events in person.

Editor’s note: In that game, the Bruins went up by 17 in the opening minutes. After legendary coach Digger Phelps changed his initial strategy mid-game, we went on a 12-0 run in the final minutes to seal the victory. The 88 game winning streak is the longest NCAA Division 1 men’s basketball streak of all time.

Gameday tradition?

If I’m lucky enough to be on campus for the game, I like to go to Between the Buns (which, from what I understand, has recently and tragically closed) in the morning and tailgate at the Orange Van (my friend’s tailgate since 1981) in the afternoon. Then it’s game time, and then back to the Buns.

Editor’s note: Don’t worry Tom, Between the Buns isn’t closed permanently. It has moved to 2041 Cassopolis St in Elkhart and still hosts Trivia Night on Mondays at 7 PM.

What’s the first place on campus you will take your son, Jake?

The Basilica of the Sacred Heart. I will give thanks for his health and pray for his and his mother’s health in the future.

What was your first job after graduation?

After graduation I worked as a Mason’s Tender in Florida for a summer (as hard physically as construction gets). Now that I knew what I did not want to do, I got a job with a large technology company (Burroughs, now part of Unisys) where I learned to sell. This helped me figure out the field I wanted to be in and what, exactly,  I wanted to do. A few years later, I was asked to lead.  Initially, I said no; it felt too much like herding sheep. But once I got the opportunity to give someone a plaque, I realized how much more joy I got from that than from receiving one. I was hooked. Technology, sales, and leadership became my path.

What are the top 3 qualities you look for when you hire a new employee?

Passion, initiative, and commitment to excellence.  Other key attributes are a “we” rather than an “I” orientation, and someone you can trust with responsibility.

When you donated $35 million to Notre Dame in the year 2000, the business school became formally known as the Mendoza College of Business. What motivated you to give back so generously to your alma mater?

I wanted to do something to try and change the inflection of the University, and I wanted to do it while I was young enough to personally participate. The success of the business school is a testament to the many great students taking advantage of the opportunity.

What, in your opinion, sets Notre Dame apart from any other university in the US?

I once asked ND soccer coach Bobby Clark why he left Stanford to come to Notre Dame. He explained that the ND Athletic Director told him to come to campus, that he would either feel it or he wouldn’t, and either way that would give him his answer of what to do. After, he told me that when he walked on campus, he “felt it had a soul.” That works for me, and I have never heard a better definition of what binds me to the school. I understand that Notre Dame is not for everyone, but if it is for you, there is no place like it.

Additionally, the ND network after graduation is incredible and it exists regardless of where you want to live.  I have moved a lot in my life and my experience has been that if I reached out to an alumni they always responded and tried to help.  Friends at other, similarly prestigious schools have told me they have had very different experiences.

Any words of wisdom for current MCOB students?

ND is odd in that the longer you are away from it the more intensely you feel about it. It’s hard to explain, but I am absolutely sure that it is true, so enjoy and get the most out of this incredible opportunity. The one true mistake would be to look back later and wish you had put more into it.  You will never have more freedom to learn, or be around such an amazing group of people in one of the most unique settings on earth. Know that you are fortunate, do everything you can to excel, and commit to give back to others who are less fortunate.

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There you have it. Thank you Mr. Mendoza for taking the time to talk to us, your continued devotion to Notre Dame, and your interest in the success of its business students. This interview may not help us pass our Accounting test on Tuesday, but it will undoubtedly help us get the most out of our Notre Dame experience. To hear more from Mr. Mendoza, give him a follow @TomMendozaTalks