For Thomas R. Wolohan ’58, the journey to the University of Notre Dame began at his father’s insistence. South Bend was a stark contrast to the one-traffic-light rural community Tom called home. However, the four years that followed transformed his life and sparked a lifelong devotion to the University.
At Notre Dame, Tom pursued a Bachelor of Science in Commerce through the College of Business. Despite never having attended a Catholic school before, he was deeply moved by the campus’s spiritual life and the University’s commitment to intellectual rigor. He particularly admired Notre Dame’s dedication to presenting diverse viewpoints and substantiating varied beliefs while remaining steadfast in its Catholic identity. Whether finding peace in academic debate or praying at the Grotto during the pressure of exams, Tom solidified a faith and a pursuit of truth that remained central to his character throughout his life.
After graduation, Tom served his country in the US Army before embarking on a distinguished professional career. He cofounded Wolohan Lumber and served as its Senior Vice President for Corporate Development. He also applied his executive talents as a hotelier and was a respected owner and breeder of thoroughbreds.
The bonds Tom forged at Notre Dame only deepened with time. For more than six decades, he and a core group of his classmates-Dave Michaux, Jack Tatigian, Joe Geneser, Rocco Puntureri, and David Link-maintained a close relationship. Meeting once or twice a year for Notre Dame football games, their gatherings became a valued tradition and a living testament to a lifetime of shared loyalty and friendship.
While he enjoyed professional success and a full personal life, Tom’s heart remained anchored at Notre Dame. His commitment was perhaps most visible through his 36 years of service on the Hesburgh Libraries Advisory Council. For Tom, the library was more than a building; it was a vital center of scholarship and innovation.
His generosity touched nearly every corner of the University. A dedicated fan and season ticket holder, he supported Notre Dame Athletics with the same fervor he applied to academic initiatives. Tom’s philanthropic legacy includes significant support for the Hesburgh Library—highlighted by renovations that revitalized the building and reestablished its preeminence as a hub for collaboration and learning on campus. He established the Thomas and Charlotte Wolohan Collection in Architecture to honor his parents and their commitment to higher education. He was also a major contributor, along with other members of the Wolohan family, to the Alice Wolohan Hohmann Endowed Collections in the Arts. His friendship with former Dean of the Law School David T. Link led Tom to provide funding for the Thomas Wolohan Legal Aid Fund.
Thomas Wolohan passed away on February 1, 2025. To honor his commitment to Notre Dame, the Thomas R. Wolohan General Library Endowment was established to support the Hesburgh Library's most pressing needs. It stands as a fitting tribute to a man whose devotion ensures that Notre Dame will remain a place of excellence and inspiration for generations to come.
