Mary (Hesburgh) Flaherty ’79
Mary (Hesburgh) Flaherty ’79 and James “Jay” F. Flaherty III ’79 have shown a remarkable love for Notre Dame and have lent their time, talent, and philanthropic spirit to the University since before they both graduated. Their generosity is marked by a true desire to help the University fulfill her mission. As supporters of the academy and financial aid alike, they established the Mary Hesburgh Flaherty and James F. Flaherty III Professorship in Psychology, the Mary Hesburgh Flaherty and James F. Flaherty III Scholarship, and have supported the Malpass Scholars Program. Their devotion to students is also evident through their underwriting of the Flaherty Family Hall.
Mary currently serves on volunteer boards in her Los Angeles community. She is the Board Chair for Yo San University, serves on the Advisory Board for the St. Monica Parish schools, the St. John’s Health Center Foundation Executive Board and, is Chair of Women’s Health for St. John’s Foundation. A two-time breast cancer survivor, Mary is committed to providing educational opportunities and supporting healthcare for women. Mary was also a member of the Thanking Father Ted Foundation – in honor of Mary’s uncle, the late University President Emeritus Rev. Theodore M. Hesburgh, C.S.C.. She currently serves on the steering committee for the Women’s Initiative in support of Fr. Ted and the Hesburgh Library.
Jay is the Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors of NorthStar Healthcare Income, Inc., and was previously the Chairman and CEO of HCP, Inc. He served on the College of Arts and Letters Advisory Council from 1999 until 2007, at which time he was elected to the Board of Trustees. Mary serves on the Undergraduate Experience Advisory Council. Together, they are members of the Gift Planning Advancement Committee, the Cavanaugh Council of the President’s Circle, the John Cardinal O’Hara Society, and the Badin Guild. They have three children: James P. Flaherty (’06, MS ACC ’07) married to Emily Kane Flaherty (’07), Mary Catherine Flaherty Unis (’08) married to Joseph A. Unis (’08) and Maureen K. Flaherty (’14).