The Donald R. Keough Family Irish Studies Collection was created in 2000 by the late Chairman Emeritus of the University’s Board of Trustees Donald R. Keough and his wife, Marilyn. Don retired from Coca-Cola in 1993 as president, chief operating officer, and director. Don was awarded an honorary doctorate by the University in 1985. In 1993, he was awarded the Laetare Medal, the oldest and most prestigious honor given to American Catholics. He also served as chair of Notre Dame’s Ireland Advisory Council.

Don and Marilyn created the University’s Keough-Naughton Institute for Irish Studies, an interdisciplinary project devoted to teaching and research in Irish culture, widely recognized as the top program of its kind in North America.

Marilyn joined her husband as the recipient of a Notre Dame honorary degree during the 1998 dedication ceremonies for the Keough-Naughton Notre Dame Centre in Dublin. There are three Keough library collections and two Keough professorships in Irish studies.

In addition to their passion for Irish studies, the Keoughs have supported the University in many other ways, including the creation of several mission professorships and their membership in the President’s Circle.

The Keoughs raised six children, five of whom are Notre Dame graduates.

The existence of the Keough Collection has allowed the Hesburgh Libraries’ Irish studies librarian to deal directly with Irish booksellers, articulate collection needs, and acquire resulting books and serials in a variety of disciplines, including Irish history, literature, religion, politics, sociology, and culture.