Dennis K. Moore, associate vice president for public affairs and communication at the University of Notre Dame, died today (Wednesday, Dec. 3) at St. Vincent’s Hospital in New York City. He was 55 and had battled prostate cancer for the past year.
“We have lost a dear friend and beloved colleague,” said Rev. Edward A. Malloy, C.S.C., the University’s president. "Denny was an extraordinary writer and editor who understood the Notre Dame ethos like few ever have.
“He will be remembered equally for his integrity, compassion and genuine concern for others. In word and deed, he lived his life as a faithful servant of God giving of his time to the poor in our community, lending an encouraging word to the discouraged, inspiring all with whom he interacted.
“All of us in the Notre Dame family extend our sincere condolences to his wife, Doreen, and their children. Denny was a Notre Dame man, and he will be greatly missed.”
A member of Notre Dame’s Class of 1970, Moore served on the founding staff of the University’s student newspaper, The Observer. He went on to work for some 20 years in journalism and corporate relations. He spent six years on the editorial staff of The Kiwanis Magazine, a 250,000-circulation monthly, the final four as executive editor. He then served for three years in corporate public relations as senior staff writer for Consumers Power Company of Jackson, Mich., one of the nation’s largest public utilities. From 1979-88 he worked as a free-lance writer, editor and consultant in this country and Ireland.
Moore returned to Notre Dame in 1988 as assistant director of public relations. He was promoted to associate director a year later and to director in 1990, serving in that capacity as the University’s principal spokesman and media relations officer, as well as directing its public relations activities. He played a principal role in coordinating the communications initiatives for Notre Dame’s two most recent capital campaigns, as well as scores of institutional commercials, video and photographic presentations, brochures, and other internal and external publications, announcements and reports.
Moore was promoted again in April 2002 to associate vice president in the newly created division of public affairs and communication. He was involved in overseeing several new initiatives, including the creation of a faculty and staff newspaper.
Moore’s many civic activities included service on the local boards of Rebuilding Together (formerly Christmas in April) and the Catholic Worker house.
Moore is survived by his wife, Doreen, and their children, Erin, Colleen and Brendan. Arrangements are pending.
TopicID: 4117