How did you get started in Motivational Speaking?

“Well I always wanted to inspire people from my heart. To some people, I didn't do that much.  My Dream was big for me but may have been small for someone else.  That's why I talk about the passion of the Dream no matter what the Dream is.  I can inspire people to be their personal best and get it done!  It's about a person's attitude that makes it all happen… and you must have the courage to persevere.” 

“After graduating from Notre Dame I pursued a few speaking opportunities just for fun – mostly I spoke for free and just enjoyed an opportunity to inspire other people.  At that time, speaking wasn't my career, but I always had a vision of one day making that happen.  I knew it was something that I could be good at – something I would enjoy doing and a way to deliver a message to people, based on my own life experiences and not just on information I read in a book.  I wanted to inspire people to Never Quit on their Dreams – to tell them not to let the words of others hold them back – that no matter how big the struggle, the victory was still possible!  I wanted people to know that if I could do it, they can too.  Once we live our Dreams, we can inspire others to live their Dreams.  When we surround ourselves with great information, that is what we become.  Your heart speaks louder than your words or your actions.” 

“My speaking career began when the movie was released in 1993.  I received a phone call from a corporate executive who told me he just saw the movie RUDY and that he wanted me to speak to his company and to inspire his people with the same inspirational message he got from the movie.  I told him that I could do that!  From that one event, I received other speaking engagements.  Then I started to get calls from various corporations, high schools, Universities, and community leaders to deliver the same message to their group.  My speaking career had begun…and I will continue to speak for as long as God continues to Bless me to do so!”

What was Rudy's major at Notre Dame? 

Sociology

Is Rudy Married?  Does he have Children? 

Yes!  Rudy is married and has 2 children

Did Rudy Serve in the Armed Forces?

Yes, Rudy served in the Navy before he went to Notre Dame.  Not only did Rudy feel good about serving his country, he was able to pay for a portion of his college education from the GI Bill.

Tell us about The Rudy Foundation for Kids?

The mission of the Rudy Foundation is to help children reach their full potential cognitively, emotionally, physically, and spiritually.  The Rudy Foundation developed a Character Education program, called the Rudy Award Program, for children in Middle schools and Elementary schools across the nation.  It's a simple concept.  It's about helping kids choose a career path.  We give scholarships to kids for self-improvement.  It can be college or a vocational school or a career school that they chose to attend to better themselves.   The money goes toward any improvement or path they choose.  We start in middle schools and build a dream and give them money that goes into an endowment.  It will always be there.  When they choose what they will do they receive the money to help them.

All Rudy Award Winners are recognized with a Rudy Medallion, a school plaque, and a scholarship for further education and self improvement programs.  Visit our website at www.RudyFoundation.com for more info on the The Rudy Foundation and the Rudy Award Program.

What is the Best advice your mom and dad ever gave you?

“They said that the best thing a mother could do for her children is to love her husband and the best thing a Father can do for his children is to love his wife.  The more love your children feel from you and your spouse, the stronger they will become… the more they will believe in themselves and their Dreams.  The other very strong message I learned from them was for the mother and father to always stand up for one another, to always support each other and back each other up, especially in front of the kids.  This also builds strength and character.”

“Sign up for the Rudy Club to stay in touch with me. You will get an autographed Rudy movie, autographed Rudy Hat, autographed postcard, free monthly newsletter, and access to join in on occasional online chat session. I look forward to hearing for you.” 
- God Bless You and All your Dreams! 
Rudy Ruettiger

If you have any questions to add to the Frequently Asked Questions page, you may email us your questions to rudystaff@rudyinternational.com The Rudy Staff will review all questions and will post new questions if they are approved.