For over 30 years now, the student-organized Fr. Mike Variety Show, named in memory of the late Rev. Michael D. McCafferty, C.S.C., has been an opportunity for members of the Law School community to share their wide range of talents.
The list of acts included "Faculty News," a segment similar to the "Weekend Update" on NBC's Saturday Night Live, 2L Braden Murphy playing the piano while singing "Your Song" by Elton John, and—back for an encore after receiving a double standing ovation last year—senior office assistant Sharon Bacon, who played the spoons in sync with country music. There was also an appearance by Learned Hand Band, a rock group comprised of two Law School professors (Rick Garnett and Sean O'brien), James Riley, a senior director in the University's Development office, and 3L Michael Kubik.
The event is an annual production of the Student Bar Association, falling under the purview of the Secretary.
"It was truly a privilege to help build and host an event that I've looked forward to each year at the Law School," said this year's Secretary, 3L Bill Green. "The whole thing was a blast and a great way to end my term as Secretary."
Proceeds from the show benefit future SBA activities and the Notre Dame Women’s Legal Forum's Summer Stipend Program. In addition to ticket sales, which comprise the entirety of the SBA's share, money is also raised through a multi-part auction. The "items" auctioned off throughout the night consist of activities donated by faculty and staff, such as a meal for six at the home of Profs. Rick and Nicole Garnett, a canoeing expedition with Prof. John Nagle, and Dean for the day. Bids for some of the prizes often exceed $1,000. This year, over $11,000 was raised from the auction portion alone.
"Bill and his team did a fantastic job—so proud to have such talented classmates who worked so hard to make this show a success," said SBA President Luke Franz, a 3L. "Having the whole school, including faculty and staff, come together to laugh, relax, and appreciate the variety of talents, all while benefitting a good cause, is the perfect example of what it means to be part of the NDLS family. I know Fr. Mike would be proud to see his legacy continue in this way."
McCafferty, the show's namesake, was notorious for bringing people together as a beloved priest, professor, and three-time graduate of the University (to include a J.D. from the Law School in 1973). He often played the role of “roving reporter” during the "Faculty News" skit of the show and closed out the evening with an Irish jig on stage. In 1987, students decided to rename the show after him, following his difficult battle with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma.
"Fr. Mike himself was a figure of friendship, levity, and loyalty for people who knew him; it was an absolute honor to step into his shoes for a night and host this show for the Law School community," added Green.
"Mean CIFS," widely popular among those in attendance, is modeled after "Mean Tweets," a well-known segment from NBC's The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon. CIFs are online surveys completed by students at the end of each semester, an opportunity for them to critique their courses and the individuals who teach them. In this case, however, the students don't hold back; fortunately, the faculty is full of great sports. This year's show featured the second installment of "Mean CIFs." You can check it out below:
