Notre Dame is grounded in legacy and tradition, and belief in the power of education and service. And no one embodies this spirit more than Jerry Hammes—a man whose generosity and lifelong dedication to the University- has strengthened the very threads that tie pieces of our community together. From the Hammes Notre Dame Bookstore, to Café J, to other gracious donations to the University, Jerry’s impact is felt across generations. For one Notre Dame student, Erin Bauer ’26, their shared value of service is what forged a unique friendship and inspired a new project between the two.
Erin and Jerry met at Café J in 2022 and have continued to develop their friendship during her time at the University. The pair meets most days at Morris Inn, where their conversations drift from big ideas to everyday life. It was during one of these conversations that Erin learned the premise behind Café J, which celebrates the friendship and generosity of Jerry, the primary product of the café, Java, and something that all guests of Café J will experience, Joy. These three themes are part of Jerry’s story, and would later play an integral part in the pair’s charitable initiative.
So, what brought their conversations to hats? It all started when Erin gifted Jerry with an embroidered baseball cap from her hometown in Canada, demonstrating their shared belief in the power of giving. A baseball cap, it turns out, became the perfect symbol of their friendship— personal, thoughtful, and made to be shared.
From that moment on, Erin and Jerry dreamt up Hats for Hope, a charitable initiative and symbol of possibility. Hats for Hope ensures that financial barriers never stand in the way of a student’s education. Through this initiative, select first-year Notre Dame students who demonstrate exceptional service and dedication to their communities will receive a one-time scholarship to help cover the cost of books.
This message of enduring hope resonates powerfully with the theme of the 2025–26 Notre Dame Forum: “Cultivating Hope.” Inspired by Pope Francis’ Jubilee declaration, “Pilgrims of Hope,” the forum will explore how hope can be nurtured in a world often marked by adversity. Hats for Hope is a tangible expression of that vision, one rooted in faith, service, and the Notre Dame spirit.
“Each hat represents more than just school spirit,” said Jerry. “It symbolizes a scholarship, a book, a step forward for a student who, like me, believes in the power of knowledge and the joy of giving back.”
Just as Jerry gives so much to others, you too are part of this mission. By wearing this hat, you are stitching a future filled with hope and carrying Jerry's story forward: one of Jerry, Java, and Joy. Let it serve as a reminder that even one small generous act can inspire a lifetime of impact— one cap, one scholarship, one act of kindness at a time.
Hats for Hope are $30 and available for purchase at Café J, located inside the Morris Inn.
Caroline Staudle is the Marketing Program Manager for Experience Notre Dame.
This article was originally published by Experience Notre Dame, powered by the University Operations, Events, and Safety division. Experience Notre Dame welcomes faculty, staff, students, and guests to immerse in the rich tradition, spirited Irish hospitality, and unique experiences that define us. See the original article here.