diane downey-piechota p '17, '23
Diane Downey-Piechota's professional career as a Clinical Social Worker and her vocation as a parent of three are reflected in her extensive volunteer involvement in the lives of young people. With a bachelor's degree in Psychology from Providence College and a master's degree in Clinical Social Work from Columbia University, Downey-Piechota is well-versed in what is needed to provide young people with healthy and fulfilling experiences at home, in the classroom, on playing fields, and in life.
Diane and Walter Piechota reside in Milford, where they raised their three children. As the children progressed through Milford Cooperative Preschool, St. Thomas Day School (New Haven), and Saint Mary's Parochial School, Diane was ready for any aspect of volunteerism through academics, athletics, fundraising, and as a board member. Her energy and ideas became focused on Notre Dame in 2013 when Michael '17 enrolled and continued through this year when Matthew '23 graduated. Michael and Matthew were two- and three-sport athletes, respectively. Notre Dame's Head Football Coach Joe DeCaprio attests to the dedication and spirit Downey-Piechota brought to ND Athletics: "Diane is an invaluable resource for our school and our athletic programs. Her positive influence will have a lasting impact on the Notre Dame community. She embodies all the great qualities of our mission here at Notre Dame."
The Piechotas experienced two memorable moments of pride this year. On May 20, Matthew was named the 2023 Notre Dame Code Award winner; in August, their daughter Amanda enrolled at the University of Alabama to begin doctoral studies in Clinical Psychology. Their son, Michael, a 2021 UConn School of Business alumnus, works as a paralegal at the New Haven law firm of Nugent and Bryant.
Diane Downey-Piechota is the daughter of Frank and Dusty Downey, 1997 Knights of Honor honorees and generous Notre Dame High School benefactors.
