Chairman, The Christopher Zorich Foundation
President, Zorich Industries, Inc.	Legal Intern, Schuyler Roche & Zwirner, P.C.

Born and reared on Chicago's impoverished south side, an only child of biracial descent (African American and Croation), Chris was raised by his mother, Zora, a single parent surviving on $250/month from public aid. In 1987 Chris graduated from Chicago Vocational High School and earned a football scholarship to the University of Notre Dame.

Elected captain of the Fighting Irish football team his senior year, he won numerous collegiate awards, including two consecutive All-American titles (1990 and 1991), Chevrolet's College Defensive Player of the Year (1989), the Vince Lombardi Award (1990), MVP of the Orange Bowl (1990), and College Football's All-Century Team (2000). In addition to achieving these individual accomplishments, Chris was instrumental in helping Notre Dame win a National Championship in 1988.

Following his 1991 graduation from Notre Dame with a bachelor of arts in American Studies, Chris was drafted by the Chicago Bears. On the starting lineup, Chris averaged 100+ tackles per season, placing him among the league's best defensive lineman. Upon his release by the Chicago Bears, Zorich finished the 1997 season with the Washington Redskins. Chris retired from the NFL to pursue a law degree at Notre Dame Law School in order to further his ability to help those in need. While at Notre Dame Law School, he served clients at the Notre Dame Legal Aid Clinic, a non-profit organization designed to provide free legal assistance to those with minimal resources. Through Zorich Industries, Inc., a marketing and consulting firm, Chris advises numerous high school, college and professional athletes to help them achieve success in their sport as well as their professional lives. In May of 2002, Chris received his law degree and currently works for the Chicago law firm of Schuyler, Roche & Zwirner, P.C.

Recognized for his fierce commitment on and off the playing field, Chris has received a score of athletic and community service awards including the following: selection as an alternate for the 1993 Pro Bowl, the 10th Anniversary "All-Madden Team," two-time NFL Man of the Year Finalist, the NFL Players Association's Byron "Whizzer" White Award for Community Service, USA Weekend's "Most Caring Athlete," The Salvation Army's "Others" Civic Service Award, served on the Governor's Board of Sports and Fitness for Illinois, The Jesse Owens Foundation's Humanitarian Award and Muhammad Ali's limited commission "Humanitarian Award." Chris has also received honorary doctorates from St. Xavier University & Governors State University.

In 1993 The Christopher Zorich Foundation was established to honor Chris's mother, who passed away his senior year at Notre Dame. The Foundation's programs offer diverse community support:

• The Zora Zorich Scholarships are bestowed annually at the University of Notre Dame, Lewis University and to a specified United Negro College Fund school in partnership with the Chicago Public Schools
• Youth programs providing cultural, educational and entertainment activities
• Thanksgiving grocery home deliveries to 1500 Chicagoans
• Women's recognition on Mother's Day through flower corsage and cosmetics deliveries to shelters
• Holiday gift program providing gifts and matching sponsors with disadvantaged children and families

Chris is also an active supporter of other community and civic organizations; he serves as a board member for numerous non-profit organizations including The Big Shoulders Fund, The Joffrey Ballet, KaBoom!, Special Children's Charities, and There are Children Here. He is also a member of the Board of Trustees at Lewis University.