An endowed gift from Laureen ’84 and Tim Andree ’83 to the Liu Institute for Asia and Asian Studies will advance Japanese studies in the University of Notre Dame’s Keough School of Global Affairs.

The Andree Family Endowment for Japanese Studies and Global Affairs will support a visiting scholars program and, eventually, a postdoctoral program. The multiyear commitment began in June 2025.

“Our experience in Japan has played an extraordinarily meaningful role in both our professional and personal story. This gift is our family’s way of giving back to Japan and Notre Dame—places that have had a lasting impact on our lives,” Tim said. “By helping deepen understanding between cultures, we hope the Andree Family Endowment will inspire new connections, scholarship and dialogue that reflect the importance of Japan’s role in the global landscape and Notre Dame’s mission to be a force for good in the world.”

The timing of the Andrees’ gift is especially impactful because it aligns with the Institute’s new strategic plan that calls for increasing expertise on Japan, said Michel Hockx, director of the Liu Institute. “Tim Andree has always found opportunities to connect Notre Dame to Japan, including his service on the Liu Institute Advisory Board,” Hockx said. “We could not be more grateful.”

Mary Gallagher, dean of the Keough School, added: “This generous gift from the Andree family will give our students new opportunities to learn directly from experts on Japan—through classes, conversations and community. At a time when understanding Asia is more important than ever, this endowment brings fresh insight and global perspective to our campus.”

The visiting fellows program will provide semester-long residencies for esteemed scholars who focus on Japan-related topics and/or who hail from Japanese universities. The scholars will engage with global affairs students through classes, guest lectures and workshops, as well as engage in informal interactions.

The postdoctoral program will host two-year positions for promising young scholars who will enrich Notre Dame’s scholarly community and ensure a continuous influx of new ideas, approaches and expertise about Japan.

Tim’s long career at Dentsu Group, Japan’s largest media and market services company, was defined by global leadership, strategic expansion and a deep commitment to cross-cultural collaboration. He joined the company in 2006 as CEO of Dentsu America, quickly rising through the ranks to become Dentsu Inc.’s first non-Japanese executive officer. Under his leadership, Dentsu launched a bold globalization strategy, acquiring key agencies and building what became Dentsu Aegis Network (now Dentsu International). As executive chairman and CEO of Dentsu Aegis Network, Tim oversaw its growth into one of the largest and most influential agency networks in the world. He retired from management in 2021 and was named the first non-Japanese chairman of the Dentsu Group board of directors in its 123-year history. He retired from his chairman role in March 2025, capping a two-decade tenure marked by transformation, innovation and rapid growth.

Prior to joining Dentsu, Tim held senior leadership positions in marketing and communications at Toyota, Canon, BASF and the National Basketball Association (NBA). His ability to lead across industries and cultures uniquely positioned him to guide Dentsu’s evolution.

Laureen and Tim met as students at Notre Dame, began dating in 1981 and are celebrating 38 years of marriage. They reside in Colts Neck and Avon by the Sea, New Jersey. They are blessed with six children, three of whom graduated from Notre Dame: Tim Jr. ’10, who also earned a law degree from New York University in 2013; Daniel ’17; and Bridget ’22. Their other three children are Katelyn, who graduated from the College of the Holy Cross (Massachusetts) in 2012; Patrick, who graduated from Lehigh University in 2019 and earned a master’s from North Carolina State University in 2020; and Conor, a junior at Christian Brothers Academy.

At Notre Dame, Laureen was a member of the swim team, and Tim played basketball during the Digger Phelps era. Upon graduation in 1983, Tim was drafted by the Chicago Bulls and devoted his early career to professional basketball. After being released from the Bulls, Tim played professionally overseas in Europe and Japan.

After graduation Laureen developed a career in human resources in the New York City area. After managing their long-distance relationship for several years, the Andrees were married in 1987 and lived in Japan while Tim finished his playing days. In 1990 they returned to the US following many travels and adventures, chief among them having their first child in Tokyo.

The Liu Institute for Asia and Asian Studies, part of Notre Dame’s Keough School of Global Affairs, promotes awareness, understanding and knowledge of Asia through administering a supplementary major and minor in Asian Studies, supporting student and faculty scholarship, organizing public events, and facilitating interaction and exchanges with partners in Asia. The institute was established by a gift from the RM Liu Foundation that supports the philanthropic activities of Robert and Mimi Liu and their children, Emily and Justin, both Notre Dame graduates.

Originally published by Liu Institute at asia.nd.edu on August 04, 2025.