Thursday, April 18, 1996 | 11:59 a.m.
* HOMETOWN: Joliet, Ill. He now lives in Henderson with his fiancee, Cheryl Loverde.
* JOLLY TIME: "I am like popcorn," Rudy says. "I'm all over the place. Cheryl brings me back down, makes me do what's right, what's easy."
* HEROES: "My parents are the cornerstone of my values. They taught me how to treat people and to follow what I believe in."
* BLUE COLLARS: Rudy worked in a power plant (not a steel mill as in the movie), went into the Navy, then back to the power plant before vigorously pursuing Notre Dame.
* SIBLINGS: Rudy is the third of 14 children. "Because of me following my dreams, I became a role model for my brothers and sisters." One brother is a policeman, five are teachers and coaches, his sisters are all homemakers.
* SIMPLE PLEASURES: When not on the road, Rudy putters around the house. "No job is too demeaning for Rudy," Cheryl says. "He loves to buff the floor and vacuum. It gives him a sense of accomplishment."
* LAND OF OPPORTUNITY: Rudy and Cheryl moved to the area last July. "I hope to speak to the bigger audiences that come to the convention capital of the world," he says.
* SCENE IN A HENDERSON CAFE: As Rudy is being interviewed by a reporter, another customer overhears. "Are you the real Rudy?" she asks. Rudy nods. She gushes, "I'm a schoolteacher. My kids would be sooo excited to know I saw you. Could you please come and visit..." His eyes light up.
* RULE NO. 1: "Everyone can be anyone they want to be. ... That's why this works. We're all Rudys."
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