Theodore Hesburgh facts for kids

Quick facts for kids The Reverend Theodore Hesburgh CSC
Hesburgh in 2008
15th President of the University of Notre Dame
In office 1952–1987
Preceded by	John J Cavanaugh
Succeeded by	Edward Malloy
Chair of the United States Commission on Civil Rights
In office 1969–1972
President	Richard Nixon
Preceded by	John A. Hannah
Succeeded by	Arthur S. Flemming
Personal details
Born	Theodore Martin Hesburgh (1917-05-25)May 25, 1917 Syracuse, New York, U.S.
Died	February 26, 2015(2015-02-26) (aged 97) Notre Dame, Indiana, U.S.
Resting place	Holy Cross Cemetery
Education	Pontifical Gregorian University (BA) College of the Holy Cross Catholic University (MA, PhD)
Signature

Theodore Martin Hesburgh (May 25, 1917 – February 26, 2015) was a Catholic priest and a very important leader in education. He was a member of the Congregation of Holy Cross. Father Hesburgh is best known for being the president of the University of Notre Dame for 35 years. This was from 1952 to 1987.

Besides his work as an educator, Hesburgh was also a public servant. He helped with many important projects in the U.S. and around the world. He worked on civil rights, peaceful uses of atomic energy, and helping other countries. He received many awards for his service. These included the Presidential Medal of Freedom and the Congressional Gold Medal. He also holds the world record for the most honorary degrees, with over 150.

Hesburgh helped Notre Dame become a top university. It was once mostly known for its football team. He oversaw its big growth and helped it become a coeducational school. This meant both boys and girls could attend. He also helped transfer the university's ownership.

Early Life and Education

Theodore Martin Hesburgh was born in Syracuse, New York, on May 25, 1917. His father worked for a glass company. His mother's family was from Ireland. Theodore was the second of five children. He had two brothers and three sisters.

He went to a local school called Most Holy Rosary. He also served as an altar boy at church. Hesburgh said he wanted to be a priest from age six. A missionary priest from the Congregation of Holy Cross encouraged him. This group owned the University of Notre Dame.

Hesburgh finished high school in 1934. He then joined the Holy Cross Seminary at Notre Dame. In 1937, his teachers sent him to study in Rome, Italy. He earned a philosophy degree there in 1940. When World War II started, he returned to the U.S. He studied theology for three years. Then he studied at The Catholic University of America. He earned his doctorate in sacred theology in 1945.

On June 24, 1943, Hesburgh became a priest. This happened at Notre Dame's Sacred Heart Church. He dedicated his life to "God, Country, and Notre Dame." After this, Father Ted, as he liked to be called, finished his studies. He also helped at churches in Washington, D.C.. He worked as a chaplain at a juvenile detention center. He also ran a large club for soldiers. He wanted to be a Navy chaplain during the war. But he returned to Notre Dame in 1945 to teach.

Leading Notre Dame University

Starting His Career at Notre Dame

Hesburgh began teaching at Notre Dame in 1945. He taught in the religion department. In 1948, he became head of the theology department. The university president, John J. Cavanaugh, then made him executive vice president in 1949. Just three years later, at age 35, Hesburgh became president of Notre Dame.

Becoming President of Notre Dame

Hesburgh presents the Laetare Medal to John F. Kennedy on November 22, 1961

Hesburgh was Notre Dame's president for 35 years. He retired in 1987. This was the longest time anyone had been president of a U.S. university. He immediately worked to change the school. He wanted it to be known for its academics, not just football. In 1953, he started a program to bring top scholars to Notre Dame. By 1987, the school had over 100 distinguished professors.

Hesburgh Library at the University of Notre Dame

During his time, Notre Dame grew a lot. Its money for future projects increased greatly. In 1972, it also became a coeducational school. This meant women could attend classes there. The university's budget and research funding grew significantly. Student enrollment almost doubled. The number of teachers also more than doubled.

Hesburgh also started 40 new building projects. One was the $8 million Hesburgh Library. This library has the famous "Word of Life" mural. People often call it "Touchdown Jesus."

Hesburgh helped create the Land O'Lakes Statement in 1967. This document said that Catholic universities should have academic freedom. They should be independent from all authority, even the Catholic Church. This idea caused some debate. But Hesburgh's focus on quality made Notre Dame famous. In 1967, he changed how the university was run. Ownership moved from the Holy Cross priests to a new board. This board included both priests and other leaders.

Student Protests and Civil Rights

In the 1960s, many students protested across the U.S. Notre Dame also had student unrest. On February 17, 1969, Hesburgh took a strong stand. He sent a letter to students about anti-Vietnam War protests. He said students who broke rules would get 15 minutes to stop. If they didn't, they would be suspended or expelled.

This decision caused a lot of discussion. It was reported in major newspapers. Many people supported Hesburgh's "fifteen-minute rule." President Richard Nixon even praised his strong action. Hesburgh advised Vice President Spiro Agnew on controlling campus violence. He believed universities should handle their own protests. He also publicly opposed the Vietnam War.

Hesburgh chairs the Civil Rights Committee

Hesburgh was a leader in civil rights. He chaired the United States Commission on Civil Rights. But Notre Dame was slow to end institutional racism. In 1969, black students criticized the low number of minority students. Hesburgh then took steps to hire more minority staff. He also worked to recruit more minority students. He used money from Notre Dame's football games to fund scholarships for minorities.

In May 1970, there were rumors of a firebombing at Notre Dame. Hesburgh spoke to students on May 4. He spoke against the war and Nixon's actions in Cambodia. He also suggested ways the government could address student concerns. This speech became known as the Hesburgh Declaration. Notre Dame's protests ended without violence. Other campuses, like Columbia University, had more serious issues.

By the early 1970s, Hesburgh was a well-known American Catholic leader. He continued to involve students in university decisions.

Public Service and Global Impact

Working with the U.S. Government

Hesburgh spent about 40% of his time on civic activities. He believed this work made his priesthood richer. Starting in 1955, he served on many government groups. These included the National Science Board and the U.S. Civil Rights Commission. He also worked with non-profit groups like the Rockefeller Foundation.

He had at least 16 appointments from U.S. presidents. These involved major issues like civil rights and immigration. His first appointment was in 1954. President Dwight Eisenhower named him to the National Science Board. In 1957, Eisenhower made him a member of the U.S. Civil Rights Commission. Hesburgh became a strong voice for civil rights.

In 1961, Hesburgh helped start a Peace Corps project at Notre Dame. He felt President John F. Kennedy did not do enough for civil rights. But he praised President Lyndon B. Johnson for passing the Civil Rights Act of 1964. He also supported the Voting Rights Act of 1965. Hesburgh joined Martin Luther King Jr. at a civil rights rally in Chicago in 1964. They sang "We Shall Overcome" together.

Hesburgh chaired the U.S. Civil Rights Commission from 1969 to 1972. President Nixon asked him to resign in 1972. This was after disagreements about civil rights policies. Hesburgh disagreed with Nixon's slow approach to school desegregation. He also opposed Nixon's anti-busing policy. He believed his dismissal was due to a report on minority employment in government.

In the 1970s, Hesburgh supported the Equal Rights Amendment. This amendment aimed to ensure equal rights for all citizens. In 1979, President Jimmy Carter appointed Hesburgh to an immigration reform group. This group's work led to the Refugee Act of 1980.

Working with the Vatican

Hesburgh also had important roles with the Holy See (the Vatican). From 1956 to 1970, he represented the Vatican. He worked with the International Atomic Energy Agency in Vienna, Austria. Pope Paul VI appointed him to lead Vatican representatives. They attended the 20th anniversary of the UN's human rights declaration. Pope John Paul II also appointed him to the Pontifical Council for Culture in 1983.

Business and Nonprofit Leadership

Hesburgh was active on many advisory boards. These covered education, science, and business. He traveled the world for Notre Dame and other groups. He helped with The Pursuit of Excellence (1958). This was a study of the U.S. education system. He also led the International Federation of Catholic Universities.

In 1990, after retiring, Hesburgh joined the Harvard Board of Overseers. He was the first priest to do so. He also co-chaired the Knight Commission. This group made big changes to college sports rules.

Hesburgh was involved in science projects too. He served on the U.S. National Science Board. He was also a U.S. ambassador to a UN conference on science. He helped organize a meeting of scientists and faith leaders. They called for getting rid of nuclear weapons.

He was on the board of many businesses and civic groups. He served on the board of the Rockefeller Foundation. He was also a director for Chase Bank. His interest in global issues led him to serve on many international groups.

Later Years

Hesburgh greets President Barack Obama at Notre Dame in 2009

After retiring from Notre Dame in 1987, Hesburgh took a year off. He then worked from his office in the Hesburgh Library. He wrote his autobiography, God, Country, Notre Dame (1990). This book was a New York Times best-seller.

Hesburgh stayed busy in retirement. He wrote another book, Travels with Ted and Ned (1992). He also edited The Challenge and Promise of a Catholic University (1994). He continued to give speeches and serve on boards. In 1994, he co-chaired a legal defense fund for President Bill Clinton and Hillary Clinton.

He helped develop five important institutions. These included the Tantur Ecumenical Institute in Jerusalem. He also helped create Notre Dame's Center for Civil and Human Rights.

Death and Lasting Impact

Hesburgh passed away on February 26, 2015, at age 97. His death and funeral received wide media attention. Many important people attended his memorial service. These included former President Jimmy Carter and Condoleezza Rice.

Hesburgh's leadership made Notre Dame a top Catholic university. A 1962 Time magazine story called him "the most influential figure" in Catholic higher education. Notre Dame became known for its strong academics. He successfully transferred ownership of Notre Dame in 1967. He also oversaw the university becoming coeducational in 1972. He worked to make Notre Dame a more diverse university.

Notre Dame has honored him in many ways. Several buildings, scholarships, and programs are named after him. These include the Hesburgh Library. His papers are kept in the Notre Dame Archives. His private office was on the 13th floor of the library.

Hesburgh was a respected religious leader. He supported talks between different faiths. He brought a Catholic view to his government and civic work. He used his influence to help solve national problems.

Hesburgh was an activist for most of his life. He especially worked for civil rights and equality. He played a big role in national affairs. He was known for his liberal views, based on freedom and independence. He supported peaceful atomic energy and aid to developing countries. He also strongly supported civil rights. Even when his actions were debated, he usually came through well.

As a member of the U.S. Civil Rights Commission, he fought against racism. He built strong connections, even with people who had different ideas. Many praised his work for peace and civil rights.

In 2018, a documentary film called Hesburgh was released. It tells the story of his life and his time as Notre Dame's president.

Presidential Appointments

Hesburgh was appointed by U.S. presidents to serve on many important committees and boards. These included:

• National Science Board (1954–56)
• U.S. Commission on Civil Rights (1957–72)
• U.S. Advisory Committee on International Educational and Cultural Affairs (1962–65)
• Overseas Development Council (1971–82)
• Presidential Clemency Board (1974–75)
• U.S. Ambassador and Chair, U.S. Delegation to the United Nations Conference on Science and Technology for Development (1979)
• U.S. Select Commission on Immigration and Relief Policy (1979–81)
• U.S. Institute of Peace, Board of Directors
• President's Committee on the Holocaust
• U.S. Official Observer Team for El Salvador Elections (1982)

Honors and Awards

Hesburgh's Presidential Medal of Freedom

Hesburgh received many honors for his public service. In 1964, President Johnson gave him the Presidential Medal of Freedom. This is the highest award for a civilian in the U.S. In 2000, he received the Congressional Gold Medal. He was the first person from higher education to get this award.

Hesburgh's Congressional Gold Medal

On September 1, 2017, the United States Postal Service released a postage stamp honoring Hesburgh. This was for his 100th birthday.

Some of his many awards include:

• Namesake of minor planet 1952 Hesburgh (1952)
• Elected to the American Academy of Arts and Sciences (1960)
• Alexander Meiklejohn Award (1970)
• Elected to the American Philosophical Society (1974)
• The Award for Greatest Public Service Benefiting the Disadvantaged (1976)
• Sylvanus Thayer Award from the United States Military Academy (1980)
• Public Welfare Medal from the National Academy of Sciences (1984)
• Four Freedoms Award for the Freedom of Worship (1993)
• Namesake of the TIAA–CREF's Hesburgh Award (1993)
• Blessed are the Peacemakers Award (1998)
• Indiana Living Legend (2001)
• NCAA Gerald R. Ford Award (2004)
• Awarded the Sagamore of the Wabash by the Governor of Indiana (2006)
• Honorary U.S. Navy chaplain (2013)

World Records

On February 28, 1979, Hesburgh flew in a Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird. He flew at over 2,200 miles per hour. This was a favor from President Jimmy Carter.

In 1982, Hesburgh received his 90th honorary degree. His name was then added to the Guinness Book of World Records. He was listed as the person with the "Most Honorary Degrees." By 2013, he had received over 150 honorary degrees.

Honorary Degrees

Hesburgh received more than 150 honorary degrees. Here are some of them:

Location	Date	School	Degree
New York	1954	Le Moyne College
Illinois	1955	Bradley University
Chile	1956	Pontifical Catholic University of Chile
Kansas	1958	St. Benedict's College
Pennsylvania	1958	Villanova University
New Hampshire	1958	Dartmouth College
Rhode Island	1960	University of Rhode Island
New York	1961	Columbia University
New Jersey	1961	Princeton University	Doctor of Laws (LL.D.)
Massachusetts	1962	Brandeis University	Doctor of Laws (LL.D.)
Indiana	1962	Indiana University	Doctor of Laws (LL.D.)
Illinois	1963	Northwestern University	Doctor of Laws (LL.D.)
Pennsylvania	1963	Lafayette College	Doctor of Laws (LL.D.)
Austria	1965	University of Vienna	Honorary Citizen
California	1965	University of California Los Angeles
Philippines	1965	Saint Louis University
Washington	1965	Gonzaga University
Pennsylvania	1965	Temple University	Doctor of Laws (LL.D.)
Quebec	1965	Université de Montréal
Illinois	1966	University of Illinois	Doctor of Laws (LL.D.)
Georgia (U.S. state)	1966	Atlanta University
Indiana	1966	Wabash College
New York	1967	Fordham University
Indiana	1967	Manchester University
Indiana	1967	Valparaiso University
Rhode Island	1968	Providence College
California	1968	University of Southern California
Michigan	1968	Michigan State University	Doctor of Laws (LL.D.)
Indiana	1969	Saint Mary's College
Missouri	1969	Saint Louis University
District of Columbia	1969	The Catholic University of America	Doctor of Humane Letters (DHL)
Illinois	1970	Loyola University
Indiana	1970	Anderson College	Doctor of Humane Letters (DHL)
New York	1970	State University of New York
Utah	1970	Utah State University	Doctor of Arts (HD)
Pennsylvania	1971	Lehigh University
Connecticut	1971	Yale University	Doctor of Laws (LL.D.)
Pennsylvania	1972	King's College
Massachusetts	1972	Stonehill College
Michigan	1972	Alma College
New York	1973	Syracuse University	Doctor of Humane Letters (DHL)
New York	1973	Marymount College
New York	1973	Hobart and William Smith Colleges
Ohio	1973	Hebrew Union College
Massachusetts	1973	Harvard University
Colorado	1974	Regis College
Pennsylvania	1974	Lincoln University
Massachusetts	1974	Tufts University	Doctor of Laws (LL.D.)
Tennessee	1974	The University of the South
Oregon	1975	University of Portland	Doctor of Humane Letters (DHL)
Connecticut	1975	Fairfield University	Doctor of Public Service
North Carolina	1976	Davidson College
New York	1976	College of New Rochelle
Colorado	1976	University of Denver
Wisconsin	1976	Beloit College	Doctor of Humane Letters (DHL)
Pennsylvania	1977	Dickinson College	Doctor of Sacred Theology (STD)
District of Columbia	1977	Georgetown University
New York	1977	Queens College
Quebec	1977	Laval University
Belgium	1978	Katholieke Universiteit Leuven
South Carolina	1978	University of South Carolina
Pennsylvania	1978	University of Pennsylvania	Doctor of Laws (LL.D.)
Belgium	1978	Université catholique de Louvain
Pennsylvania	1978	Duquesne University
Nova Scotia	1978	St. Francis Xavier University
Indiana	1979	University of Evansville
Michigan	1979	Albion College
Utah	1979	University of Utah	Doctor of Humane Letters (DHL)
Massachusetts	1979	Assumption College
Virginia	1980	College of William and Mary	Doctor of Humane Letters (DHL)
Maryland	1980	Johns Hopkins University	Doctor of Humane Letters (DHL)
New Jersey	1980	Seton Hall University
Alabama	1980	Tuskegee Institute
New York	1980	Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
California	1980	University of San Diego
Texas	1980	University of the Incarnate Word	Doctor of Humane Letters (DHL)
New York	1981	St. John Fisher College
Washington	1981	Seattle University
Ohio	1981	University of Toledo	Doctor of Laws (LL.D.)
Iowa	1981	St. Ambrose University
Pennsylvania	1981	University of Scranton
Ohio	1981	University of Cincinnati	Doctor of Letters (D.Litt.)
Michigan	1981	University of Michigan	Doctor of Laws (LL.D.)
Michigan	1981	Hope College	Doctor of Humane Letters (DHL)
Brazil	1981	University of Brasília
New York	1982	New York University
Indiana	1982	Indiana State University
Michigan	1982	Madonna College
California	1982	Loyola Marymount University
Pennsylvania	1982	Hahnemann Medical College and Hospital
Michigan	1982	Kalamazoo College	Doctor of Humane Letters (DHL)
Colorado	1982	Loretto Heights College
Dominican Republic	1982	Pontificia Universidad Católica Madre y Maestra
Thailand	1983	Ramkhamhaeng University	This Degree was Received In Absentia.
Indiana	1983	Saint Joseph's College
New Jersey	1983	Rider College
New York	1983	Colgate University
New Jersey	1983	Immaculate Conception Seminary
Florida	1984	St. Leo College
West Virginia	1984	West Virginia Wesleyan College
Indiana	1984	University of Notre Dame
Montana	1985	Carroll College
Ohio	1985	College of Mount St. Joseph
Pennsylvania	1985	Holy Family College
North Carolina	1985	Duke University	Doctor of Humane Letters (DHL)
Tennessee	1985	Christian Brothers College
New Brunswick	1985	St. Thomas University
Ohio	1985	Walsh College
Iowa	1986	Briar Cliff College
Michigan	1986	Aquinas College	Doctor of Laws (LL.D.)
Nebraska	1986	University of Nebraska	Doctor of Laws (LL.D.)
Pennsylvania	1987	University of Pittsburgh
Guatemala	1987	Universidad Francisco Marroquín
Malta	1988	University of Malta
Missouri	1988	Rockhurst College
West Virginia	1989	Wheeling Jesuit College
Louisiana	1989	Loyola University
Maryland	1989	Mount Saint Mary's College
Rhode Island	1989	Brown University
Iowa	1990	Loras College
Ohio	1990	Defiance College
Minnesota	1990	St. Olaf College
District of Columbia	1991	George Washington University	Doctor of Public Service
Louisiana	1991	Our Lady of Holy Cross College
Pennsylvania	1992	Gannon University
Iowa	1993	Mount Mercy College
New Hampshire	1993	Notre Dame College
North Carolina	1993	Wake Forest University	Doctor of Humane Letters (DHL)
Indiana	1994	Marian College
Missouri	1994	Avila College
Illinois	1995	North Park College
Pennsylvania	1996	Saint Vincent College
Illinois	1996	University of St. Francis	Doctor of Laws (LL.D.)
Connecticut	1996	Albertus Magnus College	Doctor of Humane Letters (DHL)
Australia	1997	University of Notre Dame Australia
New York	1997	The College of Saint Rose
Kentucky	1998	University of Kentucky	Doctor of Letters (D.Litt.)
New York	1998	Touro College Law Center
Florida	1998	Barry University
New York	1999	State University of New York Polytechnic Institute
Connecticut	1999	Connecticut College
Indiana	2000	University of Saint Francis
Indiana	2000	Holy Cross College
New Jersey	2000	Saint Peter's College
North Carolina	2000	North Carolina State University	Doctor of Humane Letters (DHL)
Texas	2001	St. Edward's University
New Jersey	2001	Georgian Court College
Ohio	2002	Ohio State University	Doctor of Humane Letters (DHL)
Indiana	2002	Ivy Tech State College
California	2002	University of San Diego