Rev. Theodore M. Hesburgh

(1917 - )

Father Hesbugh is a civil rights advocate and former president of the University of Notre Dame. He is renowned for his work on the U.S. Civil Rights Commission, where he served as chairman from 1969 to 1972. He held 14 Presidential appointments over the years and received the Medal of Freedom from President Johnson. His work as an academic leader was also impressive. In 35 years at Notre Dame, he transformed the school into a first-rate academic institution, tripled the faculty, and increased the endowment from $9 million to $350 million. Following retirement, he served on many commissions and study groups dealing with education. He was a 2005 Caring Award recipient and holds the Guinness Book of World Records title for most honorary degrees.