RIP Rev. Theodore M. Hesburgh, C.S.C.

[Rambler Fan of NU Football]

As many of you probably know by now, Rev. Theodore M. Hesburgh, C.S.C., passed away late Thursday evening at the age of 97. Fr. Ted was the longtime President of the University of Notre Dame, from 1952 to 1987. Notre Dame grew exponentially during Fr. Ted's tenure, and it had nothing to do with football. When he became president at the age of 35, Notre Dame did not have the stellar academic reputation it does today and was only known for football. Fr. Ted changed all that building the academic reputation of Notre Dame.

In fact, during Fr. Ted's early years at the helm, athletics was less emphasized as academics was bolstered. The football program foundered during this time and would not be revived until Fr. Ted and Notre Dame VP Rev. Edmond Joyce, C.S.C., hired Ara Parseghian after our football program (under then-AD Stu Holcumb) foolishly let him go.

Additionally, Fr. Ted was given an honorary Doctor of Laws degree from Northwestern University in 1963,

Requiescat in Pace

SBT: "Notre Dame icon Father Hesburgh dies at 97"

 

[hdhntr1]

My dad was in the V-12 program during WW2 and used to play bridge with Father Hesburgh. From things I have heard, he was a character.