Donnelly, Coats, Kelly, Walorski Honor Fr. Theodore Hesburgh

Press Release

U.S. Senators Joe Donnelly (D-IN) and Dan Coats (R-IN) and U.S. Representatives Mike Kelly (PA-03) and Jackie Walorski (IN-02) today introduced concurrent resolutions in the Senate and House honoring the life of University of Notre Dame President Emeritus Fr. Theodore Hesburgh, C.S.C., who passed away on Thursday, February 26, 2015.

Donnelly said, "As a proud son of Notre Dame, I welcome the opportunity to honor Father Ted's incredible life. Father Ted worked with presidents, Popes, and Martin Luther King, Jr. on issues of nuclear nonproliferation, immigration reform, and civil rights. Yet it is his impact on the South Bend community, Notre Dame campus, and on those who attended Our Lady's University that I remember and celebrate. He wanted every single student, staff, and faculty member to know they were loved, cared about, and special. He taught us to live "God, Country, Notre Dame.' May he rest in peace."

Coats said, "Father Hesburgh enriched innumerable lives with his visionary leadership and faithful service. He was a powerful voice on numerous important issues, including civil rights, higher education and faith. It was a pleasure to know and learn from Father Hesburgh."

Kelly said, "Father Hesburgh lived an extraordinary life--one marked by devotion to God, dedication to country, and steadfast support for the community he loved so dearly. As president of the University of Notre Dame from 1952 to 1987, he transformed Catholic higher education in America and was a powerful moral voice in national affairs and the world. Over the course of his life, he faithfully served under four Popes and nine presidential administrations and received 150 honorary degrees, the most ever awarded to a single individual. Through it all, Fr. Hesburgh was a dedicated public servant grounded by deep faith, love for the poor, and a fundamental belief in the human rights of all people. This resolution will honor the life and memory of Fr. Hesburgh, and the great things he achieved for so many."

Walorski said, "Father Hesburgh's life epitomized what it means to serve this country. I hope every American takes a moment to learn his story and honor a truly inspiring man. He will be remembered for his convictions and revered for his contributions to higher education and to our entire country."