“An Evening with Fr. Ted Hesburgh” featuring the documentary “God, Country, Notre Dame” presented on the campus Jan. 26
January 27, 2006
The Student Union Board of the University of Notre Dame hosted “An Evening with Fr. Ted Hesburgh,” the university’s president emeritus, at 7:30 p.m., Thursday, January 26 in 101 DeBartolo Hall on the Notre Dame, Ind., campus. The evening began with a showing of Family Theater Productions’ one-hour, award-winning documentary “God, Country, Notre Dame: The Story of Fr. Ted Hesburgh, CSC” and concluded with brief remarks and a question-and-answer session with Fr. Hesburgh.
The event was not ticketed and was open only to Notre Dame, Saint Mary’s and Holy Cross community members with a valid ID. The event was co-sponsored by Family Theater Productions and Marilyn M. Keough Hall. DVDs of the program were available for purchase at the event.
The documentary examines the life of one of the country’s most renowned educators, public servants and priests. It details Fr. Hesburgh’s life from his childhood days in Syracuse, to his service to popes, U.S. presidents and the University of Notre Dame. Filmed almost entirely on the campus of Notre Dame, the film features interviews with Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, former Notre Dame Football coach Ara Parseghian and all former-living U.S. Presidents.
The documentary was produced by Family Theater Productions in Hollywood, a Catholic media production company founded in 1947 by Father Patrick Peyton, CSC, a Catholic media pioneer and now a sainthood candidate with the title “Servant of God.” Family Theater utilizes mass media to entertain, inspire and inform families.
Fr. Theodore Hesburgh, CSC, was the President of the University of Notre Dame for 35 years, 1952-1937. A graduate of Notre Dame and ordained a Holy Cross priest in 1943, Fr. Hesburgh became one of the most influential university educators and American leaders of all time. He served 16 U.S. Presidential appointments, represented the Vatican on numerous occasions and collected over 150 honorary degrees, more than any other American. Despite his many accomplishments, Fr. Hesburgh maintains that his greatest is being a priest.
The event organizer, the Student Union Board, is the Notre Dame undergraduate programming board. Its mission is to enhance undergraduate student life by providing undergraduate student services and social, intellectual and cultural opportunities that respond to the needs and wants of the student body in the most efficient manner available.
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Despite his many accomplishments, Fr. Hesburgh maintains that his greatest is being a priest.