Father Ted Hesburgh, CSC
Devotion to Notre Dame
Father Ted became Notre Dame’s 15th president in 1952. At the time, the university had an annual operating budget of $9.7 million and an endowment of $9 million. When he retired in 1987, Notre Dame’s operating budget climbed to $176.6 million while the endowment reached $350 million.
During his tenure, the university rose from a sleepy Midwestern school to a revered institution of higher learning. Enrollment more than doubled and women were admitted to the undergraduate program during Father Ted’s 35-year term as the chief executive officer at Notre Dame.
Father Ted stepped down as head of Notre Dame in 1987, ending the longest tenure among active presidents of American institutions of higher learning. During his retirement, he has remained involved with the university as President Emeritus and as an advocate for educational reform in the United States. He continues to write and speak on many issues.
Among Father Ted’s recent activities was as co-chair of the Knight Commission on Intercollegiate Athletics. About 90 percent of the commission’s recommendations were adopted by the NCAA.
Notre Dame’s 15th president.