Rev. Theodore Hesburgh, who served as President of the University of Notre Dame for 35 years, and was a preeminent educator and social activist, died yesterday at the age of 97. Known on campus and beyond as "Father Ted," Hesburgh received the Congressional Gold Medal and the Medal of Freedom for his significant contributions to education and human rights. He was one of the founders of the progressive People for the American Way, and was a key figure in anti-war and anti-nuclear activities from the 1960s on. His activism in the civil rights movement earned him the respect of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and many others. These and other efforts earned him the disdain of right-wing "Catholics", most recently in 2009 when they criticized Hesburgh for warmly welcoming President Obama to Notre Dame for the commencement address.
(photo: Father Hesburgh with Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.)
