Former University of Notre Dame President Dies at 97

Feb 27, 2015 08:16 AM EST

Then US President Bill Clinton talks with Congressional Gold Medal winner Rev Theodore Hesburgh during a ceremony in the rotunda of the Capitol Building in Washington, July 13, 2000. Reuters Photographer / Reuters

Former University of Notre Dame President Rev. Theodore Hesburgh died Thursday night on the university campus in South Bend, Indiana, authorities said.

The cause of Hesburgh's death was not immediately known. He was 97 and served the university as president for 35 years.

"We mourn today a great man and faithful priest who transformed the University of Notre Dame and touched the lives of many," said the Rev. John Jenkins, Notre Dame's current president.

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Jenkins said Hesburgh utilized his leadership, charisma and vision to turn a relatively small Catholic college known for football into one of America's great institutions for higher learning.

"Although saddened by his loss, I cherish the memory of a mentor, friend and brother in Holy Cross and am consoled that he is now at peace with the God he served so well," Jenkins told the Associated Press.

Notre Dame will hold a customary Holy Cross funeral Mass for Hesburgh in the Basilica of the Sacred Heart while a tribute to the former university president will be held at the Joyce Center.

The schedule of the mass will be announced soon.

Hesburgh grew up in Syracuse and had wished to become a priest since early childhood.

He studied at Notre Dame until his seminary sent him to Italy. He studied in Rome until he was forced to leave due to the outbreak of World War II.

He graduated from The Catholic University of America in 1945, having earned a Doctorate in Sacred Theology. He became executive vice-president in 1949 and served in that position for three years.

Hesburgh served as Notre Dame's President for 35 years (1952-87), the longest tenure to date. He supervised dramatic growth, as well as a transition to coeducation in 1972.

Hesburgh has had many accomplishments, honors, and awards in his public career and he is the recipient of over 150 honorary degrees, the most ever awarded to one person.

He became the first individual from post-secondary education to be awarded the United States Congressional Gold Medal in 2000.

TagsNotre Dame University, Rev Theodore Hesburgh