[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 72 (Tuesday, May 21, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E716-E717]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               HONORING REVEREND THEODORE MARTIN HESBURGH

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JACKIE WALORSKI

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, May 21, 2013

  Mrs. WALORSKI. Mr. Speaker, today I wish to recognize Rev. Theodore 
M. Hesburgh, president emeritus of the University of Notre Dame, who 
will be honored on May 22, 2013 in a special reception at the U.S. 
Capitol in Washington, D.C. to celebrate his upcoming 96th birthday and 
70th anniversary as a priest. Rev. Hesburgh was ordained as a priest of 
the Congregation of Holy Cross on June 24, 1943 at Notre Dame.
  Rev. Hesburgh taught theology and served as a chaplain to returning 
veteran students, next moving on to serve as president of the 
university for thirty-five years. Retiring in 1987, Rev. Hesburgh was 
considered one of the most distinguished and transformational leaders 
in American higher education. A familiar face on campus, Rev. Hesburgh 
was well-known for remembering the names and faces of the university 
students, always acknowledging others with heartfelt greetings.
  Outside of Notre Dame, Rev. Hesburgh continued his distinguished 
commitment to public service, shaping history at home and abroad. He 
was first tapped by President Dwight Eisenhower to serve on the 
National Science Board in 1954. Over the years, Rev. Hesburgh was 
appointed to over one hundred other advisory boards, developing 
peaceful solutions to nurture the civil rights movement and immigration 
reform. Due to his consistent efforts to pursue justice and strengthen 
human dignity, Rev. Hesburgh served as a member of the Civil Rights 
Commission for over a decade, including three years as the chairman.
  Advising multiple United States presidents, Rev. Hesburgh was awarded 
the Medal of

[[Page E717]]

Freedom, the highest civilian honor, by President Lyndon Johnson. He 
was also honored with the Congressional Gold Medal by President Bill 
Clinton in the Rotunda of the United States Capitol, recognized for his 
work in civil rights and world peace. Graciously welcoming many 
American presidents to the University of Notre Dame, Rev. Hesburgh has 
created a powerful connection between our world leaders and the 
university.
  Rev. Hesburgh has touched the lives of countless individuals around 
the world on his never-ending mission to spread world peace, eradicate 
poverty, and alleviate hunger. Approaching his upcoming 96th birthday 
and 70th anniversary as a priest, there are certainly many 
accomplishments to celebrate from the Notre Dame campus to the global 
community. Most of all, I applaud Rev. Hesburgh for following God's 
calling to the priesthood and being a good and faithful servant to the 
people.
  It is an honor to recognize Rev. Hesburgh for his patriotism and 
devoted commitment to bring peace, justice, and humility. His dignity 
and passion will be admired for generations for the unparalleled 
achievements and endless kindness that has forever shaped our society.

                          ____________________