Come, Holy Spirit

Business students should not only be “highly competent,” but also possess knowledge “matched by integrity of purpose and dedication to a better America,” Father Hesburgh said.Like so many people, causes and organizations around the world, Notre Dame’s business college was shaped by Father Hesburgh’s vision. He wasn’t a natural fan of the business school, which carried the nickname “Yacht Club” when he became University president in 1952. But in 1954, after hearing from a blue-ribbon panel of business educators from across the country, he became convinced that business had an important role at Notre Dame. Instead of discontinuing the school, he became dedicated to strengthening it.

With gratitude and love for his vision and support, the Mendoza College community offers these tributes to Father Ted.

PEGGY BOLSTETTER, Communications Associate Program Director:

ED HUMS, BBA ACCT ’75, Accountancy Professional Specialist:

As students, we felt pride in having Father Hesburgh as our University’s president. He was doing everything and doing so all around the world.

Father Ted was a people person. He cared for everyone, and people respected his opinions. Once, we were at a contentious Board of Trustees meeting about signing an NBC contract, and Father got up and spoke for about a minute. He expressed his approval, saying, “You know, I think this is a good idea. I might have done something like this when I was president.” The contention dissipated; it was decided.

ELIZABETH ANN KRIEG, MSA ’72

(Currently MNA):

My meeting with Father Ted took place at the University the summer of 1952 when he first took office. I was a high school student. My English class assignment was to interview a famous person. I wrote a letter to Father Ted and his secretary answered immediately, setting up a date. Father was so gracious. He answered my simple questions, and I felt so important. The secretary gave me an 8-by-10 picture. I received an “A” for my report.

Years later, I joined a religious community. I attended summer classes and graduated from Notre Dame in 1972 with MSA and MSIA degrees. A few years ago, I sent copies to Father of the letters I received many years ago. He answered and remembered when life was so simple that an interview was so accessible.

SCOTT MALPASS, MBA ’86, ’84,

Notre Dame Vice President and Chief Investment Officer:

Father Ted would often talk to me about the Notre Dame endowment and how important it was to our future. When he became president in 1952, the press asked him how he was going to improve Notre Dame’s ranking among the top universities in the land. He said that one thing was for sure: We had to build our endowment fund. If you looked at the top 20 universities at the time, they had the largest endowments. The Notre Dame endowment was only $9 million in 1952; it now approaches $10 billion. Father Ted inspired my team and me, and he was very proud of what we have accomplished and the opportunities it has provided for our students and faculty.

Father Ted was a tremendous leader and an even better person who could talk about the sacramental mission of Notre Dame in a way that resonated with people, even those outside of Notre Dame. He built tremendous relationships for the University from all aspects of society. Everyone loved Father Ted.

PATRICK MURPHY, BBA MARK ’70,

Professor of Marketing:

Although I was fortunate to have multiple interactions with Father Ted over the years, the highlight will always be the Mass he celebrated for my wife, Kate, and my 25th wedding anniversary in 2002. Only our three sons were in attendance at his office in the library. It was a memorable night and Father Ted had his administrative assistant, Melanie, open a bottle of wine so he could toast us. He was a great man and very special to our family.

ED ROG, EMBA ’86:

Back in the fall of 1984, the EMBA Class of 1986 began a two-year journey as grad students at Our Lady’s University. During our first week on campus, it was the custom to find a local establishment for dinner. Sunny Italy on Niles Avenue was chosen by my classmates one evening. At the next table, two gentlemen dressed in priest attire were having a discussion about their day. After they finished dinner, one of the good fathers stopped by our table and wished us the best as the newest Notre Dame students. He introduced his companion as Father Ned and himself as Father Ted. Departing he said, “Men, enjoy your dinner, we eat here often and the food is excellent.”

CHARLES D. PILON, MBA ’66

Past President NAU National Alumni Association
Past President University of Notre Dame Club of Phoenix Board of Directors Notre Dame Club of Phoenix:

Father Theodore M. Hesburgh is the greatest man that I have ever met in my life. Yet, he once reminded my wife, our young daughter and me that he was foremost a priest. My daughter saw him coming down the steps of the Dome and said, “Hi, Priest.“ I immediately corrected her and said, “This is Father Hesburgh. He is the president of Notre Dame.” Father Ted remarked, “She’s right. I am a priest.” He then proceeded to pick her up in his arms and ask her name, our names and where we were from. What a priest!

I am a better man, husband, father, grandfather, Catholic and American because Father Ted passed my way and I was able to know him and love him. God bless, Father Ted.

FRANK REILLY, Bernard J. Hank Professor of Finance, BS Commerce ’57:

I returned to Notre Dame as the dean of the business college in 1981, following a visit arranged by Lee Tavis. The visit included a ride for my wife, Therese, and me with Father Ted to a basketball game, during which he “pitched” the reasons I should return to Notre Dame. He was a fantastic salesman. During my time as dean, one of the great perks was the many opportunities to have lunch or dinner with Father Ted. (He never did breakfast.) Those meals always were memorable because of his detailed discussion of significant events in his life and the life of the University. Also, Therese and I were honored that he attended our St. Patrick’s Day gathering along with Father Edmund P. Joyce, CSC. One of Notre Dame’s greatest blessings from Our Lady on the Dome is that the two of them provided unbelievable leadership for 35 years. May they rest in peace.

MAUREEN RIECK, ’00 AND ADAM RIECK MBA ’07, ’99:

In 2007, on the occasion of Father Ted’s 90th birthday, the business school held a Mass and dinner. I feel very fortunate that Father Ted gave us and our daughter Erin a personal blessing while I was pregnant with her. It was in Latin and he said it was the same blessing he gave all the moms in the military village “Vetville” that was on campus during and after World War II. He claimed they had no miscarriages there and attributed this to the Latin blessing. An amazing man returns to God!

BECKY SAYDAK, MNA ’04, ’95:

I had the privilege of meeting Father Ted several times. He said Mass in my dorm at 1 a.m. And he gave a talk to my MNA class and stayed afterward for a photo. But my most memorable experience was during my senior year when I dropped by his office to ask him to sign God, Country, Notre Dame. He greeted me kindly and signed my book. He then looked at his watch and said I was just in time. In time for what, I wondered? He was about to start Mass in his office chapel and said I would do the first reading. It was just Father Ted, his assistant and me. He gave a beautiful homily. It was a memory I will never forget.

ANGELA SIENKO, Marketing Communications Assistant Director:

I’d been blessed with the opportunity to speak with Father Ted often during my time here. But none compared to the day that I showed up at his office, unannounced, in March 2010 to ask him to bless a St. Peregrine medal I got for my mother, who had just been diagnosed with terminal brain cancer. He came out of his office, which was unusual, and blessed the medal as I held it in I my hands, sobbing uncontrollably. He then put his hands on my shoulders, looked me in the eye and said, “Do not fear what is to come. Everything will be OK. You have my word. Now wipe your tears.” His longtime assistant Melanie, also in tears, handed me tissues. Before I left, he reiterated, “You will be OK.” My mother died three months later. I didn’t think I’d survive the loss, but somehow I did. I inherited my mother’s strength. And I am OK.

I still have that medal. It’s on a bracelet that I wear every day.

AMANDA L. STEEDLEY, MSA ’00:

While I was only at Notre Dame for one year for graduate school, I had the good fortune to be seated next to Father Ted on a flight out of South Bend during the holidays. I did not recognize him, but realized he was a special man even before he introduced himself because there was such a rare peace and kindness about him. I have always treasured our brief time together on that flight and will always remember his kind words and spirit.

LEE TAVIS, BS COMMERCE ’53,

Professor Emeritus:

Shortly after I arrived as a professor in 1976, Father Hesburgh suggested I find a way to get multinational firms more commit- ted to development in their Third World operating locations. As many of us know, a “suggestion” from Father Hesburgh was more than a suggestion.

Father Don McNeill, CSC, and I organized a two-day work- shop for 50 people. Twenty-five were multinational executives; the other 25 were ND faculty, missionaries and activists from as

far left as we thought we could go. Father Hesburgh opened the workshop with this message: “A university is a place to disagree without being disagreeable.” Still, the group stormed with some shouting. A few days later, the president of one of the participating firms (and a major ND donor) withdrew from participation, indicating he would no longer subject his executives to this kind of criticism. Father Hesburgh didn’t flinch.

We continued the program with 16 workshops supported by eight field research projects across the world. Father Hesburgh opened each workshop with his message: “A university is a place to disagree without being disagreeable.”

BRIAN WIRPSA, EMBA ’01:

In spring 2001, Father Hesburgh came to speak to the Executive MBA class, as he did each year. I was an EMBA student at the time and my daughter, Erin Wirpsa Eisenberg ’03, was an undergraduate student working for the Mendoza College. Together, we listened to Father Hesburgh talk about his experiences as a person of faith, a leader of the University and an advocate for social change, particularly during the Civil Rights Movement. He was such an inspiring man and it was so special to be able to share that experience with my daughter.

JIM WITTENBACH, Professor of Accountancy:

Father Hesburgh was the face of Notre Dame. Whenever you saw a picture of Father Hesburgh, you saw an image of Notre Dame. Thank you, Father Hesburgh, for walking hand in hand with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. That walk reflects what Notre Dame is all about — doing what’s right. A job well done, and now, Father Ted, may you rest in peace.

WALT ZUKOWSKI, MBA/JD ’80:

In the spring 1980, a number of married students in the MBA program decided that we would like to honor our spouses for the sacrifices they had made during our time at Notre Dame. One night, while walking from Hayes-Healy to the University Village, I noticed the light on in Father Ted’s office. I walked in (unannounced and uninvited). He stopped his work, put his pen down and listened to my proposal. He was empathetic, supportive
and accessible. He agreed to sign the diploma-like certificate. He also arranged for use of a University watermark and official seal. With his support, we also easily obtained the signatures of the deans. My wife still cherishes the certificate nearly 35 years later. Father Ted lived the Gospel. He was supportive, accessible and action-oriented. He was a wonderful example for many generations of students. May he rest in peace.

REV. OLIVER WILLIAMS, CSC,’69, ’61, Associate Management Professor:

In my early years at Notre Dame, Father Ted was a wonderful mentor and he always remained a good friend. Whether it was at the Corby Hall dinner table (where the priests have their meals) or over a drink at the Morris Inn, I learned much. Although his world was much larger than Notre Dame, whether it was championing civil rights or some other endeavor for world peace, Ted never lost focus on the mission of the University. He continually reminded me that the unique mission of our business school was to stress the normative issues: what is right or wrong behavior in business and why. He was convinced that business was the most powerful institution in society, and that we must engage the business community in the crucial issues of our time, poverty and world peace. I, and undoubtedly many others, am a much better person for having known Ted Hesburgh.