SOUTH BEND, Ind. -- Retiring University of Notre Dame President Theodore M. Hesburgh carried out his last official function Sunday by presiding over graduation ceremonies at which he was awarded American Catholicism's highest honor and heard accolades from academic and civil rights leaders.
'At a time when so many of us are little more than energetic administrators, Ted has succeeded in not only strengthening Notre Dame academically, but he has taught audiences everywhere about the values that matter in our society,' said Harvard President Derek Bok, commencement speaker.
Bok said Hesburgh's record of public service is especially important to note as educators seek ways to strengthen the moral fiber of their students.
'No set of courses ... no code of conduct ... will succeed in strengthening the character of our students unless they are buttressed by the force of personal example,' Bok said. 'For more than a quarter of a century, Ted Hesburgh has given us all the example of a virtuous man.'
Presiding over the commencement was the last official function by Hesburgh as president of Notre Dame after 35 years in that office. Hesburgh, 69, held the the longest tenure of any major college chief executive in the country.
The Rev. Edward Malloy will assume the office June 1.
After accepting the 1987 Laetare Medal, American Catholicism's highest annual award, Hesburgh told the 2,500 graduates his future was like theirs.
'We don't know where we are going from here and we don't know what we are going to do, but I can guarantee you there are a lot of battles yet to be won for justice -- a lot of mountains yet to be climbed to overcome human ignorance, and at times, human stupidity,' he said.
Among the 14 people who received honorary law degrees Sunday were Coretta Scott King, the widow of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Rosalynn Carter, wife of former president Jimmy Carter.
'At a period when there needed to be a moral voice, his voice was moral and strong,' King said of Hesburgh, who spent 15 years on the U.S. Commission for Civil Rights, the last four as chairman.
Carter, who as first lady traveled with Hesburgh to Thailand and visit refugees fleeing the Vietnamese invasion of Cambodia, said Hesburgh, 'has been a great moral leader for our time.'
Bok devoted most of his speech to an analysis of American foreign policy. He said U.S. authority in world affairs is dwindling because of public attitudes at home and the advancement of technology and intelligence abroad.
