U.S. Stamp to Celebrate ‘Father Ted’

(Image courtesy of the U.S. Postal Service)

The U.S. Postal Service has unveiled a stamp honoring long-time former University of Notre Dame President Father Theodore Hesburgh. The ceremony Friday at the Purcell Pavilion included comments from former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, who is a Notre Dame graduate, U.S. Postal Service Post Master General Megan Brennan and Notre Dame President Father John Jenkins.

Hesburgh served as Notre Dame’s president from 1952-1987 and received 16 presidential appointments during his lifetime from President Dwight Eisenhower to President George W. Bush. He focused on social issues on the local, national and global levels that included civil rights, peaceful uses of atomic energy, immigration reform, campus unrest and development in the Third World.

"Father Ted," as he was known, was awarded the Congressional Gold Medal in 2000 and the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1964. He’s thought to have received the most-ever honorary degrees, a total of 150. Hesburgh died in 2015 at the age of 97.

You can read more about his accomplishments by clicking here.