Former University of Notre Dame president dies at 97

SOUTH BEND, Ind. (AP) — The Rev. Theodore Hesburgh transformed the University of Notre Dame into a school known almost as much for academics as for football, even if it meant challenging popes, presidents — or legendary football coaches.

And he did it while championing human rights around the globe, from civil rights and immigration reform to supporting Third World development. His work often took him far away from the Indiana campus, where the joke became that while God was everywhere, Hesburgh was everywhere but Notre Dame.

But Hesburgh, who died late Thursday at age 97, was around enough during his 35 years at the helm to build Notre Dame into an academic power. He was featured on the cover of Time magazine a decade into his tenure for an article that described him as the most influential figure in the reshaping of Catholic education. He was so respected in education that he was awarded 150 honorary degrees.

The charming and personable priest found as much ease meeting with heads of state as he did with students. His aim was constant: better people's lives.