Theodore M. Hesburgh, C.S.C. (1917–2015) was president of the University of Notre Dame from 1952 to 1987. As an adviser to presidents, special envoy to popes, theologian, author, educator, and activist, Father Hesburgh was for decades considered the most influential priest in America. He is the author and editor of a number of books, including The Challenge and Promise of a Catholic University (University of Notre Dame Press, 1994).

"To read this book is to get acquainted with a great human being, as our Jewish friends say, a real mensch." —Provident Book Finder"William F. Buckley might disagree, but the former university president is clear on the three most important things in life." —New York Magazine"Father Hesburgh says that each one of us can do something effective in the cause of a better world. God, Country, Notre Dame itself embodies an obvious refutation of the apathetic notion that 'in the modern world one person cannot make a difference.'" —Commonweal"The temptation is to subtitle this book 'Adventures of Superpriest.' If Father Hesburgh made it all up, it would still be a wonderful story, a compendium of what-ifs. . . . Its warmth and humanity are infectious, and most readers will not have the nerve to fight off the pleasure of going along." —Chicago Tribune"Father Hesburgh should be on almost everyone's list of the most influential figures in American higher education over the past few decades. In these fascinating memoirs, he chronicles the transformation of Notre Dame from a somewhat mediocre midwestern university into a major national teaching and research institution. As president of Notre Dame for 35 years, he used that position as a platform to argue the truly critical issues not only within the academy, but outside as well. The chapters on his involvement with the Civil Rights movement and criticism of early Vatican policy on academic freedom at Catholic universities are most compelling. Recommended for all readers, especially in these days of seeming cynicism and doubt." —Library Journal

• Introduction to the Second EditionPreface1. Growing Up Catholic2. Learning3. Teaching4. Leading5. On the Playing Field6. Serving Others7. Student Revolution8. Flying High9. The Mass10. The Catholic Laity11. Civil Rights for All12. Friendship13. Academic Freedom14. The Holy Father15. Forgiveness16. Peace in Our Time17. Starting the FutureAcknowledgmentsIndex