Rise to the Top
In 1945, Hesburgh was sent back to Notre Dame to serve as chaplain and teach. Three years later he was promoted to head of the Department of Religion, and one year later Hesburgh was promoted to Vice President of the University. By 1952, Hesburgh had become the President of the University.
Facing Modern Issues
In the 1950-60s the world faced rapid development of atomic and nuclear weapons. The International Convention on Atomic Energy took place in Vienna; Hesburgh was chosen to represent the Vatican at the conference. While there, Hesburgh realized that the Amerca and USSR refused to speak or agree.
"If we were ever going to have a conversation, I had to send out my own invitation, but the Vatican doesn't throw cocktail parties, we held Mass. I got both nations' delegates to attend even though they weren't Catholic and I set them next to each other, and for one hour a week they were in the same room, talking." (Hesburgh)
Through this experience, Hesburgh's reputation as a bridge builder to common ground grew. Eisenhower turned to Hesburgh once again when he needed leadership in Civil Rights.
The Catholic Times, 1956.
