The Postal Service dedicated its Father Theodore Hesburgh stamp Sept. 1 at the University of Notre Dame, where he was the school’s longest-serving president.
“This stamp is a lasting testament to his pioneering contributions as a champion of social justice, an advocate for international aid and an emissary for peace,” said PMG Megan J. Brennan, who dedicated the stamp.
The ceremony was held on Notre Dame’s Indiana campus. Other speakers included Condoleezza Rice, formerly secretary of state and a 1975 Notre Dame graduate, and Rev. John I. Jenkins, Notre Dame’s president.
Hesburgh (1917-2015) is considered one of the nation’s most important educational, religious and civic leaders of the 20th century.
He became the University of Notre Dame’s 15th president in 1952, a position he held for 35 years.
A champion of multiple causes, Hesburgh also served on the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights and was involved with several other organizations.
In 2000, he was awarded the Congressional Gold Medal, one of many honors received during his lifetime.
The stamp art is based on an oil painting of Hesburgh standing on the university’s campus.
The stamp is available at Post Offices and usps.com. The Postal Service’s news release has more information.
