Fr. Hesburgh’s first year as president of the University of Notre Dame in 1952 was the beginning of my freshman year. Even though I saw him at various University functions, Fr. and I did not form a close relationship until I was senior class president in 1956, with the basis being our class activities.
Fr. Hesburgh was a great counselor and an outstanding man who had the fortitude and unique skill in solving many problems. We remained close friends after my graduation from Our Lady’s University, and he bestowed on me a special kindness of being the godfather of my second son.
I shall always remember Fr. Hesburgh for his contributions to Catholic education, the Civil Rights Commission, the Atomic Energy Commission, as well as worldwide entities.
He loved to fish with C. R. Smith, president of American Airlines, which the two of them did annually at several lakes in Wisconsin.
He was a very special person of great understanding, depth of knowledge and vision. I shall always treasure him in my heart.
W.K. Warren Jr.
Class of 1956
Emeritus Trustee, University of Notre Dame
Chairman, President and CEO, Warren American Oil Company
