Father Theodore Hesburgh was president of Notre Dame for 35 years . Over the course of a career that spanned more than seven decades -- 35 of them as president of Notre Dame -- Hesburgh ended up at the highest levels of both church and state . Over his tenure , he revolutionized university and made it academic powerhouse . He was close to presidents , served key roles for popes .
Father Theodore Hesburgh was president of Notre Dame for 35 years . Over his tenure , he revolutionized university and made it academic powerhouse . He was close to presidents , served key roles for popes .