By Chelsea Zhao
Staff Writer
The Association of Catholic Colleges and Universities recognizes former DU President Donna Carroll as the 2022 Honoree of the Hesburgh Award.
The Hesburgh Award is the oldest of the ACCU honors given to individuals who had made significant services and contributions to Catholic higher education in and beyond their former educational institutions. The award is presented at each ACCU Annual Meeting since 1982.
“I have always tried to lead with gratitude and forgiveness, conscious of the privilege of what we do,” Carroll said in the video, accepting the award. “As I’ve said at many colleague inaugurations: the presidency is a free fall into the heart of an institution. And when you stand up, with that medallion around your neck, you are different — accountable to a larger purpose, responsible for the welfare of a community and humbled by the burden of hope.”
“I can’t think of a greater legacy to describe Donna,” DU President Glena Temple said in a video tribute to Carroll for the award. “I think we were all motivated in this work to do, to provide relationship-centered, holistic Catholic education to everyone who wants it. And help those outcomes of transformation for the students we serve. I think Donna epitomizes that.”
The video tribute also featured remarks from president of Alverno College Sister Andrea Lee, president of University of St. Francis Arvid Johnson, founder and president of Interfaith Youth Core Eboo Patel, President of Excelencia in Education Sarita Brown, Co-Founder of TheDream.US Donald Graham and the president of Fordham University the Rev. Joseph McShane.
In their speech, they recognized Carroll’s service for Catholic higher education, her dedication to education for students of color, her pledge for closing the equity gap, her support of faith-based organizations, and described her as a “national advocate,” a “trailblazer,” a “wisdom figure” and a “warm and welcoming presence.”
“Dominican University and I grew up together, literally, I cared for her medallion for 27 years and its meaning fortified my service,” Carroll said. “With such longevity comes the opportunity and the responsibility to speak up and give back beyond one’s own institution. I have tried to do both with conviction and good humor. The fact that you my colleagues recognized my contributions is an enormous gift.”
The award is named after the Rev. Theodore M. Hesburgh, an ordained priest of the Congregation of Holy Cross, president of the University of Notre Dame from 1952-1987, and a social activist involved with civic and governmental initiatives and humanitarian projects.
