By Marcela Berrios, Hannah Storm Journalism Intern
The National Association of Independent Colleges and Universities (NAICU) presented University President Emeritus Rev. Theodore M. Hesburgh, C.S.C., with the 2008 Henry Paley Memorial Award in a ceremony in Washington, D.C. in February.
Father Hesburgh was unable to attend the event, so University President Rev. John I. Jenkins, C.S.C., accepted the award on his behalf.
Since 1985, the Paley Award has recognized individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the advancement of students and faculty of independent institutions of higher education. The award is named for Henry Paley, president of the Commission on Independent Colleges and Universities of New York from 1975-1984.
NAICU President David Warren said Father Hesburgh was selected because his work as president of Notre Dame from 1952-1987 was inspirational.
“Father Hesburgh’s gift for constructing a world-changing vision and bringing it to fruition has inspired all of us in higher education, as well as countless others outside of the halls of academe,” Warren said.
During his tenure as University president, Father Hesburgh helped establish Notre Dame as one of the top-ranked schools in the country. He oversaw the 1967 transference of governance from the Congregation of the Holy Cross to a board of both lay and religious trustees, as well as the 1972 admittance of women into undergraduate studies.
Father Hesburgh’s 16 presidential appointments and service to four Popes had been previously recognized with the Medal of Freedom from President Johnson in 1964, and the Congressional Gold Medal in 2000. He holds the world record for the most honorary degrees, having been awarded 150 throughout his career.
The NAICU serves more than 1,000 colleges and universities across the country. 
