The Association of Catholic Colleges and Universities (ACCU) honored Rev. Joseph M. McShane, S.J., president emeritus, by giving him the Rev. Theodore M. Hesburgh, CSC, Award at a banquet on Feb. 3.
“The award itself recognizes an individual who has made an outstanding contribution to Catholic higher education as a whole,” said Executive Director of ACCU and 2022 Hesburgh Award recipient Donna Carroll. “When you say Ted Hesburgh, you speak with respect, reverence, and with an awe for what he did for Catholic higher education. So to receive an award in his name is both satisfying and tremendously humbling.”
The Hesburgh Award is named after the civil rights activist and priest who earned the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1964.
McShane served as Fordham University’s president from 2003 to 2022 and as Dean of Fordham College at Rose Hill from 1992 to 1998.
“He loves students; that relationship with students was always primary for Joe McShane, and that’s part of the reason I think everybody loves him so much,” said Carroll.
McShane has served on the board of the ACCU for many years and has participated in programs for aspiring university presidents. In his speech at the banquet, he complimented the many members of the ACCU for what they do.
“I want to shine the spotlight on you, the scores of religious women and men, and the hundreds of talented and devoted laywomen and laymen who led and continue to lead our member institutions with discerning wisdom, deep love, and great effectiveness.”
During McShane’s term as Fordham’s 32nd president, he executed his 2006 plan to enhance the university’s undergraduate and graduate offerings.
“Father McShane really substantially built the reputation of Fordham, built the academic excellence, and moved it from a fine regional university to a nationally recognized university with a national student body,” said Carroll. “That didn’t just happen. He dedicated the resources and challenged the office of the students to really succeed in that way.”
In 2022, McShane was unanimously elected president emeritus of Fordham by the Board of Trustees.
“I have tremendous respect for everything he has accomplished. He is recognition-adverse, he likes to shine recognition on other people. It is very hard for him to accept it himself,” said Carroll. “He is so deserving of it, and it was a particular pleasure for me because I’ve known him for so long.”
Carroll worked at Fordham from 1989 to 1994 as secretary to the university, and she served as president of Dominican University from 1994 to 2021.
“When you think of the role of the [president], he was around [campus], and he was also around with alumni and was also in Albany representing higher education, and he got back in time for the football games,” said Carroll. “His presidency was a lifestyle that he lived 24/7 every day for 19 years. That type of dedication and love for the work is what the Hesburgh Award recognizes.”
Despite stepping down from the presidency, McShane continues to serve Jesuit institutions, sitting on multiple boards, including at Santa Clara University and the University of Detroit Mercy.
“Thank you for this honor. Most of all, thank you for making the institutions that you serve places where character is formed, talent is tested, and hope is born in every generation for the great glory of God and the service of his people.” said McShane.
