Heroes of the World Award

In 2009, Headmaster Fr. Timothy Backous, OSB, established the Heroes of the World Award. This award celebrates the achievement of world citizens who have distinguished themselves as human beings who make a difference.

The first Heroes of the World Award was presented to former President George Herbert Walker Bush in 2009 for his efforts in the Hurricane Katrina aftermath.

In 2010, Headmaster, Fr. Timothy Backous, O.S.B. and Board of Regents Chair, Clay Hamlin '84, presented the second Heroes of the World Award to Rev. Theodore Martin Hesburgh, CSC, STD.  Hesburgh led the University of Notre Dame for 35 years and was a trusted confidant of popes, presidents and academic leaders around the world - and yet considered himself simply a priest.