Statement by Notre Dame President Rev. John I. Jenkins, C.S.C., on the passing of former Indiana Gov. Joe Kernan | News | Notre Dame News | University of Notre Dame






	
	





  	Skip To Content
	Skip To Navigation
	Skip To Search






  
  
    University of Notre Dame

    
      
      Notre Dame News

      
      
    


    
    
      
        
        
        	
	Experts
	ND in the News
	Subscribe
	About Us
	


      
        
          
          
          
          
          
        

      


      
    


    
    
      	 Home
	 Contact
	 Search
	
          
          
            
            
          
          Menu
        
        


      
        
          
          
          
          
          
        

      

    

  

  
  

  

  
    	Home › 
	News › 
	Statement by Notre Dame President Rev. John I. Jenkins, C.S.C., on the passing of former Indiana Gov. Joe Kernan


    
      
        
          Statement by Notre Dame President Rev. John I. Jenkins, C.S.C., on the passing of former Indiana Gov. Joe Kernan

          
            
              
                
                Published: July 29, 2020
              

              
                Author: Notre Dame News
              

              







          

          
          
          

          
        
        
        
            
              
              University Seal
            
          Rev. John I. Jenkins, C.S.C., president of the University of Notre Dame, issued the following statement on the passing of former Indiana Gov. and South Bend Mayor Joe Kernan, who died today:

“Joe Kernan’s many and noteworthy contributions to Notre Dame, our community, the state and our nation cannot be overstated. A student-athlete at the University, he earned a bachelor’s degree in government, then entered the Navy and served as aviator in Vietnam, where he demonstrated uncommon heroism when shot down and held as a prisoner of war for 11 months.

“As a three-term mayor of South Bend, he set the city on an upward trajectory that continues to this day. He likewise served our state with distinction, first as lieutenant governor and then, upon the sudden passing of Gov. Frank O’Bannon, stepping up as governor.

“In addition to his government service, he was a beloved civic leader who never shied away from challenges. He was always a good friend to Notre Dame, and a friend and support to me personally. We were proud to have him as an alumnus, and as an adjunct faculty member in political science.

“In presenting Joe with an honorary degree in 1998, the University praised him as an ‘accomplished public servant who played a pivotal role in strengthening this University’s town-gown relations.’ He went on to deliver a superb commencement address to the graduating class.

“Our prayers are with his wife, Maggie, their family and his many friends. We grieve over his passing while simultaneously recognizing a remarkable life. May he rest in peace.”

        

        
        
          
            
              Posted In:

              	University News


            

            

          

        
      
      
    
  
  
    	Home
	Experts
	ND in the News
	Subscribe
	About Us


  

  
  
    
      
      
      
        
          Related

          
            

    
        
    

  
    
      

      

      




October 03, 2022

    
    
      Congresswoman Liz Cheney to speak at Notre Dame on the future of democracy
    

  


    
        
    

  
    
      

      

      


September 22, 2022

    
    
      In memoriam: Rev. Richard Warner, C.S.C., longtime leader for Notre Dame, Congregation of Holy Cross
    

  


    
        
    

  
    
      

      

      


September 22, 2022

    
    
      ND Forum keynote event to feature Emmy Award-winning actors in Theater of War Productions’ presentation of ‘The Suppliants’ in Notre Dame Stadium
    

  


    
        
    

  
    
      

      

      


September 21, 2022

    
    
      In annual address to faculty, Father Jenkins outlines campus-wide vision for elevating excellence
    

  


    
        
    

  
    
      

      

      


September 15, 2022

    
    
      Lilly Endowment Inc. grant helps to expand Notre Dame pre-college programs for Hoosier high school students
    

  

          
        
    
     
  
  

  
  
    
      	For the Media
	Contact


    
            
    
      
	Office of Public Affairs and Communications


      Notre Dame News

      
        
          
            500 Grace Hall
 
            Notre Dame, IN 46556 USA
          
          
          
          
        

        
          	 Facebook
	 Twitter
	 Instagram
	 YouTube
	 Pinterest


        
      

      
© 2022 University of Notre Dame

    
    
      

        
      
      
        
          	Search
	Mobile App
	News
	Events
	Visit
	Accessibility


        
        
          	 Facebook
	 Twitter
	 Instagram
	 YouTube
	 LinkedIn