Great leaders place great value on relationships with people. Father Hesburgh’s ability to connect with an individual at the most basic level set him apart. It did not matter if you were the President of the United States of America or a student working in the student union he had the capacity to make you feel like the most important person in that moment in time. Three years after the passing of my father and my compass in life, Father Ted with his powerful aptitude to uplift set me back on course.
In my current role as director of student-athlete alumni relations and engagement I have heard multiple stories of how Father Ted cared for and guided young men and women through difficult situations. He set the bar high yet made it seems effortless. We lost Father Ted at the end of February 2015 but unlike with my father’s passing I am now equipped to maintain my course because a priest taught me the greatest value of leadership begins with building strong relationships.
Thank you Father Ted!
Reggie Brooks resides in South Bend, Indiana with his wife, Christina. He is the Director of Student-Athlete Alumni Relations and Engagement at The University Of Notre Dame. In 1992, as an All-America running back under former ND coach Lou Holtz, he finished fifth in the Heisman Trophy voting. Reggie’s’ success as a player remains evident, as he holds ink throughout the Notre Dame record books. His career average of 7.6 yards per rush is still a school record, his 1,372 yards rushing in ‘92 ranks him third-best in single-season school history. Brooks also played four seasons in the NFL. The Washington Redskins selected him in the second round of the ‘93 NFL Draft (45th overall pick). He was named to the 1993 NFL All-Rookie Team by the Pro Football Writers of America.
