This long-awaited, last installment of the Reverend Edward A. Malloy's three-volume memoir examines his eighteen years as president of the University of Notre Dame from 1987 to 2005. In this candid and lively account, Malloy, or “Monk” to all who know him, shares his reflections on his presidency following the long-term leadership of Theodore M. Hesburgh, C.S.C.
Malloy describes his transition into the presidency, his approach to leadership, issues related to Catholic identity, the importance of fund-raising, and finding the proper balance in intercollegiate athletics. Communication issues were of paramount importance during Malloy's tenure, and he discusses how he fostered good relationships with the surrounding community, and supported trustees, administration, faculty, and other important constituencies in the governance of the university. An inveterate multitasker, he also examines how he organized his office and schedule, worked with administrative associates, handled a busy domestic and international travel schedule, sustained his participation in numerous external boards, and kept in regular contact with alumni and friends of the university. Finally, he looks at controversial issues, providing an insider's account of various challenges and crises, from personnel problems to NCAA sanctions to concerns about presidential succession. During nearly two decades, Father Malloy met with presidents and movie stars, sports legends, benefactors, and university employees, many of whom are mentioned in this book. Throughout this volume, Malloy's love for Notre Dame and its students, faculty, and staff comes through clearly, along with his overwhelming sense of gratitude for the opportunity to lead at a university where faith, community, and service are taken seriously and passed on from one generation to the next.
"The chronicle of an eighteen-year presidency that involves multiple visits to the White House, one-on-one conversations with the Holy Father, and visits with heads of state across the globe is inherently interesting, but Father Monk Malloy gives us much more. He casts light upon the complexity of operating a first-class modern university while remaining faithful to its mission as a Catholic university. He also helps us to remember that while all of this is happening, the inflection points that occur during everyone's life continue: the loss attendant to his mother's death, the emotional impact of the events of 9/11 and its aftermath, and the devastation felt at the revelations of the clergy abuse scandal. This is a must read for everyone interested in Notre Dame or the Congregation of Holy Cross." —Carol Ann Mooney, president, Saint Mary's College
