In Memoriam: Tim Russert, John Carroll University Alumnus, 1950-2008

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June 20, 2008

The Association of Jesuit Colleges and Universities mourns the death of Tim Russert, a proud alumnus of two Jesuit institutions: Canisius High School (Buffalo, NY) and John Carroll University (Cleveland, OH). He was the recipient of honorary degrees from and gave memorable addresses at many AJCU institutions, whose presidents have remarked upon his passing:

Boston College: "Tim Russert represented the finest values and beliefs of a Jesuit, Catholic education and he did it with such enthusiasm and generosity. He was involved at BC in so many ways, including Church in the 21st Century, parents' gatherings and informal sessions with students. We mourn his death and extend our sympathies to his wife Maureen and son Luke." - Rev. William Leahy, S.J. (Year received honorary degree: 2004)

Canisius College: "The Citation for Tim's degree from Canisius College commended him for 'improving the quality of television news, clearing out the obfuscatory fog of the political world, and demanding clarity, specificity, and accountability of our political leaders.' He was a great advocate for our city of Buffalo, and a great friend of Jesuit Education. Buffalo and Canisius College mourn his loss and will long miss his smiling face." - Rev. Vincent Cooke, S.J. (Year received honorary degree: 1993)

College of the Holy Cross: "By inviting Tim Russert to receive an honorary degree and deliver the principal commencement address to members of the Class of 2005, Holy Cross sought to honor his deep connection to Jesuit education, his professional and journalistic achievements, and his commitment to helping us better understand our world. And so were we honored by his presence on campus that unforgettable day. As much as we remember his funny, rousing, thought-provoking commencement speech, we will never forget his warmth and generosity, talking and joking with students and families; asking questions; offering congratulations. 'Fame does not hide your humanity,' his honorary degree citation reads in part. 'Family, faith, decency, hard work and loyalty made you what you are and you honor them.' - Rev. Michael McFarland, S.J. (Year received honorary degree: 2005)

Creighton University: "Tim Russert was mentored at the seat of a great man - his father. Through his formative years Tim learned the importance of maintaining strong family values and the reverence of faith. He also learned that success means never taking a short cut to reach a goal. Tim was forthright, honest and hard-working. He brought to journalism a hearty character forged in family morals and the strengths of a Jesuit, Catholic education." - Rev. John Schlegel, S.J. (Year received honorary degree: 2006)

Fairfield University: "We were honored to have Tim Russert open our distinguished speaker series, the Open Visions Forum, in September 2005. Backstage, when he found out I was a New York Province Jesuit, I remember his asking after Jesuits he had had as a student at Canisius High School. This was a matter both of affection for his former teachers and a clear indication of his conviction that his Jesuit education had been the most important formative influence in his life - after Big Russ, of course!" - Jeffrey von Arx, S.J. (Russert spoke at Fairfield University on September 19, 2005 as part of the 2005-06 Open Visions Forum season)

Fordham University: "An eloquent and passionate voice for truth was silenced today. In his commencement address at Fordham, Tim Russert quoted Luke: 'To whom much is given, much indeed is expected,' and in his words and deeds, Tim lived that ideal every day. His passing is a loss to journalism, and to the world of ideas." - Rev. Joseph McShane, S.J. (Year received honorary degree: 2004)

John Carroll University: "The entire John Carroll University community is deeply saddened by the loss of this distinguished alumnus. Tim exemplified the Jesuit Catholic mission. He lived by a simple philosophy - and that is, there is a world beyond yourself. Tim truly was a man for others. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family." - Rev. Robert L. Niehoff, S.J. (Year received bachelor's degree: 1972, Year received honorary degree: 1997)

Loyola College in Maryland: "Tim Russert brought an extraordinary level of integrity, insight and candor to his work, and his distinctive voice will be greatly missed in the world of political journalism. His loss is felt even more deeply as we enter the excitement of another election season, to which his tough questions, thought-provoking analyses and ever-present good humor would surely have lent a great deal of dignity." - Rev. Brian Linnane, S.J. (Year received honorary degree: 1997)

Saint Joseph's University: "In how he chose to live his life, Tim Russert showed the nation, and the world, how to live a life of integrity, passionately dedicated to the profession he embraced, to his faith, his family and an uncompromised search for truth." - Rev. Timothy R. Lannon, S.J. (Year received honorary degree: 2005)

Saint Louis University: "I had the pleasure of meeting Tim Russert when he gave our commencement address in 1998. He was energetic, friendly and a wonderful speaker. As a graduate of John Carroll University, he understood the importance and value of a Jesuit education. Tim was a man for others in the truest sense. His passion was informing Americans about the world around them; he saw it as a mission, in which he took great joy and pride. That was never truer than in an election year, where he asked politicians tough questions, with the goal of helping us make informed choices in the voting booth. I am saddened by Tim's death, and I am praying for his family, friends and colleagues during this very difficult time. He will be missed." - Rev. Lawrence Biondi, S.J. (Year received honorary degree: 1998)

Santa Clara University: "From humble beginnings as editor of your junior high school's newspaper, you have risen to distinction as the dean of American television political journalists...Your strong critical thinking skills and cogent analysis are reflective of your Jesuit education, of which you write with fondness and appreciation in your best-selling memoir, Big Russ and Me. Your ability to succeed in a highly competitive environment while remaining a devoted and loving father and husband - and son - are testimony to your values. For your intellectual objectivity, personal integrity, and your contribution to the public debate of contemporary issues, Santa Clara University is proud to honor you today." - Rev. Paul Locatelli, S.J. (Year received honorary degree: 2005; quote taken from introduction at commencement ceremony)

Spring Hill College: "We wish to recognize his contribute to the raising of the level of political discourse in this country." - Rev. Greg Lucey, S.J. (Year received honorary degree: 2006)

University of Scranton: "Russert received an Honorary Degree in 1997 from The University of Scranton and was the Undergraduate Commencement Speaker that year. In addition, Dr. Russert was the narrator of a video presentation to celebrate the University's accomplishments during the presidency of Rev. J.A. Panuska, S.J. and to announce the presidency of Rev. Joseph M. McShane, S.J." - Statement from the University of Scranton (Year received honorary degree: 1997)