Inspiring Conversations: Transforming Lives and Lives Transformed – Chosen to Lead

The Inspiring Conversations Series featured a discussion about leadership with guest speaker Notre Dame President Emeritus Rev. Edward A. “Monk” Malloy, C.S.C.. This virtual event was led by Tom Schreier, the founding director of the Inspired Leadership Initiative. Through this conversation, Rev. Malloy discussed his calling to be the President of the University of Notre Dame, his principles of leadership, and his love for writing.

In the beginning of the discussion, Rev. Malloy touched on his past, from his childhood growing up in Washington, D.C. to his years as a student at Notre Dame. Although his family did not have a lot of resources, he described his childhood as one where he constantly felt well-fed and well-loved. Additionally, Rev. Malloy loved basketball (In fact, he was on the first integrated team in the history of his city!). When he came to ND for college, he originally thought he wanted to be a chemical engineer, but ended up majoring in English. On a service trip to Mexico, Rev. Malloy had a “mountaintop experience” where he discovered his calling to become a priest. Rev. Malloy went on to pursue his calling, joining the Holy Cross Seminary. During these years, he worked in Detroit around the time of the riots and St. Elizabeth’s Mental Hospital. He also gained his doctorate at Vanderbilt University, where he was the first priest in his program. Afterward, Rev. Malloy returned to ND, where he led the College Seminary Program for four years. After a few years, he was selected as a potential successor to Fr. Ted Hesburgh as the next President of the university. After being ultimately appointed to the job, Rev. Malloy focused his attention on the community around ND (mayors, county council, etc.); he yearned to discover how to provide assistance and welcome the community. However, as President, Rev. Malloy initially wondered if his integrity would be questioned; this did not turn out to be a problem, for he gathered a great number of people who take pride in this institution and contribute to it. Rev. Malloy loves educating and teaching. Additionally, 11 years ago, he became a kidney donor. After stepping down as President, Rev. Malloy published several books as an expression of love for ND and its people.

In the next topic of conversation, Rev. Malloy touched on his experiences with leadership and advice for any hopeful future leaders. Although Rev. Malloy was constantly asked to take on several roles of leadership, he carefully chose his ultimate positions. In regards to his presidency, he truly felt as if it was part of his calling, since Holy Cross has always been deeply involved in the ND culture and community. In order to maintain sanity and composure amidst so many leadership roles, Rev. Malloy places trust and respect in his beloved communities. In fact, Rev. Malloy explained his deep love for the life he has chosen, where he can participate in friendly basketball games with students and engage in amiable friendships of depth.

In the Q&A portion of the virtual event, Rev. Malloy answered a wide range of questions, explaining topics such as the overarching spiritual principle in which he conducts his work as well as the leaders that inspire him. Rev. Malloy explained that Fr. Ted Hesburgh is obviously one of his largest inspirations, as well as leaders such as Abraham Lincoln and Mother Teresa. In regards to the spiritual principle which guides his work, Rev. Malloy, without hesitation, pointed towards the Eucharist. He explained that the Eucharist sustains in times of difficulty; with the right understanding, we see it as food for our journeys.

At the end of the discussion, Rev. Malloy described one of the moments in which he discovered his capabilities for leadership. When he was a high school senior, he was a star at basketball. One day, one of the priests came up to him, stating that Rev. Malloy would be an amazing Student Body President. After winning the election and conducting his presidential duties, Rev. Malloy discovered his joy in leadership. From then on, he looked to lead, whether that would be becoming President of Badin Hall his senior year or becoming the President of the University of Notre Dame later in life.

Visit the event page for more.