Leadership Series: in loco parentis

We can write about leadership. We can complain about a lack of leadership. We can acknowledge it when it occurs.

It occurred on Friday in South Bend, Indiana and Saturday in a place called Beaver Stadium in Happy Valley, Pennsylvania. We would like to acknowledge it on these pages.

Here are the opening three paragraphs of the statement from the president of University of Notre Dame on accepting responsibility for the tragic accident that took the life of a young Notre Dame student:

November 5, 2010

Dear Notre Dame students, faculty, staff, alumni, parents and friends,

The tragic accident that took Declan Sullivan’s life just over a week ago, the Mass of Remembrance in the Basilica, and his family’s faith-filled funeral for him this week have given each of us the chance to grieve, remember and pray. Declan was a bright and energetic young man who lived his life with passion. We will miss him, and we believe that he is in the loving embrace of our Lord.

Over this past week, I have had the great privilege of meeting with and trying to provide some measure of support to Declan’s parents, sister, brother and other members of his family. Many Notre Dame faculty, staff and students also have reached out to offer their assistance. Yet the Sullivan family, through their incredible grace and courage, has given us support and an example of how to respond. They ministered to us as we tried to minister to them.

There is no greater sadness for a university community than the death of one of its students under any circumstances. Yet this loss is more devastating, for Declan died in a tragic accident while in our care. For that, I am profoundly sorry. We are conducting an investigation and we must be careful not to pre-judge its results, but I will say this: Declan Sullivan was entrusted to our care, and we failed to keep him safe. We at Notre Dame — and ultimately I, as President — are responsible. Words cannot express our sorrow to the Sullivan family and to all involved.

(for the remainder of the letter, please go to http://newsinfo.nd.edu/news/17375/  )

In Notre Dame,

Rev. John I. Jenkins, C.S.C.
President
University of Notre Dame

On Saturday, an older fellow accomplished quite the feat – 400 college football wins. His reluctant interview following the game is a treat and renders a valuable lesson about humility and perseverance. It is offered at:

http://espn.go.com/video/clip?id=5774317

Accepting responsibility. Humility. Perseverance. Three leadership traits.