Theodore M. Hesburgh, C.S.C. (aka "Father Ted") is one of the leading living figures in the philosophy of Catholic higher education in the United States. He is not only recognized for a long and impressive tenure as president of the University of Notre Dame, but also revered as a priest whose intellectual and critical leadership blends a practical pedagogy of social change and vision. In this article, the author wishes to accomplish three things: (1) offer a brief sketch of Hesburgh's life and background; (2) discuss his philosophy of Catholic higher education through an examination of his principal works; (3) conclude with some thoughts on Hesburgh's legacy and implications for the field of religious education.