Elie Wiesel (1928-2016) was a professor emeritus at Boston University, where he was the Andrew W. Mellon Professor in the Humanities since 1976. His work on behalf of human rights and world peace has earned him the Nobel Peace Prize (1986), the Presidential Medal of Freedom, and the United States Congressional Gold Medal, among many other honors. In 1986, Marion and Elie Wiesel established The Elie Wiesel Foundation for Humanity, to advance the cause of world peace by creating a new forum for the discussion of urgent ethical issues confronting humanity. Wiesel is the author of more than forty books, several of which have won international awards.
Theodore M. Hesburgh, C.S.C. (1917–2015) was president of the University of Notre Dame from 1952 to 1987. As an adviser to presidents, special envoy to popes, theologian, author, educator, and activist, Father Hesburgh was for decades considered the most influential priest in America. He is the author and editor of a number of books, including The Challenge and Promise of a Catholic University (University of Notre Dame Press, 1994).
