A
former governor is teaching at Notre Dame this semester
Former Indiana Governor Joe Kernan is teaching "The Executive
Branch and Public Policy," a one-credit political science course
focusing on such issues as state and local budgets, welfare, economic
development, health care, capital punishment, urban development
and crime
Kernan, who earned his Notre Dame bachelor's degree in government
in 1968, also planned to make special presentations on politics
and public service and to serve as a resource for students interested
in pursuing internships, graduate study or careers in public policy
Kernan was elected Indiana's lieutenant governor in 1996 after
having served as mayor of South Bend since 1987. He and Governor
Frank O'Bannon were re-elected in 2000. After O'Bannon's death
in September 2003, Kernan served as governor until January of
2005. He lost his bid for election in fall 2004 to Republican
Mitch Daniels
After graduating from Notre Dame, Kernan served as a naval flight
officer aboard the U.S.S. Kitty Hawk. He was shot down while on
a reconnaissance mission over Vietnam in 1972 and was held for
11 months as a prisoner of war. He was repatriated in 1973 and
continued on active duty in the Navy until 1974. For his service,
he received several awards, including two Purple Hearts, the Navy
Commendation Medal and the Distinguished Flying Cross
He was principal speaker at commencement in 1998.
(January 2006)
