The University of Notre Dame is honoring Timothy Shriver with the Laetare Medal. This award is a significant recognition for American Catholics and will be presented during the commencement ceremony on May 17.
The Laetare Medal is given each year on Laetare Sunday, a day celebrated in the Catholic Church’s liturgical calendar. The word “Laetare” means “rejoice” in Latin, signaling the joy as Easter approaches. The medal carries the inscription “Magna est veritas et praevalebit,” which translates to “Truth is mighty, and it shall prevail.” It was established in 1883 to recognize Catholics who have made notable contributions to society.
Timothy Shriver has been the chairman of Special Olympics for 30 years. Under his guidance, the organization has expanded from 1 million athletes to 6 million, spanning over 200 countries. In announcing the award, Father Robert A. Dowd, president of Notre Dame, praised Shriver for his commitment to justice and compassion.
In his acceptance speech, Shriver honored his parents, Eunice and Robert Sargent Shriver, who were integral to Special Olympics. He emphasized that their vision was not merely about leadership but about sustaining the movement’s core values: dignity, hope, and justice for all.
Shriver reflects on his journey, highlighting a shift in perspective regarding individuals with disabilities. Instead of focusing on limitations, he advocates for recognizing each person’s potential: “If we’re all seen as equally gifted, as opposed to some being better than others.”
Educationally, Shriver earned his bachelor’s from Yale and a doctorate from the University of Connecticut. He has extensive experience in education, particularly in special education, and co-founded a group focused on social and emotional learning.
Beyond Special Olympics, Shriver founded UNITE in 2018 to reduce political divides in America. In 2022, UNITE introduced the Dignity Index, a tool that evaluates how we communicate with those who have differing views.
Shriver expressed gratitude for the award, stating, “I’m a good channel for people who deserve it.” Importantly, he is the only Laetare Medalist whose parents have also received the award, with his mother honored in 1988 for her work with Special Olympics and his father recognized in 1968 for founding the Peace Corps.
This particular recognition not only honors Shriver but also shines a light on the ongoing work people do worldwide to uplift those in need. As he stated, this award sends a message to every athlete, no matter where they are, that their efforts matter.
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