The Hessert Family

The Hessert Laboratory for Aerospace Research was made possible by the generous gift of a couple who met as Notre Dame and Saint Mary's College students, Thomas J. and Marilyn Hennebry Hessert. Tom Hessert, who during World War II served in the U.S. Army's 8th Air Corps, received his bachelor of science degree from Notre Dame in 1948, and Marilyn Hessert graduated from Saint Mary's in 1949.

Tom Hessert continued his education, receiving a law degree from Rutgers University. He was the founder and for thirty years chief executive officer of T. J. Hessert Co., Inc., a New Jersey construction firm. He retired from the company in 1985, but continues to operate as a private investor through T.J.H. Investment Co. He also is a member of the board of directors of Atlantic Alliance Fidelity & Surety Insurance Co.

A 19-year member and past chairman of the advisory council for the College of Engineering, Mr. Hessert in 1980 received Notre Dame's Man of the Year Award. In January 1991 he was invested as a Knight of Malta by Cardinal John J. O'Connor in Saint Patrick's Cathederal in New York City.

He formerly served as vice president of the South Jersey General Contractor's Association and was a member of the board of directors of the South Jersey Catholic Scouting program and the Catholic school board of the diocese of Camden.

The Hesserts are the parents of five children--Thomas J. Hessert, Jr.; William J. Hessert, a 1976 graduate of Notre Dame; Kathleen Hessert Gunderman, a 1974 graduate of Saint Mary's; Barbara Heenan; and Ann Hessert. They have 14 grandchildren.

The above text is taken from the brochure "Dedication of the Hessert Center for Aerospace Research," November 7, 1991, University of Notre Dame.

Direct comments, questions, and corrections to amedept@nd.edu