In memoriam: William H. ‘Bill’ Leahy, professor emeritus of economics
William H. “Bill” Leahy, professor emeritus of economics at the University of Notre Dame, died Sunday (Aug. 11). He was 89.
Leahy was an indelible figure at the University of Notre Dame and worked in the Department of Economics for 54 years before his retirement in 2020. Throughout his career, his research focused on labor economics, collective bargaining, arbitration and industrial relations. He also published six books and more than 30 journal articles, and he held departmental leadership positions such as chair and director of undergraduate studies.
Beyond his research, Leahy was known for his ability to connect with students. He was an incredibly popular instructor and taught courses including a social science University Seminar, Labor Law and Employee Relations Law. In 2004, he was recognized with the Sheedy Excellence in Teaching Award, the College of Arts and Letters’ highest teaching honor.
“Bill's love of Notre Dame, and of our students, was unmatched,” said Michael Pries, professor of economics and Arts and Letters associate dean for the social sciences. “It brought him joy to teach and mentor them — his face would light up whenever he spoke of a student, whether it was a current student or someone from decades before.”
Born in Nyack, New York, Leahy came to Notre Dame in 1952 and received his bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees from the University. His commitment to Notre Dame was everlasting and, at one point, he and his wife Sharon lived on campus in apartments that were once located where the Hesburgh Library now stands.
Leahy joined the economics department as an assistant professor in 1966, was promoted to associate professor in 1969 and professor in 1975. Affectionately known as “coach,” he was also heavily involved in the recruitment and advising of student-athletes and was recognized as an honorary member of the 1966 football team under coach Ara Parseghian.
“Bill's passion was students. He was not just interested in teaching them about economics, but in teaching them about life,” said Eric Sims, the Michael P. Grace II Collegiate Chair, professor and department chair, and 2023 Sheedy Award recipient. “Bill's vocation as a teacher and mentor was a gift to all who encountered him.”
Leahy is survived by his wife, six children and many grandchildren. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at the Basilica of the Sacred Heart at 9:30 a.m. on Friday (Aug. 16). Leahy requested that everyone wear casual clothing (especially Notre Dame or kelly green apparel).
“Bill’s love for Notre Dame and the economics department was legendary — he was a leader and anchor for decades,” said Mary Flannery, Arts and Letters associate dean for undergraduate studies and a former director of undergraduate studies in economics. “But he most often spoke about his family, both their struggles and accomplishments. They were absolutely his top priority. His devotion to his faith, his family and Notre Dame was an inspiration to us all.”
Originally published by at al.nd.edu on Aug. 14.
Latest Faculty & Staff
- Dockworkers reconsider strike that shut down East and Gulf Coast ports: A conversation with supply chain expert Kaitlin WowakThe union representing dockworkers at U.S. ports walked away from the negotiating table with port employers this week over automation concerns as the two sides face a mid-January deadline to finalize a deal and prevent the resumption of a strike. Business Analytics Professor Kaitlin Wowak discusses potential supply chain disruptions.
- When countries hide their true public debt, they hurt themselves, their citizens and their lendersGlobal public debt may soon collectively catch up to the worldwide gross domestic product (GDP), likely matching it by 2030. New research from a Notre Dame economist suggests that this could happen even sooner, thanks to countries’ hidden debts. This misreported debt can lead to higher interest rates for borrowers and lower recovery rates for lenders, suggesting indirect adverse effects on global financial stability and consumer welfare.
- Law School Professor Derek Muller joins CNN as contributor for 2024 presidential electionNationally recognized election law scholar Derek T. Muller, a professor of law at the University of Notre Dame Law School, has joined CNN as a contributor for the 2024 election cycle to provide his perspective and context to the network’s coverage of the presidential race.
- In memoriam: Rev. Gustavo Gutiérrez, O.P., renowned Notre Dame theologian, father of ‘liberation theology’Rev. Gustavo Gutiérrez, O.P., professor emeritus of theology at Notre Dame and widely regarded as the “father of liberation theology,” died Tuesday (Oct. 22) in Lima, Peru. He was 96.
- Notre Dame Forum to present ‘Fr. TED Talks’ on Catholic social tradition, featuring President Rev. Robert A. Dowd, C.S.C., and Dr. Jim O’ConnellHonoring the legacy of legendary University of Notre Dame President Rev. Theodore M. Hesburgh, C.S.C., the 2024-25 Notre Dame Forum will host “Fr. TED Talks: Ideas from the Catholic Social Tradition That We Find Inspiring,” a two-night festival on Oct. 28 and 29.
- Democrats and Republicans agree on one thing: Censoring hate speechIn an era of intense polarization, Democrats and Republicans have historically, and mistakenly, believed that members of the other party prioritize protecting certain types or victims of hate speech over others based on stereotypes or their affiliation with those potentially vulnerable groups. New research from the University of Notre Dame, however, revealed that partisans generally agree on what to censor when it comes to the target, source and severity of hate speech.
