Long-time community leader, activist and presidential advisor Norman C. Francis died today.
His family says he passed away at Ochsner Hospital at the age of 94.
His biography on Xavier University's website says, "In 1952, Francis became the first African-American admitted to Loyola University Law School in New Orleans."
He would go on to become the president of Xavier University.
"Francis accepted the offer to become the first lay African-American president of Xavier on April 4, 1968 - the same day Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated."
He would lead Xavier to new heights.
"During Francis’ 47-year tenure as president, Xavier’s enrollment nearly tripled, the endowment grew eightfold and the university became the leading producer of African-American undergraduates who complete medical school."
The University says Xavier also ranks first nationally in the number of African-American students earning undergraduate degrees in biology and life sciences, chemistry, physics and pharmacy.
"Francis gained renown as a civic leader and an exceptional statesman. He served in advisory roles to eight U.S. presidents on education and civil rights issues."
In 2006, President George W. Bush honored Francis with the nation’s highest civilian award, the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
Francis remained humble.
“I did not build Xavier; I was part of Katharine Drexel’s mission to provide a quality education for all,” Francis said. “All the people I worked with were part of this plan and mission, which was not only honorable, but was totally necessary when you look back at what the United States was at the time.”
Francis also served in the U.S. Army.
He was also a member of the Vatican’s Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace, a member of the Board of Trustees at the Catholic University of America and a member of the board of directors of the National Catholic Conference for Interracial Justice.
Dr. Francis was crucial on the rebuilding effort after Hurricane Katrina. He served as chair of the Louisiana Recovery Authority.