Joan Kroc had a special place in her heart for students and graduates of the Kroc Institute. Many of them wrote to express their sadness over her death and their gratitude for what she had done for the world, and for each of them. Here are just a few of their comments.

I am deeply saddened to hear of Mrs. Joan B. Kroc's death. She has, through her kind heart and generosity, influenced many people who want to make a change in this conflict ridden world. As a alumni of the peace program at Notre Dame, I know that she has given me and my fellow Kroc Institute friends the tools to light the darkness in order to find the path towards peace.

Faith, during times of sadness is vital. Although I know that Mrs. Kroc was not of my faith, as a Buddhist, I can only say that Mrs. Kroc's meritorious deeds are numerous and may she attain nibbhana (nirvana).

– Maneesha Pasqual, Sri Lanka, ‘02

No doubt Mrs. Kroc enabled many of us to explore the world in ways we could never have imagined prior to our experiences at the Kroc Institute at Notre Dame. Her generosity and curiosity has endowed a program that we hope will continue to teach and train academics and activists seeking meaningful (re)solution to complex issues and conflicts. We applaud her for this triumph.

Further, Mrs. Kroc serves as a model for us as individuals: that our passion to engender a more peaceful world should, and can, be coupled with concerted efforts of philanthropy on our own part. I hope we may be inspired by Mrs. Kroc to integrate into our own moral and financial budgets ways to enable others to see the world differently.

– Rabbi Jonathan Crane, USA, ‘97

Apparently, when asked about why he became a philanthropist, Mr. Ray Kroc said, "I never saw a Brinks armored truck following the hearse of a rich person." Well, Mrs. Kroc's hearse is not going to be followed by a Brinks armored truck, either. But all the persons that she has touched including mine will always remember her place in our lives and the whole world, witnessing the immortal task she has accomplished while she had the chance.

– Tsegaye Arrefe, Ethiopia, ‘93

I was one of those lucky ones to meet with Mrs. Kroc in 1999 when she was kind enough to visit the Institute and discuss with us about our lives as Peace and Hesburgh scholars and how being at the Kroc had changed our views of the world. I was impressed by her sincerity and good heart as well as her smile and elegance.

We have all been touched by Mrs. Kroc's sincerity and benefitted from her generosity. I hope that others will take her as a great example and follow the path she so amply opened and maintained for the betterment of this somewhat messy world. Her great commitment to world peace shall be remembered by many generations to come.

– Binnur Ozkececi-Taner, Turkey, '99

I sincerely believe that studying in Kroc Institute was the best thing that has ever happened to me so far. It did transform my thinking and equipped me to play my role in the world as a better human being. I believe it's certainly true of many others who are or have been affiliated with the Kroc inst in any way. This all great work of transforming the hearts and souls wouldn't have been possible without Mrs. Kroc's generosity and commitment to world peace. May her soul rest in peace.

– Tahir Aziz, Pakistan, ‘03

I am so sorry to hear that Mrs. Joan B. Kroc has passed away. It is owing to her own avowed peace work and involvement that many of us around the world could learn and then continue to work for peace. We have gained knowledge and insight and created an international network of like-minded friends.

I hope that her family and friends such as Father Ted have good health and courage at this time of loss and sadness.

– Kaja Szwykowska, Poland, ‘90

It’s sad to hear about the demise of Mrs. Kroc. We all must be really grateful to her for having left the embodiment of her generosity for us in the form of Kroc Institute. Indeed this is (according to the Islamic tradition) a “Sadqai Jareya” ­ a contribution that would till eternity be there to attract God’s mercy and blessings for her. May God bless her soul with peace ­ which she so untiringly strived for.

I personally as well as on behalf of all my friends at MA Peace Studies express profound grief on her sad demise, and solidarity with all her family and friends.

– Raouf Ahanger, India, ‘04

This morning I was very sad to receive the message that Mrs. Kroc passed away. She left us with a huge heritage of love and passion. I still remember clearly that I gave her a small picture of my husband's photograph with McDonald’s logo. Actually we planned to go to the States for three months under the sponsorship of Asian Cultural Council to conduct a research on contemporary art in the U.S. and we were thinking of meeting her in San Diego. It was a great misfortune that she just left us all with great sadness. I am sure that she left in peace and love surrounded by all of us. May her soul stay in Paradise!

– Fang Zhang, People’s Republic of China, ‘99

I am very sorry to hear that Mrs. Joan B. Kroc has passed away. Her own avowed peace work has made many of us around the world work for peace with knowledge and insight and international solidarity with like-minded friends. Mrs. Kroc's contribution to our peacework in our own countries is quite significant and we must thank her for that. ... I, for one, offer my deep condolences on Mrs. Kroc's passing away and hope that her family and friends such as Father Ted have good health and courage at this time of loss and sadness.

– S.P. Udayakumar, India, ‘90

Top of Page

Home > About the Institute > Joan B. Kroc > Alumni, students offer condolences, thanks