NOTRE DAME, Ind. - Notre Dame students, staff and alumni mourned the loss of Father Theodore Hesburgh Friday. 

The grotto, a place of worship at Notre Dame, was filled throughout the day, as the campus community gathered to pay respects to their legendary president. 

"It was because of the vision he had that this wasn't just another catholic college but it was the catholic research university and he built that," said Theresa Hawley, a 1988 alumnus of Notre Dame and parent of a current student. 

Kyle Crotty, a freshman, said every professor has told him to visit Hesburgh before graduating.

But Crotty will no longer have that opportunity.

Father Hesburgh has made an impact on multiple generations of Notre Dame students.

Everyone has a Father Hesburgh story to share.

Eric Thompson, a junior, remembers sharing an elevator ride with the late university president.

"It was just very special. It truly made my day, and there aren't too many days that elevator rides make my day, but that was one of them," said Thompson.

While the campus was somber, Hesburgh's impact is being remembered with smiles.

"I rejoice for him that he's with God," Hawley said.