Rev. Edmund P. Joyce, executive vice-president emeritus of the University of Notre Dame, died May 2 at the age of 87. He served for 35 years in various capacities at Notre Dame, including chief financial officer and chair of the board of athletics until his retirement in 1987.

Joyce was an influential voice in NCAA matters for many years, especially in issues involving the NCAA's educational mission. He also was instrumental in the formation of the College Football Association and served that organization as secretary-treasurer. The National Football Foundation honored Joyce with its Distinguished American Award.

He was known as the "Czar of Notre Dame Athletics" during his tenure for his oversight of the athletics program and his commitment to high graduation rates for student-athletes. Upon his retirement, the campus athletics center was renamed the Joyce Center.

"Father Ned Joyce was a principal builder of Notre Dame in both the literal and figurative senses," said Notre Dame President Rev. Edward A. Malloy. "He served Notre Dame and her people splendidly as a priest, administrator, and friend. We will all keenly miss this irreplaceable man."

Joyce retired in 1987 after serving 35 years as the chief financial officer of Notre Dame during the presidency of Rev. Theodore M. Hesburgh.

Joyce earned his bachelor's degree in accounting magna cum laude at Notre Dame in 1937. In 1945 he entered Holy Cross College in Washington, D.C., then the theological house of studies of the Congregation of Holy Cross. He was ordained to the priesthood in June 1949. He then was named assistant vice-president for business affairs at Notre Dame and became acting vice-president that fall.

President Eisenhower appointed Joyce to the Board of Visitors of the United States Naval Academy, and the U.S. Air Force awarded him an Exceptional Service Medal.

He received honorary degrees from St. Thomas University (Minnesota), Belmont Abbey College, the University of South Carolina at Spartanburg and Wofford College, among others.