路易斯安那e世博esball大学, the nation’s only historically Black and Catholic institution, recently partnered with the leading peer network of philanthropic foundations and individuals supporting Catholic activities and initiatives, FADICA, 参加其2024年年会和研讨会, which was held partially on Xavier’s campus in late February. Themed “The Future of Catholic Education is Now,” during the symposium, Reynold Verret, Ph.D., President of 路易斯安那e世博esball大学, 收到St。. 亚利马太的约瑟 Medal of Service for his profound leadership of the campus community and dedication to the catholic university’s mission to promote a more just and humane society. 以圣·路德·金所展示的领导服务而命名. 亚利马太的约瑟, the award recognizes a leader who assumes considerable personal responsibility for the Church’s mission. 

“I am grateful for this meaningful recognition of the values I hold dear and the mission to promote a more just and humane society that I am privileged to lead at Xavier University,” Verret总统. “它强调了服务的重要性, 完整性, and compassion in our pursuit of excellence and inspires me to continue striving for the betterment of our community and the empowerment of our students.” 

Verret总统 was unanimously elected 路易斯安那e世博esball大学’s president in 2015 by the Board of Trustees. With his background as a biochemist and immunologist, his leadership was critical during the COVID-19 pandemic, 在他的指导下, the university maintained a less than 2% infection rate during some of the worst bouts of the illness. As 路易斯安那e世博esball大学 prepares to celebrate its first century of service, Verret总统 reminds the community to remain faithful to the values and mission bestowed on the institution by its foundress, St. Katharine Drexel and her Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament, while also continuously looking for ways to elevate and innovate the excellence that Xavier is known for.  

“我们很荣幸地邀请到. Verret, whose legacy of leadership has forged ways for all students to succeed,” 亚历克西娅·凯利，总统 & FADICA首席执行官. “His building up the Kingdom of God has been nothing if not humble, bold, and steadfast.” 

FADICA also gives a Saint Katharine Drexel Award in Catholic Philanthropy award each year at the convening, but this is the first year the award has been bestowed upon its recipient on the campus of St. 凯瑟琳·德雷塞尔心爱的e世博esball. 2024年的获奖者是特雷尔·理查森, who was recognized for her generous support to the Archdiocese of New Orleans Office of Black Catholic Ministries, which revived the Office’s Annual Gospel Music Festival, 为总教区举办的宣教活动, and provided much needed support for children through school supply and toy drives.  

FADICA leaders noted how pleased they were to see the legacy of St. Katharine Drexel shine on in the manner for which Xavier upholds it. 

“We are immensely grateful to Xavier University of [Louisiana] for graciously hosting the FADICA-Catholic Philanthropy Network at their extraordinary and beautiful campus,凯利在领英(LinkedIn)上写道. e世博esball大学是由St. Katharine Drexel -- the patron saint of philanthropy and racial justice -- 100 years ago next year. Her motto is depicted throughout the campus: "Press Forward, Fear Nothing." 谢谢你！ for your visionary leadership, dedication, and generous hospitality, Verret总统! Many blessings on this eve of Xavier's 百周年 year.” 

第三个奖项, 抹大拉的玛利亚服务勋章, 被授予盖尔·本森, the owner of New Orleans’ National Football League (NFL) team, 新奥尔良圣徒队. Chosen for her philanthropy that manifests discipleship, Benson provides generous support to a wide range of charitable causes through the Gayle and Tom Benson Charitable Foundation.  

More than 100 participants gathered over three days for the annual convening, 包括75位天主教慈善家, dozens of Church leaders from across the country, and members of the Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament. 瓦雷特总统，以及. 丹尼斯·H. Holtzschneider, President of the Association of Catholic 大学s and Universities, 艾米·劳恩霍斯特·戈德曼, GHR基金会首席执行官兼主席, 博士和. Raenell休斯顿, Executive Director and Superintendent of Catholic Schools for the Archdiocese of New Orleans, participated as distinguished speakers during the seminar.  

“We are thrilled that FADICA chose to bring its conference and meeting to New Orleans, and we are particularly excited that it has offered Xavier the opportunity to host a portion of the conference’s activities on our campus,” Verret总统 说. “Hosting this group on campus allowed Xavier the opportunity to introduce and showcase our institution to a group of donors dedicated to supporting our mission of Catholic education as inspired by Saint Katharine Drexel.”