October 16, 2014 - The first Father James Lackenmier, C.S.C., Award for Achievement and Leadership was presented on October 15 to Tim Morris, a 1964 graduate of King’s, at a ceremony held at the New York Athletic Club.  More than 230 guests attended the ceremony.

Morris retired in 2006 as managing director of Bessemer Trust Company, New York City.  During his career, he also held executive positions with Chemical Bank and Bank of New York.  Morris is also a member of the King’s College Board of Directors.

The award was established in honor of the seventh president of King’s, who served the College from 1981 to 1999.  A highlight of Father Lackenmier’s presidency was the establishment of the William G. McGowan School of Business in 1992.

The award will be presented annually to a King’s College constituent who has achieved excellence in his/her field, who has demonstrated exceptional philanthropy and high ethical standards, and who embodies the spirit of King’s College.

The award ceremony was a highlight of the 10th annual McGowan School of Business Forum.  The Forum is an annual event that provides King’s students an opportunity to be mentored by leaders in the business field, most of whom are graduates of the College.  The mentoring session is followed by a networking reception and a formal dinner at which, starting this year, the Lackenmier Award will be presented.  The award ceremony, like the McGowan School of Business Forum, will rotate on an annual basis between New York City, Philadelphia, and Wilkes-Barre.

Eighty nine King’s students are attending the McGowan School of Business Forum this year.

A group shot of the students who are attending the 10th annual McGowan School of Business Forum

A group shot of the students who are attending the 10th annual McGowan School of Business Forum

Father John Ryan, C.S.C., president of King’s, left, and Father James Lackenmier, C.S.C., pose with award winner Tim Morris.