For Immediate Release
Contact: Wendy Hinton
Director of Advancement Communications
King’s College
(570) 208-8130
wendyhinton@kings.edu

October 8, 2020 – For the past six years, the Rev. James Lackenmier, C.S.C. Award for Achievement & Leadership has been presented to a member of the King's College community who has achieved excellence in his or her field, who has demonstrated exceptional philanthropy and high ethical standards, and who embodies the spirit of King's College. Originally scheduled for October 21 in New York City, the current environment precludes the College from proceeding with this year’s program as planned. Rather than celebrating one individual this year with a presentation of the Lackenmier Award, the past six recipients and the award’s namesake have joined together to rally support for King’s students in need. Rev. James Lackenmier, C.S.C., together with Timothy Morris ’64 (2014), Richard J. Pinola ’67 (2015), Allan M. Kluger (2016), Glenn Tyranski ’84 (2017), Thomas R. Smith ’77 (2018), and David Selingo ’89 (2019) represent the best of King’s and are lending their names and support to this worthwhile cause.

The Rev. James Lackenmier, C.S.C., Award for Achievement and Leadership was established in honor of King's seventh president, Rev. James Lackenmier, C.S.C., in recognition of his 18 years of leadership, and typically is presented at the Award dinner in conjunction with the William G. McGowan School of Business Forum, a celebration of mentorship that has brought together thousands of students and alumni through meaningful engagement for 15 years. This collaborative event is a key driver of support for the Presidential Hope Fund, a critical retention tool that provides additional financial support for King’s students in need. Depending on a student’s unique circumstances, resources in this fund help to cover the cost of tuition, room, board, and/or books. To date, more than $1.3 million has been allocated directly to more than 750 financially at-risk students.

Although COVID-19 prevents a physical gathering and presentation for the seventh year, the College will still celebrate the spirit of the Lackenmier event as a community by focusing its efforts even more intentionally on earning support for students who are most at-risk financially.

Those who are interested in supporting the Presidential Hope Fund can visit https://www.kings.edu/Lackenmier2020.