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Rev. James Lackenmier, C.S.C. Award

The 2026 Lackenmier Award Honoree: Mike Molewski ’84

portrait photo of Mike in a suit and tie

For Mike Molewski ’84, personal success is guided by a deep commitment to service and integrity, always seeking to help others along the way. In 2026, that philosophy will be celebrated as King’s College presents him with the prestigious Reverend James Lackenmier, C.S.C. Award for Achievement and Leadership, one of the institution’s highest honors.

“In honoring Mike, King’s recognizes not only a lifetime of achievement, but a legacy de­fined by leadership, generosity, and a deep belief that true success is measured by the lives one helps uplift,” said Rev. Thomas P. Looney, C.S.C.

One of seven children and a ­ first-generation college graduate, Molewski understands the barriers many families face in pursuing opportunity for their children. The mentorship and support he found at King’s helped shape his enduring commitment to investing in others professionally and through his philanthropic endeavors.

Over the past 26 years, Molewski has played a vital role in advancing King’s mission through his service on the College’s Board of Directors. His induction into the Chairman’s Society reflects his exceptional generosity and steadfast dedication to the institution.

Mike completed a Bachelor of Arts in Economics and Psychology at King’s College, and later completed graduate work in taxation at the McGowan School of Business. At just 24 years old, Molewski founded the ­ financial advisory ­ firm which became MFP Strategies. Now part of CAPTRUST, his Allentown team oversees more than $50 billion in client assets, making it one of the nation’s largest registered investment advisory ­ firms.

Mike is a Chartered Financial Consultant® and serves on numerous boards of directors. Molewski and his wife Diane continue to have a profound impact across the Greater Lehigh Valley. Their $1 million United Way leadership gift in 2025 reflects their shared commitment to expanding opportunity for all.

The King’s community is invited to celebrate Mike Molewski at the eleventh presentation of the Lackenmier Award on October 22, 2026.

Memberships

  • Board of Directors Member, American Bank
  • Chairman of the Asset Liability Committee, American Bank Board of Directors
  • Audit, Technology, Nominating, Loan and Compensation Committees, American Bank Board of Directors
  • Board of Directors Member, King’s College
  • Audit and Institutional Advancement Committee member, King’s College
  • Board of Directors member, Northampton Community College Foundation
  • Co-Chairman of the Lehigh Valley Food and Wine Festival to benefit Northampton Community College Foundation
  • Valley Youth House Board Member and Chairman of the Compensation Committee
  • Former Co-Chairman of the Greater Lehigh Valley United Way Tocqueville Society
  • Former Chairman of Northampton Community College Foundation
  • Former Member of the Board of Directors of M Financial Group

About the Award

In 2014, King's College established an annual award for achievement and leadership in the name of Rev. James Lackenmier, C.S.C., seventh president of the College. The Reverend James Lackenmier, C.S.C. Award for Achievement and Leadership is presented annually to a King's constituent who has achieved excellence in their field, who has demonstrated exceptional philanthropy and high ethical standards, and who embodies the spirit of King's College. 

Father Lackenmier graduated from Stonehill College in 1961 with a B.A. in Philosophy and an S.T.L. from Pontifical Gregorian University, Rome in 1965.  He holds two master’s degrees in English and Religion & Literature from The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and The University of Chicago respectively. 

Ordained a priest in the Congregation of Holy Cross in December 1964, Father Lackenmier has been devoted to the ministry of education.  He arrived on King's campus in 1974 to serve as the College Chaplain and later as the Director of Development before becoming President.  While at King's College, Father also served as Local Superior from 1974 to 1978. 

Since leaving King's College, Father Lackenmier has ably served as Treasurer for the Congregation of Holy Cross. He has served as Provincial Steward of the Eastern Province, Local Superior of the Holy Cross communities at Stonehill College, Cocoa Beach, Florida, and at Our Lady of Fatima House at Notre Dame. 

Past Recipients

  • 2025: Neil T. O'Donnell, Esq. '84 and Catherine R. O'Donnell, Esq.
  • 2024: Robert J. Ciaruffoli '75
  • 2023: Maureen Hanlon ’87 
  • 2022: Rose Marie Panzitta 
  • 2019: Dave Selingo ’89 
  • 2018: Tom Smith ’77 
  • 2017: Glenn Tyranski ’84 
  • 2016: Allan Kluger 
  • 2015: Rich Pinola ’67 
  • 2014: Tim Morris ’64

Benefactor Tiers

  • Presidential ($25,000) 
  • McGowan ($15,000) 
  • Monarch ($10,000) 
  • Gold ($5,000) 
  • Red ($2,500) 
  • Transportation Sponsor