by Vince Anch
The Catholic Education Foundation will be presenting Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann with a Lifetime Achievement Award at its annual Gaudeamus gala on Oct. 12.
“Archbishop Naumann has been a champion of education during his whole career, especially while serving our archdiocese. He deserves this honor,” remarked CEF’s board chair RJ Gildea. The archbishop has been a longtime member of CEF’s board of directors, as well as some local Catholic schools’ boards.
He was raised by a single mother who was a teacher. That had a profound impact on his love of learning and respect for Catholic education. He also worked for a parish that had a school in urban St. Louis where most of the students were from low-income households like those that CEF supports today.
The archbishop has officially submitted his letter of resignation to Pope Francis, which is required of bishops and archbishops when turning the age of 75. The resignation has been received but no retirement date has been set. We are hoping he gets to continue serving our archdiocese at least through the end of this school year. This gives CEF all the more reason to honor him.
To thank the archbishop for all of his great leadership of our archdiocese and support of Catholic education, a new scholarship fund will be established by CEF in his name. The Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann Legacy Scholarship Fund will provide scholarships for children from “working poor” families in our archdiocese so they can attend Catholic schools. “It is important to ensure that Catholic schools are not exclusively just for wealthy families,” commented Archbishop Naumann at a recent CEF board meeting.
CEF’s goal for Gaudeamus this year is to raise $3 million. This will enable CEF to establish this new scholarship fund and support hundreds of CEF traditional scholarships. Over 80% of CEF’s traditional scholarships are funded by Gaudeamus each year. The plan is for this new fund to begin awarding scholarships next school year.
CEF has a significant challenge this year due to a high need for scholarships. Over 1,800 returning students need scholarships to continue attending Catholic schools. 232 children are currently on a waiting list in need of scholarships to attend Catholic schools for the first time.
To purchase Gaudeamus tickets or make a donation to the Archbishop Naumann Legacy Scholarship Fund, visit the website at: www.cefgala.org.
