PHILADELPHIA (October 21, 2010) – The Saint Joseph’s University Alumni Association will present Pa. State Sen. Michael A. O’Pake, Esq. ’61, with its most prestigious honor, the Shield of Loyola Award, at its annual Alumni Gala on Friday, Nov. 5 at the Hyatt at the Bellevue in Philadelphia. A Berks County native, O’Pake was elected to the State House of Representatives in 1968, and has been a member of the Pennsylvania State Senate since 1972.

The Shield of Loyola Award is presented annually to a Saint Joseph's graduate who has distinguished accomplishments in his or her chosen field, demonstrated loyalty to the alma mater, and whose life reflects the values of St. Ignatius Loyola. O’Pake will be the 30th recipient of the award.

“No one has lived his life as a man for others more than Mike O’Pake," said University President Timothy R. Lannon, S.J. “I continually marvel at his tireless efforts on behalf of those less fortunate. He is also an extremely loyal alumnus who has never forgotten his roots, and we are proud to call him one of our own.”

During his lifetime of public service, O’Pake has been recognized as an effective advocate for children, senior citizens, crime victims and other vulnerable populations. Most notably, he led the charge to protect children in Pennsylvania through the passage of the Child Protective Services Law in 1974, in addition to spearheading efforts to implement the Amber Alert Child Abduction Early Warning System throughout the Commonwealth. He has sponsored major legislation to help Pennsylvania’s senior citizens, including property tax and rent rebate and prescription medication assistance.

“I am truly honored and humbled to receive the Shield of Loyola,” said Senator O’Pake. “The Jesuit education I received at Saint Joseph’s University challenged me to grow intellectually and spiritually and instilled in me a deep commitment to make a difference in the lives of my fellow human beings. I have attempted to live those Jesuit values by dedicating my life to public service — always striving to help those in need.”

Currently the Democratic Whip and Minority Chairman of the Pennsylvania Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee, O’Pake actively sits on a broad range of legislative committees. He has received countless awards for his community and legislative service and has sat on the boards of numerous schools and community organizations.

A graduate of Reading Central Catholic High School where he was valedictorian and Student Council president, O'Pake received a full scholarship to attend then-Saint Joseph’s College, graduating summa cum laude in 1961 with a degree in international relations. While at Saint Joseph’s, he was a member of Alpha Sigma Nu, the Jesuit Honors Society; the Villiger Debate Society; and president of the Student Government Association. He went on to receive a Juris Doctorate from the University of Pennsylvania Law School in 1964, where he won the Keedy Cup for best appellate advocacy. He has also received honorary doctorates from Albright College and Kutztown University.

In addition to his civic duties, O’Pake has remained an active and dedicated alumnus of Saint Joseph’s, serving as a member of the University’s Board of Trustees from 2000-08, as well as sitting on the Alumni Executive Committee and Haub School of Business Advisory Board. In addition, SJU’s law alumni chapter presented him with The Honorable Francis X. McClanaghan’27 Award in 1998 and he received the Criminal Justice Alumni Award in 1988. O’Pake is a longtime supporter of the men’s basketball program, and the team’s Unsung Hero Award is presented annually in memory of his late brother Patrick D. O’Pake.