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Exemplifying Jesuit Ideals through Service

Each year, Saint Joseph’s University presents the Hogan and Ignatius awards to alumni whose daily lives reflect exceptional dedication to service and the Jesuit ideals they learned at SJU. Although decades apart, two such alumni were recently recognized for their outstanding impact on their communities, demonstrating the profound impact a Saint Joseph’s education has on our graduates’ perception of the role they play in serving the greater good.

Richard J. Kelly ’59

The Rev. Joseph S. Hogan, S.J. Award is presented annually to an individual who exemplifies Christian principles and outstanding loyal service to Saint Joseph’s University. Richard J. Kelly ’59 received the award for his passion for SJU and service to the community.

Richard Kelly has served SJU as President of the Alumni Association, a member of the Council of Presidents, an external member of the Development Committee of the University’s Board of Trustees, and on the 2002 University Presidential Search Committee. He has also served on his class reunion committee and currently serves as a member of the Advisory Board of the College of Arts and Sciences. The Kellys also help deserving students afford a Saint Joseph’s Education through the Richard J. Kelly and Marilyn J. Kelly Scholarship Fund.

Kelly’s contributions to his community extend beyond SJU. He served for fifteen years on the board of the St. Joseph’s Carpenter Society, a non-profit that has provided rehabbed and new housing to more than eight hundred families in Camden, New Jersey. He is presently completing his fifth year as a member of the South Jersey Leadership Team for Good Counsel Homes, a non-profit that provides housing and support for pregnant, homeless women.

Active members of the SJU community, Kelly and his wife Marilyn return to Hawk Hill often for basketball games and University occasions. Reflecting on Saint Joseph’s, Kelly said, “It has been a guide in how I live my life, and it’s been a great source of friendships and support, not just from the professors and the people I came in contact with 50 years ago, but the ones that have been a part of my life since.”

Seán Patrick Sanford ’97

The Ignatius Award recognizes a graduate within the last 20 years who “has devoted efforts in the service and promotion of Saint Joseph’s University, or has lived a life of ‘service for others’ consistent with the principles of Saint Ignatius Loyola.” Seán Patrick Sanford received the award for his commitment to social justice.

“I was introduced to Catholic social thought in my theology classes at Saint Joseph’s and it made all the difference,” said Sanford. “It was the first thing that really gave me ownership of my faith in a way that enabled me to address the social issues that I found so challenging.”

Sanford began to live his life with a faith that promotes social justice. He participated in the Search Retreat, Project Appalachia and the Northern Ireland experience, as well as serving as a volunteer with Homeless Outreach and Habitat for Humanity. Sanford also co-founded the Coalition for Justice while a student.

After graduation, Sanford devoted a decade to theological and cultural studies while working with schools, churches and non-profit organizations. In 2007, he established the Center for Faith Justice (CFJ) in Lawrenceville, New Jersey, which creates transformative experiences of “faith in action” by facilitating programs that integrate spirituality, community service and social justice. CFJ also sponsors research on issues of social justice, community development and pastoral theology, and provides resources and training to groups and organizations with the goal of fostering spiritual growth and social change.

As president of CFJ and a doctoral candidate focusing on Catholic Studies at Temple University, Sanford will continue to shine brightly as beacon for social justice.

Saint Joseph’s takes pride in countless alumni who dedicate their lives to serving others. In 2011, we honor Richard Kelly ’59 and Seán Sanford ’97 for putting Catholic, Jesuit ideals into action every day.