Two Lasallians received the National Catholic Educational Association’s (NCEA) President’s Award during the 20th annual Seton Awards ceremony last October 4 at the Ronald Reagan International Trade Center in Washington, D.C. The award was presented by NCEA President, Dr. Karen Ristau.
Michael Begg, president of Archbishop Rummel High School in Metairie, LA, accepted the award on behalf of the Archdiocese of New Orleans which was recognized for the resilience and spirit of the archdiocese and its schools after Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. Following Katrina, Rummel, in particular, welcomed more than 1,700 displaced students and 70 displaced teachers for the first semester. Sister Mary Rose Bingham, OP, former principal of Cathedral Academy, joined Begg in accepting the award on behalf of all elementary and high schools in the Archdiocese.
Frank and Judy Sunberg received a Seton award for being strong advocates of Catholic secondary and higher education. Frank, a 1960 graduate of Cretin-Derham Hall in St. Paul, MN, served two terms on the school’s board of directors and now serves on its investment committee. The Sunbergs were nominated by Richard Engler, Cretin-Derham president/principal. The couple has several philanthropic credits, including being the lead donor to Cretin-Derham’s capital campaign and creating a scholarship program at the University of St. Thomas to promote diversity in admissions.
The Seton Award is NCEA’s highest honor and recognizes significant contributions to Catholic education. Only eight individuals and one archdiocese received an award.