ND honors McKenna with Laetare
By Jason McFarley
News Writer
Notre Dame will recognize Andrew McKenna, chairman of the University's Board of Trustees since 1992, with the 2000 Laetare Medal, the highest honor the University bestows and the oldest one given to American Catholics.
"[He has] not only dedicated time and resources to many charitable causes … but also, by example and leadership, [has] led others to dedicate themselves as well," said University president Father Edward Malloy.
"The causes you support are diverse, but prominent among them have been the Church and Notre Dame, which has benefited in a special way from your energy and vision," Malloy told McKenna while informing him of his selection for the award.
McKenna learned of his selection early last week, according to Dennis Moore director of Public Relations and Information. At press time, McKenna was unavailable for comment.
A nominating committee considered candidates, and University administrators ap-proved the selection, Moore said.
"He has been involved in numerous volunteer activities that further the mission of the Church and of Catholic education," Moore said.
McKenna remains especially active in his hometown of Chicago. There he has served as director of the archdiocese's Big Shoulders Fund and the Children's Memorial Hospital of Chicago. He is a former chairman of the board of trustees of the Museum of Science and Industry. He is currently a director of the Chicago Bears, the Chicago Cubs, McDonald's Corporation and Tribune Company.
McKenna, a 1951 Notre Dame graduate in business administration and marketing, is also committed to his alma mater. He serves as a fellow of the University and will become chairman emeritus and a life trustee in May.
He and his wife, Joan, made the largest single gift for student scholarships in the history of the University. In 1998, the Center for Continuing Education was subsequently named McKenna Hall in their honor.
McKenna earned a law degree from DePaul University in 1954 and joined Schwarz, an international paper-packaging distributor, a year later. He has presided over the Morton Grove, Ill.-based company since 1964.
McKenna will receive the Laetare Medal during the University's commencement exercised on Sunday, May 21.
Past recipients of the award include President John F. Kennedy, Speaker of the House of Representatives Thomas "Tip" O'Neill, University president emeritus Father Theodore Hesburgh and social activist and "Dead Man Walking" author Sister Helen Prejean.
His three predecessors as chairman of the University Board of Trustees are also former medal winners.
All News Stories for Wednesday, April 5, 2000
