Comments from Abbot Mark:

“I join with every Benedictine monk of Saint Anselm Abbey in congratulating Fr. Jonathan on this prestigious award,” said Abbot Mark A. Cooper, abbot of Saint Anselm Abbey and chancellor of Saint Anselm College. “Father Jonathan provided nearly a quarter century of leadership at the college, and I know he recognizes with all in the monastery that the success of any of us depends on the hard work, generosity and insight of all in the Anselmian community. Congratulations, Father Jonathan!”

Prior to his election as abbot in 2012, Abbot Mark worked for many years as vice president of financial affairs with Father Jonathan.

Comments from President DiSalvo

The Association of Catholic Colleges and Universities (ACCU) bestowed their highest honor, The Fr. Hesburgh Award, on Fr. Jonathan DeFelice, OSB, President Emeritus of Saint Anselm College on Saturday evening Feb 2, 2019 in Washington D.C.

I nominated Fr. Jonathan for the award over one year ago because I knew he exemplified all of the leadership qualities of Fr. Hesburgh, former president of Notre Dame.  As an ACCU Board member and nominator, I was honored to join ACCU president Michael Galligan –Stierle on stage to present the Hesburgh Award to Fr. Jonathan. The award presentation was preceded by a video that included congratulatory remarks from many colleagues and friends of Fr. Jonathan.  There were an additional 40 guests in attendance in addition to the sold-out event including Catholic college presidents from all over the United States.

I feel blessed to call Fr. Jonathan a mentor and friend and was thrilled to be part of the celebration.  His contributions to Catholic colleges and universities are many and span the past quarter century.