St. Thomas presented The Monsignor James Lavin Award, Professor of the Year Award, Humanitarian Award and the Distinguished Alumnus Award Wednesday night during the annual St. Thomas Day ceremony.

Nadine Friederichs, Alumni Relations manager, said more than 550 guests attended the event in celebration of the university’s patron saint, St. Thomas Aquinas. The event started at 5:30 p.m. with a Mass celebrated by Board of Trustees chair, Archbishop Emeritus Harry Flynn. The award ceremony followed after in the James B. Woulfe Alumni Hall.

Alumni and Constituent Relations Executive Director Rachel Wobschall welcomed guests to the ceremony and university president the Rev. Dennis Dease gave a speech.

Communication and journalism professor Mark Neuzil, alumnus Donald Traxler, alumnus Charles Lugemwa, Tommie Award winner senior Eyo Ekpo and Dease all received awards.

The Alumni Association Board of Directors gives the Monsignor James Lavin Award, Humanitarian Award and Distinguished Award, while the St. Thomas faculty gives the Professor of the Year Award. The Division of Student Affairs gives the Tommie Award.

Dease received the Distinguished Alumnus Award because of his involvement at the university during his years before and after taking office in 1991. Because of Dease’s upcoming retirement, this was the last St. Thomas Day celebration he attended during his presidency. His sister-in-law, Sherry Dease, said it was a busy day for their family.

“It was really nice to be invited being this is Father Dease’s last (St. Thomas Day),” Sherry Dease said. “It’s been so nice and to see St. Thomas grow so much in the time that my brother-in-law has been here.”

Doug Hennes, vice president of university and government relations, said Dease was a great fit for the distinguished alumnus award because of all his involvement at the university.

“I think this is what we call a no-brainer. He’s an alum, and he’s retiring,” Hennes said. “I can’t think of a better person to receive the award.”

Neuzil said he was “humbled and honored” to receive the Professor of the Year honor. He also read scripture during the Mass.

“I was most nervous at Mass … part of it because it’s not something I normally do,” Neuzil said. “I normally stand in front of people and talk a lot, but that was a little different.”

Neuzil’s daughter, Elena Neuzil, said her father’s award is a real honor.

“It kind of hit when they played the video because it made it seem very important,” Elena Neuzil said.

Communication and journalism professor Carol Bruess said she attended the event because of her love of St. Thomas and to support the award winners.

“I’m here to support St. Thomas and Dr. Neuzil, of course,” Bruess said. “It’s a great night to celebrate our talented, dedicated alums.”

Monsignor James Lavin Award recipient Donald Traxler said he enjoyed attending the Mass before the award ceremony.

“(I was) very surprised, very thankful, very appreciative,” Traxler said.

Charles Lugemwa received the Humanitarian Award because of his involvement with Hope Medical Clinics in Uganda and leadership in improving health services access in the country.

“(Receiving the award is) great. It’s something I never expected,” Lugemwa said. “It encourages me to do more.”

Fellow Tommie alumnus, Peter Musimami, said he came to the event for Lugemwa.

“As an 2004 graduate I studied with him, and I’m just glad I could be here,” Musimami said. “The ceremony was really great, and I’m just amazed at the organization and what the recipients have done. I’m just glad to be a part of this day.”

Stephanie Dodd can be reached at dodd0474@stthomas.edu