Father Dave Pivonka, TOR '89 President | Franciscan University website

Franciscan University of Steubenville recognized five alumni at its 35th annual Alumni Awards Banquet on September 27 during the Homecoming Weekend. The event celebrated the achievements and contributions of these individuals in various fields.

Father Dave Pivonka, president of Franciscan University, praised the honorees for their impact on students and beyond. "What we’re doing here—how we’re forming students, how we’re working with them, how we’re molding them, how we’re challenging them, how we’re inviting them to something greater—impacts the students and then that impact lives on forever," he said. "I’m just really grateful to our honorees for reminding me of what God does once you leave here."

Father Brian Cavanaugh received the Rose M. DeFede Faithful Franciscan Award for his extensive service to the university in roles such as athletics chaplain and through Information Technology Services. He is also known for sharing inspirational content under “Apple Seeds.” Father Cavanaugh expressed gratitude for his fellow friars, stating, "I am grateful for all the friars who have gone before us and upon whose shoulders we proudly stand."

Abriana Chilelli was honored with the John J. Carrigg Award for her leadership in Catholic education as assistant director of Catholic Education for the Archdiocese of Portland, Oregon. She emphasized her gratitude towards Franciscan University: "I owe a tremendous amount of gratitude to the University professionally … and for forming my imagination on what Catholic education ought to be."

Dr. Damian Olsen received recognition with the Father Dan Egan Alumni Award for his commitment to Church teachings within his medical profession focused on Natural Procreative Technology.

Robert Praetzel earned the Outstanding Young Alumni Award due to his efforts in revitalizing downtown Steubenville through entrepreneurial initiatives like co-founding Chesterton & Co. Cigars and Numa Spaces.

Dan Vansteenburg was presented with the Professor Edward J. Kelly Award for his success as an entrepreneur owning multiple Jimmy John’s stores and choosing to donate profits from a new location in Steubenville back to Franciscan University.

Vansteenburg expressed his honor by acknowledging support from his wife Brenda: “This is a bigger honor for me than I can express with words.”

Photos from this year's banquet are available online.