St. Jerome's University (SJU) is pleased to announce that Steven Lubczuk is the recipient of the 2021 Chancellor John R. Sweeney Award. The annual award is the university's highest honour for recognition of Catholic leadership. It is given to an individual(s) who has demonstrated, either through professional or personal achievements, extraordinary accomplishment in the fields of leadership, education, and service to others.

Each year the Sweeney Award honours its namesake's role in the community as an educator, politician, and volunteer. Sweeney was the first Director of Education of the former Waterloo Region Roman Catholic Separate School Board; a Member of Provincial Parliament for Kitchener-Wilmot; served in the cabinet of the David Peterson government; and after retirement, became the Chancellor of St. Jerome's University. Steven Lubczuk joins a list of previous recipients of the Sweeney award that includes The Right Honourable Paul Martin, Dick Callahan, Dr. John "Jack" Raymond Sehl, Robert Way, Mary Kuntz, and in 2020, COVID-19 Pandemic Essential Workers.

"I am humbled by St. Jerome's University selecting me as its 2021 Sweeney Award recipient," stated Lubczuk. "It is an even greater honor to be placed in such distinguished ranks as those of the past honorees, all of whom have made important contributions to life in our spiritual community and great country."

Steven Lubczuk is the Managing Partner of one of Canada's largest law firms Miller Thomson's Southwestern Ontario offices, and is a member of the firm's Executive Committee. Lubczuk has been practicing law for over 35 years and is known for providing counsel to his clients in an empathetic yet practical and skilled manner. As a voice for junior lawyers, Lubczuk has led meaningful training programs, mentored Associates and students, and maintained an open door policy to all seeking his guidance and advice. He was recognized in the The Best Lawyers in Canada – Family Law (2014-2021) and The Canadian Legal Lexpert Directory, Family Law (2014-2016).

Lubczuk's work in the community is broad reaching. It includes being the past director for the Rotary Club of Kitchener, and for Kidslink; past director and former chair of Children's Services Committee, K-W Habilitation Services; past director and secretary for the K-W Kinsmen Club; and past president for the Waterloo Wellington Flying Club. He has also served the people and programs of the spiritual community as an active member in the St. Francis of Assisi Parish (Kitchener), and a Board member for Notre Dame of St. Agatha. He is a current member of the Lay Advisory Committee to the Congregation of the Resurrection, and a member of the Patrons of the Vatican Arts and Museum. Lubczuk also served on the Board of Governors at St. Jerome's University (2011-2017).  

"Building on the spiritual and educational formation provided by his parents and his Catholic education, Steve Lubczuk lives a life that reflects the gospel values and serves as an example to those who know him," noted the outgoing Chair of SJU's Board of Governors, Mary Ellen Cullen. "It is his concern and caring for others that distinguishes him. He is the friend who helps those in need. Pope Francis in Fratelli Tutti describes this in part as "the ability to do some things simply because they are good in themselves, without concern for personal gain or recompense". This is Steve's Catholic leadership."

The Sweeney Award is presented at the university's annual Feast of St. Jerome event, celebrating its 20^th Anniversary and taking place online this year on Saturday, October 2^nd. The student bursaries fundraising event is open to the public. Details are available at sju.ca/feast-st-jerome or sign up for the event mailing list at advancement@sju.ca to receive notifications directly.