NEWS RELEASE - Congratulations to Dr. Bob McKeon on receiving this year’s Kevin Carr Christian Leadership Award! Dr. McKeon accepted the award at a ceremony and luncheon hosted at the Santa Maria Goretti Centre on October 24, 2023.
The Kevin Carr Christian Leadership Award is named for the seventh president of Newman Theological College (1993-2001), the first layperson appointed to the position. The award recognizes individuals whose outstanding Christian leadership, witness, and service reflect the qualities exhibited by Kevin Carr in his work. Carr attended the ceremony and warmly presented the award alongside Justice Kevin Feehan, Chancellor of Newman Theological College.
Dr. McKeon's nomination highlighted his lifelong advocacy for social justice. He has served on numerous boards, created new initiatives, and consistently volunteered to help others, especially in the areas of housing and food security. Among his many contributions, he is a founding member of the Edmonton Food Bank (formerly the Edmonton Gleaners Association), the Right at Home Society (formerly Edmonton Inner City Housing) and the Inn Roads Housing Cooperative.
Dr. McKeon has been recognized for his efforts by both faith-based and community circles, including receiving the Governor General of Canada Sovereign’s Medal for Volunteers in 2019 and the Homeward Trust Larry Shaben Award in 2018.
His nominators noted that Dr. McKeon exemplifies the crucial unity between the doing of social justice and the teaching, study, and theology of social justice. Dr. McKeon has passionately educated others on the Social Teachings of the Catholic Church since 1979, when he began teaching at Newman Theological College. He is now a Professor Emeritus of the college, and has also taught at St. Joseph’s College, St. Stephen's College, and led numerous workshops for teachers in the Edmonton Catholic School District.
During the award ceremony, addresses were given by Dr. Jason West (President of Newman Theological College), MLA Jackie Lovely (for the Constituency of Camrose, AB), Kathleen Quinn (Award Nominator), and Justice Kevin Feehan (Chancellor of Newman Theological College). While highlighting his achievements, Dr. McKeon was praised for his compassion, creativity, and fearlessness in confronting injustice, especially while standing in solidarity with the poorest of the poor. They emphasized his deep faith, humility, and heart for service.
Newman Theological College wishes to sincerely congratulate Dr. McKeon and thank him for his exemplary service and witness.