This award is presented annually to an alumni club or individual (alumni or non-alumni) in recognition of the development and implementation of programs that have contributed to improving the lives of others. The recipient is chosen by the board of directors of ND Senior Alumni (formerly ND's FIRST).
Past Recipients
The 2009 Rev. Louis J. Putz, C.S.C. Award winner is:
Arthur C. Frericks '50
With this award, Arthur C. Frericks ’50 is honored for his exemplary dedication to improving the lives of others. A devoted student of Rev. Louis J. Putz, C.S.C., Art worked closely with him to bring his message to the world. Father Putz chose Art to lead the Young Christian Students group when Art was a student at Notre Dame. This early formation with Father Putz helped to shape Art’s philosophy of life: “Always use your talents to help others use their talents.”
The father of five adopted children, Art showed his appreciation to Catholic Charities for its assistance in the adoption of his family. For several years, he assumed top leadership roles of the Catholic Charities in Fort Wayne, Ind. He also was extremely instrumental in building a Catholic nursing home in Fort Wayne and in establishing its first lay board.
In the 1990s, Art brought the spiritual practice of the Centering Prayer to numerous parishes. He trained seven parishes in his diocese, and ultimately wrote a book on Centering Prayer—an effort to empower the laity in their prayer life. Art also started the first finance committee in the country to establish a social security system for priests.
More recently, Art donated to Notre Dame’s Basilica of the Sacred Heart a bronze model of the statue of Saint Peter located in the Vatican. This statue is more than 750 years old.
Of great importance is Art’s contribution to the creation of Pray.nd.edu—now a focal point for alumni to connect to a life of prayer from Notre Dame. Art not only donated the monies to establish the website, but his ideas were foundational in establishing the site’s mission, design, and outreach. Without Art’s vision, Pray.nd.edu may never have materialized.
Art believes the fullness of his life is a direct reflection of Father Putz. He has told many “I had a wonderful life, thanks to Father Putz.” Indeed, Art has dedicated his life to bringing Christ to all. His contributions testify to Father Putz’s conviction that the laity is the Body of Christ.
Past Rev. Louis Putz Award winners:
2008 Paul Hurley '56
2007 George Oser ’58
2006 Noreen Keating
2005 Dr. James R. Kennedy '57 and Elizabeth "Betsy" Finneran Kennedy '59SMC
2004 Mary Lou '56 SMC and Richard Yeager '56
2003 Dr. William J. Walsh '58
2002 Joseph P. Delaney
