Seattle University chosen to administer the 2008 Opus Prize
As part of the mission to educate leaders for a just and humane world, Seattle University is collaborating with the Opus Prize Foundation to award $1 million to an unsung hero in humanitarian service.
Established in 2003, the Opus Prize is given annually to humanitarian leaders or organizations that combine a driving entrepreneurial spirit with an abiding faith to combat deeply rooted issues including poverty, illiteracy, hunger, disease and injustice.
"It's an honor for Seattle University to be chosen as the partner university with the Opus Prize Foundation," said Seattle University President Stephen Sundborg, S.J. "The transformation of lives is something we all care about deeply, and I know this will be an exciting and inspiring experience for all of us."
Seattle University was selected because of its Jesuit Catholic dedication to social justice and service to society. Learn about SU's alumni, SU's holistic approach to education and emphasis on professional formation was instrumental in developing this year's theme, "Whole Persons for the Whole World."
"The Opus Prize Foundation is proud to partner with Seattle University, a university that embodies the mission and values of the Opus Prize, to identify and honor faith-based social entrepreneurs who have dedicated their lives to solving some of the world's most persistent challenges," said Amy Sunderland, principal advisor to the Opus Prize Foundation.
Seattle University's participation includes the identification of award nominees by members of the SU community, the convening of an SU-appointed, blue-ribbon jury of distinguished leaders who select the finalists to be considered, and serve as host to the Opus Prize Award Banquet in Seattle on Nov. 18.
The Opus Prize Foundation sends a group to visit the sites of the award finalists in the spring. Seattle University students participate in the site research, which also gives them a first-hand opportunity to be inspired by the international humanitarians and to commit to lives of service themselves.