Community Members Honored at Franciscan University Athletics Awards Dinner | News, Sports, Jobs

The 55th-annual Baron Club Awards Dinner at Franciscan University of Steubenville was a night filled with community recognition and inspiration. The event, which serves as the university’s primary fundraising effort for its intercollegiate athletics program, honored local sponsors and community members who have made a significant impact.

Keynote speaker Matt Birk, a former Super Bowl champion and All-Pro center, shared his journey of faith and football with attendees. Birk emphasized the importance of commitment and discipline in both sports and Catholicism, highlighting the parallels between the two.

Among the honorees were Joanna Bernabei-McNamee, head women’s basketball coach at Boston College, and Tom Timmons, a local banker and community benefactor. Both received the Father Terence Henry, TOR, Award for their contributions to the community.

The Phillipson family, founders of the Cynthia Rose Phillipson Charitable Foundation, were also recognized with the Kuzma Family Award. Todd Phillipson shared the emotional story of their foundation, created in memory of their daughter Cynthia, who tragically passed away at a young age. The foundation has since provided scholarships for local students and supported charitable causes, leaving a lasting impact on the community.

Overall, the Baron Club Awards Dinner was a night of celebration and reflection, showcasing the power of community support and the importance of giving back. The event highlighted the strong relationships between Franciscan University and the Ohio Valley community, emphasizing the values of service, faith, and unity.