Legates honored for supporting Catholic education

Three Legatus members honored by the National Catholic Education Association . . . 

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Three Legatus members were among those who received awards from the National Catholic Education Association at its annual gala on Oct 5.

Allen Lund and Kathleen Lund (Pasadena Chapter) and Jerry Semler (Indianapolis Chapter) received St. Elizabeth Ann Seton awards for their significant support of Catholic education.

The Seton award is NCEA’s highest honor, given in recognition of significant philanthropic, leadership or service contributions to Catholic education. The award is named in honor of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton (1774-1821), the first native-born American saint.

Allen and Kathleen Lund support grade schools, high schools, colleges, universities and parish religious education programs in the West. Allen Lund is chair of the board of regents of the University of Portland. The couple recently funded construction of a bell tower next to the university’s chapel. Lund is also a member of the board of the Catholic Education Foundation in the Archdiocese of Los Angeles, which gives millions of dollars to inner-city Catholic schools. He currently serves as board chair of St. Francis High School in La Canada, Calif. Kathleen Lund has been a leading advocate in pro-life causes.

The couple established the Lund Family Scholarship that benefits St. Francis High School and Flintridge Sacred Heart Academy students attending the University of Portland. Together they have volunteered countless hours and provided financial support to the Catholic elementary and high schools attended by their six children. The next generation of 22 grandchildren is now enrolled in Catholic schools.

Allen Lund is president and CEO of the Allen Lund Company, a transportation and logistics provider he has owned and operated since 1976.

Jerry Semler is an accomplished businessman who cares deeply about his community of Indianapolis, Indiana. His philanthropic efforts have touched the inner-city, his customers’ health, and Catholic education in general. He sees all of these as inextricably linked and believes education is vital to helping people of all economic levels achieve a better life.

Semler has served as chairman of the Catholic Community Foundation for the Archdiocese of Indianapolis, where he has been a tireless advocate and fundraiser for inner-city Catholic elementary schools. He has chaired or co-chaired all of the capital campaigns for the last 20 years and has served on the boards of more than 20 church-related charitable and civic organizations.

At Marian University in Indianapolis, Semler and his wife Rosie serve as co-chairs for “Make History,” a comprehensive fundraising campaign to advance the university’s mission of excellent teaching and learning in the Franciscan and liberal arts tradition. The Jerry and Rosemary Semler Endowed Chair for Ethics in Business and the Professions was established in their honor at the university.

He began his career with American United Life (now parent of OneAmeican Financial Partners) in 1959 and worked his way up from management trainee to president and CEO. He is now chairman emeritus of the American United Mutual Insurance Holding Company.

Source: NCEA news release.