On May 3, hours before Sovereignty won the 151st Kentucky Derby, Father Keith A. Mathur, a 2001 graduate from Notre Dame High School and now Chancellor for the Diocese of Allentown, won the 2025 Ave Maria Award for Distinguished Religious Service at Notre Dame High School’s derby-themed gala.
Women in feathered headpieces and men in sharp suits applauded as Bishop Schlert, himself an alumnus of Notre Dame in the class of 1979, offered a blessing to kick off the awards ceremony. He also introduced Father Mathur by sharing the Chancellor’s many achievements, including his service as Director of the Office for Divine Worship, Episcopal Master of Ceremonies, and Secretary for the Council of Priests, among several other roles.
Before Father Mathur could accept his award, however, two of his classmates from St. Charles Borromeo Seminary, Father Eugene Ritz and Father Allen Hoffa, got up to offer some playful words of congratulations.
In addition to anecdotes about their time in the Seminary, the two priests gave sincere words of admiration for Father Mathur.
“I am lucky to call him a classmate,” said Father Ritz, “but I am more blessed to call him a brother priest.”
“I learned way back in Ancient Greek class that it is a good thing to follow him,” Father Hoffa shared, speaking to Father Mathur’s intellect and zeal for details. “Thank you, Notre Dame community, for forming Father Mathur.”
When Father Mathur did accept his award, he expressed gratitude to Notre Dame for his formation and to his mother who made sacrifices so he could have a Catholic education.
“I love Notre Dame,” he said. “It is where my vocation to the priesthood first took seed.”
Later, Jacque Flynn, Director of Development and Alumni Relations at Notre Dame, gave insight into how Father Mathur was selected for the award. “When Fr. Mathur’s name came up, it quickly became clear he was a natural choice. His years of service, the way he connects with people, and how he lives out his faith in everything he does really stood out to all of us. After some reflection, we all agreed - he was the right person to honor this year.”
The other Ave Maria Award recipients were Mr. James Steiner with the Joseph R. Kramer, Jr. Distinguished Educator Award, Mr. Keith Gorda with the Dedicated Young Alumni Award,
Dr. John Dashe with the Distinguished Alumni Award, and Mr. Patrick “PJ” Vrabel with the Crusader Award. Friends and colleagues of all these men testified to their accomplishments and contributions to their fields, communities, and Notre Dame itself.
“Honestly, it was such a meaningful and joyful event. Seeing everyone come together to celebrate Father Mathur and his incredible work, as well as all the other winners, was really special,” Flynn continued. “What struck me most was how heartfelt everything felt - from the speeches to the sense of community in the room. It all came together beautifully and reminded me just how strong and inspiring our Notre Dame family is.”
After the awards ceremony, attendees gathered in the main ballroom of the Blue Event Center in Bethlehem for the rest of the gala’s festivities. Guests sipped mint juleps, the official drink of the Kentucky Derby, and could donate to the school to “buy a horse” for the race. The actual Kentucky Derby was livestreamed so guests could cheer for the horses they had “bought.” With a silent auction, a cupcake fundraiser, a live band, and a photo booth, the evening offered many opportunities for fun and generosity, celebrating distinguished alumni like Father Mathur and the hope of continued growth and success for Notre Dame.
Photos by Christmas City Studios.
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