Francis X. Cleary S.J., will receive the Distinguished Alumni Award tonight at 6:30 p.m. in the Pere Marquette Gallery, in DuBourg Hall.

“This award, which is presented by the College of Arts & Sciences Alumni Association, goes to a graduate who has made a real difference in the lives of those around them,” said Meg Connolly, associate director of the Office of Alumni Relations.

“The alumni board couldn’t think of someone who personally touched more people then Fr. Cleary,” she added.

Cleary is an associate professor of theological studies and has been selected as the recipient of the William Barnaby Faherty Distinguished Alumni Award.

The award is given by the Arts and Sciences alumni board and recognizes one person annually for his or her contributions to the University.

“It is obvious by the response to the presentation that many, many of his fellow alumni agree,” Connolly continued.

Cleary will not be the only one featured at the ceremony. Dr. Joe Weixlmann, dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, will also be introduced to the alumni association.

Cleary has been a member of the Saint Louis University faculty since 1969. He is also a regular columnist for the St. Louis Review. Cleary serves as a favorite for students due to his unique approach to teaching.

Cleary specializes in biblical exegesis and biblical theology, particularly the Old Testament.

Cleary received graduate degrees in literature and philosophy from SLU, a licentiate in sacred scripture from the Pontifical Biblical Institute in Rome and a doctorate in sacred theology from the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome.

In addition to teaching at SLU, Cleary has taught part time at Kenrick Theological Seminary and at the Saint Louis Theological Consortium of Seminaries.

The alumni board welcomes everyone in the University community to attend but asks that those interested to RSVP by calling 977-2250.