On Thursday, October 9, 2008, Gene Kane Sr. was presented with the President’s Medal from Rev. Scott Pilarz, S.J., President of the University of Scranton. The award is presented each year to individuals whose lifetime achievements reflect the University’s mission of Jesuit excellence and service.
The celebration, held at the Pierre Hotel in New York City, was attended by over 550 people. The annual black tie award dinner raises money for the University’s Presidential Scholarships, which are the University’s top merit-based awards for talented students. |  |
The total donation for this year’s dinner was reported at $1.1 million. In the seven years since the University started this event, over $7.3 million has been raised.
The junior Senator from Pennsylvania, Honorable Robert P. Casey Jr., introduced Gene Kane. He recounted many wonderful stories of friendship shared between Mr. Kane and his late father, Governor Robert P. Casey. He described Mr. Kane as a living example of the ideals of the University.
Mr. Kane’s acceptance speech was heartfelt and genuine. His sentiment of the University educating the whole person to graduate “compassionate doctors, just lawyers, and generous business people” was well received.
Many in attendance afterward commented that this year’s honoree will be a hard act to follow.
About President’s Business Council
The President’s Business Council (PBC) was formed in 2001 by The University of Scranton and a prominent group of alumni and friends with the purpose of advancing the mission of the University. The PBC fulfills the interests of the University and of these alumni and friends in the business community to form an organized, national affiliation that strengthens the Scranton network in the business sectors. |